Assessing the Performance of Decision Support Systems in Military Environment

Abstract

This article explores the ability of a decision support system (DSS) to improve the quality of decision making in extreme environment. This DSS is actually based on a networked information system. Academic literature commonly mentions models of fit to explore the relationship between technology and performance, reckoning users' evaluations as a relevant measurement technique for Information System (IS) success. Although effective contributions have been achieved in measurement and exploration of fit, there have been few attempts to investigate the triangulation of fit between “Task-DSS-Decision Maker” under stressful and uncertain circumstances. This article provides new insights regarding the advantages provided by networked IS for making relevant decisions. An original case study has been conducted. It is focused on a networked decision support system called Link 16 that is used during aerial missions. This case study shows that the system improves decision making on an individual basis. Our result suggest the importance of three main fit criteria – Compliance, Complementarity and Conformity – to measure DSS performance under extreme environment and display a preliminary decisional fit model.