Although the domain of various decisions is different, decision making is not restricted to the high ranking manager. The process of decision making is based on the analysis and synthesis of information. The main information required by production people is the 'detailed information for the specific subjects'. The content of detailed industrial information for specific subjects may vary according to the position of a person, from advisory services for top managers, to instruction and shop drawings for specialized workers. As previously discussed, the detailed information is normally used by production units.
Design occupies a central role in the innovation process, and it includes several concepts.
Broadly understood, it may convey the sense of 'initial design', which may reflect invention, 'analytical design', and 'the study of new combinations of existing products and components, re-arrangement of processes and designs of new equipment within the existing state of the art'. More precisely it is drawings aimed at defining procedures, technical specifications, and operational features necessary for the development and manufacture of new products and processes. Design activities are not a lower level or routine activity, but one which can originate a number of linkages and feedbacks. A design in some form is essential to initiating technical innovation, and redesigns are essential to ultimate success. In many industries, this design activity still incorporates tacit forms of knowledge and technical know-how dating back to earlier periods when production had little or no base in or support form science.