What is Simons Model of Decision-Making in Management Information System
Simon’s Model of Decision-Making:
Decision-making is a process in which the decision-maker uses to arrive at a decision. The core of this process is described by Herbert Simon in a model. He describes the model in three phases as shown in the figure below:
- Intelligence: raw data collected, processed and examined, Identifies a problem calling for a decision.
- Design: inventing, developing and analysing the different decision alternatives and testing the feasibility of implementation. Assess the value of the decision outcome.
- Choice: select one alternative as a decision, based on the selection criteria.
In the intelligence phase, the MIS collects the data. The data is scanned, examined, checked and edited. Further, the data is sorted and merged with other data and computations are made, summarized and presented. In this process, the attention of the manager is drawn to all problem situations by highlighting the significant differences between the actual and the expected, the budgeted or the targeted.
In the design phase, the manager develops a model of the problem situation on which he can generate and test the different decision alternatives, he then further moves into phase of selection called as choice
In the phase of choice, the manager evolves selection criteria such as maximum profit, least cost, minimum wastage, least time taken and highest utility. The criterion is applied to the various decision alternatives and the one which satisfies the most is selected. In these phases, if the manager fails to reach a decision, he starts the process all over again and again. An ideal MIS is supposed to make a decision for the manager.
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What is Simons Model of Decision Making in Management Information System?