Author(s): Andreja Jonoski
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Decision support systems; Internet; Client-server application
Abstract: The paper introduces new kinds of decision support tools which will allow for direct participation in the decision-making process of all the interested parties. These tools utilise electronic networks like Internet as platforms for their development and application and they are introduced as Network Distributed Decision Support Systems (NDDSS). Three main components of an NDDSS are the fact engine component, the judgement engine component, and the platform for collaboration and negotiation facilitation. The roles of these components are discussed and some implementation questions are addressed. It is suggested that systems of this kind will have to utilise extensively such so-called‘soft’computing techniques as fuzzy logic, neural networks and genetic algorithms. Some initial results from the development of a prototype of an NDDSS are presented. The prototype uses the physically distributed modelling system MIKE SHE as its fact engine component. A client-server type of application has been developed for accessing a MIKE SHE model remotely. The application has been developed using standard HTML and Java technology. On the client side the user interface is build by a combination of HTML and Java applets and on the server side the users requests (including the running of the MIKE SHE model) are handled by special Java programs called servlets. Further developments will extend the prototype with the judgement engine component and the platform for collaboration and negotiation facilitation.
Year: 1999