= Decision support and analysis =


== Requirements ==
90 hp Computer and Systems Sciences

== Aim ==
The iam of this course is that students will obtain knowledge of the basics of classical decision analysis, both prescriptive as descriptive, from individual, organizational, and information systems perspectives. Further, an objective of the course is that participants should be able to analyze current needs and requirements of a BI information system solution, and suggest how different solutions can be designed from a prescriptive perspective. The main objective is therefore that the students should acquire an understanding and knowledge of why the decision analytic basics, organizational and human performance, technology and information-related solutions and business goals should be woven together and viewed as a whole.

After the course the student should be able to:
 * explain the basics of classical decision theory (normative and descriptive)
 * describe and apply various theories about the human ability to make decisions (psychological aspects)
 * explain how and why policy makers, business goals and the technical solutions should be considered in a good Business Intelligence solution
 * model and analyze the need for business intelligence solutions, from a prescriptive perspective
 * propose a practical approach to the introduction of business intelligence solutions containing the organizational, business and technical aspects. 

== Syllabus ==
The course consists of six parts.
 * Part 1: Decision analysis basis
 * Part 2: Normative, descriptive, and prescriptive theory
 * Part 3: Psychological aspects of decision-making
 * Part 4: How the organizational context influences decision-making
 * Part 5: The global perspective - policy makers, business and technical solutions
 * Part 6: Analysis of a case. A plan based on knowledge acquired during the course should be developed in order to describe how a Business Intelligence solution could be designed and implemented, taking into account organizational, business and technical perspectives.

Part 1 and 2 introduce the basic terminology and mechanisms of decision analysis as well as the main features of decision analysis subareas: descriptive, normative, and prescriptive theory. Part 3 deals with the psychological aspects of decision-making and part four weaves together the contents of Part 3 with aspects of the organizational decision-making, and concepts such as structure, standards and culture. Part 5 we study how to, by applying the knowledge of parts 1-4, make it possible to create business intelligence solutions from a prescriptive perspective.

In Part 6 applies the student should use the collective knowledge, from Parts 1-5, in the form of memoranda and presents it both in writing and orally at the concluding seminar.