Question

(15) QUESTION TWO [20] 2.1 _Managers use conceptual models in decision making to cope with the complexities of a situation With regards to the statement above, discuss the concept and components of a decision support system (10) 2.2 Explain the concept and characteristics of a fifth-generation computer. (10) LOTION TOAT

Answer 1

Decision support system:

A decision support system (DSS) is an interactive computer-based information system that, like MIS also serves at the management level of an organization. However, in contrast to MIS (that processes data), it processes information to support the decision making process of managers. It provides middle managers with the information that enables them to make intelligent decisions. A DSS in bank, for example, can enable a manger to analyze the changing trends in deposits and loans in order to ascertain the yearly targets.

DSS’s are designed for every manager to execute a specific managerial task or problem. Generally, they help managers to make semi-structured decisions, the solution to which can be arrived at logically. However, sometimes, they can also help in taking complex decisions.

components of DSS:

• Database Management System (DBMS) − To solve a problem the necessary data may come from internal or external database. In an organization, internal data are generated by a system such as TPS and MIS. External data come from a variety of sources such as newspapers, online data services, databases (financial, marketing, human resources).

• Model Management System − It stores and accesses models that managers use to make decisions. Such models are used for designing manufacturing facility, analyzing the financial health of an organization, forecasting demand of a product or service, etc.

  Support Tools − Support tools like online help; pulls down menus, user interfaces, graphical analysis, error correction mechanism, facilitates the user interactions with the system.

2)

The Fifth Generation Computer Systems (FGCS) was an initiative by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), begun in 1982, to create computers using massively parallel computing and logic programming. It was to be the result of a massive government/industry research project in Japan during the 1980s.

This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets the means and method of making computers think like human beings. All the high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.

characteristics of fifth generation:

• ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of Natural language processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• Advancement in Superconductor technology
• More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features
• Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates

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