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Validation of decision-aiding spreadsheets: the influence of contingency factors

Author

Listed:
  • C W Olphert

    (Loughborough University)

  • J M Wilson

    (Loughborough University)

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation into the influence of contingency factors on the validation of spreadsheet-based decision support systems (DSS), and develops a methodological framework for validation that takes account of the effect of contingency factors. The research extends and confirms previous research by one of the authors who identified relevant contingency factors. The perceived influence of these contingency factors on validation effort was investigated by an empirical study, and the results of this study were then used to derive contingency-related guidance for validation. This was evaluated by a sample of practitioners and academics with experience in the development of spreadsheet-based DSS, and was then incorporated into a methodological framework for validation. The framework is designed to enable managers, decision-makers, project leaders and other non-OR specialists to identify the extent of validation effort likely to be required to ensure that the spreadsheet models that they build are valid. The research has implications for the validation of other types of OR models.

Suggested Citation

  • C W Olphert & J M Wilson, 2004. "Validation of decision-aiding spreadsheets: the influence of contingency factors," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 55(1), pages 12-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:55:y:2004:i:1:d:10.1057_palgrave.jors.2601654
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2601654
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dery, Richard & Landry, Maurice & Banville, Claude, 1993. "Revisiting the issue of model validation in OR: An epistemological view," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(2), pages 168-183, April.
    2. Landry, Maurice & Malouin, Jean-Louis & Oral, Muhittin, 1983. "Model validation in operations research," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 14(3), pages 207-220, November.
    3. Miser, Hugh J., 1993. "A foundational concept of science appropriate for validation in operational research," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(2), pages 204-215, April.
    4. P N Finlay & J M Wilson, 2000. "A survey of contingency factors affecting the validation of end-user spreadsheet-based decision support systems," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 51(8), pages 949-958, August.
    5. J Davies & V J Mabin, 2001. "Knowledge management and the framing of information: a contribution to OR/MS practice and pedagogy," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 52(8), pages 856-872, August.
    6. Landry, M. & Banville, C. & Oral, M., 1996. "Model legitimisation in operational research," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 92(3), pages 443-457, August.
    7. Oral, Muhittin & Kettani, Ossama, 1993. "The facets of the modeling and validation process in operations research," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(2), pages 216-234, April.
    8. Edwards, John S. & Finlay, Paul N. & Wilson, John M., 2000. "The role of OR specialists in `do it yourself' spreadsheet development," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 127(1), pages 14-27, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. L Anastasakis & C W Olphert & J M Wilson, 2008. "Experiences in using a contingency factor-based validation methodology for spreadsheet DSS," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 59(6), pages 756-761, June.
    2. D Champion & J M Wilson, 2010. "The impact of contingency factors on validation of problem structuring methods," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 61(9), pages 1420-1431, September.

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