Measuring the perceived effectiveness of decision support systems and their impact on performance

This study investigates decision support systems (DSS) by assessing the factors that enhance their perceived effectiveness and their impact on performance. This was achieved by using a simulation exercise with 652 senior graduate students who developed DSS and reported on the systems created. Our analysis shows that DSS users who perceive the system as effective correlate to improved company performance. However, investing significant human resources in developing a system does not necessarily guarantee enhanced performance. In addition, the study exemplifies how user traits can impact perceived effectiveness.