System, method and computer program product for a collaborative decision platform

• US 7,970,722 B1
• Filed: 11/09/2009
• Issued: 06/28/2011
• 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
• Application Number:
  US12/615,250
• Time in Patent Office: 596 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 decision making system, method and computer program product are provided. Initially, a plurality of attributes is defined. Thereafter, first information regarding the attributes is received from a receiving business. Second information is then received regarding proposed products or services in terms of the attributes. Such second information is received from a supplying business. In use, a decision process is executed based on the first information and the second information.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

(a) defining a plurality of attributes to support a process that is related to decision-making and utilizes an 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;

(b) receiving first information regarding the attributes from a receiving business;

(c) receiving second information regarding proposed products or services in terms of the attributes, wherein the second information is received from a supplying business; and

(d) executing a decision process based on the first information and the second information;

wherein the process is capable of being executed using a system capable of;

(i) retrieving stored information from a storage;

(ii) receiving user information from a user utilizing a user interface; and

(iii) processing the stored information and the user information for generating output of the processing;

where one or more of (i)-(iii) are carried out utilizing, at least in part, one or more modules capable of accomplishing the one or more of (i)-(iii) for one or more purposes.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the attributes include price, sales, variable costs, fixed cost and investment.

3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the attributes further include market share, market size, labor cost, material cost, administrative cost, annual expenses, working capital, planning and equipment.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first information and second information are received utilizing a network.

5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the network is the Internet.

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

computer code for causing execution of an application capable of being utilized in association with one or more attributes to support 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 receiving first information regarding the one or more attributes in association with a receiving entity;

computer code for receiving second information regarding one or more products or services in terms of the one or more attributes; and

computer code for causing execution of a process that is related to the decision-making, based on the first information and the second information;

wherein the application is capable of being executed using a system capable of;

(i) retrieving stored information from a storage;

(ii) receiving user information from a user utilizing a user interface; and

(iii) processing the stored information and the user information for generating output of the processing;

where one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out utilizing, at least in part, logic capable of accomplishing the one or more of (i)-(iii) for one or more purposes.

7. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the attributes include price, sales, variable costs, fixed cost, and investment.

8. The computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the attributes further include market share, market size, labor cost, material cost, administrative cost, annual expenses, working capital, planning and equipment.

9. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the first information and second information are received utilizing a network.

10. The computer program product as recited in claim 9, wherein the network is the Internet.

16. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes a plurality of the attributes.

17. The computer program product as recited in claim 16, wherein the plurality of the attributes are bundled.

18. The computer program product as recited in claim 16, further comprising computer code for hierarchical expansion of each of the attributes.

19. The computer program product as recited in claim 16, wherein the computer program product is operable such that a minimum set of the plurality of the attributes is required.

20. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes price.

21. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes relates to equipment.

22. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes price and relates to equipment.

23. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes an administrative cost.

24. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes at least one variable.

25. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the process includes a dialogue decision process.

26. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic includes decision logic.

27. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is a component of the application.

28. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is a component of a platform.

29. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the at least one application is separate from the platform.

30. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the platform is a decision platform.

31. The computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the platform is a collaborative decision platform.

32. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is associated with a plurality of modules.

33. The computer program product as recited in claim 32, wherein the plurality of modules includes universal modules.

34. The computer program product as recited in claim 32, wherein the plurality of modules includes at least one of a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

35. The computer program product as recited in claim 32, wherein the plurality of modules includes a framing module.

36. The computer program product as recited in claim 32, wherein the plurality of modules includes an alternatives module.

37. The computer program product as recited in claim 32, wherein the plurality of modules includes an analysis module.

38. The computer program product as recited in claim 32, wherein the plurality of modules includes a connection module.

39. The computer program product as recited in claim 32, wherein the plurality of modules includes a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

40. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is implemented utilizing software components including a software component that is capable of being used to initialize the process.

41. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is implemented utilizing software components including a software component that is capable of being used to develop decision related alternatives in the process.

42. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is implemented utilizing software components including a software component that is capable of being used to analyze alternatives in the process.

43. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is implemented utilizing software components including a software component that is capable of being used to process decision-related alternatives to develop a solution.

44. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is implemented utilizing software components including:

a first software component that is capable of being used to initialize the process,

a second software component that is capable of being used to develop decision-related alternatives in the process,

a third software component that is capable of being used to analyze the decision-related alternatives in the process, and

a fourth software component that is capable of being used to process the decision-related alternatives to develop a solution.

45. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is implemented with hardware.

46. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is implemented with software.

47. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the computer code is carried out using modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the universal modules differently.

48. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the process is performed in real-time.

49. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein input associated with the first information is received via a network.

50. The computer program product as recited in claim 49, wherein the network is the Internet.

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

52. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is industry-independent.

53. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is performed by a collaborative decision platform.

54. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the computer program product is implemented using modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the modules to different sectors.

55. The computer program product as recited in claim 54, wherein the sectors include different business sectors that include at least one of a real estate-related business sector, medical-related business sector, corporate-related business sector, or financial-related business sector.

56. The computer program product as recited in claim 54, wherein an interface protocol is utilized to interface the different applications with the modules.

57. The computer program product as recited in claim 56, wherein the interface protocol includes a standard interface protocol.

58. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the process relates to a determination as to which of the products or services is suitable for the receiving entity.

59. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the products or services include products.

60. The computer program product as recited in claim 59, wherein the products include non-existent products.

61. The computer program product as recited in claim 59, wherein the products include existent products.

62. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the products or services include services.

63. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the first information regarding the one or more attributes is entered by the receiving entity.

64. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to form at least one boundary condition associated with the decision-making.

65. The computer program product as recited in claim 64, wherein the at least one first interface that allows the user to form at least one boundary condition associated with the decision-making allows the user to form a plurality of boundary conditions.

66. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to input at least one tactic associated with the decision-making.

67. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to input at least one policy associated with the decision-making.

68. The computer program product as recited in claim 67, wherein the at least one first interface allows the user to enter at least one decision relating to the process.

69. The computer program product as recited in claim 67, wherein the at least one first interface allows the user to enter at least one decision relating to the process.

70. The computer program product as recited in claim 67, wherein the at least one first interface allows the user to enter at least one tactic relating to the process.

71. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to form at least one boundary condition associated with the decision-making utilizing a menu.

72. The computer program product as recited in claim 64, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to form at least one additional boundary condition associated with the decision-making.

73. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to input important values associated with the decision-making.

74. The computer program product as recited in claim 73, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to input additional important values associated with the decision-making.

75. The computer program product as recited in claim 74, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one first interface and the at least one additional first interface work in parallel in connection with at least one common display.

76. The computer program product as recited in claim 74, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the important values and the additional important values are capable of being modified.

77. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to form at least one boundary condition associated with the decision-making, and allows the user to provide input associated with important aspects associated with the decision-making.

78. The computer program product as recited in claim 77, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one boundary condition and the important aspects are capable of being modified.

79. The computer program product as recited in claim 77, wherein the at least one first interface is an element of a framing interface.

80. The computer program product as recited in claim 77, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional first interface a content of which is a function of input provided using the at least one first interface.

81. The computer program product as recited in claim 77, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to form at least one additional boundary condition associated with the decision-making, and allows the user to provide input associated with additional important aspects associated with the decision-making.

82. The computer program product as recited in claim 77, further comprising computer code for providing at least one second interface that displays a plurality of alternatives.

83. The computer program product as recited in claim 82, wherein the alternatives include alternate choices.

84. The computer program product as recited in claim 83, wherein the alternatives are displayed in a table.

85. The computer program product as recited in claim 84, wherein at least one aspect of input received from the user via the least one first interface drives a column heading in the table with the alternatives for the column heading arranged therebeneath.

