LaSca: a Large Scale Group Decision Support System

Gustavo Carvalho (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Adriana S. Vivacqua (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Jano M. Souza (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Sérgio Palma J. Medeiros (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Abstract: Decision-making involves choosing between one ore more alternatives, to achieve one or more goals. To support this process, there are decision support systems that employ different approaches, supporting groups or not. Generally, however, these systems do not have great flexibility; their users have to follow preestablished decision methods. This paper, after exposing some decision-making processes, describes a system, LaSca (from Large Scale), to support decisions in large-scale groups. This system, besides allowing effective achievement of the benefits of deciding in large groups through the proper structuring of the group, also allows its users to define themselves how this structuring will happen, based or not in the existing theories on the subject. So, in addition to facilitate the decision-making process, LaSca also allows its users to decide how to decide.

Keywords: CSCW, decision-making, large groups, participatory design

Categories: H.4.2, K.6.1, M.0, M.1, M.5