Model Management in Decision Support Systems

Abstract

Models are a key component in most decision making processes. Systems developed to effectively support the decision making process must accomodate the models that give focus to the decision making motifs of the individual decision maker. The model management process is examined and the objectives of such as system for computer-aided support of model management is described. Alternative forms of knowledge representation in model representation are considered. Abstractions are singled as a robust model representation form. The model management system must facilitate the definition and maintenance of models and data as a resource in decision-making support. A prototype Decision Support System to support model management involving econometric modeling in the planning process is briefly described. The prototype system incorporates reference and user databases containing time-series data, model database of equations, a global directory to facilitate distribution and control, and a control program providing flexible user interface.