Which of the following is an implementation risk in decision support systems?

The identification of the inability to specify purpose and usage patterns as an implementation risk in decision support systems highlights a critical aspect of system design and user engagement. When developing or implementing decision support systems, it is essential to clearly define the goals and expected outcomes of the system, as well as how users intend to interact with it.

Without a well-specified purpose, the system may end up trying to support a broad range of decisions without clear guidance, which can lead to confusion among users, inefficiencies, and misuse of the system's capabilities. Additionally, unclear usage patterns can result in inadequate training and support for users, causing them to underutilize the system or misinterpret the data provided. This lack of clarity hampers the system's overall effectiveness and can undermine the decision-making process it was designed to enhance.

By focusing on specifying precise purposes and usage patterns during the implementation of decision support systems, organizations can mitigate risks, ensuring that the system aligns with users' needs and contributes positively to decision-making outcomes.