Cognitive artefacts for decision support

We introduce a novel approach to computer-based modelling which allows the construction of cognitive artefacts with an unusual degree of openness and a potential for close integration with other artefacts and with human processes. Four particular artefacts concerning railway operation, timetabling, restaurant management and warehouse management are described briefly and attention is drawn to those properties concerning knowledge representation and communication which show that the modelling methods used have a significant contribution to make the development of more effective decision support systems in a business context.