Group Decision and Negotiation

, Volume 5, Issue 2, pp 143–164 | Cite as

A design methodology for embedding decision guidance into GDSS

  • Moez Limayem
Article

Abstract

Many Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) provide normative decision models aimed at supporting communication as well as consensus building. Findings of several empirical studies investigating the merit of these systems suggest that groups need extra guidance and facilitation to assure successful use of the GDSS. Embedding decision guidance mechanisms into the GDSS itself has the potential of yielding supportive and flexible systems that can foster effective and efficient use of these systems.

The unstructured nature of group decision making, the computer's active role in facilitating and guiding the group throughout the decision-making process, and the complexity of a group's interactions and dynamics during the decision making are the driving forces requiring the use of a customized design methodology for embedding decision guidance into GDSS. The purpose of this article is to suggest a design methodology for embedding decision guidance into GDSS. A detailed description of the screen design and of the operation of an actual decision guidance implementation achieved by applying the suggested design approach is also provided. The article concludes by describing two empirical studies aimed at investigating the merit of the decison guidance implementation.

Key Words

GDSS decision guidance system design group decision making multicriteria decision model 
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Copyright information

© Kluwer Academic Publishers 1996

Authors and Affiliations

  • Moez Limayem
    • 1
  1. 1.School of Business Administration, Département des Systemes d'Information OrganisationnelsUniversité LavalCanada

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