Title: A systematic approach to problem formulation in a decision support system

Authors: Christian Hannes; Rüdiger von Nitzsch

Addresses: Decision Theory and Financial Services Group, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany ' Decision Theory and Financial Services Group, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany

Abstract: Formulating a decision statement is the foundation for systematically solving a decision. In ill-defined decisions, formulating is particularly difficult. Therefore, a decision analyst helps with formulating the problem. Some decision-makers may not afford a decision analyst but need help formulating. We designed a decision support system (DSS) that systemises problem structuring methods (PSMs) to support problem formulation. These PSMs were combined with multi-attributive utility theory (MAUT) in the DSS Entscheidungsnavi. Helping to formulate a decision statement means helping to improve understanding of the decision. Therefore, we measure how the DSS helped to enhance the decision-makers' understanding. We employ the criteria of right scope, preciseness of the decision statement, and users' written feedback. We used the Entscheidungsnavi in an empirical study with 850 students. It helped in 87% of all cases. In 552 cases, the subjects improved their decision statement, and 190 participants did not change their decision statement but wrote that their understanding improved.

Keywords: problem formulation; decision support systems; DSS; problem structuring; problem structuring methods; PSM; Entscheidungsnavi.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDSS.2024.137233

International Journal of Decision Support Systems, 2024 Vol.5 No.1, pp.14 - 29

Received: 08 Oct 2021
Accepted: 09 May 2022
Published online: 06 Mar 2024 *

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