The strategic use of an information system in supporting architectural design decisions for a design firm

Abstract

This thesis is to illustrate how a computer-based information system for supporting decision making, that is a Decision Support System (DSS), can be utilized as a strategic tool in architectural design for a firm. The products of information technology have been designed around a wide spectrum of needs. Architects can immediately adopt the technology and use it as design tools. These tools are not just a productional convenience, but also bring about strategic advantages to a firm. In this study, through the investigations on the current computer use in professional architectural design , a need is called out for DSS planning. Derived from the field of Management Information Systems, a method of strategic DSS planning is set forth, which is a top-down planning process from office strategy to data base requirements, with the emphasis on the most critical applications to the top management . This method is applied through a three - phase planning process to a hypothetical office which represents a typical design firm. It is found in this study that the construction cost analysis for schematic design phase is the key operation for a DSS. This DSS can forge strong links between architectural design, project management, and office strategy in establishing a firm's competence in the cost and quality control for a building.