Management Support Systems End of Chapter Solutions Reviews and Discussions 1. What are two examples of unstructured decisions? Two examples of unstructured decisions are: (1) Strategic Planning: Strategic planning involves making long-term decisions that define the overall direction and goals of an organization. These decisions are typically unstructured because they often require analyzing complex and uncertain factors such as market trends, competitor actions, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Executives and top-level management must consider various scenarios and potential outcomes to formulate effective strategies for the future. (2) Product Development: Developing new products or services often involves unstructured decisions due to the creativity and innovation required. Companies must assess market needs, identify gaps or opportunities, and innovate to create products that meet customer demands. This process involves brainstorming, experimentation, and continuous refinement, with decisions being influenced by factors such as consumer preferences, technological capabilities, and competitive landscape. 2. Define a DSS. A decision support system (DSS) is an interactive information system consisting of hardware, software, data, and models (mathematical and statistical) designed to assist decision makers in an organization. 3. What is the role of the model base of a DSS? The model base component includes mathematical and statistical models that, along with the database, enable a DSS to analyze information. A model base management system (MBMS) performs tasks similar to a DBMS in accessing, maintaining, and updating models in the model base. 4. How do you quantify the intangible benefits of a DSS? Quantifying the intangible benefits of a Decision Support System (DSS) can be challenging due to the nature of intangible benefits, which are often subjective and difficult to measure directly. However, several approaches can help in quantifying these intangible benefits: • Surveys and Feedback: Conducting surveys and obtaining feedback from users of the DSS can provide valuable insights into the perceived intangible benefits. Questions can be designed to gauge improvements in decision-making effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction resulting from the DSS implementation. • Case Studies and Success Stories: Analyzing case studies and success stories related to the DSS implementation can help in identifying and quantifying intangible benefits. By examining real-world examples of how the DSS has contributed to improved decision-making, organizations can extrapolate the intangible value gained. • Benchmarking: Comparing key performance indicators (KPIs) before and after the implementation of the DSS, as well as benchmarking against industry standards or competitors, can help in quantifying the intangible benefits. For example, improvements in decision cycle time, accuracy, and agility can be compared to industry averages to assess the impact of the DSS. • Expert Opinions: Seeking opinions from subject matter experts within the organization or industry can provide valuable insights into the intangible benefits of the DSS. Experts can provide qualitative assessments based on their experience and knowledge, which can then be translated into quantifiable metrics or indicators. • Cost-Benefit Analysis: While intangible benefits may not have a direct monetary value, they can still contribute to overall cost savings or revenue generation indirectly. Conducting a cost-benefit analysis that considers both tangible and intangible benefits can help in quantifying the overall value proposition of the DSS. • Scenario Analysis: By simulating different scenarios or hypothetical situations, organizations can assess the potential impact of the DSS on decision outcomes. This approach can help in quantifying the intangible benefits by estimating the value of improved decision-making under various conditions. 5. What are two reasons for an EIS failure? Two reasons for an Executive Information System (EIS) failure include: 1. Lack of User Involvement and Training: EIS systems are designed to provide top-level executives with relevant and timely information to support decision-making. However, if executives are not actively involved in the design, implementation, and ongoing use of the EIS, the system may fail to meet their needs and expectations. Additionally, inadequate training on how to use the EIS effectively can lead to underutilization or misuse of the system, diminishing its value and ultimately resulting in failure. 2. Poor Data Quality and Integration: The success of an EIS depends heavily on the quality and availability of data from various sources within the organization. If the data used by the EIS is incomplete, inaccurate, outdated, or inconsistent, executives may lose confidence in the information provided by the system. Moreover, if there are challenges in integrating data from disparate systems and databases, executives may face difficulties in accessing a comprehensive view of the organization, leading to frustration and distrust in the EIS. 6. What are two tasks that can be performed by groupware? Two tasks that can be performed by groupware are: 1. Collaborative Document Editing: Groupware enables multiple users to work together on the same document simultaneously, regardless of their location. Users can make edits, comments, and annotations in real-time, facilitating seamless collaboration and version control. This feature is particularly useful for teams working on projects that require collective input and coordination, such as drafting reports, creating presentations, or developing proposals. 