Using Concept Mapping to Define Problems and Identify Key Kernels during the Development of a Decision Support System
Abstract
How does a decision support system (DSS) designer identify the kernel(s) or key decision elements of a problem, from the user's perspective, and develop a design for a DSS from them? The problem arises because DSS adaptive design says start small and grow, but there are no suggestions on where to start. This thesis addresses the primary challenge by developing the tool, concept mapping, as a means to identify kernels in a decision process. This is a descriptive process that defines the problem space, describes the decision process, and identifies the key steps of the decision process as potential kernels. Beyond this initial challenge is the challenge of integrating concept mapping into the adaptive design process. This thesis effort will take the technique of concept mapping and use it to extract the information about a problem from the decision maker himself. The result of this extraction should be a well defined problem space, a sufficiently described decision process and a means to identify the kernels. Finally, the effort turns to integrating concept mapping into the adaptive design process. The integration of concept mapping into the adaptive design process is accomplished through a process called the problem definition process (PDP).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185636
Entities
People
- Michael R. Mcfarren
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology