AIding Decision Makers With a Generalized Data Base Management System: An Application to Inventory Management *

This paper examines the attributes of a generalized data base management system with respect to its impact on managerial decision making. The discussion focuses upon two primary considerations: 1) the organization of data within a data base such that all intricate relationships are represented; and 2) the utilization of a facile method for non‐programming users to interrogate the data base. Examples drawn from the field of material requirements planning are used to illustrate the concepts and potential of the generalized data base management system.