A decision support system primarily aids management in:

A decision support system (DSS) is designed to assist management in making informed decisions by utilizing data analysis and interactive models, which is why the correct answer is focused on this capability. A DSS operates by integrating data from various sources, facilitating complex analysis, and allowing users to interact with the data through simulations and models. This interactivity enables decision-makers to explore different scenarios, assess potential outcomes, and ultimately make more informed and systematic choices.

The emphasis on data analysis is crucial as it allows management to base their decisions on empirical evidence rather than intuition alone. The system’s ability to integrate both quantitative and qualitative data provides a well-rounded perspective on potential decisions, thereby enhancing the decision-making process.

In contrast, the other choices suggest limitations in the capabilities of a DSS. While structured problems and predetermined criteria are aspects of decision support, the primary function of a DSS is not confined to only structured environments or tasks. Thus, the strength of a decision support system lies in its capacity to foster dynamic decision-making processes rather than merely servicing predefined types of decisions.