Decision-making system, method and computer program product

• US 7,593,910 B1
• Filed: 06/26/2007
• Issued: 09/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: Aloft Media, LLC (Oso IP, LLC)
• Inventors: Owen, Daniel L., Kusnic, Michael W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Holmes, Michael B
• Application Number:
  US11/768,836
• Time in Patent Office: 819 Days
• Field of Search: 706/46
• US Class Current: 706/46
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 20/00 Machine learning
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0635 Risk analysis of enterprise or organisation activities

Abstract

A system, method and computer program product are afforded for providing a collaborative decision platform adapted to run on a computer. Initially, an application capable of performing decision logic is executed. Information is then retrieved from a database in accordance with the decision logic. Information is also received from a user in accordance with the decision logic utilizing a user interface. The information is then processed utilizing the decision logic.

Claims

1. A computer program product embodied on a tangible computer readable medium, comprising:

an application capable of performing logic related to decision-making, the application including at least one application that is a real estate-related application, a medical-related application, a corporate-related application, a product supply-related application, a service supply-related application, or a financial-related application;

computer code for retrieving first information from a database, per the application;

computer code for receiving second information from a user utilizing a user interface, per the application;

computer code for processing the first information and the second information utilizing the logic;

computer code for generating a display, the display including at least one display that is a tornado diagram, a decision sensitivity display, a decision hierarchy display, an influence diagram, or a potential feasible hybrid theme.

2. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the computer code is carried out using universal modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the universal modules differently.

3. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the logic is performed in real-time.

4. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the first information is retrieved via a network.

5. The computer program product as recited in claim 4, wherein the network is the Internet.

6. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the second information is received via a network.

7. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the generating is based on the processing.

8. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the logic is industry-independent.

9. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the logic is performed by a collaborative decision platform.

10. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the computer code is carried out using universal modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the universal modules to different business sectors.

11. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the business sectors include at least one of a real estate-related business sector, medical-related business sector, corporate-related business sector, and financial-related business sector.

12. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the universal modules include at least one of a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, or a connection module.

13. The computer program product as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal modules include the framing module.

14. The computer program product as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal modules include the alternatives module.

15. The computer program product as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal modules include the analysis module.

16. The computer program product as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal modules include the connection module.

17. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the universal modules include a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

18. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the logic relates to which products or services are suitable for a business.

19. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the logic relates to customer relationship management.

20. The computer program product as recited in claim 19, wherein the customer includes a business.

21. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, and further comprising computer code for identifying a strategy.

22. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, and further comprising computer code for assessing uncertainties for analysis purposes.

23. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least two of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

24. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least three of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

25. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least four of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

26. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the tornado diagram.

27. The computer program product as recited in claim 26, wherein the tornado diagram identifies sources of risk.

28. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display.

29. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

30. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

31. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy.

32. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

33. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

34. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value for each of a plurality of strategies.

35. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with at least one strategy.

36. The computer program product as recited in claim 35, wherein the at least one aspect is associated with value.

37. The computer program product as recited in claim 35, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

38. The computer program product as recited in claim 35, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

39. The computer program product as recited in claim 38, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

40. The computer program product as recited in claim 38, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

41. The computer program product as recited in claim 38, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

42. The computer program product as recited in claim 38, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

43. The computer program product as recited in claim 38, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

44. The computer program product as recited in claim 43, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

45. The computer program product as recited in claim 35, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

46. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with a plurality of strategies.

47. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the at least one application is the financial-related application.

48. The computer program product as recited in claim 47, and further comprising code for displaying a stock ticker.

49. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one profit-related value associated with a first strategy and at least one profit-related value associated with a second strategy.

50. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display.

51. The computer program product as recited in claim 50, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies decisions that are within a scope of a decision making process.

52. The computer program product as recited in claim 50, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies at least one decision associated with at least one strategy.

53. The computer program product as recited in claim 52, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

54. The computer program product as recited in claim 52, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

55. The computer program product as recited in claim 54, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

56. The computer program product as recited in claim 54, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

57. The computer program product as recited in claim 54, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

58. The computer program product as recited in claim 54, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

59. The computer program product as recited in claim 54, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

60. The computer program product as recited in claim 59, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

61. The computer program product as recited in claim 52, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

62. The computer program product as recited in claim 50, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics.

63. The computer program product as recited in claim 50, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least two of:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

64. The computer program product as recited in claim 50, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

65. The computer program product as recited in claim 50, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display.

66. The computer program product as recited in claim 65, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

67. The computer program product as recited in claim 65, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

68. The computer program product as recited in claim 65, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy.

69. The computer program product as recited in claim 65, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

70. The computer program product as recited in claim 65, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

71. The computer program product as recited in claim 65, wherein the at least one application is the financial-related application.

