The DSS Paradigm: An Interpretation Using the Kuhn Model

For the past three decades, Decision Support Systems (DSS) have looked to provide better decision-making support for difficult and complex semi-structured and unstructured decisions. However, debate continues over where DSS fits into the history of Management Information Systems (MIS), whether it is still the primary focus of MIS research, and in which direction DSS is heading. In an attempt to address these and other questions, we can apply Thomas S. Kuhn’s paradigm model from his text, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, to a DSS literature review. The literature demonstrates that DSS was indeed the paradigm for MIS, but MIS may currently be in a time of crisis whereby this paradigm could be threatened.