Supporting problem formulation and alternative generation in managerial decision making

The pre-choice stages of the problem solving process are more difficult to support through information systems than choice itself. Systems that support problem formulation and solution finding are typically either expert system programs with narrow application domains, or programs dealing with easily quantifiable problems. In contrast, the authors introduce a decision support system (GENI) that operates independent of domain, aiding the user in general problem solving tasks. GENI's user interface is built around a standard dialog function which can be modified by means of parameter settings. The various settings result in different stimuli being displayed and different data items being recorded. The standard interface design was chosen to reduce the development and maintenance effort, as well as to simplify the user's problem solving task.<>