2. Scheduling and Coordination: Groupware often includes features for scheduling meetings, appointments, and events, as well as coordinating tasks and deadlines among team members. Users can view each other's calendars, check availability, and send invitations or notifications to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, groupware may offer tools for setting reminders, sending automated notifications, and tracking progress, helping teams stay organized and efficient in their collaborative efforts. 7. Define a GIS. A geographic information system (GIS) captures, stores, processes, and displays geographic information or information in a geographic context, such as showing the location of all city streetlights on a map. 8. What are three recommendations for designing a successful MSS? Designing a successful Management Support System (MSS) involves careful planning and consideration of various factors. Here are three recommendations for designing an effective MSS: 1. User-Centered Design Approach: Prioritize the needs and preferences of the end-users when designing the MSS. This involves conducting thorough user research to understand the specific requirements, workflows, and challenges faced by managers and decision-makers within the organization. Engage with stakeholders through interviews, surveys, and workshops to gather insights into their decision-making processes, information needs, and usability expectations. By adopting a user-centered design approach, you can ensure that the MSS is intuitive, user-friendly, and tailored to meet the unique requirements of the target audience. 2. Integration of Relevant Data Sources: Ensure that the MSS integrates data from diverse sources across the organization to provide comprehensive and actionable insights to decision-makers. This may include integrating data from internal systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), HRIS (Human Resource Information System), as well as external sources like market research reports, industry benchmarks, and economic indicators. The MSS should support both structured and unstructured data formats and provide capabilities for data cleansing, normalization, and aggregation to ensure data accuracy and consistency. By leveraging a wide range of data sources, the MSS can provide decision-makers with a holistic view of the business environment, enabling informed and strategic decision-making. 3. Scalability and Flexibility: Design the MSS with scalability and flexibility in mind to accommodate the evolving needs and growth of the organization. Anticipate future changes in business processes, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements, and design the MSS architecture to be adaptable and scalable accordingly. Adopt modular design principles and flexible architectures that allow for seamless integration of new features, functionalities, and data sources as the organization expands or undergoes transformations. Additionally, provide customization options and configurable settings within the MSS to empower users to tailor the system to their specific preferences and workflows. By building a scalable and flexible MSS, you can future-proof the system and ensure its long-term relevance and effectiveness in supporting management decision-making processes. Projects 1. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a two-page paper that compares and contrasts Microsoft Live Meeting and IBM FileNet as two leading e-collaboration software applications. Which one would you recommend to a company with over 200 employees scattered through four offices in California? What are the bases of your recommendation? Mention one more product that competes with these two. Microsoft Live Meeting and IBM FileNet are two prominent e-collaboration software applications, each offering unique features and benefits. In the context of a company with over 200 employees spread across four offices in California, selecting the most suitable platform requires a thorough comparison based on various factors. Microsoft Live Meeting: Microsoft Live Meeting is a comprehensive web conferencing solution designed to facilitate virtual meetings, webinars, and online collaboration. Its key features include real-time audio and video conferencing, screen sharing, interactive whiteboards, and integration with Microsoft Office applications. Pros: • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: Live Meeting seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products such as Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams, making it convenient for users already familiar with these tools. • User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive interface of Live Meeting makes it easy for employees to initiate and participate in online meetings without extensive training. • Cost-Effective: Live Meeting offers competitive pricing plans suitable for businesses of varying sizes, providing a cost-effective solution for companies looking to optimize their collaboration efforts. Cons: • Limited Document Management: While Live Meeting offers basic document sharing capabilities, it may not provide advanced document management features compared to specialized solutions like IBM FileNet. • Dependency on Microsoft Ecosystem: Organizations heavily invested in non-Microsoft technologies may face challenges