Decision Support Systems (DSS): in the DSS architecture, what is the primary role of the language system for end users?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: to enable users to interact with the DSS (queries, commands, and output)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
A Decision Support System (DSS) typically includes three coordinated subsystems: the data (database) system, the model (analytics) system, and the language (or dialog) system. The language system is the face of the DSS for managers and analysts. Understanding its purpose helps teams design usable decision tools that actually get adopted by stakeholders.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question targets the function of the DSS language system.
  • Users need to submit queries, run models, and view results without deep technical steps.
  • Other DSS subsystems (data and model) handle storage and analytics, not interaction.


Concept / Approach:
The language system is the user interface and interaction layer. It translates user intent (menus, forms, natural-language-like prompts, or command syntax) into requests to the model and data subsystems, and it renders outputs (tables, charts, dashboards, and narratives) back to users. It focuses on dialog management, guidance, and explanation, not on core algorithm execution or database ingestion.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the three DSS components: data, model, language/dialog.Map responsibilities: data stores and retrieves; model computes; language enables interaction.Select the option that states interaction with the DSS as its major function.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard DSS references describe the dialog or language subsystem as the “user interface” enabling queries, model runs, and result interpretation, confirming this role.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Back-end processing tasks belong to the model/data subsystems, not the language system.
  • Artificial intelligence may be integrated in models, but AI is not the core purpose of the language system.
  • Feeding raw data is an ETL or data subsystem responsibility.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a convenient UI with “automation of analytics.” The language system helps users express tasks; the model system actually executes them.


Final Answer:
to enable users to interact with the DSS (queries, commands, and output)

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