Decision support systems; management support systems: an overview; decision making, systems, modeling, and support; data management; modeling and model management; user interface; constructing a decision support system; organizational DSS and advanced topics; enterprise support systems; Group decision support systems; executive information and support systems; fundamentals of artificial intelligence and expert systems; applied artificial intelligence: an overview; fundamentals of expert systems; knowledge acquisition and validation; knowledge representation; inferences, explanations, and uncertainty; building expert systems: process and tools; cutting edge decision support technologies; neural computing: the basics; neural computing applications, genetic algorithms, and fuzzy logic; integrating and implementation; integrating decision support technologies; Implementing management support systems; organizational and societal impacts of management support systems; appendix and student project.

In 1985 it was 20 years since Nobel Laureate Herbert A. Simon published: 'THE SHAPE OF AUTOMATION: For Men and Management'. This short but important and still topical book dwells on three subjects: - The Long-Range Economic Effects of Automation; - Will the Corporation be Managed by Machines? - The New Science of Management Decision. In contrast with George Orwell, who was a critic of contemporary political systems rather than a prophet, Simon portrays a far more rosy picture of our 'brave new world'. Simon's work breathes optimism. First, computer technology; looking back it is aoubtful whether even the professor expected the hardware development ~e have wittnessed. Secondly, our ability to 'tame the beast'; there is now not much reason for complacency and satisfaction. Offices and factories can by no means be called automated, at most semi-automated. Thirdly the organizational and social implications of these rapid technological developments; referring to what he then called: 'The Computer and the new decision making techniques ..• ' Concerning this last point, there is little need to emphasize that had been less practical application in organizations than the often impressive theoretical developments would lead one to believe. In Europe this situation is even more accute than in the USA and Japan. The ESPRIT programme of the ECC and many similar national programs intend to bridge the gap.

In 1985 it was 20 years since Nobel Laureate Herbert A. Simon published: 'THE SHAPE OF AUTOMATION: For Men and Management'. This short but important and still topical book dwells on three subjects: - The Long-Range Economic Effects of Automation; - Will the Corporation be Managed by Machines? - The New Science of Management Decision. In contrast with George Orwell, who was a critic of contemporary political systems rather than a prophet, Simon portrays a far more rosy picture of our 'brave new world'. Simon's work breathes optimism. First, computer technology; looking back it is aoubtful whether even the professor expected the hardware development ~e have wittnessed. Secondly, our ability to 'tame the beast'; there is now not much reason for complacency and satisfaction. Offices and factories can by no means be called automated, at most semi-automated. Thirdly the organizational and social implications of these rapid technological developments; referring to what he then called: 'The Computer and the new decision making techniques ..• ' Concerning this last point, there is little need to emphasize that had been less practical application in organizations than the often impressive theoretical developments would lead one to believe. In Europe this situation is even more accute than in the USA and Japan. The ESPRIT programme of the ECC and many similar national programs intend to bridge the gap.

Appropriate for all courses in Decision Support Systems (DSS), computerized decision making tools, and management support systems. Todays networked computer systems enable executives to use information in radically new ways, to make dramatically more effective decisions -- and make those decisions more rapidly. Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Seventh Edition is a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to todays revolutionary management support system technologies, and how they can be used for better decision making. In this thoroughly revised edition, the authors go far beyond traditional "decision support systems," focusing far more coverage on Web-enabled tools, performance analysis, knowledge management, and other recent innovations. The authors introduce each significant new technology, show how it works, and offer practical guidance on integrating it into real-world organizations. Examples, products, services, and exercises are presented throughout, and the text has been revised for improved clarity and readability. New and enhanced coverage includes: state-of-the-art data mining, OLAP, expert system, and neural network software; revamped coverage of knowledge management; and a far greater emphasis on the use of Web technologies throughout. Also covered in detail: data warehousing, including access, analysis, visualization, modeling, and support. This edition also contains DSS In Action boxes presenting real business scenarios for the use of advanced management support technology. Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Seventh Edition is supported by a Web site containing additional readings, relevant links, and other supplements.

This essential text provides a readable yet sophisticated overview of the basic concepts of information technologies as they apply in healthcare. Spanning areas as diverse as the electronic medical record, searching, protocols, and communications as well as the Internet, Enrico Coiera has succeeded in making this vast and complex area accessible and understandable to the non-specialist, while providing everything that students of medical informatics need to know to accompany their course.