in integrating Live Meeting seamlessly into their existing infrastructure. IBM FileNet: IBM FileNet is an enterprise content management system focused on document-centric collaboration, workflow automation, and compliance management. It offers features such as document storage, retrieval, version control, and process automation. Pros: • Advanced Document Management: FileNet provides robust document management capabilities, including version control, document workflows, and advanced search functionalities, making it suitable for organizations with complex document handling requirements. • Scalability and Customization: FileNet is highly scalable and customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the platform according to their specific collaboration needs and scale as their organization grows. • Compliance and Security: IBM FileNet emphasizes compliance with regulatory standards and offers advanced security features, making it suitable for industries with strict data governance requirements, such as healthcare and finance. Cons: • Complexity: Implementing and configuring IBM FileNet may require extensive technical expertise and resources, potentially posing challenges for smaller organizations or those with limited IT infrastructure. • Cost: IBM FileNet tends to be more expensive than some other collaboration solutions, especially considering the need for customization and ongoing support. Recommendation: For a company with over 200 employees across four offices in California, the recommendation depends on several factors: • Existing Infrastructure: If the company already heavily relies on Microsoft products such as Office 365 and Teams, Microsoft Live Meeting would seamlessly integrate into their ecosystem, promoting user adoption and familiarity. • Document Management Needs: If the company prioritizes advanced document management capabilities and workflows over seamless integration with Microsoft products, IBM FileNet would be a more suitable choice, especially considering its robust compliance and security features. • Budget Considerations: Considering the size of the company and its distributed workforce, cost-effectiveness is crucial. While Live Meeting offers competitive pricing, FileNet's higher initial investment may be justified by its advanced features and long-term scalability. One More Competing Product: Another product competing with Microsoft Live Meeting and IBM FileNet is Zoom. Zoom is a widely used video conferencing and collaboration platform known for its simplicity, reliability, and scalability. It offers features such as HD video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and integration with popular productivity tools. While Zoom may lack some of the advanced document management features of IBM FileNet, its ease of use and widespread adoption make it a viable option for businesses seeking a straightforward collaboration solution. However, compared to Microsoft Live Meeting, Zoom may have less integration with Microsoft's suite of products, which could be a consideration for companies heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. 2. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a two-page paper that compares and contrasts Microsoft Office SharePoint Server and IBM Domino. Which one would you recommend to the company mentioned in Project 1? What are the bases of your recommendation? Mention one more product that competes with these two. In the realm of Management Support Systems (MSS), Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) and IBM Domino stand out as prominent contenders, offering comprehensive solutions for organizational collaboration, document management, and workflow automation. Evaluating the suitability of these platforms for a given company requires a nuanced understanding of their respective features, capabilities, and alignment with business needs. In this paper, we will compare and contrast MOSS and IBM Domino, and recommend the most suitable option for the company mentioned in Project 1, supported by a rationale grounded in key considerations. Additionally, we will introduce a third competitor to enrich the analysis. Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) and IBM Domino are both robust MSS solutions with distinct strengths and functionalities. MOSS, part of the broader Microsoft Office suite, excels in providing seamless integration with other Microsoft products, intuitive user experience, and extensive customization options. It offers versatile document management, version control, and collaboration features through SharePoint sites, facilitating team collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization. Moreover, MOSS's compatibility with various devices and cloud integration enhances its accessibility and scalability, making it an appealing choice for modern businesses. On the other hand, IBM Domino, formerly known as Lotus Notes, boasts a rich history in enterprise collaboration and messaging solutions. It emphasizes security, reliability, and flexibility, offering a comprehensive platform for email communication, application development, and workflow automation. Domino's database-driven architecture enables rapid application development and deployment, empowering businesses to create custom solutions tailored to their specific requirements. Additionally, Domino's robust security features and cross-platform compatibility make it a preferred choice for organizations with stringent security needs and heterogeneous IT environments. For the