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 can support the development of shared understanding in the group decision-making process. The paper concludes with an examination of how supported communication in groups, and enhanced understanding of individual views, may develop learning and impact on strategic decision outcomes. We suggest that the usefulness of these types of system, at this stage of their development, may be more in their role of developing shared understanding between members of a group, rather than in aiding ‘better’ decision outcomes.