86. The computer program product as recited in claim 83, further comprising computer code for confirming at least one of the alternatives.

87. The computer program product as recited in claim 83, further comprising computer code for modifying the alternatives.

88. The computer program product as recited in claim 83, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional second interface that displays the plurality of alternatives, as modified by user input.

89. The computer program product as recited in claim 83, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional second interface a content of which is a function of input provided using the at least one second interface.

90. The computer program product as recited in claim 83, further comprising computer code for providing at least one third interface that displays sources of value in each of the alternatives.

91. The computer program product as recited in claim 83, further comprising computer code for providing at least one third interface that allows the user to modify input information.

92. The computer program product as recited in claim 90, wherein the at least one third interface is an element of an analysis interface.

93. The computer program product as recited in claim 90, wherein the at least one third interface allows the user to modify a range of data.

94. The computer program product as recited in claim 90, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional third interface that provides a decision sensitivity display.

95. The computer program product as recited in claim 90, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional third interface a content of which is a function of input provided using the at least one third interface.

96. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, further comprising computer code for receiving third information that includes public information.

97. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is received from a source separate from the receiving entity and the supplying business.

98. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is utilized as a function of user input.

99. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is received from the receiving entity.

100. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the third information relates to the one or more products or services.

101. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the third information relates to a value of at least one aspect of the one or more products or services.

102. The computer program product as recited in claim 101, wherein the at least one aspect of the one or more products or services includes the one or more attributes.

103. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the third information relates to the one or more attributes.

104. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the third information relates to a value of the one or more attributes.

105. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information measures the retrospective value creation for customers of the supplying business.

106. The computer program product as recited in claim 96, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is utilized in association with a collaborative decision platform.

107. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for allowing the receiving entity to provide insight in association with the source.

108. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for allowing the receiving entity to provide insight in association with the source, in order to reduce risk associated with the decision-making.

109. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for allowing the receiving entity to effect a modification in association with the third information of the source.

110. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for allowing the receiving entity to provide a confirmation in association with the source.

111. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for allowing the user to provide insight in association with the source.

112. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for allowing the user to provide insight in association with the source, in order to reduce risk associated with the decision-making.

113. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for allowing the user to modify the third information of the source.

114. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for allowing the user to provide a confirmation in association with the source.

115. The computer program product as recited in claim 97, further comprising computer code for providing source information that specifies the source.

116. The computer program product as recited in claim 115, wherein the source information includes a directory.

117. The computer program product as recited in claim 115, wherein the source information includes at least one person'"'"'s name.

118. The computer program product as recited in claim 115, wherein the source information specifies a plurality of sources of the third information.

119. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one application is the corporate-related application.

120. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one application is the product supply-related application.

121. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one application is the service supply-related application.

122. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one application is the financial-related application.

123. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one application is the real estate-related application.

124. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that real-time collaborative decision-making is provided between the receiving entity and the supplying business.

125. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that alternatives of the supplying business are provided in terms of an associated effect on the first information.

126. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, and further comprising computer code for assessing uncertainties for analysis purposes.

127. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, 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.

128. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, 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.

129. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one application is the corporate-related application and the corporate-related application relates to marketing.

130. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the process is related to a business-to-business transaction.

131. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer code for receiving the first information, receiving the second information, and causing execution of the process are executed using the system.

132. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the second information includes information relating to controllables.

133. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the second information includes information relating to uncertainties.

134. The computer program product as recited in claim 133, wherein the uncertainties include independent uncertainties.

135. The computer program product as recited in claim 133, wherein the uncertainties include uncertainties dependent on decisions.

136. The computer program product as recited in claim 133, wherein the uncertainties include at least one of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, or a margin change.

137. The computer program product as recited in claim 133, wherein the uncertainties include at least two of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

138. The computer program product as recited in claim 133, wherein the uncertainties include at least three of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

139. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the second information includes information relating to information sources.

140. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the second information includes information relating to decision alternatives.

141. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the second information includes information relating to sources of value.

142. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product utilizes a structural relationship of decisions.

143. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product utilizes input from a spreadsheet.

144. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product utilizes at least one equation relating to at least one decision.

145. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product utilizes a plurality of equations relating to a plurality of decisions.

146. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product utilizes structural relationship of decisions, values, and uncertainties.

147. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is capable of supporting an asynchronous decision-making process.

148. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product utilizes policies that form boundary conditions for a decision.

149. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product utilizes values that are important to a decision and uncertainties that potentially impact the values.

150. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the storage includes a database.

151. The computer program product as recited in claim 150, wherein the database includes at least one decision-relevant database.

152. The computer program product as recited in claim 150, wherein the database is one of a plurality of databases that are included.

153. The computer program product as recited in claim 152, wherein the plurality of databases are coupled via at least one network.

154. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the system includes a decision platform.

155. The computer program product as recited in claim 154, wherein the decision platform includes a platform that supports decision-making.

156. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the system includes the application.

157. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the products or services include products.

158. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the process includes an asynchronous remote decision-making process.

159. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes a plurality of the attributes, and the computer program product further comprising:

computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the receiving entity to enter a boundary condition associated with the decision-making, wherein the boundary condition is capable of being modified and involves price;

computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to provide input indicative of aspects associated with the decision-making, wherein the aspects are capable of being modified;

computer code for providing at least one second interface that displays a plurality of alternatives that include alternate choices, based, at least in part, on the boundary condition and the aspects;

computer code for providing at least one additional second interface that displays the plurality of alternatives, as modified by user input;

computer code for providing at least one third interface that displays relative value associated with each of the alternatives, and allows the user to make modifications; and

computer code for receiving third information that includes public information, wherein the third information is received from a source separate from the receiving entity and the supplying business, and relates to a value of at least one aspect of the one or more products or services, for identifying a retrospective value creation for a plurality of customers, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the process that is related to decision-making is capable of being executed based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, such that the at least one third interface includes content that is a function of the first information, the second information, and the third information.

160. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes a plurality of the attributes, and the computer program product further comprising:

computer code for providing at least one first interface that is adapted to receive input indicative of at least one price associated with the decision-making, wherein the at least one price is capable of being modified;

computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to input aspects associated with the decision-making, wherein the aspects are capable of being modified; and

computer code for providing at least one second interface that displays a plurality of alternatives that include alternate choices, based, at least in part, on the at least one price and the aspects.

161. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, further comprising computer code for providing at least one third interface that displays value associated with each of the alternatives, and allows the user to make modifications.

162. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, further comprising computer code for receiving third information that includes public information, wherein the third information is received from a source separate from the receiving entity and the supplying business, and relates to a value of at least one aspect of the one or more products or services.

163. The computer program product as recited in claim 162, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the process that is related to decision-making is capable of being executed based on the first information, the second information, and the third information.

164. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, further comprising computer code for providing an ability to allow different people input data into a set of displays at different times, and from different places, in order to support the decision-making.

165. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the at least one first interface, the at least one additional first interface, and the at least one second interface, include web pages.

166. The computer program product as recited in claim 165, wherein at least one of the web pages includes a dynamic web page.

167. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the at least one first interface, the at least one additional first interface, and the at least one second interface, each is an interface object.

168. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the at least one first interface, the at least one additional first interface, and the at least one second interface, each is an interface element.

169. The computer program product as recited in claim 165, wherein at least one of the web pages includes a video.

170. The computer program product as recited in claim 162, wherein the third information is received from the receiving entity.

171. The computer program product as recited in claim 162, wherein the third information relates to at least one aspect of the one or more products or services.

172. The computer program product as recited in claim 171, wherein the at least one aspect of the one or more products or services includes the one or more attributes.

173. The computer program product as recited in claim 162, wherein the third information relates to the one or more attributes.

174. The computer program product as recited in claim 162, wherein the third information relates to a value of the one or more attributes.

175. The computer program product as recited in claim 162, wherein the third information measures the retrospective value creation for customers of the supplying business.

176. The computer program product as recited in claim 162, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is utilized in association with a collaborative decision platform.

177. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the alternatives are displayed in a table.

178. The computer program product as recited in claim 177, wherein at least one aspect of input from the user via the least one first interface drives a column heading in the table with the alternatives for the column heading arranged therebeneath.

179. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, further comprising computer code for modifying the alternatives.

180. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, further comprising computer code for selecting the alternatives.

181. The computer program product as recited in claim 180, wherein the alternatives includes choices.

182. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, wherein the at least one third interface is element of an analysis interface.

183. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, wherein the at least one third interface allows the user to modify a range of data.

184. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional third interface that provides a decision sensitivity display.

185. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, further comprising computer code for providing at least one fourth interface that provides a potential feasible hybrid theme.

186. The computer program product as recited in claim 161, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional third interface the content of which is a function of input provided using the at least one third interface.

187. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the at least one first interface allows the user to form a plurality of boundary conditions.

188. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the at least one first interface and the at least one additional first interface are elements of a framing interface.

189. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the alternatives are displayed in a table.

190. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the computer program product is operable such that animated icons are provided via the user interface.

191. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, further comprising computer for negotiating a delivery agreement.

192. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes an administrative cost.

193. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that dynamic web pages are provided via the user interface.

194. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, further comprising computer code for hierarchical expansion of the plurality of the attributes.

195. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the input is received by allowing the user to input the at least one price.

196. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the at least one price includes a range of prices.

197. The computer program product as recited in claim 160, wherein the logic is associated with a plurality of modules.

198. The computer program product as recited in claim 197, wherein the plurality of modules include universal modules.

199. The computer program product as recited in claim 197, wherein the plurality of modules include at least one of a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

200. The computer program product as recited in claim 197, wherein the plurality of modules include a framing module.

201. The computer program product as recited in claim 197, wherein the plurality of modules include an alternatives module.

202. The computer program product as recited in claim 197, wherein the plurality of modules include an analysis module.

203. The computer program product as recited in claim 197, wherein the plurality of modules include a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

204. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes a plurality of the attributes, and the computer program product further comprising:

computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the receiving entity to enter a boundary condition associated with the decision-making, wherein the boundary condition is capable of being modified and involves price;

computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to provide input indicative of aspects associated with the decision-making, wherein the aspects are capable of being modified;

computer code for providing at least one second interface that displays a plurality of alternatives that include alternate choices, based, at least in part, on the boundary condition and the aspects;

computer code for providing at least one additional second interface that displays the plurality of alternatives, as modified by user input;

computer code for providing at least one third interface that displays relative value associated with each of the alternatives, and allows the user to make modifications; and

computer code for receiving third information that includes public information, wherein the third information is received from a source separate from the receiving entity and the supplying business, and relates to a value of at least one aspect of the one or more products or services, for identifying a retrospective value creation for a plurality of customers, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the process that is related to decision-making is capable of being executed based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, such that the at least one third interface includes content that is a function of the first information, the second information, and the third information;

wherein the computer program product is operable to provide an ability to allow different people input data into a set of displays at different times, and from different places, in order to support the decision-making;

wherein the at least one first interface, the at least one additional first interface, the at least one second interface, the at least one additional second interface, and the at least one third interface, each includes at least one web page; and

wherein the at least one additional first interface includes content which is a function of input provided using the at least one first interface; and

the at least one additional second interface includes content which is a function of input provided using the at least one second interface.

205. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the one or more attributes includes a plurality of the attributes, and the computer program product further comprising:

computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the receiving entity to indicate at least one price associated with the decision-making, wherein the at least one price is capable of being modified;

computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to input aspects associated with the decision-making, wherein the aspects are capable of being modified;

computer code for providing at least one second interface that displays a plurality of alternatives that include alternate choices, based, at least in part, on the at least one price and the aspects;

computer code for providing at least one additional second interface that displays the plurality of alternatives, as modified by user input;

computer code for providing at least one third interface that displays value associated with each of the alternatives, and allows the user to make modifications; and

computer code for receiving third information that includes public information, wherein the third information is received from a source separate from the receiving entity and the supplying business, and relates to a value of at least one aspect of the one or more products or services and measures a retrospective value creation for a plurality of customers, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the process that is related to decision-making is capable of being executed based on the first information, the second information, and the third information;

wherein the computer program product is operable to provide an ability to allow different people input data into at least one display at different times, and from different places, in order to support the decision-making; and

wherein the at least one first interface, the at least one additional first interface, the at least one second interface, and the at least one additional second interface each includes web pages.

206. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is received from the receiving entity.

207. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the at least one aspect of the one or more products or services includes the one or more attributes.

208. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the third information relates to the one or more attributes.

209. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the third information relates to a value of the one or more attributes.

210. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one third interface includes content that is a function of the first information, the second information, and the third information.

211. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is utilized in association with a collaborative decision platform.

212. The computer program product as recited in claim 211, wherein the collaborative decision platform includes a plurality of modules including a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

213. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the alternatives are displayed in a table.

214. The computer program product as recited in claim 213, wherein the computer program product is operable such that at least one aspect of input from the user via the least one first interface drives a column heading in the table with the alternatives for the column heading arranged therebeneath.

215. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, further comprising computer code for modifying the alternatives.

216. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, further comprising computer code for selecting the alternatives.

217. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the at least one third interface is an element of an analysis interface.

218. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one third interface allows the user to modify a range of data.

219. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional third interface that provides a decision sensitivity display.

220. The computer program product as recited in claim 219, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

221. The computer program product as recited in claim 219, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

222. The computer program product as recited in claim 219, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the decision sensitivity display shows at least one value associated with a first choice and at least one value associated with a second choice.

223. The computer program product as recited in claim 219, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a choice.

224. The computer program product as recited in claim 219, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

225. The computer program product as recited in claim 219, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value for each of a plurality of choices.

226. The computer program product as recited in claim 219, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with at least one choice.

227. The computer program product as recited in claim 226, wherein the at least one aspect is associated with value.

228. The computer program product as recited in claim 226, wherein the at least one choice is pre-defined.

229. The computer program product as recited in claim 226, wherein the at least one choice is user-defined.

230. The computer program product as recited in claim 226, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one choice is capable of being provided a choice name.

231. The computer program product as recited in claim 226, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one choice is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

232. The computer program product as recited in claim 226, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one choice is capable of being defined by an amount of a purchase.

233. The computer program product as recited in claim 226, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one choice is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

234. The computer program product as recited in claim 233, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one choice is capable of being modified.

235. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, and further comprising computer code for providing at least one fourth interface that provides a potential feasible hybrid theme.

236. The computer program product as recited in claim 235, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme includes a hybrid strategy.

237. The computer program product as recited in claim 236, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the hybrid strategy combines a plurality of alternative choices.

238. The computer program product as recited in claim 237, wherein at least one of the plurality alternative choices is pre-defined.

239. The computer program product as recited in claim 235, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme is associated with at least one choice.

240. The computer program product as recited in claim 239, wherein the at least one choice is pre-defined.

241. The computer program product as recited in claim 239, wherein the at least one choice is user-defined.

242. The computer program product as recited in claim 241, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one choice is capable of being provided a name.

243. The computer program product as recited in claim 241, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one choice is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

244. The computer program product as recited in claim 241, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one choice is capable of being modified.

246. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional third interface content of which is a function of input provided using the at least one third interface.

247. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one first interface allows the user to form a plurality of boundary conditions.

248. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the at least one first interface and the at least one additional first interface are elements of a framing interface.

249. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the alternatives are displayed in a table.

250. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, further comprising computer code for negotiating a delivery agreement.

251. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, wherein the computer program product is operable such that dynamic web pages are provided via the user interface.

252. The computer program product as recited in claim 205, further comprising computer code for hierarchical expansion of the plurality of the attributes.

253. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the system includes software.

254. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the system includes hardware.

255. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the receiving entity includes a business entity.

256. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the process that is related to decision-making includes a process that supports decision-making.

257. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the second information regarding one or more products or services is received in association with a single supplying business.

258. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the second information regarding one or more products or services is received from a plurality of supplying businesses.

259. The computer program product as recited in claim 258, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the first information and the second information are received at and processed by an intermediate entity that is separate from the supplying businesses and the receiving entity.

260. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that real-time decision-making is supported.

261. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is capable of delivering presentation information to the user in accordance with the logic utilizing the user interface.

262. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the process relates to customer relationship management.

263. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, and further comprising computer code for negotiating a purchase agreement.

264. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, and further comprising computer code for negotiating a delivery agreement.

265. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the first information is received from the receiving entity.

266. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the computer program product includes a plurality of objects associated with an object-oriented programming language.

267. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to initialize the process.

268. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing a framing functionality.

269. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to develop decision related alternatives in the process.

270. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing an alternatives functionality.

271. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to analyze alternatives in the process.

272. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing an analysis functionality.

273. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to process decision-related alternatives to develop a solution.

274. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing a connection functionality.

275. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the objects include:

a first object that is capable of being used to initialize the process,

a second object that is capable of being used to develop decision-related alternatives in the process,

a third object that is capable of being used to analyze the decision-related alternatives in the process, and

a fourth object that is capable of being used to process the decision-related alternatives to develop a solution.

276. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the objects communicate utilizing encapsulation that enforces data abstraction.

277. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the objects are implemented utilizing class libraries.

278. The computer program product as recited in claim 277, wherein the class libraries are capable of being utilized for generating the user interface.

279. The computer program product as recited in claim 266, wherein the objects are implemented utilizing subclassing and inheritance to extend or modify objects by deriving additional objects from classes.

737. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is part of one or more modules.

738. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the logic is carried out by one or more universal modules.

739. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out utilizing, at least in part, logic capable of accomplishing the one or more of (i)-(iii) for one or more purposes, by applying the one or more of (i)-(iii) to different products.

740. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out utilizing, at least in part, logic capable of accomplishing the one or more of (i)-(iii) for one or more purposes, by applying the one or more of (i)-(iii) to products associated with different businesses.

741. The computer program product as recited in claim 6, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out utilizing, at least in part, logic capable of accomplishing the one or more of (i)-(iii) for one or more purposes, by applying the one or more of (i)-(iii) to products associated with different business sectors.

11. A system, comprising:

logic for executing an application capable being utilized in association with one or more attributes to support 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;

logic for receiving first information regarding the attributes from a receiving entity;

logic for receiving second information regarding proposed products or services in terms of the attributes, wherein the second information is associated with a supplying business; and

logic for executing a process that is related to decision-making, based on the first information and the second information;

wherein the application is capable of being executed in association with an entity capable of;

(i) retrieving stored information from a storage;

(ii) receiving user information from a user utilizing a user interface; and

(iii) processing the stored information and the user information for generating output of the processing;

where one or more of (i)-(iii) are carried out utilizing, at least in part, one or more modules capable of applying the one or more of (i)-(iii) differently.

12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the attributes include price, sales, variable costs, fixed cost and investment.

13. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the attributes further include market share, market size, labor cost, material cost, administrative cost, annual expenses, working capital, planning and equipment.

14. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the first information and second information are received utilizing a network.

15. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein the network is the Internet.

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

computer code for facilitating decision-making, the computer code for facilitating associated with 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 memory;

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

computer code for causing generation of at least one display based on the first information and the second information, the display facilitating the decision-making by including a decision sensitivity display embedded in a web page constructed utilizing a hypertext markup language;

wherein the application is capable of being executed using a system capable of;

(i) retrieving stored information;

(ii) receiving user information; and

(iii) processing the stored information and the user information for generating output of the processing;

where one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out utilizing, at least in part, one or more modules that is capable of being used to apply the one or more of (i)-(iii) differently.

411. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the facilitation is performed in real-time utilizing the one or more modules.

412. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the decision-making includes real-time decision-making.

413. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the first information is retrieved via a network.

414. The computer program product as recited in claim 413, wherein the network is the Internet.

415. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the second information is received via a network.

416. The computer program product as recited in claim 415, wherein the network is the Internet.

417. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product is industry-independent.

418. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the decision-making relates to which products or services are suitable for an entity.

419. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the decision-making relates to customer relationship management.

420. The computer program product as recited in claim 419, wherein the customer includes a business.

421. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, further comprising computer code for identifying a strategy.

422. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, further comprising computer code for assessing uncertainties for analysis purposes.

423. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a potential feasible hybrid theme.

424. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a decision hierarchy display.

425. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display utilizing the one or more modules.

426. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

427. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

428. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, 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.

429. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

430. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

431. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value for each of a plurality of strategies.

432. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with at least one strategy.

433. The computer program product as recited in claim 432, wherein the at least one aspect is associated with value.

434. The computer program product as recited in claim 432, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

435. The computer program product as recited in claim 432, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

436. The computer program product as recited in claim 435, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

437. The computer program product as recited in claim 435, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

438. The computer program product as recited in claim 435, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

439. The computer program product as recited in claim 435, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

440. The computer program product as recited in claim 435, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

441. The computer program product as recited in claim 440, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

442. The computer program product as recited in claim 432, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

443. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with a plurality of strategies.

444. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

445. The computer program product as recited in claim 444, further comprising code for displaying a stock ticker.

446. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, 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.

447. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a decision hierarchy display utilizing the one or more modules.

448. The computer program product as recited in claim 447, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies decisions that are within a scope of a decision making process.

449. The computer program product as recited in claim 447, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies at least one decision associated with at least one strategy.

450. The computer program product as recited in claim 449, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

451. The computer program product as recited in claim 449, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

452. The computer program product as recited in claim 451, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

453. The computer program product as recited in claim 451, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

454. The computer program product as recited in claim 451, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

455. The computer program product as recited in claim 451, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

456. The computer program product as recited in claim 451, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

457. The computer program product as recited in claim 456, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

458. The computer program product as recited in claim 449, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

459. The computer program product as recited in claim 447, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics.

460. The computer program product as recited in claim 447, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least two of:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

461. The computer program product as recited in claim 447, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

462. The computer program product as recited in claim 425, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a potential hybrid theme.

463. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a potential feasible hybrid theme utilizing the one or more modules.

464. The computer program product as recited in claim 463, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a plurality of the potential feasible hybrid themes.

465. The computer program product as recited in claim 463, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme includes a hybrid strategy.

466. The computer program product as recited in claim 465, wherein the hybrid strategy combines a plurality of alternative strategies.

467. The computer program product as recited in claim 466, wherein at least one of the plurality alternative strategies is pre-defined.

468. The computer program product as recited in claim 463, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme is associated with at least one strategy.

469. The computer program product as recited in claim 468, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

470. The computer program product as recited in claim 468, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

471. The computer program product as recited in claim 470, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

472. The computer program product as recited in claim 470, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

473. The computer program product as recited in claim 470, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

474. The computer program product as recited in claim 470, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

475. The computer program product as recited in claim 470, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

476. The computer program product as recited in claim 475, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

477. The computer program product as recited in claim 468, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

478. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the decision sensitivity display is 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 financial-related strategy and the at least one second strategy including a user-defined financial-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.

