Decision Support Systems and Knowledge Utilization

Abstract

The utilization of findings of applied retail research in the process of retail planning can be improved when the research activities are better linked to decision making in planning. The "Decision Support System" approach provides a promising framework for estab lishing such links. The nature of the DSS approach is described. In addition options for the building ofa retail planning DSS are explored. Emphasis is laid on the recognizability of information needs related to the planning process and the possibility to develop a consistent theory on the dynamic operating of the retailing system. Considerations regarding these issues are transferred into substantive as well as organizational require ments to a retail planning DSS.