Information and Decision Support Systems - Principles of Information Systems - page 424

Figure 10.17

Configuration of a GSS
A GSS contains most of the elements
found in a DSS, plus software to
facilitate group member
communications.

Database Model base

GSS
software

GSS

Access to the Internet
and corporate intranet,
networks, and other
computer systems

External
database
access

External
database

User interface
or dialogue
manager

Group support systems are used in most industries, governments, and the military. 62
Architects are increasingly using GSSs to help them collaborate with other architects and
builders to develop the best plans and to compete for contracts. Manufacturing companies
use GSSs to link raw material suppliers to their own company systems. Engineers can use
Mathcad Enterprise, another GSS. The software allows engineers to create, share, and reuse
calculations.
Social-networking Internet sites can be used to support group decision making. 63 Serena,
a software company in California, uses the Facebook social-networking site to collaborate on
projects and exchange documents. 64 The company believes this type of collaboration is so
important that it has instituted “Facebook Fridays” to encourage its employees to use the
social-networking site to collaborate and make group decisions. 65 Facebook Fridays also help
the company work with clients and recruit new employees. Many other organizations have
used Facebook or have developed their own social-networking sites to help their employees
collaborate on important projects. 66 Popular snow skier Bode Miller helped found Ski Space
( www.skispace.com ) , a social-networking site for people interested in skiing and winter
sports. 67 Some executives, however, believe that social-networking Internet sites waste time
and corporate resources. 68

Characteristics of a GSS That Enhance Decision Making
It is often said that two heads are better than one. When it comes to decision making, a GSS's
unique characteristics have the potential to result in better decisions. Developers of these
systems try to build on the advantages of individual support systems while adding new
approaches unique to group decision making. For example, some GSSs can allow the
exchange of information and expertise among people without direct face-to-face interaction,
although some face-to-face meeting time is usually beneficial. 69 The following sections
describe some characteristics that can improve and enhance decision making.