Descriptive Models in Decision-Making: The Design Phase

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What is the main purpose of a descriptive model?

To automatically generate alternative solutions
To rank and measure the outcomes of different alternatives
To describe how a system or process works mathematically (correct)
To provide a solution to a problem

What is the most common method of descriptive modeling mentioned in the text?

Optimization modeling
Simulation (correct)
Satisficing
Linear programming

What is the key benefit of the 'good enough' or 'satisficing' approach to decision-making?

It allows for the automatic generation of alternatives
It ensures the best possible outcome
It saves time by seeking a desired level of performance rather than the best (correct)
It provides a more detailed mathematical description of the system

How are alternatives typically generated in most management science and systems (MSS) situations?

Manually, by the decision-maker (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of group support systems (GSS) in generating alternatives?

GSS helps to generate alternatives manually (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'principle of choice' mentioned in the text?

It is a technique used in the process of generating alternatives (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the criterion describe in decision-making?

The acceptability of a solution approach (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to normative models, what is the primary assumption about decision makers?

They have complete information about all alternatives (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of heuristic models in decision-making?

They relax unrealistic assumptions in models (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the design phase of decision-making, what does optimizing refer to?

Choosing the best alternative possible (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between normative and heuristic models in decision-making?

The number of alternatives considered (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary assumption of rational decision makers according to the text?

They aim to maximize goal attainment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the possible scenarios that can be considered in the decision-making process?

Worst-case scenario (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which phase involves generating alternatives and making the actual decision?

Choice Phase (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of search approach involves solving with a formula?

Analytic techniques (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which technique uses step-by-step procedures to reach a decision?

Algorithms (A) Signup and view all the answers

In decision-making, what do heuristics refer to?

Rule of thumb (A) Signup and view all the answers

What activity involves analyzing the impact of changes in input variables on the output in decision-making?

Sensitivity analysis (B) Signup and view all the answers