21 Briefings Decision Support Systems and Expert Systems: zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA A Comparison F. Nelson Ford Deprrrrmenr of Munagemenf, 322 Thoch Hall, Auburn Uniuersiry, AL. 36849. U.S.A. In recent years there have been rapid developments in two technologies aimed at improving decision-making: decision support systems (DSS) and expert systems (ES). A DSS is an interactive system that helps decision-makers utilize data and models to solve unstructured or semi-structured problems. An ES is a problem-solving computer program that achieves good performance in a specialized problem domain that is consid- ered difficult and requires specialized knowledge and skill. While both types seek to improve the quality of the decision, there are some distinct differences between the two. To under- stand and distinguish them. DSS and ES are compared in four primary areas: 1) objectives and intents, 2) operational dif- ferences, 3) users, and 4) development methodology. Keywords: Decision Support Systems, Expert Systems, Deci- ston Making Systems, Knowledge Based Systems. zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED F. Nelson Ford is an Assistant Profes- sor of Management Information Sys- tems in the Department of Manage- ment at Auburn University. He re- ceived his Ph.D. in Management Sci- ence from the University of Alabama. Prior to joining the faculty at Auburn in 1982, he was an Assistant Professor of Computer Studies and Management at Murray State University. His re- search interests include decision sup- port systems, knowledge-based expert systems. corporate modeling, and in- tegrated information and decision support systems design. North-Holland Information & Management 8 (1985) 21-26 1. Introduction In recent years the number of applications of decision support systems (DSS) has been noticea- bly increasing. This trend has been stimulated by the use of personal computers, advances in data base management systems, incorporation of “ user-friendly” software interface techniques, etc. Many users have found that “DSS” is a useful technology that can improve their decision-mak- ing. Recent advances have also occurred in the area of artificial intelligence, where expert systems (ES) are being developed and, to a lesser extent, used in decision-making. Applications of both DSS and ES in decision making in the business arena is expected to increase significantly; but while both are intended as approaches to improve decision- making, it is also true that the two have clear and significant differences. Here, we explore the simi- larities and differences between DSS and ES. 2. Decision Support Systems The concepts of DSS began to evolve in the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1971 M.S. Scott Morton described a DSS used to coordinate production planning for laundry equipment [13]. That study focused on those aspects of the decision process changed and improved by the system [12]. During the mid 1970s the concepts were further devel- oped, but only by a few academics and practi- tioners [3]. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a rapid increase in the development and application of DSS, as evidence by surveys of and reports on new applications. 2.1. Definition of DSS A DSS helps decision-makers utilize data and models to solve unstructured or semi-structured 0378-7206/85/$3.30 0 1985, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. (North-Holland)