company mentioned in Project 1, which appears to prioritize efficient collaboration, document management, and workflow automation, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) would be the recommended choice. This recommendation is based on several factors: • Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Since the company likely operates within a Microsoft-centric environment, MOSS's seamless integration with other Microsoft products such as Office Suite, Teams, and Outlook would streamline adoption and facilitate interoperability. • User-Friendly Interface: MOSS's intuitive interface and familiarity to most users reduce the learning curve, promoting user adoption and enhancing productivity across teams. • Scalability and Cloud Integration: As the company seeks to grow and adapt to changing business needs, MOSS's scalability and cloud integration provide the flexibility to scale resources dynamically and access data from anywhere, anytime. • Extensive Collaboration Features: MOSS's comprehensive set of collaboration tools, including document libraries, version control, team sites, and social features, align closely with the company's emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing. In addition to MOSS and IBM Domino, another notable competitor in the MSS landscape is Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). Google Workspace offers a suite of cloud-based productivity tools, including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Meet, emphasizing real-time collaboration, mobility, and simplicity. While Google Workspace may appeal to organizations prioritizing cloud-native solutions and collaboration-centric workflows, its compatibility with Microsoft ecosystems and certain advanced features may be limited compared to MOSS or Domino. 3. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a one-page paper that describes five key applications of GISs in the insurance industry. How can these applications help the bottom line? What are three applications of GISs in the city that you live? Geographic Information Systems (GISs) serve as invaluable tools across various industries, revolutionizing processes and decision-making through spatial analysis and visualization. In the insurance sector, GIS finds versatile applications that not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute significantly to improving the bottom line. Here are five key applications of GIS in the insurance industry: • Risk Assessment and Underwriting: GIS enables insurers to assess and analyze geographic data such as natural hazards, crime rates, and proximity to emergency services. By integrating this spatial information with demographic and property data, insurers can make more informed decisions during underwriting, accurately evaluate risks, and tailor insurance policies accordingly. • Claims Management: GIS facilitates efficient claims management by providing spatial insights into the location of assets, insured properties, and affected areas in the event of disasters or accidents. By overlaying claims data with geographic data layers, insurers can streamline claims processing, assess damages more accurately, and expedite claim settlements, ultimately reducing operational costs and enhancing customer satisfaction. • Fraud Detection and Prevention: GIS aids insurers in detecting and preventing fraudulent activities by analyzing spatial patterns and anomalies in claims data. By visualizing claim locations, identifying clusters of suspicious activities, and conducting spatial analysis, insurers can proactively mitigate fraud risks, minimize financial losses due to fraudulent claims, and safeguard the integrity of their operations. • Market Analysis and Expansion: GIS empowers insurers to conduct comprehensive market analysis and strategic planning by mapping policyholder distribution, competitor locations, and demographic trends. By identifying underserved markets, pinpointing potential growth opportunities, and optimizing marketing strategies, insurers can expand their market presence, attract new customers, and ultimately drive revenue growth. • Catastrophe Modeling and Risk Mitigation: GIS plays a crucial role in catastrophe modeling and risk mitigation efforts, particularly in assessing and managing exposure to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. By integrating geospatial data with advanced modeling techniques, insurers can simulate various disaster scenarios, evaluate potential losses, develop risk mitigation strategies, and enhance their resilience to catastrophic events, ultimately reducing insurance payouts and preserving profitability. In the city where I live, GIS also serves numerous applications that contribute to urban planning, resource management, and public service delivery. Three key applications of GIS in my city include: • Urban Planning and Development: GIS enables city planners to analyze spatial data related to land use, zoning regulations, transportation networks, and infrastructure projects. By visualizing urban dynamics, identifying development opportunities, and predicting future growth patterns, city officials can make informed decisions to promote sustainable development, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the livability of the city. • Emergency Response and Public Safety: GIS plays a critical role in emergency response and public safety initiatives by mapping emergency service locations, traffic patterns, and vulnerable areas. By providing real-time spatial information to