Application of a Group Decision Support System in the Reform of Study Programmes

Abstract

This paper presents the process and impact of the application of a group decision support system (GDSS) in the reform of post-Bologna graduate and postgraduate study programmes in two higher education institutions in Slovenia. Four experiments with four groups including both students and staff were performed. We have used the GDSS tool TeamWorks to organize, moderate and document meetings intended to develop possible answers to the question "How can we improve the content and execution of the study programmes?" The obtained results are to be used in the design of new study courses. Analysis of the idea gathering process dynamics represents important information for researchers in the field of group decision-making process dynamics. In addition to the experimental work the structure of a group decision support process is described and guidelines for the further development of tools and methodologies are presented.