Group Decision Support Systems

In this chapter, Group Decision Support Systems, we discuss the research expectation b: the computer can be a useful tool in assisting the human being in the process of problem handling of complex societal problems, but it cannot completely replace the skills of the human being here. In Chap. 3 we discussed the nature of a problem, defined the concept of a complex societal problem, and discussed the differences between problem handling and problem solving. We reflected on the problem-solving literature of Cognitive Psychology, the work of Newell and Simon (1972), and the concept of “handling space.” In Chap. 4 we focused on the possibilities and the limitations of human problem handling. We discussed the problem handling cycle and the problem handling phases. We discussed rational problem handling techniques and different kinds of knowledge. We concluded that handling complex societal problems is not easy. One of the reasons for this is the special nature of the problems and their imbedding in a changing environment. Realizing that handling complex societal problems is difficult, and confronted with the societal urge to guide these problems, there is a need to support the problem handling process with an efficient and transparent methodology and with adequate tools. In this chapter, we focus on tools to support the problem handling process of complex societal problems. There are many tools that support the process of problem handling. Choosing the appropriate tool for problem handling depends on the type of problem, the domain(s), the person(s), the complexity of the problem, the time available to reflect on the problem, and the moment in the problem handling process (see Chaps. 3 and 4 ). There is a lot of variation in tools available. There are simple tools like paper and pencils, whiteboards, flip-overs, and electronic tools like data recorders, videos, and telephones as well as computer tools. There are tools for individual support and tools for group support. In this chapter we focus on computer tools that support the group problem handling process of complex societal problems. In looking for computer tools to support the problem handling process of complex societal problems, one must make a distinction between those computer tools that have been designed according to the Artificial Intelligence paradigm and those tools that operate using conventional computer programming. In the dissertation (DeTombe 1994) we concluded that Artificial Intelligence cannot provide the algorithms that can handle complex societal problems. Now 20 years later, there are still no computer programs that are capable of replacing the human being in handling complex societal problems (see for this discussion) (DeTombe 1994, Chap. 4 ). Therefore, we will focus on computer programs that assist the human being in handling complex societal problems. These programs, based on conventional programming techniques, are not intended to solve the problem as a whole, but to assist the human being in its problem handling task. Here the computer has been very successful in assisting the human being in handling problems such as selecting a specific name from a large database, “remembering” all kinds of data, controlling machines, assisting text writing, and data mining. The focus of the discussion in this chapter will be on computer tools that have been developed to assist the human being on some moments in the problem handling process. We give a historical view from the start of the field of computer science till about the early 1990s, beginning of the twentieth century (as concerning the use of the computer in the field of Methodology of Societal Complexity, no principal changes developed since the publication of the articles (DeTombe 1994; 1995g) this discussion of the 1990s is still relevant for the nowadays discussion in this area). This focus could lead to an investigation of a whole range of computer programs, from word processors, modeling tools, and databases to management information systems. But this would be far beyond the scope of the current work and not relevant for our discussion. Because handling complex societal problems is a cooperative activity (see Chap. 7 ), the focus will be on programs that support group problem handling process with an emphasis on group decision support systems. This leads to discuss the research questions of the nature of decision support systems, particularly those used by groups of decision makers, and how they might be used to assist human beings involved in the handling of complex problems as described in the research question of expectation b: in what way can the computer assist the human being in handling complex societal problems? In answering this research question, we focus specially on the use of system dynamic modeling for creating the conceptual model of a complex societal problem. In this we continue the discussion about system dynamic modeling of Chap. 3 . Other research questions of expectation b are the research sub-questions: b1 what are (group) decision support systems? b2 in what way can (group) decision support systems assist the human being in the process of handling complex societal problems?