Decision support and control for large-scale complex systems

Abstract The technical and social systems of the present day are ever more complex and complicated objects. Their models are characterized by large numbers of state and control variables, time delays, and different time constants. Also they show constraints in their information infrastructure and risk sensitivity aspects. Such systems are called large –scale complex systems (LSS). Hierarchical approach has been for several decades one of the most utilized methodologies for controlling large-scale systems. When human intervention is necessary decision support systems (DSS) can represent a solution. A DSS is an adaptive and evolving information system meant to implement several of the functions of a human support team that would otherwise be needed to help the decision-maker to overcome his/her limits and constraints he/she may face when approaching decision problems that count in the organization. This paper aims at reviewing several aspects concerning LSS control and the utilization and technology of DSS. Particular emphasis is put on real-time DSS and multiparticipant (group) DSS. Several advanced solutions such as mixed knowledge systems, that combine numerical methods with AI-based tools, and the prospects of using Ambient Intelligence concepts in DSS construction are described.

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