What is the relationship of the DSS and its components to a MSS?

JENNIFER MCCOWATT: I figure a DSS is a variety of MSS with special features Sep 29, 2009 1:25:22 PM EST
Sean O'Sullivan: MSS = Management support system; DSS = Decision support system; Managers do many things including making decisions. A DSS is a specialised form of MSS that focuses on helping managers make good decisions. Sep 29, 2009 1:27:11 PM EST

Model-based management systems

Provide MSS and DSS based upon models of the organisation and its components.

Makes use of software that allows model description and organization with transparent data processing.
Capabilities

• MSS / DSS user has control
• Flexible in design
• Gives feedback
• GUI based
• Reduction of redundancy
• Increase in consistency
• Communication between combined models

Relational model base management systems

• Virtual file
• Virtual relationship

Object-oriented model base management system

• Logical independence

Database and MIS design model systems

• Data diagram, ERD diagrams managed by CASE tools

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

• A sub-set of MSS
• For individuals or groups (GDSS)
• Designed to anticipate the questions and needs of the user
• May be specific or general and customisable
• May be used for:

- Current situations
- Forecasting
- Producing alternative solutions
- Grading those alternatives

Management Support Systems

Management Support System = MSS.

MSS = The application of technologies to support the performance of management tasks in general.

Sometimes applied more narrowly to Decision Support Systems (DSS) or Business Intelligence (BI).

Caution – MSS, DSS & BI are all sometimes used as context-free umbrella terms**.

Decision Support Systems and Business Intelligence can be considered as subsets of MSS.