Decision Modeling Paradigms

Abstract

The analysis of decision problems and their resolution is addressed by many managerial, technical and social science disciplines with widely varying foci (Beroggi, 2001). Out of this abundance of approaches, coupled with the need to balance analytic scrutiny with practical feasibility, a new approach has emerged — visual interactive modeling. Its objective is to bridge the gap between cognitive and analytic problem solving by helping decision makers concentrate on the problem, while swiftly providing him or her with the appropriate analytic tools. For example, commercial management software packages (e.g., spreadsheet programs) provide the managers with easily accessible analytic tools (e.g., statistical data analysis and optimization algorithms). The mere availability of analytic tools, however, poses the hazard of misuse if the gap between cognitive problem perception and appropriate use of these tools is not bridged satisfactorily. What is needed is a separation of the skills of using analytic tools from the skills of developing them.