Decision Support Systems (DSS) adoption: which factor below is NOT a primary reason DSS became popular in organizations?

Introduction / Context:
Decision Support Systems (DSS) gained traction due to technological and managerial trends that enabled interactive analysis: cheaper hardware, widespread databases, growing software availability, and managers more comfortable with analytics. The question asks for the option that is not a primary driver of DSS popularity.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• DSS emphasizes interactive modeling, what-if analysis, and access to data.
• Key enablers: affordable computing, DBMS, analytics culture, and packaged tools.
• Programmer headcount by itself does not create DSS demand or usability.

Concept / Approach:
Cheaper hardware put computing on desks. Database management systems made data accessible. Managerial training in analytics created demand and the ability to interpret results. Proliferating software packages provided ready tools. Simply increasing the number of programmers does not inherently make DSS popular; DSS success is driven by access, usability, and managerial adoption, not raw developer counts.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts credit microcomputers, relational DBMS, spreadsheets, and modeling packages—not programmer supply—as DSS growth drivers.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They each describe well-known drivers of DSS adoption.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming more developers automatically lead to managerial tool uptake; usability and availability to end users matter more.

Final Answer:
increased number of programmers