A framework for group decision support systems: Combining AI tools and OR techniques

Work on the implementation of Group Decision Support Systems has to exploit recent advancements of computer science. Existing frameworks for single-user Decision Support Systems, based on well-established Operations Research methods uch as Multicriteria Decision Making techniques, have to be integrated with successful technical developments in electronic ommunication a d computing. Starting from the presentation f the related Operations Research background, this paper proceeds by discussing challenges coming from the areas of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Information Systems on the World Wide Web platform. Based on this discussion, a framework for an 'open', computer-mediated Group Decision Support System is proposed. Thc term 'open' is related to a platform-independent system, which can efficiently support alternative types of goals and control protocols between its users