Causal modelling as a tool for problem framing within a group decision support system: an object‐oriented approach

Abstract

This paper contributes toward the design of intelligent group decision suppot? systems (GDSS). It suggests a GDSS architecture that would enable a group of managers to discuss, learn from each other and possibly develop consensus about decisions or their causes. It shows how an object-oriented approach can be used in producing interactive software to support managerial debate about problem solving. The method uses comprehensive situation mapping causal mapping to represent each manager's perceptions of the relationships between key variables of a firm's strategic situation. The paper presents a prototype implementation and, based on experiences from it, discusses issues concerning future development and use.

An object-oriented architecture for group decision support systems

“…Experience with implementing such applications would surely lead to refinements in the details of this architecture. For instance, ongoing work with the causal mapping technique (Heintz and Acar 1992) presents a need for exchanges between two participants that is independent of the public data-sharing process. Approaches similar to that suggested in this article should enable the implementation of two-way exchanges between participants, although we have not yet undertaken efforts to include these capabilities.…”

Endowing cognitive mapping with computational properties for strategic analysis

“…In line with these developments, Heintz and Acar [53] initiated an object-oriented approach to computerizing CSM. This early prototype developed an object model that only supported causal mapping semantics and process.…”

“…Improvements in information technology and the proliferation of automated decision support systems (DSS), group decision-support systems (GDSS) of the kind described by Heintz and Acar [53] and Phelan [54] were not always cherished by senior managers and their consultants. In fact, the prevailing view among practitioners of the soft systems approach was that personal contact and holistic mapping facilitates problem solving [14,37].…”

“…Even though strategists had long been suspicious of computer modeling tools because they find them time consuming and expensive to develop, and frequently result in models that do not fit the decision maker's conception of the problem [10], the benefits of automated support for CM are becoming well established [53,56,60].…”

ISTAR — a tool for creative design of knowledge bases

“…The purpose of the KR tool is not just representation but also clarification, communication, refinement and the generation of new knowledge. It becomes important in what Paul (1993) calls knowledge-poor domains, in areas where the knowledge engineer and expert are deliberately questioning current approaches to knowledge and in idea processors in group decision support (Heintz and Acar, 1994;Eden, 1989;Conklin and Begeman, 1989).…”