Quality Factors for DMSS Assessment: An Application of Research Frameworks

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to demonstrate the use of a decision support systems research (DSSR) framework to improve decision making support systems (DMSS) quality. The DSSR Framework, which was developed to integrate theoretical constructs from various information systems areas into a coherent theme, can serve as a tool for DMSS developers. Developed to provide a unified reference to theoretical constructs used in theory building and testing, the DSSR framework can also be used as the basis for the identification and selection of a hierarchy of factors potentially affecting the quality of DMSS development. The chapter proposes that a unified set of quality factors derived from the DSSR framework be used in tandem with the generic software quality metrics framework specified in IEEE Standard 1061-1992. The integration of these two frameworks has the potential to improve the process of developing high-quality decision making support systems and system components. The usage of these frameworks to identify system quality factors is demonstrated in the context of a military research and development project.