Decision+Making+and+Technology

toc Decision Making =1. Introduction (Aya) = Both of these models can certainly be affected by technology, since we are constantly using technology to make decisions. Whether it's to communicate with others for group decisions or just to get information or inspiration for individual decisions, we have come to depend on technology quite a bit. In some cases, technology can facilitate the decision-making process, and in others, our decisions can be hindered by technology. Regardless, there is definitely a connection between technology and decision making, and that relationship will be further explored below
 * Decision making** is the process of making choices among a variety of possible actions, which could also include inaction. Technology has come to affect every part of our daily lives, and our decision-making processes are certainly included this effect. There are three key decision making models: **Intuitive Decision Making**, **Rational Decision Making**, and **Creative Decision Making**. The Intuitive Decision Making Model consists of coming to a decision without conscious reasoning, and thus, is not usually affected by technology. The next two models are shown below:

=2. Skype (Jennifer)= media type="custom" key="10908212" align="center"

2.1 How has Skype changed the workplace?
Video conferencing was invented in 1964, but it was not adopted to the business world right away because it was considered too expensive and seemed useless. Over the years, video conferencing has been improved and made easier to use, which caused businesses to see a use for it. It wasn't until the 1990s that video conferencing was adopted into the business world. Businesses use Skype and other video conferencing systems to interview potential employees, communicate with contractors, and hold conferences. The technology of video conferencing has been advanced and improved over the years, and it will most likely continue to do so.

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2.2. Skype and Business Decision Making
Pros >>
 * 1) Created a program that has multiple functions and improves business communication
 * 2) Bridges Distances
 * 3) Reduced the cost to travel
 * 4) Low Cost Calling, options include -
 * Skype Credit- the company would only have to pay 2.3 cents per minute for any calls made.
 * Skype Subscriptions-the company would only cost the company 1.2 cents per minute for any calls made. (2011a)
 * Skype Premium- the company would pay $8.99 per month for unlimited calls. (2011a)
 * 1) Business Control Panel - services include:
 * Instant Messaging
 * File Transfers
 * Conference Calls

Cons
 * 1) Technical Issues
 * A virus on the computer could affect the program. Some technical issues may not be easy to identify or solve, in which case employee would need help from a source of technical support . Also, there may be employees who do not know how to use the functions of Skype, and would thus have to rely on other employees.
 * 1) Connection Quality
 * During calls or video conferences, there may be times that the voices break up, which makes it harder for the conversation to continue if the receiver or sender is missing some information from the conversation.
 * Depending on the Internet connection, the program can either lag or run smoothly.
 * 1) Additional Financial Costs
 * Webcams for employees
 * A webcam can range from $39.99 to $129 . The cost of the webcam will depend on the features of the product. The company needs to chose which features are important to them such as: do they want a webcam that has auto focus or a one that can eliminate noise? Also, a company may want to invest in headsets, which will prevent other employees from being distracted by the conversation.
 * Additional bandwidth
 * Bandwidth is the amount of information that can be transmitted. For a video call, the minimum download and upload speed is 128 kbps, and the recommended download and upload speed is 300 kbps .The minimum amount is what the company needs to have in order for them to use Skype and the recommended amount is suggested if they want to ensure efficiency. If a company wants video calling with HD or high quality, the minimum and maximum speeds will increase.
 * Maintenance of computer equipment and software
 * In order for Skype to be used, the computer needs to meet the system requirements. Thus, the equipment needs to be updated, as do programs such as anti-viruses.
 * 1) Environment of a Video Conference
 * During a video conference, the surrounding of a room could hinder the progress of a meeting. A large conference room will be able to seat a lot of employees, but the size of the room, windows or glass table could create echos (Thibodeaux, 2011c). The echos will make it hard for information to be communicated clearly and efficiently. Also, dim lighting can create a shadow, which would make it harder for employees to see each other's emotion and body language.
 * 1) Security concerns
 * Skype users can easily gain access into an unknown Skye user's account if it is unsecured
 * "Skype's encryption is not entirely secure"
 * A study was done to see if encrypted information can be leaked, and it was concluded that Skype is not as secure as the company claims. The research found that it was possible to encrypt a video call, but only phrases can be identified. The accuracy of the phrases is between 60% and 83% (2011f). The accuracy is high, but there were extensive tests and research done.
 * 1) Conflict with corporate policies
 * Some corporations have banned the use of instant messaging applications because of the security issues.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2.4. How to avoid Risks?

