Restrictiveness and guidance in support systems

Goodwin, P and Fildes, R A and Lawrence, M and Stephens, G (2011) Restrictiveness and guidance in support systems. Omega: The International Journal of Management Science, 39 (3). pp. 242-253. ISSN 0305-0483

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Abstract

Restrictiveness and guidance have been proposed as methods for improving the performance of users of support systems. In many companies computerized support systems are used in demand forecasting enabling interventions based on management judgment to be applied to statistical forecasts. However, the resulting forecasts are often ‘sub-optimal’ because many judgmental adjustments are made when they are not required. An experiment was used to investigate whether restrictiveness or guidance in a support system leads to more effective use of judgment. Users received statistical forecasts of the demand for products that were subject to promotions. In the restrictiveness mode small judgmental adjustments to these forecasts were prohibited (research indicates that these waste effort and may damage accuracy). In the guidance mode users were advised to make adjustments in promotion periods, but not to adjust in non-promotion periods. A control group of users were not subject to restrictions and received no guidance. The results showed that neither restrictiveness nor guidance led to improvements in accuracy. While restrictiveness reduced unnecessary adjustments, it deterred desirable adjustments and also encouraged over-large adjustments so that accuracy was damaged. Guidance encouraged more desirable system use, but was often ignored. Surprisingly, users indicated it was less acceptable than restrictiveness.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Omega: The International Journal of Management Science
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1400/1408
Subjects:
?? strategy and managementmanagement science and operations researchinformation systems and managementdiscipline-based research ??
ID Code:
45813
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
11 Jul 2011 18:38
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
18 Dec 2023 01:14