A conceptual architecture for DSS generators

Abstract The development of DSS generators is a complicated task. No existing DSS generator has been reported as a generalised, powerful and “user friendly” system, which provides full-range of capabilities for easily building specific DSS in any application area. In order to integrate a variety of decision support and data management capabilities into a well-designed, orderly whole, a conceptual design model must be created as a foundation for developing such software systems. Sprague's DSS model provides a basis for the creation of a foundation for DSS generator development. This paper proposes a comprehensive conceptual design model which is an in-depth augmentation of Sprague's original model. This model not merely provides a basis for developing DSS generators; it also proposes a fundamental architecture of DSS generators which removes some of the responsibilities of DSS design from the user. Further, the conceptual model has been technically validated by implementing an experimental DSS generator REGIMES on a microcomputer. This implementation also demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a powerful DSS generator on cost-effective hardware.