Abstract
This paper reviews earlier work on the validation of mathematical models and modeling within Decision Support Systems (DSS), in particular where the DSS were developed to support operations management. The authors found that little validation was carried out in practice. With this work as a base, reasons for the paucity of validation are advanced and comparisons with DSS developed to support marketing management are made. The case for a more appropriate methodology of validation is advanced.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Beare, G.C. (1987). Linear programming in air defence modelling.J. Oper. Res. Soc. 38, 899–906.
Beck, P. W. (1982). Corporate planning for an uncertain future.Long Range Plan. 15(4), 12–21.
Checkland, P. (1981).Systems Thinking, Systems Practice, John Wiley & Sons, London.
Coates, D., Finlay, P. N., and Wilson, J. M. (1991). Validation in marketing modelling.J. Market Res. Soc. 33,(2), 83–90.
Drucker, P. F. (1974).Management Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices, Heinemann, London.
Eden, C., Jones, S., and Sims, D. (1983).Messing About in Problems: An Informal Structured Approach to Their Identification and Management, Frontiers of Operational Research and Applied Systems Analysis, Vol. 1, Pergamon Press, London.
Finlay, P. N. (1985).Mathematical Modelling in Business Decision-Making, Croom Helm, London.
Finlay, P. N. (1988). Model validation in decision support systems.Br. Account. Rev. 20, 175–186.
Finlay, P. N., and Wilson, J. M. (1987). The paucity of model validation in operational research projects,J. Oper. Res. Soc. 38, 303–308.
Finlay, P. N., and Wilson, J. M. (1991). Types of validation for decision support systems (submitted for publication).
Friend, J., and Hickling, A. (1987).Planning Under Pressure: The Strategic Choice Approach, Pergamon Press, London.
Kirk, J., and Miller, M. L. (1986).Reliability and Validity in Quantitative Research, Sage University Paper, Quantitative Research Methods, Vol. 1, London.
Landry, M., Malouin, J.-L., and Oral, M. (1983). Model validation in operations research.Eur. J. Oper. Res. 14, 207–220.
Lockett, G., and Polding, E. (1981). Organisational linkages and O. R. projects.Eur. J. Oper. Res. 7, 14–21.
Suchman, E. A. (1967).Evaluation Research: Principles and Practice in Public Service and Social Action Programmes, Russell Sage Foundation, New York.
Tomlinson, R. (1984). Rethinking the process. In Tomlinson, R., and Kiss, I. (eds.),Rethinking the Process of Operational Research and Systems Analysis, Pergamon Press, London.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Finlay, P.N., Wilson, J.M. Validation for decision support systems: Recent developments and findings. Systems Practice 4, 599–610 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01063116
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01063116