NEURAL NETWORKS FOR DECISION SUPPORT: PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Neural networks offer an approach to computing which - unlike conventional programming - does not necessitate a complete algorithmic specification. Furthermore, neural networks provide inductive means for gathering, storing, and using, experiential knowledge. Incidentally, these have also been some of the fundamental motivations for the development of decision support systems in general. Thus, the interest in neural networks for decision support is immediate and obvious. In this paper, we analyze the potential contribution of neural networks for decision support, on one hand, and point out at some inherent constraints that might inhibit their use, on the other. For the sake of completeness and organization, the analysis is carried out in the context of a general-purpose DSS framework that examines all the key factors that come into play in the design of any decision support system.