DV2573 - Decision Support Systems - Blekinge Institute of Technology

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2016-09-28. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Computer Science and Engineering 2016-10-01 and applies from 2016-10-01.

2. Entry requirements

To be admitted to the course, students must have completed courses in programming (15 ECTS) and databases (7.5 ECTS).

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

Decision-making is central to many human activities and often requires the use of computerized decision support systems. A decision can be described as a choice between different options, made by estimating the value of each option. Supporting decision-making means assisting individuals or groups in the process of gathering relevant facts, developing options, and making decisions. The purpose of the course is for participants to deepen their understanding of concepts, methods, and processes used in the development and use of decision support systems.

3.2 Content

The course covers the following:

Overview of computer science and mathematical techniques (methods) used as components in decision support systems.
In-depth study of common processes and methods for developing and applying decision support systems.
Practical application of the theory behind decision support systems through the design and implementation of a decision support system by applying one or more of the components taught in the course. The components of the course include decision-making theory, group decision-making, development using techniques and methods from AI (artificial intelligence), and modeling, optimization, and simulation.

4. Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:

4.1. Knowledge and understanding

After completing the course, the student should:

Understand the historical development of the field of decision support systems.
Understand how to methodically develop and use different types of decision support systems.
Have knowledge of how different types of computer science and mathematical techniques (e.g., learning systems, simulation, and optimization) can be used within decision support systems.
Be able to identify relevant techniques and methods that can be used to build decision support systems for real-world problems and justify which techniques and methods are most appropriate for a specific problem.
Evaluate and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different classes of decision support systems in relation to specific decision situations.

4.2. Competence and skills

After completing the course, the student should:

Be able to design and implement different types of decision support systems.

5. Learning activities

The course is conducted in the form of lectures, group teaching, study visits (e.g., to companies or hospitals), and a seminar where students present their projects. At the end of the course, there will be a mandatory seminar with project presentations, where students have the opportunity to actively participate, analyze, and present their work. Oral presentations will be conducted, practicing both argumentation about decision support systems and presentation techniques.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code	Module	Credit	Grade
1705	Written exam	3.5 credits	AF
1715	Project	4 credits	GU

The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.

The information before a course occasion states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.

An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.

7. Course evaluation

The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.

8. Restrictions regarding degree

The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.

9. Course literature and other materials of instruction

Title: Decision Support and Business Intelligence Systems, 10th Edition
Authors: Ramesh Sharda, Dursun Delen, and Efraim Turban
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Published: 2015
Pages: 656
ISBN-13: 9780133051001

Course compendium 1/E will be offered by the course instructor at the beginning of the course.

10. Additional information

This course replaces DV2530

This is not a legal document. If you would like a copy of the legal decision regarding this course plan, contact the registrar at Blekinge Institute of Technology.

Course syllabus