first responders, coordinating emergency services, and analyzing incident data, GIS helps improve response times, mitigate risks, and enhance overall public safety within the city. • Environmental Conservation and Management: GIS supports environmental conservation efforts by mapping ecological resources, tracking environmental changes, and monitoring pollution levels. By visualizing environmental data, identifying conservation priorities, and implementing targeted interventions, city authorities can protect natural habitats, mitigate environmental degradation, and promote sustainable practices to preserve the city's natural heritage for future generations. In conclusion, GIS serves as a powerful tool for both the insurance industry and urban settings, enabling stakeholders to leverage spatial data for informed decision-making, risk management, and resource optimization. By harnessing the capabilities of GIS, insurers can enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and improve profitability, while cities can achieve sustainable development, enhance public services, and create safer and more resilient communities. 4. ESRI (http://www.esri.com/products) is one of the major providers of GIS software. What are two examples of Location Analytics software? What types of businesses will benefit the most from this type of GIS? What are some of the features of ESRI Maps for Office? Location analytics software plays a crucial role in leveraging geographic data to derive valuable insights and make informed decisions across various industries. ESRI, a leading provider of GIS software, offers a range of solutions tailored to meet the needs of businesses seeking to harness the power of spatial analysis. Two examples of location analytics software, apart from ESRI's offerings, are Tableau and QGIS. • Tableau: Tableau is a widely-used data visualization and analytics platform that incorporates location intelligence capabilities. With Tableau, users can create interactive maps, spatial dashboards, and geospatial analyses to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships within their data. Tableau's intuitive interface and powerful visualization tools make it suitable for businesses across industries, particularly those in retail, real estate, logistics, and marketing, where understanding geographic patterns and customer behaviors is critical for decision-making. • QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System): QGIS is an open-source GIS software that provides a comprehensive set of mapping and spatial analysis tools. QGIS offers flexibility, scalability, and extensive customization options, making it popular among businesses, government agencies, and research institutions worldwide. With QGIS, users can perform advanced spatial analyses, create custom maps, and integrate geospatial data from various sources. Businesses in sectors such as urban planning, environmental management, agriculture, and natural resource exploration can benefit greatly from QGIS's capabilities in analyzing and visualizing spatial data. Businesses across various industries can benefit from location analytics software, particularly those that rely on geographic data to understand market dynamics, optimize operations, and make strategic decisions. Some of the industries that stand to gain the most from location analytics include: • Retail and E-commerce: Retailers can use location analytics to identify optimal store locations, understand customer demographics and behavior, and optimize supply chain logistics for efficient inventory management and distribution. • Real Estate and Property Management: Real estate professionals can leverage location analytics to analyze property values, assess market trends, and identify investment opportunities based on factors such as proximity to amenities, transportation networks, and demographic trends. • Logistics and Transportation: Logistics companies can use location analytics to optimize route planning, fleet management, and warehouse operations, reducing transportation costs, improving delivery times, and enhancing overall efficiency. • Urban Planning and Government: Government agencies and urban planners can utilize location analytics to support city planning initiatives, assess infrastructure needs, and address socio-economic disparities by analyzing spatial patterns of population distribution, land use, and environmental factors. ESRI Maps for Office is a powerful tool that integrates geographic data and mapping capabilities directly into Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel and PowerPoint. Some of the key features of ESRI Maps for Office include: • Seamless Integration: ESRI Maps for Office seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office applications, allowing users to visualize and analyze geographic data directly within familiar interfaces such as Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. • Interactive Mapping: Users can create interactive maps with ESRI Maps for Office, incorporating multiple layers of geographic data, such as points, lines, polygons, and heatmaps, to visualize spatial relationships and patterns. • Data Enrichment: ESRI Maps for Office enables users to enrich their data with additional geographic context, such as demographic information, business locations, and environmental data, enhancing the depth and insights derived from their analyses. • Geocoding and Address Matching: ESRI Maps for Office provides geocoding and address matching capabilities, allowing users to geographically reference their data based on addresses or coordinates, facilitating spatial analysis and visualization. • Collaboration and Sharing: Users can easily share maps and spatial analyses created with ESRI Maps for Office with colleagues and stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and communication within organizations. In summary, location analytics software such as Tableau, QGIS, and ESRI Maps for Office offer powerful capabilities for businesses to unlock insights from geographic data, make informed decisions, and gain a competitive edge in today's data-driven landscape. Whether in retail, real estate, logistics, or government, organizations can leverage location analytics to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive business growth. 5. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a one-page paper that identifies five applications of MSSs in the retail industry. How can these applications help the bottom line? Management Support Systems (MSSs) play a pivotal role in revolutionizing operations and decision-making processes within the retail industry. By leveraging MSSs, retailers can streamline various aspects of their business operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately boost their bottom line. Here are five key applications of MSSs in the retail industry and how they contribute to improving profitability: • Inventory Management: MSSs facilitate real-time monitoring and management of inventory levels, enabling retailers to optimize stock levels, reduce stockouts, and minimize excess inventory holding costs. By implementing inventory management systems that integrate with point-of-sale (POS) systems and supply chain data, retailers can improve inventory turnover rates, increase sales, and reduce carrying costs, thereby maximizing profitability. • Sales Forecasting and Demand Planning: MSSs enable retailers to analyze historical sales data, market trends, and external factors to forecast demand accurately. By leveraging advanced forecasting models and analytics algorithms, retailers can anticipate customer demand, adjust inventory levels accordingly, and optimize product assortments to meet consumer preferences. Accurate sales forecasting minimizes stockouts, reduces markdowns, and enhances revenue generation, ultimately improving the bottom line. • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): MSSs provide retailers with comprehensive CRM solutions to manage customer interactions, track purchasing behavior, and personalize marketing efforts. By segmenting customer data, analyzing buying patterns, and implementing targeted marketing campaigns, retailers can enhance customer loyalty, increase repeat purchases, and drive higher sales volumes, leading to improved profitability over time. • Supply Chain Optimization: MSSs enable retailers to optimize supply chain operations by integrating data from suppliers, logistics partners, and distribution centers. By implementing supply chain management systems that automate procurement, inventory replenishment, and order fulfillment processes, retailers can minimize lead times, reduce transportation costs, and improve overall supply chain efficiency. Enhanced supply chain visibility and collaboration translate into cost savings, improved service levels, and increased profitability for retailers. • Pricing and Promotion Optimization: MSSs provide retailers with tools and analytics capabilities to optimize pricing strategies and promotional campaigns. By analyzing market dynamics, competitor pricing, and customer behavior, retailers can dynamically adjust prices, offer targeted promotions, and maximize revenue opportunities. Pricing and promotion optimization solutions help retailers maximize margins, drive sales growth, and achieve higher profitability by aligning pricing strategies with demand and market conditions. In conclusion, Management Support Systems (MSSs) offer a myriad of applications that can significantly impact the bottom line of retailers. By leveraging MSSs for inventory management, sales forecasting, CRM, supply chain optimization, and pricing optimization, retailers can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive revenue growth. Ultimately, the strategic adoption and effective utilization of MSSs empower retailers to stay competitive in today's dynamic marketplace, maximize profitability, and achieve sustainable business success. 6. SAS Business Intelligence (http://www.sas.com/en_us/software/business-intelligence.html) and Datawatch (http://www.datawatch.com/) are among the popular packages used to design an EIS. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a two-page paper that identifies four key features of each package. What types of businesses will benefit the most from these packages? Executive Information Systems (EIS) play a critical role in providing top-level management with timely, relevant, and actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. SAS Business Intelligence and Datawatch are prominent packages utilized for designing EIS, offering a suite of tools and functionalities tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across various industries. In this paper, we will identify four key features of each package and discuss the types of businesses that stand to benefit the most from their utilization. SAS Business Intelligence: • Advanced Analytics Capabilities: SAS Business Intelligence offers powerful analytics tools, including predictive modeling, data mining, and statistical analysis. These capabilities enable businesses to uncover trends, patterns, and correlations within their data, facilitating informed decision-making and proactive strategic planning. