Title: A systems approach to supporting decisions for the product to service shift

Authors: Ella-Mae Molloy, Carys Siemieniuch, Murray Sinclair

Addresses: Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Department of Human Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: This paper reports on work completed as part of the knowledge and information management (KIM) – through life grand challenge. The research presents a prototype tool (tool for the assessment of decision making systems (ToADS) that provides a decision support function through aiding configuration of decision making systems (DMS) within an organisation. The prototype tool has been validated and found to be of use in a series of industrial case studies. These studies are outlined, along with a summary of findings pertaining to both the tool development and wider implications for decision support. Not least among these is the fact that many decisions are not consciously made, meaning any decision support must be implicit rather than explicit if they are to be implemented and used successfully.

Keywords: decision support systems; DSS; decision making systems; DMS; through-life service; complexity; emergent behaviour; product-service shift; knowledge management; information management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2009.028049

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2009 Vol.36 No.3/4, pp.272 - 283

Published online: 02 Sep 2009 *

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