Using a group decision support system to make investment prioritisation decisions

This paper is concerned with how decision making groups involved in making investment prioritisation decisions involving funding of technology and science projects may be supported by a group decision support system (GDSS). While interested in decision outcomes, the primary focus of this paper is the role of a group support system as an aid to developing shared understanding within a group. The paper develops the conceptual framework of decision-making, communication and group support, and demonstrates, through a field application involving a strategic investment decision making group, how a group decision support system based on individual handsets can support the development of shared understanding in the group decision-making process. By quickly highlighting on differences of opinion, the system enabled discussions to be focussed on the important areas of disagreement, and also reduced negative group affects such as domination. This leads to improved shared understanding between members of the group, and the possible generation of additional options. We suggest that the usefulness of these types of system, at this stage of their development, are in their role of developing shared understanding and learning between members of a decision making group.