Uncertainty comes in degrees, sometimes small, sometimes very large. The final result of taking any decisions is likely to be affected by factors outside the control of the decision maker . The object of the exercise will rarely be as simple as minimising costs. The very concept of a single best result may be inappropriate . The ideal decision at any stage may be the one that leaves the decision maker most flexibility about the future.
Decision analysis provides systematic methods of dealing with the difficulties and complexities.
There are a number of different decision theories, each contributing to the mass of analysis available to those analysts wishing to develop methodologies for helping businesses. The software supports rational coherent decision making. Both packages are decision support tools which can be used to help facilitate decision making in cases which are made complex by conflicting objectives. These may be cases where options under consideration have many different attributes or criteria which define the 'goodness' or 'badness' of the option, and where no single option is best on all criteria. Alternatively the complexity may result from different stakeholders arguing their 'case' and a mutually acceptable solution.