Recent developments associated with decision support systems in water resources

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Abstract
In order to limit the scope of this review, a working definition of a decision support system is needed. L. Adelman has defined decision support systems (DSSs) as “interactive computer programs that utilize analytical methods, such as decision analysis, optimization algorithms, program scheduling routines, and so on, for developing models to help decision makers formulate alternatives, analyze their impacts, and interpret and select appropriate options for implementation” (Adelman [1992], p. 2). Another definition has been offered by S. J. Andriole, who defined decision support as consisting of “any and all data, information, expertise or activities that contribute to option selection“ (Andriole [1989], p. 3). A common idea explicit in each of these definitions is that DSSs integrate various technologies and aid in option selection. Implicit in each definition is that these are options for solving relatively large, unstructured problems. Thus, the following working definition of a DSS will be used in this review: A DSS is an integrated, interactive computer system, consisting of analytical tools and information management capabilities, designed to aid decision makers in solving relatively large, unstructured problems.