DECISION SUPPORT AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE - WHAT NEEDS TO BE LEARNT?

Decision makers should have comprehensive knowledge to be able to make quality decisions. The development of intelligent technologies and specific supporting decision tools has been accelerated during the last ten years, so managers of all strategic levels should keep track of this development and have timely access to adequate modalities and quantity of knowledge necessary for the optimal business management. The domain of the required knowledge is broader at higher managerial positions, while at lower positions it becomes narrow so more profound knowledge of certain area is required. Consequently, managers should know what basic knowledge employees should develop on different hierarchical levels. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the domain of Decision Support Systems, which are, according to the authors, essential for understanding the importance and purpose of their usage. The following concepts have been discussed, due to their proved importance in Decision Support Systems, according to the previously analyzed corresponding literature: strategic methods, methods oriented to performance, measurements, techniques and specific tools. The paper elaborates on reasons of their usage, as well their interconnections. The dynamics of these concepts' development during the last two decades has also been analyzed. The correlation analysis indicated which domains have been developed with similar dynamics. This review should serve as a guidebook for further analysis of the domain of concepts related to Decision Support System, but also to all individuals interested in gaining the complete insight into a wider area related to Decision Support Systems, including students, managers and others.