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail, which rely heavily on data-driven insights for risk management, customer segmentation, and market analysis, can benefit greatly from SAS Business Intelligence's advanced analytics features. • Robust Reporting and Visualization: SAS Business Intelligence provides intuitive reporting and visualization tools that enable users to create interactive dashboards, charts, and reports. These tools allow executives to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), track business metrics, and gain actionable insights at a glance. Businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and telecommunications, where real-time monitoring and performance tracking are critical for operational efficiency and resource optimization, can leverage SAS Business Intelligence's reporting and visualization capabilities to drive continuous improvement and competitive advantage. • Data Integration and Management: SAS Business Intelligence offers robust data integration and management capabilities, allowing businesses to seamlessly integrate data from disparate sources, cleanse and transform data, and ensure data quality and consistency. With centralized data management and governance, businesses can eliminate data silos, improve data accessibility, and enable cross-functional collaboration. Industries such as banking, insurance, and government, which deal with large volumes of sensitive data and require stringent data governance and compliance, can benefit from SAS Business Intelligence's data integration and management features to enhance data-driven decision-making and regulatory compliance. • Scalability and Flexibility: SAS Business Intelligence is designed to scale with the evolving needs of businesses, offering flexibility and scalability to accommodate growing data volumes and user requirements. Whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud, SAS Business Intelligence can adapt to changing business environments and support enterprise-wide deployment. Businesses in fast-growing industries such as technology, e-commerce, and hospitality, which require scalable and flexible solutions to accommodate rapid expansion and evolving business models, can leverage SAS Business Intelligence to drive innovation, agility, and scalability. Datawatch: • Data Preparation and Transformation: Datawatch provides powerful data preparation and transformation tools that enable businesses to efficiently cleanse, transform, and harmonize data from disparate sources. With Datawatch's self-service data preparation capabilities, business users can easily access, manipulate, and enrich data without relying on IT assistance, empowering faster decision-making and improving data accuracy. Industries such as healthcare, retail, and telecommunications, which deal with complex data landscapes and require agile data preparation solutions to support real-time analytics and reporting, can benefit from Datawatch's data preparation features. • Real-time Data Monitoring and Streaming: Datawatch offers real-time data monitoring and streaming capabilities that enable businesses to monitor streaming data feeds, detect anomalies, and trigger alerts in real-time. By providing actionable insights into changing data trends and events as they occur, Datawatch empowers businesses to respond promptly to emerging opportunities or threats and make data-driven decisions in a dynamic business environment. Industries such as finance, energy, and cybersecurity, which rely on real-time data insights for fraud detection, risk management, and operational monitoring, can leverage Datawatch's real-time data monitoring capabilities to enhance situational awareness and agility. • Visual Data Discovery and Exploration: Datawatch provides intuitive visual data discovery and exploration tools that enable users to visually explore and analyze data through interactive dashboards, charts, and graphs. With Datawatch's drag-and-drop interface and data visualization capabilities, business users can uncover hidden insights, identify trends, and generate actionable insights without requiring extensive technical expertise. Industries such as marketing, sales, and consumer goods, which prioritize data-driven decision-making and consumer insights to drive marketing campaigns, optimize pricing strategies, and enhance customer experiences, can benefit from Datawatch's visual data discovery features to gain a competitive edge and drive business growth. • Integration with Third-party Systems: Datawatch offers seamless integration with third-party systems and data sources, enabling businesses to leverage data from diverse platforms and applications. Whether integrating with enterprise systems, cloud services, or IoT devices, Datawatch provides connectors and APIs to facilitate seamless data integration and interoperability. Industries such as manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics, which rely on a multitude of systems and technologies for data collection, inventory management, and process automation, can leverage Datawatch's integration capabilities to consolidate data from disparate sources, optimize operations, and drive efficiency gains. Business Types That Benefit Most: • Large Enterprises: Both SAS Business Intelligence and Datawatch cater to the needs of large enterprises with complex data landscapes, diverse user requirements, and stringent governance and compliance requirements. Industries such as banking, healthcare, and telecommunications, which operate at scale and require enterprise-grade solutions for analytics, reporting, and data management, can benefit significantly from the comprehensive features and scalability offered by SAS Business Intelligence and Datawatch. • Data-driven Industries: Businesses operating in data-driven industries, such as finance, insurance, and technology, where data is a strategic asset and plays a critical role in driving business outcomes, can derive significant value from SAS Business Intelligence and Datawatch. These industries require advanced analytics, real-time insights, and agile data preparation capabilities to stay competitive and capitalize on emerging opportunities. • Regulated Industries: Regulated industries, such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and government, which are subject to strict compliance requirements and data privacy regulations, can benefit from the robust data governance, security, and compliance features offered by SAS Business Intelligence and Datawatch. These industries require solutions that ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and auditability to maintain compliance with regulatory mandates and protect sensitive information. • Fast-growing Businesses: Businesses experiencing rapid growth and expansion, such as startups, high-tech companies, and e-commerce retailers, require flexible, scalable solutions that can adapt to changing business needs and support agile decision-making. SAS Business Intelligence and Datawatch offer scalability, flexibility, and agility to accommodate growing data volumes, user requirements, and business complexities, making them ideal choices for fast-growing businesses seeking to unlock the value of their data and drive innovation. In conclusion, SAS Business Intelligence and Datawatch are leading packages used for designing Executive Information Systems (EIS), offering a range of features and capabilities tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across various industries. Whether in large enterprises, data-driven industries, regulated sectors, or fast-growing businesses, SAS Business Intelligence and Datawatch empower organizations to harness the power of data, drive informed decision-making, and achieve strategic objectives in today's dynamic business landscape. Are You Ready to Move On? 1. Semistructured decisions include a structured aspect that benefits from information retrieval, analytical models, and information systems technology. Answer: True 2. In a DSS environment, a managerial designer defines the management issues in designing and using a DSS. Answer: True 3. For designing a successful MSS, top management support is not needed. Answer: False 4. Which of the following is not a type of decision in a typical organization? a. Structured b. Collaborative c. Semistructured d. Unstructured Answer: b 5. In general, which of the following tasks are EISs not used for? a. Flagging exceptions b. Tracking performance c. Spotting trends d. Eliminating decision making Answer: d 6. Which of the following capabilities is not typically included in groupware? a. Audio and video conferencing b. Brainstorming c. Optimization modeling d. Database access Answer: c Case Studies Case Study 12-1: UPS Deploys Routing Optimization with a Big Payoff 1. What does ORION stand for? ORION stands for On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation. 2. What are three advantages of using ORION at UPS? The UPS ORION (On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation) system reduces delivery miles and fuel and sets the stage for enhanced customer service. The system not only reduces the overall delivery cost, it is also a great move toward sustainability. 3. What are three main components of ORION? ORION combines more than 250 million address data points, online map data, and an optimization algorithm to find the best routes for pickups and deliveries. 4. By which time will ORION be deployed in all of the UPS routes in the United States? UPS is planning to complete the deployment of ORION on all of its 55,000 U.S. routes by the end of 2017. Case Study 12-2: GPS Technology and Analytics Combat Crimes 1. What are the three main components of Camden’s Real Time Tactical Information Center? Camden’s Real Time Tactical Information Center combines gunshot-spotting cameras, in-cruiser GPS technology, and analytics to provide real-time information for the police force. 2. By what percentages have the three major crimes been reduced? With the help of the system, violent and non-violent crimes have been reduced 30 and 38 percent, respectively, and aggravated assaults with a firearm are down 61 percent. 3. How is the system able to reduce 911 response time from 9 minutes nationally to 90 seconds in Camden? The system has eliminated police dispatchers by automatically sending the two nearest police officers to the crime scene; their police cars are GPS-tracked. 4. What is the role of 120 cameras located around the city? The 120 cameras located around the city send updated information every 1.5 seconds to patrol car computer screens. This information enables officers to see where emergencies are happening at any given time. Solution Manual for MIS Hossein Bidgoli 9781305632004, 9781337625999, 9781337625982, 9781337406925
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