 * 1) Companies can use Skype Connect
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">instead of downloading Skype into a computer, Skype Connect uses their phone system.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">employees would make Skype calls by using their telephone (PBX)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">incoming calls are free while outgoing calls will cost money
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">outgoing calls is .8 cent per minute
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Skype Connect eliminates viruses since instant messaging is not included in the package.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">won't be able to use instant messaging and video calling, so this may not be ideal for all businesses because its elimination of videoconferencing causes Skype Connect to become just like a telephone

2. Companies should have:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">end to end security
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">firewalls
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">encryption
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">employees who know when a line is secure

3. Companies should update computers to meet the needs of Skype in order to:
 * improve connection quality
 * decrease the chance of malicious software

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2.5. What can skype be used for?
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Using Skype would depend on the entity's risk appetite. Obviously, an entity would not want to take too much risk, especially the kind of risk that could damage their reputation. The entity needs to establish policies on when to use Skype. The major concern with Skype is the security concerns. So, an entity can decide not to use Skype for matters concerning private information. Instead, Skype can be used during the brainstorming stage.

=<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Decision Support Systems (DSS) (Steven and Huy) = || =<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3.1. How has DSS changed the workplace? = =<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3.2. Pros = =<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3.3. Cons = =<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3.4. DSS Framework: = <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DSS is the Decision Support System. It’s used for assisting with development of software and applications. The framework’s library contains many fields to include source or frame. It automatically fills in the "material" in each field, which saves developers the time it would take to create such data themselves. DSS is widely used in colleges and organizations, resulting in an extensive expansion to driven DSS, which includes five types of development:
 * < DSS, is the combination of knowledge and the creation of a decision. The methodology of DSS involves inputting data into the database, analyzing, and giving result probability in a timely fashion. DSS looks like a computer, but this computer based system allows users to make business decisions at a fast pace with various resources. These resources can include graphs, programs, and in some instances, AI (artificial intelligence). The systems are meant to be a means of storing and sharing information, as opposed to a typical data warehouse system. These systems can be geared toward business executives, or some other educated and experienced employee. ||= [[image:ba3361003/flow_high.jpg width="438" height="194"]]
 * Allows access to data and information for making quicker and better decisions.
 * Fills the demand for decision making in business, which must be timely, appropriate, and affordable
 * Development of elements in the knowledge management (contribution in experience)
 * Overall, DSS allows for more accurate information in a timely manner
 * Changes our social view of decisions and the amount of information required to make a decision
 * Allows for faster and better ground decisions
 * Based on the statistics, which makes measurements and comparisons easier
 * Encourages research and decision making on the part of the user
 * Collects various means of information on a particular topic in one application that is generally user friendly
 * Generates decisions due to cause and effect relationships, which are determined based on previous input history
 * Allows more group thinking and greater capability to communicate more ideas over greater distances
 * Requires support from a source that can provide the necessary funding
 * Problems can arise when building a despondence system, which must include all questions and answers about a project
 * Potential for misuse by inadequately trained employees
 * Users must be trained and educated due to sophistication of system
 * Potential problems with regards to who gets to use the DSS
 * With more ideas means longer decision period
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Model** - <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> types of models include financial models, forecasting models, optimization, and simulation models to provide assistance in troubleshooting issues. Unfortunately, the data is often limited by variable(s) and space (usually in the mathematical model that uses data to make decisions)
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Data** - consists of numbers and relevant information to create reports to help decision making. The data must be analyzed and filtered to create reports and metrics, commonly known as Data Warehouse. Data Warehouse combines all forms of data, internal and external data to make decisions. In a peer reviewed articale written by Keith B Matthews " The DSS fulfills the need for a tool that allows rural land managers to explore their land use options and the potential impacts of land use change." (Mathews, Jun e 1998)
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Communication** - <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> focuses on supporting decisions made as a group, also known as Group Decision. It has many plans to choose from, and many ways to solve problems, depending on the method of connection between the decisions. Communication uses network and communication technology for companies to make quicker and more accurate decisions.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Document** - <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> used to analyze and extract information in writing (may be text, image documents, video, audio, ...). Document uses data and information document databases.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Knowledge** - <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> uses knowledge management systems for application in decision making. These are applications that require <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> expert opinion to solve problems. They are used for managing knowledge in organizations, and supporting the creation, capture, storage, and dissemination of information.

