DSS Excel Assignment
For this assignment, you are to create a functional decision support system using Excel. In addition to the spreadsheet files, you will also turn in a report. Detailed requirements are given below.
DSS (Excel)
Your first step will be to define a business problem that you wish to solve by creating your own decision support system. This problem may be something from your current work situation (if applicable) or you may invent a fictional business and problem. If you need ideas, look back through all of the cases in the textbook (Textbook: Problem-Solving Cases in Microsoft Access and Excel, 14 Annual Edition, by Monk, Brady, and Mendelsohn. Cengage Learning, 2016. ISBN: 978-1-305-86862-5.).
Next, analyze your problem. Then, build your DSS system. You will need to provide real or fictional data for your spreadsheet. Finally, analyze your data to solve the problem you defined, and record your results.
You should ensure that your spreadsheet is without errors, is formatted correctly, and is labeled/created in such a way that it is easy to view and understand. Again, use some examples from past cases in the textbook to help you with formatting and organization ideas.
DSS Report
Your report should be completed in Word, and formatted in a professional manner (layout and format choices are up to you). Your finished report should be 3-6 pages in length. Assume that you are writing the report to your work supervisor (real or fictional). Your report should include the following sections:
(1) Problem Definition/Background - in this section, describe the business and the problem/decision that you are attempting to solve. For examples, read the Background section at the beginning of a few of the cases in the textbook.
(2) Software Choice - in this section, be sure to describe why a spreadsheet solution was most appropriate to your problem.
(3) Solution Design - in this section, describe the solution that you built and how it was used in your analysis (i.e. did you create a "what-if" scenario, use Solver or Scenario Manager, etc.).
(4) Results - in this section, describe the results of your analysis and your final solution and recommendations. Remember to write as though you are reporting your findings to your work supervisor.