Publication Date
1993
Description
A world-wide demand for sustainable development of our grazinglands has placed an unprecedented urgency to determine mechanisms to develop and transfer technology that meets the needs of individual landholders and overarching values of society. Unfortunately, advances in science and technology have outstripped our ability lo organise information into a usable form using traditional institutions. The emergence of computer technology with high power/ cost ratios has accelerated interest in computerised decision support systems (DSS) over the past 10 years. These systems assist resource managers in dealing with complex planning problems by allowing exploration of alternatives and selection of appropriate technology. If designed, developed and implemented properly, DSS can be a useful tool in transferring technology. Fundamental requirements for a successful DSS include understanding human learning processes, involvement of users throughout the development phase, and use of innovative development techniques and advanced training-educational tools, A systems approach to development should be pursued which focuses on use of soft systems methodology to define need for a DSS followed by feasibility analysis. If deemed appropriate,· an action plan focusing on software development management, systems designconfiguration, documentation and technology migration should be prepared. Iterative prototyping moving back and forth from design, coding and user evaluation should be pursued until the DSS is ready to "ron out". Special care should be given to communications and raining techniques. New innovations in computer hardware, software, satellite communications, fibre optic cable and ortho-digital photography coupled with advances in the natural and human sciences ill offer many new opportunities for developers of DSS to devise innovative ways to address grazing land management. Joining these· new technologies and scientific knowledge with the issues of natural resource sustainability, biodiversity and global change should present the resource management community with challenges which will be both exciting and frustrating as we attempt the coupling of man, machines and nature.
Citation
Stuth, J W.; Hamilton, W T.; Conner, J C.; and Sheehy, D P., "Decision Support System in the Transfer of Grassland Technology" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 23.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session19/23
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Decision Support System in the Transfer of Grassland Technology
A world-wide demand for sustainable development of our grazinglands has placed an unprecedented urgency to determine mechanisms to develop and transfer technology that meets the needs of individual landholders and overarching values of society. Unfortunately, advances in science and technology have outstripped our ability lo organise information into a usable form using traditional institutions. The emergence of computer technology with high power/ cost ratios has accelerated interest in computerised decision support systems (DSS) over the past 10 years. These systems assist resource managers in dealing with complex planning problems by allowing exploration of alternatives and selection of appropriate technology. If designed, developed and implemented properly, DSS can be a useful tool in transferring technology. Fundamental requirements for a successful DSS include understanding human learning processes, involvement of users throughout the development phase, and use of innovative development techniques and advanced training-educational tools, A systems approach to development should be pursued which focuses on use of soft systems methodology to define need for a DSS followed by feasibility analysis. If deemed appropriate,· an action plan focusing on software development management, systems designconfiguration, documentation and technology migration should be prepared. Iterative prototyping moving back and forth from design, coding and user evaluation should be pursued until the DSS is ready to "ron out". Special care should be given to communications and raining techniques. New innovations in computer hardware, software, satellite communications, fibre optic cable and ortho-digital photography coupled with advances in the natural and human sciences ill offer many new opportunities for developers of DSS to devise innovative ways to address grazing land management. Joining these· new technologies and scientific knowledge with the issues of natural resource sustainability, biodiversity and global change should present the resource management community with challenges which will be both exciting and frustrating as we attempt the coupling of man, machines and nature.