3.5. What happens if you use the wrong DSS for decision making? - security?
=<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Internet as a Source of Information for Decision Making (Daniel) = <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The internet can greatly facilitate the decision-making process because, as a convenient source of instant information, it makes the process much faster. The internet gives you almost infinite amounts of information with the click of a button, which helps users make better and more informed decisions. However, with lots of information it can be hard and time-consuming to identify information that is credible and relevant. Since the internet can provide inaccurate information, it can lead to bad decisions if users are not able to properly assess the quality of their sources. But overall, the internet is a great tool to obtain information and it can be accessed through a web browser.
 * Potential problems that arise when the wrong DSS is used depend on the type of research a user is looking for when making decisions. If the researcher needs an answer based on data only, then a communication-based DSS could lead the user to a different decision based on the information input.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[[image:ba3361003/chrome-ie-firefox.jpg]]

 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Internet Explorer **
 * Internet Explorer (IE) is a closed source web browser developed by Microsoft that comes pre-installed on all Windows Operating Systems (OS), but can also run on other platforms. At its high point in 2002 and 2003, Internet Explorer had a usage share of 90%. Its usage share has since declined, mainly due to the emergence of other browsers. Internet Explorer stills remains the most used browser today, but browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are not far behind.
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Firefox **
 * Firefox, originally named Phoenix, is an open source web browser developed by Mozilla, a global, nonprofit organization. Firefox runs on many operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and others. Firefox is the second most used browser worldwide, only behind Internet Explorer, and has a usage share of 26.79% according to StatCounter.
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chrome **
 * Chrome is a closed source web browser developed by Google that was released in December 2008. Although Chrome is closed source software, Google released most of its source code as a separate browser named Chromium, which developers can edit. Chrome has the third highest usage share of web browsers, with 17.73% usage share according to StatCounter.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4.2. Pros

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The internet provides the user with instant information
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Increases availability of information
 * Makes informed decision-making easier and faster
 * Helps users make more informed decisions
 * The ability to access documents & books online

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4.3. Cons

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Researching data can be time consuming
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Requires user to evaluate the quality of the information
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The amount of information can be overwhelming
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not all information is accurate & credible
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Can serve as a distraction

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4.4. How to narrow down overwhelming quantity of information and ensure quality?
<span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The amount of information that can be found on the internet can truly be overwhelming, and not all of the information found is relevant or accurate, Therefore, it is important to narrow down the information gathered to ensure quality by following these guidelines: =5. Conclusion (Aya)= <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">In conclusion, developments in technology have certainly come to affect decision making, including the process of making business decisions. Thus, companies should take advantage of these technologies, including Skype, DSS, and the Internet, and use them to aid in the decision-making process. However, there is a possibility that such resources can hinder effective decision making if not used appropriately. In order to ensure efficient utilization of these tools, managers should try to adhere to the following tips: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Therefore, if companies use the technologies mentioned, as well as others, efficiently and appropriately, they can largely facilitate and optimize their decision-making process.
 * Use more than one search engine and keyword
 * Make sure the information is not outdated
 * Blogs and personal pages should not be considered a reliable source
 * Find information written by scholars, experts and credible professionals
 * Follow the necessary procedures to ensure and maintain security in the use of Skype and the Internet.
 * Avoid using Skype to discuss private or confidential information for security reasons.
 * Consider using Skype Connect, which could provide many benefits depending on the needs of the company.
 * Set policies and educate employees about proper use of Skype and the Internet for purposes solely related to business decisions.
 * Set protocols to limit the number of employees who use Decision Support Systems, and provide those who do with adequate training in order to maximize efficiency.
 * Educate employees about how to assess quality of information found on the Internet in order to avoid decisions made based on false or inaccurate data.

=6. Sources= <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">[|www.skype.com] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">[|http://gs.statcounter.com/#browser-ww-monthly-201010-201110-bar] <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">http://dssresources.com/faq/index.php?action=artikel&id=2 <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.psych.lse.ac.uk/ifip-dss/Papers/Becser.pdf

=<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7. Members = <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Aya Embabi, Steven Fields , Daniel Mancilla , Huy Vo , Jennifer Wong

=8. References =