A Strategic Decision Support System at Orell Fussli

Abstract

Abstract:Strategic decision support systems (strategic DSS) are one means of helping managers understand strategy and its implications. Strategic DSS contain many general decision support system (DSS) features, and are intended for senior managers. This article discusses the ongoing development of a strategic DSS for the Banknotes and Securities Division of Orell Fussli, a Swiss printing company. The system incorporates conceptual models, and provides explanations, cases, and guidance on how to use the models effectively. It helps train managers in strategic concepts and facilitates strategic thinking, and has been used to help develop and validate product/market strategies. We also provide several practical guidelines, including useKey Words and Phrases: conceptual modelsintrinsic analysisstrategic decision support systemsstrategic thinking Additional informationNotes on contributorsSalvatore BelardoSalvatore Belardo received the B.S.M.E. degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology, the M.B.A. degree from the State University of New York, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has worked for the Eastman Kodak Company, General Electric, and the Watervliet Arsenal. He presently teaches and does research at the State University of New York at Albany. His current research interests include strategic uses of information resources, multimedia approaches to learning and decision making, and creativity. Dr. Belardo has published in a number of journals, including Management Management Science, Journal of Management Information Systems, Decision Sciences. I nterfaces, and IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics. He is a member of TIMSPeter DuchessiPeter Duchessi is Associate Professor of Management Science and Information Systems and Chairman of the Management Science and Information Systems Department, School of Business, State University of New York at Albany. His areas of expertise include internal and external business analyses, development and implementation of advanced decision support technologies such as decision support systems and expert systems, and total quality management. He has published in several journals including , Management Science, Interfaces, and the California Management Review.John R. ColemanJohn R. Coleman was educated in London, England, where he received the Diploma of Technology in printing and design. Mr. Coleman has over twenty-five years international experience in security printing. He holds the Swiss Federal Diploma of Commerce and has completed studies for the M.B.A. in Switzerland as well. Mr. Coleman is Managing Director of Orell Fussli Graphics Arts Lts. and Banknote Printing, Zurich.