---
title: "Short note: GDSS"
subject: "Information System"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_8/information_system:short-note-gdss"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/short-note-gdss
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: GDSS

Information System · Chapter 4: Decision support and Intelligent systems

- Asked in: 2073 Magh, 4 marks
- Video: [Group decision support system (GDSS) in hindi || components features || Knowledge Management system](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t10KPeR_yfk) — Unbeaten Learning
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/short-note-gdss
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/information_system/chapter-4

## Question

Write a short note on GDSS.

## Short answer

GDSS is an interactive computer-based system helping groups jointly analyse problems and reach decisions using networked hardware, group software and a facilitator. Tools include brainstorming, voting, ranking and shared documents. Its advantages are wider participation, faster quality decisions and permanent records, but limitations include cost, training and reduced face-to-face interaction.

## Answer

A **Group Decision Support System (GDSS)** is an interactive computer-based system that helps a group of people to jointly analyse problems, generate and evaluate alternatives, and reach decisions. It combines networked hardware, group software and meeting procedures, often with a facilitator.

```text
 Members (PCs) <--network--> Server (ideas, votes, records)
          Facilitator controls the session
```

**Tools:** electronic brainstorming, idea organisation, voting and ranking, polling, shared documents, discussion logs.

**Characteristics:** anonymity, parallel input, structured process, automatic records, use of networks, support for same-place or distributed groups.

**Advantages:** wider participation, less dominance by a few, faster and better quality decisions, and permanent records.

**Limitations:** cost, need for training and technology, less face-to-face interaction, possible information overload.

Example: a company board using an electronic meeting system to rank investment proposals.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does a GDSS combine?
   A. A single PC and spreadsheet
   B. Only printed minutes
   C. Networked hardware, group software and meeting procedures, often with a facilitator
   D. Only a projector
   Answer: C. GDSS combines hardware, software and procedures. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which is a GDSS tool?
   A. Compiler
   B. Payroll ledger
   C. Antivirus
   D. Electronic brainstorming, voting and ranking
   Answer: D. GDSS tools include brainstorming, idea organisation, voting and polling. (Key point: Tools)

3. Which is an advantage of GDSS?
   A. Wider participation and less dominance by a few
   B. Greater dominance by loud members
   C. Less participation
   D. No records
   Answer: A. GDSS widens participation and keeps permanent records. (Key point: Advantages)

4. Which is a limitation?
   A. No cost
   B. Cost, training needs and less face-to-face interaction
   C. Needs no technology
   D. No information overload
   Answer: B. Limitations include cost, training, reduced face-to-face contact and overload. (Key point: Limitation)