Resource

mulino Decision Support System tool (mDSS)

Author/Contact:

Foundation for Applied Information Technology in Environment, Agriculture and Global Changes (TIAMASG)
Contact: info@netsymod.eu

Publication date:

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Resource description:

The mDSS software is a generic indicator-based Decision Support System (DSS) developed to assist decision makers in the participatory management of environmental problems by applying several Multi-Criteria Analysis Methods and Group Decision Making. Specifically, it supports Decision/Policy Makers in instances where there are choices to be made between alternative options for environmental management with the involvement of multiple actors. Based on the DPSIR conceptual framework (Driving forces-Pressures-State-Impact-Response), the methodology facilitates the integration of environmental, social and economic concerns to express preferences in terms of options sustainability with consideration of alternative exogenous scenarios drivers.

Requirements:

  • A group of skilled facilitators of the decision process to allow for effective communication between disciplinary experts and stakeholders.
  • The mDSS5 requires operation system Windows Vista, XP, Me, 2000, or 7(32). It works also in Windows 7 64 within an XP Virtual Machine.
  • The mDSSweb online version requires the Microsoft Silverlight plug-in.

Advantages:

  • The mDDS considers the inherent multidimensionality of decision problems related to socio-ecosystem management and their trade-offs, thus mimicking the most common approaches adopted by decision makers.
  • Both versions are freely available and can be easily implemented in any real world decision case (no constrains to use specific data input).
  • mDSS5 has many functions: various Decision Rules (SAW, OWA, Electre, TOPSIS)

Constraints:

  • The indicators should be supplied by the user from measured data, estimated data and models.
  • Proper use of the tool require skilled professionals, with adequate theoretical bases on the methods adopted.

Partners:

  • Prof. Carlo Giupponi
  • Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)
  • Euro-Mediterranean Center for Climate Change (CMCC)
  • Universities of Milan (Statale) and Venice (Ca' Foscari)

Additional information:

Giupponi, C., 2007. Decision Support Systems for Implementing the European Water Framework Directive: the MULINO approach. Environmental Modelling and Software 22, 248-258.

Giupponi, C., Sgobbi, A., Mysiak, J., Camera, R., Fassio, A., 2008. NETSYMOD-an integrated approach for water resources management, in Meire, P., Coenen, M., Lombardo, C., Robba, M., Sacile, R. (eds.): Integrated Water Management: Practical Experiences and Case Studies, Springer Verlag, Nato Science Series: IV: Earth and Environment Sciences, pp. 69- 93.

Mysiak, J., Giupponi, C., Rosato, P., 2005. Towards the Development of a Decision Support System for Water Resource Management. Environmental Modelling and Software. 20(2):203-214.

Licence:

  • Free, no licence

Development stage:

  • Full, working product

Quality assurance:

  • Scientific peer review
  • Professional references
  • Own QA and testing
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