Date of Award

1983

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

Department

Business

First Advisor

Michael R. Burroughs

Second Advisor

Daniel M. Henroid

Third Advisor

Arlene Taich

Abstract

This thesis, titled Approaches for the Application of Decision Support Systems in Nonprofit Organizations, explores how high-tech solutions, specifically Decision Support Systems (DSS), can be utilized by nonprofits to enhance their operational efficiency and strategic planning. Authored by Robert Eugene Noe, Sr., the work emphasizes the potential for DSS, particularly the Interactive Financial Planning System (IFPS), to offer data-driven decision-making processes tailored for nonprofit needs.

The study examines the evolution of decision-making technologies and their historical underutilization in nonprofit sectors due to prohibitive costs and limited resources. IFPS is presented as a tool that enables scenario modeling, budgeting, and financial planning, allowing nonprofits to make "what if" analyses and plan future funding and program initiatives effectively.

Additionally, the thesis addresses challenges in nonprofit management, such as budget constraints and resource allocation, demonstrating how a well-implemented DSS can help leaders make informed, data-supported decisions. Using a step-by-step approach, Noe outlines how nonprofit managers can build, analyze, and utilize financial models through IFPS to optimize financial strategies and improve organizational impact.

This pioneering work highlights a critical gap in literature and practice, advocating for broader adoption of DSS in nonprofit organizations to drive economic, data-backed solutions. The author concludes by suggesting that nonprofits could gain substantial benefits from implementing these systems despite the initial costs, as they offer long-term value by enhancing decision accuracy and operational flexibility.

Download

Included in

Business Commons

Share

COinS