A multilateral design process of decision support systems: Some issues

A discussion is presented of why some Decision Support Systems (DDS) that some firms have developed cannot satisfy the users' needs. Trying to develop a specific Decision Support System (DSS) for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling activities during the Olympic Games in Athens came into question the significance of some design process issues. The concept of design process plays a very significant role in the outset of the Information System Development (ISD) process. This concept has not been the subject of much debate and attention in ISD. From the authors' point of view, the main issue is how the designer thinks about the design process. In general, the designers' process is influenced by the designer's conception. This paper endeavours to disclose some of the main factors related to ones' conception of design process and an attempt is made to put forward a conceptual model of the information systems' design process. This conceptual model is an initial step towards a successful implementation of ISD projects, especially in the field of Decision Support Systems for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling.