Decision Support Systems (DSS) are essential for businesses that try to have a competitive advantage, provide services that will benefit costumers, and make correct and proper decisions. Decision Support Systems are “a specific class of computerized information system that supports business and organizational decision-making activities; they are intended to help decision makers compile useful information from raw data, documents, personal knowledge, and/or business models to identify and solve problems and make decisions” (informationbuilders.com, 2009 ). The next few examples show us how vital Decision Support Systems are to facilitated decision-making.
While I was working for Monte Klinikum Hospital in Brazil, I was able to see the Hospital managers using many IT systems, Business Intelligence, and more specifically the use of Decision Support Systems to decide if they should offer new services in the Hospital. After they did that, they received reports and identified that about forty percent of patients who came to the Hospital were foreigners. Using that information managers decided to offer a service of translation to those who’s Portuguese was not the first language. The Hospital even created a website in English to better serve foreigner costumers.
Decision Support Systems (DSS) also help me to make correct choices according to my needs and circumstances. In my Personal Finance class, for example, I use Excel to create some spreadsheets and to keep track of my personal budget. After gathering and analyzing all the information needed, I then begging trying to extract “the true meaning of the information” I have. (Haag, Cummings, Philips, 2007, pg.180) Through some Decision Support Systems I am able to see the directions I need to make. In fact, at the end of September I was able to analyze my budget for that month and realized that I almost went over the amount I had available for that month. As I compared that month with the ones prior I found out that I had spent too much money in entertainment and clothing. After that I understood the problems in my budget, and I made a plan of action to help me to balance my budget.
Even in the scriptures we learn the pattern of carefully analyze information, and then, make a decision based on what was learned and explored. For example, Moroni exhorts us to read the records has was making available. Not only that, he also urges us to ponder about the information, or in other words, to analyze and consider such information. Moroni then promises that if we do these things we will be able to make good and accurate decisions (Moroni 10:3-4). Also, Oliver Cowdery was instructed by the Lord to consider and study things before taking action. The Lord told Oliver, “Behold, you have not understood; I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind…” (Doctrine and Convenats9:7-8). Also, the Lord said to Oliver, “Do these things which I (the Lord) have commanded you, and you shall prosper.” Through Oliver’s experience we may learn that to make good decisions and to prosper we need to study and consider information.
In a near future I will be using Decision Support Systems to chose which Bank I will be investing some money. I want to compare and analyze carefully the advantages regarding to interest, fees, and even the different kinds of services offered by each Bank. After I use some IT tools to do that I will be able to decide which Bank will be more beneficial.
Also, in the future I will be able to use techniques I have been learning in class to manage the business I will be working for. Choosing solutions, evaluating data, estimate consequences, and deciding what costumers need and want are things I will be doing because of the principles I am learning in my IS 240 class. I will be a more capable manager.
Decision Support Systems are truly a great help to help us understand a course of action and to make precise and needful decisions.

Works Cited:
· Haag, Cummings, Philips. (2007). Management Information System for the Information Age, p 180. 2007: New York City.
· informationbuilders.com, 2009, Information Builders, 02 October 2009< http://www.informationbuilders.com/decision-support-systems-dss.html>
Bibliography
· Informationweek.com
· MISQ Journal
· LDSBC Library Databases.