Personalized Decision Support Systems

Decision support systems (DSS) are computerized systems that assist humans to make decisions. Early versions were designed for executives, but over time DSSs were designed for workers at any level in the organization (Keen & Morton, 1978; Rockart, 1979). Due to increasing costs in providing benefits and services, organizations are forcing workers and consumers to take increasing responsibility for insurance, health care, and financial planning decisions. Extreme events, such as terrorism, pandemics, and natural disasters will swamp the capacity of governmental agencies to serve their citizenry. Individuals in affected communities must turn to local agencies or ad hoc groups for assistance. Personal decision support systems (PDSS), consisting of databases, model-based expertise, and intelligent interfaces, along with wireless communications, Internet resources, and personal computing, provide sufficient resources to assist informed individuals and groups in solving problems. This article reviews the typical components of a DSS and the different types of systems that have evolved. The article poses three types of problems facing individuals, including routine problem solving, immediate survival needs, and long-term evolutionary growth. Personal decision support issues of acquiring information, processing information, and dissemination are outlined. Future trends and research opportunities are discussed.