72. The computer program product as recited in claim 65, and further comprising code for displaying a stock ticker.

73. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the potential hybrid theme.

74. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the influence diagram.

75. The computer program product as recited in claim 74, wherein the influence diagram includes an information directory.

76. The computer program product as recited in claim 74, wherein the influence diagram identifies a plurality of uncertainties.

77. The computer program product as recited in claim 74, wherein the influence diagram identifies a plurality of risks.

78. The computer program product as recited in claim 74, wherein the influence diagram identifies decisions and a plurality of values that are important to the user.

79. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the potential feasible hybrid theme.

80. The computer program product as recited in claim 79, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a plurality of the potential feasible hybrid themes.

81. The computer program product as recited in claim 79, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme includes a hybrid strategy.

82. The computer program product as recited in claim 81, wherein the hybrid strategy combines a plurality of alternative strategies.

83. The computer program product as recited in claim 82, wherein at least one of the plurality alternative strategies is pre-defined.

84. The computer program product as recited in claim 79, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme is associated with at least one strategy.

85. The computer program product as recited in claim 84, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

86. The computer program product as recited in claim 84, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

87. The computer program product as recited in claim 86, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

88. The computer program product as recited in claim 86, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

89. The computer program product as recited in claim 86, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

90. The computer program product as recited in claim 86, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

91. The computer program product as recited in claim 86, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

92. The computer program product as recited in claim 91, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

93. The computer program product as recited in claim 84, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

94. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display;

the decision sensitivity display capable of showing at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy;

the at least one first strategy including a predefined stock-related strategy and the at least one second strategy including a user-defined stock-related strategy;

the second strategy capable of being;

provided a strategy name by a user, defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives, and further modified.

95. The computer program product as recited in claim 94, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display identifying at least one decision associated with the second strategy.

96. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the corporate-related application.

97. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the real estate-related application.

98. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the medical-related application.

99. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the product supply-related application.

100. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the service supply-related application.

101. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the financial-related application.

102. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, and further comprising computer code for allowing a user to modify at least one of the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

103. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the logic is related to a business-to-business transaction.

104. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least four of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

105. The computer program product as recited in claim 94, wherein the decision sensitivity display is capable of showing the at least one value associated with the first strategy simultaneously with the at least one value associated with the second strategy.

106. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the product supply-related application and the product supply-related application relates to marketing at least one product.

107. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the service supply-related application and the service supply-related application relates to marketing at least one service.

108. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one application is the corporate-related application and the corporate-related application relates to marketing.

109. The computer program product as recited in claim 1, wherein logic supports the decision-making.

110. A computer program product embodied on a tangible computer readable medium, comprising:

computer code capable of performing logic related to decision-making, the computer code belonging to an application which is a real estate-related application, a medical-related application, a corporate-related application, a product supply-related application, a service supply-related application, or a financial-related application;

computer code for retrieving first information from a storage;

computer code for receiving second information from a user utilizing a user interface;

computer code for processing the first information and the second information;

computer code for generating a display, the display including at least one display that is a tornado diagram, a decision sensitivity display, a decision hierarchy display, an influence diagram, or a potential feasible hybrid theme.

111. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein at least a portion of the computer code is carried out using universal modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the universal modules differently.

112. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the logic is performed in real-time.

113. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the first information is retrieved via a network.

114. The computer program product as recited in claim 113, wherein the network is the Internet.

115. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the second information is received via a network.

116. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the logic is industry-independent.

117. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the logic is performed by a collaborative decision platform.

118. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein at least a portion of the computer code is carried out using universal modules.

119. The computer program product as recited in claim 118, wherein the universal modules include at least one of a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, or a connection module.

120. The computer program product as recited in claim 119, wherein the universal modules include the framing module.

121. The computer program product as recited in claim 119, wherein the universal modules include the alternatives module.

122. The computer program product as recited in claim 119, wherein the universal modules include the analysis module.

123. The computer program product as recited in claim 119, wherein the universal modules include the connection module.

124. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the universal modules include a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

125. The computer program product as recited in claim 118, wherein the logic relates to which products or services are suitable for a business.

126. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the logic relates to customer relationship management.

127. The computer program product as recited in claim 126, wherein the customer includes a business.

128. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, and further comprising computer code for identifying a strategy.

129. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, and further comprising computer code for assessing uncertainties for analysis purposes.

130. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least two of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

131. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least three of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

132. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least four of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

133. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the tornado diagram.

134. The computer program product as recited in claim 133, wherein the tornado diagram identifies sources of risk.

135. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display.

136. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

137. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

138. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy.

139. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

140. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

141. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value for each of a plurality of strategies.

142. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with at least one strategy.

143. The computer program product as recited in claim 142, wherein the at least one aspect is associated with value.

144. The computer program product as recited in claim 142, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

145. The computer program product as recited in claim 142, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

146. The computer program product as recited in claim 145, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

147. The computer program product as recited in claim 145, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

148. The computer program product as recited in claim 145, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

149. The computer program product as recited in claim 145, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

150. The computer program product as recited in claim 145, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

151. The computer program product as recited in claim 150, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

152. The computer program product as recited in claim 142, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

153. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with a plurality of strategies.

154. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

155. The computer program product as recited in claim 154, and further comprising code for displaying a stock ticker.

156. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one profit-related value associated with a first strategy and at least one profit-related value associated with a second strategy.

157. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display.

158. The computer program product as recited in claim 157, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies decisions that are within a scope of a decision making process.

159. The computer program product as recited in claim 157, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies at least one decision associated with at least one strategy.

160. The computer program product as recited in claim 159, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

161. The computer program product as recited in claim 159, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

162. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

163. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

164. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

165. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

166. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

167. The computer program product as recited in claim 166, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

168. The computer program product as recited in claim 159, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

169. The computer program product as recited in claim 157, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics.

170. The computer program product as recited in claim 157, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least two of:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

171. The computer program product as recited in claim 157, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

172. The computer program product as recited in claim 157, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display.

173. The computer program product as recited in claim 172, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

174. The computer program product as recited in claim 172, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

175. The computer program product as recited in claim 172, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy.

176. The computer program product as recited in claim 172, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

177. The computer program product as recited in claim 172, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

178. The computer program product as recited in claim 172, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

179. The computer program product as recited in claim 172, and further comprising code for displaying a stock ticker.

180. The computer program product as recited in claim 135, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the potential hybrid theme.

181. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the influence diagram.

182. The computer program product as recited in claim 181, wherein the influence diagram includes an information directory.

183. The computer program product as recited in claim 181, wherein the influence diagram identifies a plurality of uncertainties.

184. The computer program product as recited in claim 181, wherein the influence diagram identifies a plurality of risks.

185. The computer program product as recited in claim 181, wherein the influence diagram identifies decisions and a plurality of values that are important to the user.

186. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the potential feasible hybrid theme.

187. The computer program product as recited in claim 186, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a plurality of the potential feasible hybrid themes.

188. The computer program product as recited in claim 186, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme includes a hybrid strategy.

189. The computer program product as recited in claim 188, wherein the hybrid strategy combines a plurality of alternative strategies.

190. The computer program product as recited in claim 189, wherein at least one of the plurality alternative strategies is pre-defined.

191. The computer program product as recited in claim 186, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme is associated with at least one strategy.

192. The computer program product as recited in claim 191, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

193. The computer program product as recited in claim 191, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

194. The computer program product as recited in claim 193, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

195. The computer program product as recited in claim 193, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

196. The computer program product as recited in claim 193, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

197. The computer program product as recited in claim 193, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

198. The computer program product as recited in claim 193, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

199. The computer program product as recited in claim 198, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

200. The computer program product as recited in claim 191, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

201. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display;

the decision sensitivity display capable of showing at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy;

the at least one first strategy including a pre-defined stock-related strategy and the at least one second strategy including a user-defined stock-related strategy;

the second strategy capable of being;

provided a strategy name by a user, defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives, and further modified.

202. The computer program product as recited in claim 201, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display identifying at least one decision associated with the second strategy.

203. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the corporate-related application.

204. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the real estate-related application.

205. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the medical-related application.

206. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the product supply-related application.

207. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the service supply-related application.

208. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

209. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, and further comprising computer code for allowing a user to modify at least one of the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

210. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the logic is related to a business-to-business transaction.

211. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least four of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

212. The computer program product as recited in claim 201, wherein the decision sensitivity display is capable of showing the at least one value associated with the first strategy simultaneously with the at least one value associated with the second strategy.

213. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the product supply-related application and the product supply-related application relates to marketing at least one product.

214. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the service supply-related application and the service supply-related application relates to marketing at least one service.

215. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application is the corporate-related application and the corporate-related application relates to marketing.

216. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein logic supports the decision-making.

326. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the storage includes at least one database.

327. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the storage includes at least one decision-relevant database.

328. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the storage includes a plurality of databases.

329. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the storage includes a plurality of databases coupled via at least one network.

330. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, and the decision hierarchy display includes a table.

331. The computer program product as recited in claim 330, wherein each decision in the decision hierarchy display is represented by a column heading in the table.

332. The computer program product as recited in claim 331, wherein alternatives for each decision are arranged beneath the column heading.

333. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, and content of the decision hierarchy display is based on the second information.

334. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the second information includes information relating to controllables.

335. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the second information includes information relating to uncertainties.

336. The computer program product as recited in claim 129, wherein the uncertainties include independent uncertainties.

337. The computer program product as recited in claim 129, wherein the uncertainties include uncertainties dependent on decisions.

338. The computer program product as recited in claim 129, wherein the uncertainties include at least one of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, or a margin change.

339. The computer program product as recited in claim 129, wherein include at least two of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

340. The computer program product as recited in claim 129, wherein include at least three of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

341. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display including information on target customers.

342. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display including information on at least one channel.

343. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display including information on a salesforce channel.

344. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display including information on a service channel.

345. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the second information includes information relating to information sources.

346. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the second information includes information relating to decision alternatives.

347. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the second information includes information relating to sources of value.

348. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer program product utilizes a structural relationship of decisions.

349. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer program product utilizes input from a spreadsheet.

350. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer program product utilizes at least one equation relating to at least one decision.

351. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer program product utilizes a plurality of equations relating to a plurality of decisions.

352. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer program product utilizes structural relationship of decisions, values, and uncertainties.

353. The computer program product as recited in claim 133, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display.

354. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

355. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

356. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy.

357. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

358. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

359. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the application is the real-estate application.

360. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display including a bar graph.

361. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, and the influence diagram.

362. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the computer program product is capable of supporting an asynchronous decision-making process.

363. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application utilizes policies that form boundary conditions for a decision.

364. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application utilizes values that are important to a decision and uncertainties that potentially impact the values.

365. The computer program product as recited in claim 110, wherein the application interfaces a platform.

366. The computer program product as recited in claim 365, wherein the platform includes at least a portion of the computer code for the retrieving, the receiving, the processing, and the displaying.

367. The computer program product as recited in claim 365, wherein the application is separate from the platform.

368. The computer program product as recited in claim 365, wherein computer code for generating the display performs the generating based, at least in part, on the first information or the second information.

217. A method, comprising:

providing an application capable of performing logic related to decision-making, the application including at least one application that is a real estate-related application, a medical-related application, a corporate-related application, a product supply-related application, a service supply-related application, or a financial-related application;

retrieving first information from a database, per the application;

receiving second information from a user utilizing a user interface, per the application;

processing the first information and the second information utilizing the logic;

generating a display, the display including at least one display that is a tornado diagram, a decision sensitivity display, a decision hierarchy display, an influence diagram, or a potential feasible hybrid theme.

218. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein at least a portion of the method is carried out using universal modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the universal modules differently.

219. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the logic is performed in real-time.

220. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the first information is retrieved via a network.

221. The method as recited in claim 220, wherein the network is the Internet.

222. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the second information is received via a network.

223. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating is based on the processing.

224. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the logic is industry-independent.

225. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the logic is performed by a collaborative decision platform.

226. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein at least a portion of the method is carried out using universal modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the universal modules to different business sectors.

227. The method as recited in claim 226, wherein the business sectors include at least one of a real estate-related business sector, medical-related business sector, corporate-related business sector, and financial-related business sector.

228. The method as recited in claim 226, wherein the universal modules include at least one of a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, or a connection module.

229. The method as recited in claim 228, wherein the universal modules include the framing module.

230. The method as recited in claim 228, wherein the universal modules include the alternatives module.

231. The method as recited in claim 228, wherein the universal modules include the analysis module.

232. The method as recited in claim 228, wherein the universal modules include the connection module.

233. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the universal modules include a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

234. The method as recited in claim 226, wherein the logic relates to which products or services are suitable for a business.

235. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the logic relates to customer relationship management.

236. The method as recited in claim 235, wherein the customer includes a business.

237. The method as recited in claim 217, and further comprising identifying a strategy.

238. The method as recited in claim 217, and further comprising assessing uncertainties for analysis purposes.

239. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating at least three of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

240. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating at least four of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

241. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating at least five of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

242. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating the tornado diagram.

243. The method as recited in claim 242, wherein the tornado diagram identifies sources of risk.

244. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating the decision sensitivity display.

245. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

246. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

247. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy.

248. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

249. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

250. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value for each of a plurality of strategies.

251. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with at least one strategy.

252. The method as recited in claim 251, wherein the at least one aspect is associated with value.

253. The method as recited in claim 251, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

254. The method as recited in claim 251, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

255. The method as recited in claim 254, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

256. The method as recited in claim 254, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

257. The method as recited in claim 254, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

258. The method as recited in claim 254, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

259. The method as recited in claim 254, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

260. The method as recited in claim 259, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

261. The method as recited in claim 251, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

262. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with a plurality of strategies.

263. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the at least one application is the financial-related application.

264. The method as recited in claim 263, and further comprising code for displaying a stock ticker.

265. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one profit-related value associated with a first strategy and at least one profit-related value associated with a second strategy.

266. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating the decision hierarchy display.

267. The method as recited in claim 266, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies decisions that are within a scope of a decision making process.

268. The method as recited in claim 266, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies at least one decision associated with at least one strategy.

269. The method as recited in claim 268, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

270. The method as recited in claim 268, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

271. The method as recited in claim 270, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

272. The method as recited in claim 270, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

273. The method as recited in claim 270, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

274. The method as recited in claim 270, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

275. The method as recited in claim 270, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

276. The method as recited in claim 275, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

277. The method as recited in claim 268, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

278. The method as recited in claim 266, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics.

279. The method as recited in claim 266, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least two of:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

280. The method as recited in claim 266, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

281. The method as recited in claim 266, wherein the generating includes generating the decision sensitivity display.

282. The method as recited in claim 281, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

283. The method as recited in claim 281, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

284. The method as recited in claim 281, wherein the decision sensitivity display shows at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy.

285. The method as recited in claim 281, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

286. The method as recited in claim 281, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

287. The method as recited in claim 281, wherein the at least one application is the financial-related application.

288. The method as recited in claim 281, and further displaying a stock ticker.

289. The method as recited in claim 244, wherein the generating includes generating the potential hybrid theme.

290. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating the influence diagram.

291. The method as recited in claim 290, wherein the influence diagram includes an information directory.

292. The method as recited in claim 290, wherein the influence diagram identifies a plurality of uncertainties.

293. The method as recited in claim 290, wherein the influence diagram identifies a plurality of risks.

294. The method as recited in claim 290, wherein the influence diagram identifies decisions and a plurality of values that are important to the user.

295. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating the potential feasible hybrid theme.

296. The method as recited in claim 295, wherein the generating includes generating a plurality of the potential feasible hybrid themes.

297. The method as recited in claim 295, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme includes a hybrid strategy.

298. The method as recited in claim 297, wherein the hybrid strategy combines a plurality of alternative strategies.

299. The method as recited in claim 298, wherein at least one of the plurality alternative strategies is pre-defined.

300. The method as recited in claim 295, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme is associated with at least one strategy.

301. The method as recited in claim 300, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

302. The method as recited in claim 300, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

303. The method as recited in claim 302, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

304. The method as recited in claim 302, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

305. The method as recited in claim 302, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

306. The method as recited in claim 302, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

307. The method as recited in claim 302, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

308. The method as recited in claim 307, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

309. The method as recited in claim 300, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

310. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating the decision sensitivity display;

the decision sensitivity display capable of showing at least one value associated with a first strategy and at least one value associated with a second strategy;

the at least one first strategy including a pre-defined stock-related strategy and the at least one second strategy including a user-defined stock-related strategy;

the second strategy capable of being;

provided a strategy name by a user, defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives, and further modified.

311. The method as recited in claim 310, wherein the generating includes generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display identifying at least one decision associated with the second strategy.

312. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the corporate-related application.

313. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the real estate-related application.

314. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the medical-related application.

315. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the product supply-related application.

316. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the service supply-related application.

317. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the financial-related application.

318. The method as recited in claim 217, and further comprising allowing a user to modify at least one of the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

319. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the logic is related to a business-to-business transaction.

320. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the generating includes generating at least four of:

the tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, the influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

321. The method as recited in claim 310, wherein the decision sensitivity display is capable of showing the at least one value associated with the first strategy simultaneously with the at least one value associated with the second strategy.

322. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the product supply-related application and the product supply-related application relates to marketing at least one product.

323. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the service supply-related application and the service supply-related application relates to marketing at least one service.

324. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein the at least one application is the corporate-related application and the corporate -related application relates to marketing.

325. The method as recited in claim 217, wherein logic supports the decision-making.