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Sequential Processes

An article about the nature of decisions and how they are sequenced.
© Luleå University of Technology

In this article, we discuss how decisions are made by following a sequential process.

Sequential decision-making processes

showing five different sequential decision-making processes, the same ones that is explained further in the article

Condorcet defines a three stage process:

1. The principles or the basis of the decision are discussed
2. Opinions about the decision are reduced to form a set of alternatives
3. The actual decision is made

Dewey defines a five stage process:

1. A difficulty is discovered
2. Characteristics of the difficulty are discussed
3. Possible solutions are presented
4. An evaluation of the solution is done
5. Observation that leads to either acceptance or rejection of the suggestion

Simon defines a three stage process:

1. Intelligence (takes a lot of time)
2. Design (takes a lot of time)
3. Choice (takes a fraction of time)

Brim defines a five stage process:

1. A problem is identified
2. Information is obtained
3. Possible solutions are produced
4. The solutions are evaluated
5. The best solution is selected

© Luleå University of Technology
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