Analytical framework for studying the effects of user participation in DSS development

Decision Support Systems (DSS) are mainly used for assisting users in analysis and decision-making. User participation is considered to be critical during the process of system development that typically consists of planning, analysis, design and implementation. Success or failure of implementation depends upon the activities carried-out in development phases. The activeness of user's participation during development phases is a contributing factor towards the success of DSS. We have studied participation of users during development phases at different levels. In addition, impact of user's participation on system implementation has also been measured via a scenario. Our work highlights importance of user participation during DSS development and considered it as a necessary element.