A process-oriented method for the evaluation of decision support system generators

A process-oriented DSS selection and evaluation criterion and method are proposed and empirically supported. The relationship between DSS tools, the services they provide the user/decision maker, and stages of the decision-making process is developed. A model of DSS-aided decision making is advanced and the characteristics of DSS support are extended. The decision-maker’s perception of the amount of support provided by the DSS to different stages of the decision-making process is the criterion upon which the selection and evaluation approach is based. Questionnaire data was collected from the users of two leading DSS generators and analyzed using the developed approach. These results show that comparing the needs of the different stages of the decision-making process to the support provided by particular DSS generators provides valuable evaluation and selection information. Confirming the usefulness of the process-oriented method, the results show that the model-oriented DSS generators surveyed provide support for the alternative development and selection stages of decision making, but very little for the problem of identification and diagnosis stages of the process.