A spreadsheet can be categorized as which type of system?

A spreadsheet is best categorized as a Decision Support System because it provides tools that assist users in making decisions based on data analysis and modeling. Decision Support Systems are designed to analyze large volumes of data, allowing users to manipulate data with various computations, create simulations, and evaluate alternative scenarios. Spreadsheets enable users to visualize data and run what-if analyses, making them effective for decision-making processes in business.

In contrast, other systems listed serve different primary functions. Management Information Systems are broader and typically focus on the management and processing of data to support overall decision-making and operational control, often relying on structured data from various sources. Expert Systems are designed to replicate the decision-making ability of a human expert in a specific domain, using a set of rules and inference engines, rather than providing users with direct tools for data manipulation and analysis. Knowledge Work Systems are more oriented toward the creation and management of knowledge rather than supporting specific decision-making tasks. Thus, identifying a spreadsheet as a Decision Support System accurately reflects its core functionality in assisting users in their decision-making process through data analysis and modeling.