Web-Based Decision Support System: Concept and Issues

Abstract

This chapter elaborates the basic concepts underlying the development of Web-based decision support systems (DSS) with a discussion on the key concepts and technical issues. The utility of Web-based decision support system in enhancing communication and decision-making capability in a distributed environment or a multiple stakeholder process (MSP) has been explained through examples with diverse application from the real world. Further, the chapter introduces a Web-based decision support system developed by the authors for water resources management on basin scale and also some evolving concepts like mobile agent technology to meet the challenges and problems associated with traditional Web-based DSS. The authors hope that better understanding of the key issues and concepts can bring together analysts, modelers, and the end users to build Web-based DSS that are understandable, accessible and acceptable to all, be it corporate or business houses, environmental agencies or government organizations.