A Computerized Approach to Decision Process Tracing for Decision Support System Design

ABSTRACT We propose the use of computerized process tracing (CPT) tools as an appropriate approach for monitoring the information acquisition and evaluation phase of specific decision processes. CPT tools are unobtrusive and seem particularly relevant for evaluating certain decision tasks that may b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inDecision sciences Vol. 24; no. 5; pp. 931 - 952
Main Authors Cook, Gary J., Swain, Monte R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.1993
American Institute for Decision Sciences
Subjects
and Human Information Processing
Computer Applications
Decision Processes
Decision Support Systems
Decision theory
Information management
Studies
United States > US
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Summary:ABSTRACT We propose the use of computerized process tracing (CPT) tools as an appropriate approach for monitoring the information acquisition and evaluation phase of specific decision processes. CPT tools are unobtrusive and seem particularly relevant for evaluating certain decision tasks that may be supported by decision support systems (DSS). CPT tools can be an important component of DSS development. An information systems research taxonomy developed by previous researchers [29] [36] is used to position research work involving the methodology of CPT. Using a critique suggested by Libby [28], CPT tools are evaluated and compared to alternative process tracing tools. A brief empirical example using CPT is provided, and future uses relative to DSS are suggested. The appendix includes an example of a specific CPT tool.
Bibliography:ark:/67375/WNG-LBNPFS45-H
ArticleID:DECI931
We wish to thank Severin Grabski, Matthew Anderson, and the workshop participants at Brigham Young University for their valuable comments. We also appreciate the guidance of two anonymous reviewers and the associate editor.
istex:42ED445A031B2EE04A0471E955013D8135F084B8
Monte R. Swain earned his Ph.D. in management accounting and information systems at Michigan State University, and his B.S. and M.Acc. at Brigham Young University. His research interests include decision support systems, behavioral issues in information systems, behavioral issues in the university education process, and activity‐based costing.
Gary J. Cook earned his Ph.D. in management information systems at Arizona State University, and his B.S. and M.B.A. at California State University, Fresno. His research interests include decision support systems, information technology planning, computer supported cooperative work, and behavioral issues in information systems.
ISSN:0011-7315
1540-5915
DOI:10.1111/j.1540-5915.1993.tb00497.x