479. The computer program product as recited in claim 478, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a decision display including at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics, the decision display identifying the at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics associated with the second strategy.

480. The computer program product as recited in claim 478, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a decision display including at least two of policies, decisions, and tactics, the decision display identifying the at least two of policies, decisions, and tactics associated with the second strategy.

481. The computer program product as recited in claim 478, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a decision display including policies, decisions, and tactics, the decision display identifying the policies, decisions, and tactics associated with the second strategy.

482. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the application is the medical-related application.

483. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the application is the product supply-related application.

484. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the application is the service supply-related application.

485. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

486. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, further comprising computer code for allowing a user to modify the decision sensitivity display.

487. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the decision-making is related to a business-to-business transaction.

488. The computer program product as recited in claim 478, 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.

489. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the application is the product supply-related application and the product supply-related application relates to marketing at least one product.

490. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the application is the service supply-related application and the service supply-related application relates to marketing at least one service.

491. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the application is the corporate-related application and the corporate-related application relates to marketing.

492. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the memory includes at least one database.

493. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the memory includes at least one decision-relevant database.

494. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the memory includes a plurality of databases.

495. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the memory includes a plurality of databases coupled via at least one network.

496. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a decision display including at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics;

and the decision display includes a table.

497. The computer program product as recited in claim 496, wherein the at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics in the decision display is represented by a column heading in the table.

498. The computer program product as recited in claim 497, wherein alternatives for the at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics are arranged beneath the column heading.

499. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a decision display including at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics, and content of the decision display is based on the second information.

500. The computer program product as recited in claim 499, wherein the second information includes information relating to controllables.

501. The computer program product as recited in claim 499, wherein the second information includes information relating to uncertainties.

502. The computer program product as recited in claim 501, wherein the uncertainties include independent uncertainties.

503. The computer program product as recited in claim 501, wherein the uncertainties include uncertainties dependent on decisions.

504. The computer program product as recited in claim 501, wherein the uncertainties include at least one of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, or a margin change.

505. The computer program product as recited in claim 501, wherein include at least two of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

506. The computer program product as recited in claim 501, wherein include at least three of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

507. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, further comprising computer code for generating a decision display including at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics, the decision display including information on target customers.

508. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, further comprising computer code for generating a decision display including at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics, the decision display including information on at least one channel.

509. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, further comprising computer code for generating a decision display including at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics, the decision display including information on a salesforce channel.

510. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, further comprising computer code for generating a decision display including at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics, the decision display including information on a service channel.

511. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the second information includes information relating to information sources.

512. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the second information includes information relating to decision alternatives.

513. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the second information includes information relating to sources of value.

514. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product utilizes a structural relationship of decisions.

515. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product utilizes input from a spreadsheet.

516. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product utilizes at least one equation relating to at least one decision.

517. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product utilizes a plurality of equations relating to a plurality of decisions.

518. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product utilizes structural relationship of decisions, values, and uncertainties.

519. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, further comprising computer code for generating a decision display including at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics, in connection with the decision sensitivity display.

520. The computer program product as recited in claim 519, wherein the computer program product is capable of supporting an asynchronous decision-making process.

521. The computer program product as recited in claim 519, wherein the application utilizes policies that form boundary conditions for a decision.

522. The computer program product as recited in claim 519, wherein the application utilizes values that are important to a decision and uncertainties that potentially impact the values.

523. The computer program product as recited in claim 519, wherein the application interfaces a platform.

524. The computer program product as recited in claim 523, wherein the platform includes at least a portion of the computer code for the retrieving, the receiving, and the causing.

525. The computer program product as recited in claim 523, wherein the application is separate from the platform.

526. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product includes computer code having a plurality of objects associated with an object-oriented programming language, in connection with the one or modules.

527. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the facilitating the decision-making involves a policy, and the decision sensitivity display shows an impact of at least one of a plurality of variables on results of the policy.

528. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to initialize a computation, in connection with the one or modules.

529. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing a framing functionality, in connection with the one or modules.

530. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to develop decision-related alternatives, in connection with the one or modules.

531. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing an alternatives functionality, in connection with the one or modules.

532. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to analyze alternatives, in connection with the one or modules.

533. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing an analysis functionality, in connection with the one or modules.

534. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the objects include one or more of the following in connection with the one or modules:

a first object that is capable of being used to develop decision-related alternatives,

a second object that is capable of being used to analyze the decision-related alternatives, and

a third object that is capable of being used to process the decision-related alternatives to develop a solution.

535. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the objects communicate utilizing encapsulation that enforces data abstraction, in connection with the one or modules.

536. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the objects are implemented utilizing class libraries, in connection with the one or modules.

537. The computer program product as recited in claim 536, wherein the class libraries are capable of being utilized for generating the display, in connection with the one or modules.

538. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the objects are implemented utilizing subclassing and inheritance to extend or modify objects by deriving additional objects from classes, in connection with the one or modules.

539. The computer program product as recited in claim 526, wherein the at least one display is implemented utilizing at least one dynamic web page, in connection with the one or modules.

540. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out utilizing, at least in part, the one or more modules that is capable of being used to apply the one or more of (i)-(iii) to different business sectors.

541. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out utilizing, at least in part, the one or more modules that is capable of being used to apply the one or more of (i)-(iii) to different products.

542. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the one or more modules include a plurality of universal modules.

543. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product is operable such that all of (i)-(iii) are carried out utilizing, at least in part, the one or more modules that is capable of being used to apply all of (i)-(iii) differently.

544. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more modules are re-usable.

545. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more modules are accessible via a component integration architecture.

546. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the one or more modules include module means for applying similar functionality across multiple purposes.

547. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the display is accessible via a web browser.

548. The computer program product as recited in claim 245, wherein the one or more modules include a framing module, an alternatives module, an analysis module, and a connection module.

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

collaborative decision computer code for decision-making, the collaborative decision computer code for decision-making including 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 memory;

computer code for receiving second information from a user interface;

computer code for generating at least one display based on a computation involving the first information and the second information, the display facilitating the decision-making by being capable of viewing utilizing a web browser and including at least one of a tornado diagram, a decision sensitivity display or a decision hierarchy display; and

wherein the computer program product includes computer code having a plurality of objects associated with an object-oriented programming language.

281. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making involves a policy, and the decision sensitivity display shows an impact of at least one of a plurality of variables on results of the policy.

282. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to initialize the computation.

283. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing a framing functionality.

284. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to develop decision related alternatives.

285. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing an alternatives functionality.

286. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to analyze alternatives.

287. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing an analysis functionality.

288. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the objects include:

a first object that is capable of being used to develop decision-related alternatives,

a second object that is capable of being used to analyze the decision-related alternatives, and

a third object that is capable of being used to process the decision-related alternatives to develop a solution.

289. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the objects communicate utilizing encapsulation that enforces data abstraction.

290. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the objects are implemented utilizing class libraries.

291. The computer program product as recited in claim 290, wherein the class libraries are capable of being utilized for generating the display.

292. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the objects are implemented utilizing subclassing and inheritance to extend or modify objects by deriving additional objects from classes.

293. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the at least one display is implemented utilizing at least one dynamic web page.

294. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is performed in real-time.

295. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making includes real-time decision-making.

296. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the application is capable of being executed using a collaborative decision-making platform capable of:

(i) retrieving stored information;

(ii) receiving user information; and

(iii) processing the stored information and the user information for generating output of the processing;

where one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out utilizing, at least in part, one or more modules capable of applying the one or more of (i)-(iii) differently.

297. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is facilitated utilizing a platform capable of supporting collaborative decision-making, and the display facilitates the collaborative decision-making by including the decision sensitivity display.

298. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the platform is web-enabled.

299. The computer program product as recited in claim 298, wherein the network is model-driven.

300. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer program product is industry-independent.

301. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision-making relates to which products or services are suitable for an entity.

302. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision-making relates to customer relationship management.

303. The computer program product as recited in claim 302, wherein the customer includes a business.

304. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, further comprising computer code for identifying a strategy.

305. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, further comprising computer code for assessing uncertainties for analysis purposes.

306. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is facilitated utilizing platform means for supporting the decision-making in a collaborative manner.

307. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is facilitated utilizing means for collaborative decision-making.

308. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is facilitated utilizing a platform including module means for supporting collaborative decision-making.

309. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is facilitated utilizing a collaborative platform including at least one module for supporting the decision-making in a manner that is, at least in part, universal when applied for different purposes.

310. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making includes collaborative decision-making that is facilitated utilizing a platform including at least one module for supporting the decision-making in a manner that is, at least in part, universal when applied differently by the platform.

311. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, 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.

312. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

313. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

314. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value for each of a plurality of strategies.

315. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with at least one strategy.

316. The computer program product as recited in claim 315, wherein the at least one aspect is associated with value.

317. The computer program product as recited in claim 315, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

318. The computer program product as recited in claim 315, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

319. The computer program product as recited in claim 318, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

320. The computer program product as recited in claim 318, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

321. The computer program product as recited in claim 318, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

322. The computer program product as recited in claim 318, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

323. The computer program product as recited in claim 318, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

324. The computer program product as recited in claim 323, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

325. The computer program product as recited in claim 315, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

326. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with a plurality of strategies.

327. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

328. The computer program product as recited in claim 327, further comprising code for displaying a stock ticker.

329. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, 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.

330. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is facilitated utilizing a platform capable of supporting collaborative decision-making, and the display facilitates the collaborative decision-making by including the decision hierarchy display.

331. The computer program product as recited in claim 330, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies decisions that are within a scope of a decision making process.

332. The computer program product as recited in claim 330, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies at least one decision associated with at least one strategy.

333. The computer program product as recited in claim 332, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

334. The computer program product as recited in claim 332, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

335. The computer program product as recited in claim 334, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

336. The computer program product as recited in claim 334, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

337. The computer program product as recited in claim 334, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

338. The computer program product as recited in claim 334, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

339. The computer program product as recited in claim 334, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

340. The computer program product as recited in claim 339, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

341. The computer program product as recited in claim 332, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

342. The computer program product as recited in claim 330, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics.

343. The computer program product as recited in claim 330, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least two of:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

344. The computer program product as recited in claim 330, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

345. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a potential hybrid theme.

346. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a potential feasible hybrid theme.

347. The computer program product as recited in claim 346, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a plurality of the potential feasible hybrid themes.

348. The computer program product as recited in claim 346, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme includes a hybrid strategy.

349. The computer program product as recited in claim 348, wherein the hybrid strategy combines a plurality of alternative strategies.

350. The computer program product as recited in claim 349, wherein at least one of the plurality alternative strategies is pre-defined.

351. The computer program product as recited in claim 346, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme is associated with at least one strategy.

352. The computer program product as recited in claim 351, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

353. The computer program product as recited in claim 351, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

354. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

355. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

356. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

357. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

358. The computer program product as recited in claim 353, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

359. The computer program product as recited in claim 358, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

360. The computer program product as recited in claim 351, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

361. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision sensitivity display is 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 strategy and the at least one second strategy including a user-defined 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.

362. The computer program product as recited in claim 361, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a decision display, the decision display identifying at least one decision associated with the second strategy.

363. The computer program product as recited in claim 362, wherein the decision display includes the decision hierarchy display.

364. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the real estate-related application.

365. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the medical-related application.

366. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the product supply-related application.

367. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the service supply-related application.

368. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

369. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, further comprising computer code for allowing a user to modify the decision sensitivity display.

370. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the decision-making is related to a business-to-business transaction.

371. The computer program product as recited in claim 361, 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.

372. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the product supply-related application and the product supply-related application relates to marketing at least one product.

373. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the service supply-related application and the service supply-related application relates to marketing at least one service.

374. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application is the corporate-related application and the corporate-related application relates to marketing.

375. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the memory includes at least one database.

376. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the memory includes at least one decision-relevant database.

377. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the memory includes a plurality of databases.

378. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the memory includes a plurality of databases coupled via at least one network.

379. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is facilitated utilizing a platform capable of supporting collaborative decision-making, and the display facilitates the collaborative decision-making by including the decision hierarchy display, and the decision hierarchy display includes a table.

380. The computer program product as recited in claim 379, wherein each decision in the decision hierarchy display is represented by a column heading in the table.

381. The computer program product as recited in claim 380, wherein alternatives for each decision are arranged beneath the column heading.

382. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the decision-making is facilitated utilizing a platform capable of supporting collaborative decision-making, and the display facilitates the collaborative decision-making by including the decision hierarchy display, and content of the decision hierarchy display is based on the second information.

383. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the second information includes information relating to controllables.

384. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the second information includes information relating to uncertainties.

385. The computer program product as recited in claim 305, wherein the uncertainties include independent uncertainties.

386. The computer program product as recited in claim 305, wherein the uncertainties include uncertainties dependent on decisions.

387. The computer program product as recited in claim 305, wherein the uncertainties include at least one of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, or a margin change.

388. The computer program product as recited in claim 305, wherein include at least two of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

389. The computer program product as recited in claim 305, wherein include at least three of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

390. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display utilizing a collaborative decision platform, the decision hierarchy display including information on target customers.

391. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display utilizing a collaborative decision platform, the decision hierarchy display including information on at least one channel.

392. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display utilizing a collaborative decision platform, the decision hierarchy display including information on a salesforce channel.

393. The computer program product as recited in claim 280, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display utilizing a collaborative decision platform, the decision hierarchy display including information on a service channel.

394. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the second information includes information relating to information sources.

395. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the second information includes information relating to decision alternatives.

396. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the second information includes information relating to sources of value.

397. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer program product utilizes a structural relationship of decisions.

398. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer program product utilizes input from a spreadsheet.

399. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer program product utilizes at least one equation relating to at least one decision.

400. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer program product utilizes a plurality of equations relating to a plurality of decisions.

401. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer program product utilizes structural relationship of decisions, values, and uncertainties.

402. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display utilizing a collaborative decision platform, the decision hierarchy display including a bar graph.

403. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer program product is capable of supporting an asynchronous decision-making process.

404. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application utilizes policies that form boundary conditions for a decision.

405. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application utilizes values that are important to a decision and uncertainties that potentially impact the values.

406. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the application interfaces the platform.

407. The computer program product as recited in claim 406, wherein the platform includes at least a portion of the computer code for the retrieving, the receiving, and the causing.

408. The computer program product as recited in claim 406, wherein the application is separate from the platform.

409. The computer program product as recited in claim 297, wherein the computer program product includes computer code having a plurality of universal modules associated with the object-oriented programming language.

410. The computer program product as recited in claim 305, wherein the computer program product is operable such that a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

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

computer code for facilitating decision-making, the computer code for facilitating associated with 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 memory;

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

computer code for causing generation of at least one display based on the first information and the second information, the display facilitating the decision-making by including at least one of a potential feasible hybrid theme, a decision sensitivity display, or a decision hierarchy display;

wherein the computer program product includes a collaborative decision platform capable of enabling real-time network-based collaboration between entities.

550. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the facilitation is performed in real-time.

551. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the decision-making includes real-time decision-making.

552. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the first information is retrieved via a network.

553. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the user interface receives different second information from different people at different times and from different places, such that contents of the at least one display is based on the second information from the different people.

554. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the second information is received via a network.

555. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product includes asynchronous computer code operable such that the user interface is capable of receiving the second information from different people at different times and from different places, such that contents of the at least one display is based on the second information from the different people;

the asynchronous computer code further operable such that the user interface is capable of receiving modified second information from the different people, such that the contents of the at least one display is modified based on the modified second information from the different people.

556. The computer program product as recited in claim 555, wherein the modified second information modifies a problem definition.

557. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the decision-making relates to which products or services are suitable for an entity.

558. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein at least a portion of the computer code is carried out using modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the modules differently.

559. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, 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.

560. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for identifying a strategy.

561. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for assessing uncertainties for analysis purposes.

562. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating at least two of:

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

563. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the potential feasible hybrid theme, the decision sensitivity display, and the decision hierarchy display.

564. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision sensitivity display.

565. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity table.

566. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the decision sensitivity display includes a decision sensitivity chart.

567. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, 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.

568. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the decision sensitivity display compares at least one value associated with a strategy.

569. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value.

570. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies sources of value for each of a plurality of strategies.

571. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with at least one strategy.

572. The computer program product as recited in claim 571, wherein the at least one aspect is associated with value.

573. The computer program product as recited in claim 571, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

574. The computer program product as recited in claim 571, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

575. The computer program product as recited in claim 574, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

576. The computer program product as recited in claim 574, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

577. The computer program product as recited in claim 574, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

578. The computer program product as recited in claim 574, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

579. The computer program product as recited in claim 574, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

580. The computer program product as recited in claim 579, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

581. The computer program product as recited in claim 571, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

582. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the decision sensitivity display identifies at least one aspect associated with a plurality of strategies.

583. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

584. The computer program product as recited in claim 583, further comprising code for displaying a stock ticker.

585. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, 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.

586. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display.

587. The computer program product as recited in claim 586, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies decisions that are within a scope of a decision making process.

588. The computer program product as recited in claim 586, wherein the decision hierarchy display identifies at least one decision associated with at least one strategy.

589. The computer program product as recited in claim 588, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

590. The computer program product as recited in claim 588, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

591. The computer program product as recited in claim 590, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

592. The computer program product as recited in claim 590, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

593. The computer program product as recited in claim 590, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

594. The computer program product as recited in claim 590, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

595. The computer program product as recited in claim 590, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

596. The computer program product as recited in claim 595, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

597. The computer program product as recited in claim 588, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

598. The computer program product as recited in claim 586, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least one of policies, decisions, or tactics.

599. The computer program product as recited in claim 586, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes at least two of:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

600. The computer program product as recited in claim 586, wherein the decision hierarchy display includes:

policies, decisions, and tactics.

601. The computer program product as recited in claim 564, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the potential hybrid theme.

602. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the potential feasible hybrid theme.

603. The computer program product as recited in claim 602, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating a plurality of the potential feasible hybrid themes.

604. The computer program product as recited in claim 602, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme includes a hybrid strategy.

605. The computer program product as recited in claim 604, wherein the hybrid strategy combines a plurality of alternative strategies.

606. The computer program product as recited in claim 605, wherein at least one of the plurality alternative strategies is pre-defined.

607. The computer program product as recited in claim 602, wherein the potential feasible hybrid theme is associated with at least one strategy.

608. The computer program product as recited in claim 607, wherein the at least one strategy is pre-defined.

609. The computer program product as recited in claim 607, wherein the at least one strategy is user-defined.

610. The computer program product as recited in claim 609, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being provided a strategy name.

611. The computer program product as recited in claim 609, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a plurality of selections.

612. The computer program product as recited in claim 609, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by an amount of stock purchase.

613. The computer program product as recited in claim 609, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being defined by a selection of a plurality of alternatives.

614. The computer program product as recited in claim 609, wherein the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

615. The computer program product as recited in claim 614, wherein a range associated with the at least one strategy is capable of being modified.

616. The computer program product as recited in claim 607, wherein the at least one strategy is a stock purchase strategy.

617. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, 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.

618. The computer program product as recited in claim 617, 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.

619. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the corporate-related application.

620. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the real estate-related application.

621. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the medical-related application.

622. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the product supply-related application.

623. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the service supply-related application.

624. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the financial-related application.

625. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for allowing a user to modify at least one of a tornado diagram, the decision sensitivity display, the decision hierarchy display, an influence diagram, and the potential feasible hybrid theme.

626. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the decision-making is related to a business-to-business transaction.

627. The computer program product as recited in claim 617, 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.

628. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the product supply-related application and the product supply-related application relates to marketing at least one product.

629. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the service supply-related application and the service supply-related application relates to marketing at least one service.

630. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application is the corporate-related application and the corporate-related application relates to marketing.

631. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the memory includes at least one database.

632. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the memory includes at least one decision-relevant database.

633. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the memory includes a plurality of databases.

634. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the memory includes a plurality of databases coupled via at least one network.

635. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, and the decision hierarchy display includes a table.

636. The computer program product as recited in claim 635, wherein each decision in the decision hierarchy display is represented by a column heading in the table.

637. The computer program product as recited in claim 636, wherein alternatives for each decision are arranged beneath the column heading.

638. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, 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.

639. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the second information includes information relating to controllables.

640. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the second information includes information relating to uncertainties.

641. The computer program product as recited in claim 561, wherein the uncertainties include independent uncertainties.

642. The computer program product as recited in claim 561, wherein the uncertainties include uncertainties dependent on decisions.

643. The computer program product as recited in claim 561, wherein the uncertainties include at least one of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, or a margin change.

644. The computer program product as recited in claim 561, wherein include at least two of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

645. The computer program product as recited in claim 561, wherein include at least three of a product sales volume change, a margin change, a cost change, and a margin change.

646. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer code for generating includes computer code for generating the decision hierarchy display, the decision hierarchy display including information on target customers.

647. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, 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.

648. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, 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.

649. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, 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.

650. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the second information includes information relating to information sources.

651. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the second information includes information relating to decision alternatives.

652. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the second information includes information relating to sources of value.

653. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product utilizes a structural relationship of decisions.

654. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product utilizes input from a spreadsheet.

655. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product utilizes at least one equation relating to at least one decision.

656. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product utilizes a plurality of equations relating to a plurality of decisions.

657. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product utilizes structural relationship of decisions, values, and uncertainties.

658. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the collaborative decision platform includes the computer code for facilitating, the computer code for retrieving, the computer code for receiving, and the computer code for causing.

659. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product is capable of supporting an asynchronous decision-making process.

660. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application utilizes policies that form boundary conditions for a decision.

661. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application utilizes values that are important to a decision and uncertainties that potentially impact the values.

662. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the application interfaces a platform.

663. The computer program product as recited in claim 662, wherein the platform includes at least a portion of the computer code for the retrieving, the receiving, and the causing.

664. The computer program product as recited in claim 662, wherein the application is separate from the platform.

665. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the computer program product includes computer code having a plurality of objects associated with an object-oriented programming language.

666. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the facilitating the decision-making involves a policy, and the decision sensitivity display shows an impact of at least one of a plurality of variables on results of the policy.

667. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to initialize a computation.

668. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing a framing functionality.

669. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to develop decision-related alternatives.

670. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing an alternatives functionality.

671. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the objects include at least one object that is capable of being used to analyze alternatives.

672. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the at least one of the plurality of objects is capable of providing an analysis functionality.

673. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the objects include:

a first object that is capable of being used to develop decision-related alternatives,

a second object that is capable of being used to analyze the decision-related alternatives, and

a third object that is capable of being used to process the decision-related alternatives to develop a solution.

674. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the objects communicate utilizing encapsulation that enforces data abstraction.

675. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the objects are implemented utilizing class libraries.

676. The computer program product as recited in claim 675, wherein the class libraries are capable of being utilized for generating the display.

677. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the objects are implemented utilizing subclassing and inheritance to extend or modify objects by deriving additional objects from classes.

678. The computer program product as recited in claim 665, wherein the at least one display is implemented utilizing at least one dynamic web page.

679. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to form at least one boundary condition associated with the decision-making.

680. The computer program product as recited in claim 679, wherein the at least one first interface that allows the user to form at least one boundary condition associated with the decision-making allows the user to form a plurality of boundary conditions.

681. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to input at least one tactic associated with the decision-making.

682. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to input at least one policy associated with the decision-making.

683. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the at least one first interface allows the user to enter at least one decision relating to the decision-making.

684. The computer program product as recited in claim 682, wherein the at least one first interface allows the user to enter a plurality of decisions relating to the decision-making.

685. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the at least one first interface allows the user to enter at least one tactic relating to the decision-making.

686. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to form at least one boundary condition associated with the decision-making utilizing a menu.

687. The computer program product as recited in claim 686, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to form at least one additional boundary condition associated with the decision-making.

688. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to input important values associated with the decision-making.

689. The computer program product as recited in claim 688, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to input additional important values associated with the decision-making.

690. The computer program product as recited in claim 688, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one first interface and the at least one additional first interface work in parallel in connection with at least one common display.

691. The computer program product as recited in claim 688, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the important values and the additional important values are capable of being modified.

692. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for providing at least one first interface that allows the user to form at least one boundary condition associated with the decision-making, and allows the user to provide input associated with important aspects associated with the decision-making.

693. The computer program product as recited in claim 692, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the at least one boundary condition and the important aspects are capable of being modified.

694. The computer program product as recited in claim 692, wherein the at least one first interface is an element of a framing interface.

695. The computer program product as recited in claim 692, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional first interface a content of which is a function of input provided using the at least one first interface.

696. The computer program product as recited in claim 692, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional first interface that allows the user to form at least one additional boundary condition associated with the decision-making, and allows the user to provide input associated with additional important aspects associated with the decision-making.

697. The computer program product as recited in claim 692, further comprising computer code for providing at least one second interface that displays a plurality of alternatives.

698. The computer program product as recited in claim 697, wherein the alternatives include alternate choices.

699. The computer program product as recited in claim 697, wherein the alternatives are displayed in a table.

700. The computer program product as recited in claim 699, wherein at least one aspect of input received from the user via the least one first interface drives a column heading in the table with the alternatives for the column heading arranged therebeneath.

701. The computer program product as recited in claim 697, further comprising computer code for confirming at least one of the alternatives.

702. The computer program product as recited in claim 697, further comprising computer code for modifying the alternatives.

703. The computer program product as recited in claim 697, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional second interface that displays the plurality of alternatives, as modified by user input.

704. The computer program product as recited in claim 697, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional second interface a content of which is a function of input provided using the at least one second interface.

705. The computer program product as recited in claim 697, further comprising computer code for providing at least one third interface that displays sources of value in each of the alternatives.

706. The computer program product as recited in claim 697, further comprising computer code for providing at least one third interface that allows the user to modify input information.

707. The computer program product as recited in claim 705, wherein the at least one third interface is an element of an analysis interface.

708. The computer program product as recited in claim 706, wherein the at least one third interface allows the user to modify a range of data.

709. The computer program product as recited in claim 706, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional third interface that provides the decision sensitivity display.

710. The computer program product as recited in claim 706, further comprising computer code for providing at least one additional third interface a content of which is a function of input provided using the at least one third interface.

711. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, further comprising computer code for receiving third information that includes public information.

712. The computer program product as recited in claim 711, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is received from a source separate from a receiving entity and a supplying business utilizing the collaborative decision platform.

713. The computer program product as recited in claim 711, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is utilized as a function of user input.

714. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is received from the receiving entity.

715. The computer program product as recited in claim 711, wherein the third information relates to one or more products or services.

716. The computer program product as recited in claim 715, wherein the third information relates to a value of at least one aspect of the one or more products or services.

717. The computer program product as recited in claim 716, wherein the at least one aspect of the one or more products or services includes the one or more attributes.

718. The computer program product as recited in claim 715, wherein the third information relates to one or more attributes associated with the one or more products or services.

719. The computer program product as recited in claim 715, wherein the third information relates to a value of one or more attributes associated with the one or more products or services.

720. The computer program product as recited in claim 711, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information measures a retrospective value creation for customers.

721. The computer program product as recited in claim 711, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the third information is utilized in association with the collaborative decision platform.

722. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for allowing the receiving entity to provide insight in association with the source.

723. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for allowing the receiving entity to provide insight in association with the source, in order to reduce risk associated with the decision-making.

724. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for allowing the receiving entity to effect a modification in association with the third information of the source.

725. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for allowing the receiving entity to provide a confirmation in association with the source.

726. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for allowing the user to provide insight in association with the source.

727. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for allowing the user to provide insight in association with the source, in order to reduce risk associated with the decision-making.

728. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for allowing the user to modify the third information of the source.

729. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for allowing the user to provide a confirmation in association with the source.

730. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for providing source information that specifies the source.

731. The computer program product as recited in claim 712, further comprising computer code for providing source information that identifies the source.

732. The computer program product as recited in claim 731, wherein the source information includes a directory.

733. The computer program product as recited in claim 731, wherein the source information includes at least one person'"'"'s name.

734. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the collaborative decision platform allows input from at least three entities that impacts the at least one display.

735. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the collaborative decision platform involves collaboration of at least three entities.

736. The computer program product as recited in claim 549, wherein the collaborative decision platform involves collaboration of at least two entities via the Internet.

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

computer code for collaborative decision-making related to customer relationship management, the computer code for collaborative decision-making associated with 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 memory;

computer code for receiving second information from at least one user interface; and

computer code for causing generation of at least one display based on the first information and the second information, the display facilitating the collaborative decision-making by including at least one of a potential feasible hybrid theme, a decision sensitivity display, or a decision hierarchy display.

743. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the collaborative decision-making is carried out utilizing a system that is capable of carrying out the collaborative decision-making in connection with different decisions, and the at least one user interface is adapted for receiving the second information from different people at different times and from different places, such that the at least one display is based on the second information from the different people.

744. The computer program product as recited in claim 743, wherein the application is capable of being executed using the system and the system is capable of:

(i) retrieving stored information;

(ii) receiving user information; and

(iii) processing the stored information and the user information for generating output of the processing;

where one or more of (i)-(iii) is carried out in association with, at least in part, one or more modules that is operable such that the one or more of (i)-(iii) are capable of being purposed differently.

745. The computer program product as recited in claim 744, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more of (i)-(iii) are capable of being purposed differently, by applying the one or more of (i)-(iii) to different products.

746. The computer program product as recited in claim 744, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more of (i)-(iii) are capable of being purposed differently, by applying the one or more of (i)-(iii) to products associated with different businesses.

747. The computer program product as recited in claim 744, wherein the computer program product is operable such that the one or more of (i)-(iii) are capable of being purposed differently, by applying the one or more of (i)-(iii) to products associated with different business sectors.

748. The computer program product as recited in claim 744, wherein the computer program product includes computer code having a plurality of objects associated with an object-oriented programming language.

749. The computer program product as recited in claim 744, wherein the at least one user interface is implemented utilizing dynamic web pages.

750. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the collaborative decision-making is facilitated utilizing platform means for supporting the collaborative decision-making in a collaborative manner.

751. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the collaborative decision-making is facilitated utilizing means for collaborative decision-making.

752. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the collaborative decision-making is facilitated utilizing a platform including module means for supporting collaborative decision-making.

753. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the collaborative decision-making is facilitated utilizing a collaborative platform including at least one module for supporting the collaborative decision-making in a manner that is, at least in part, universal when applied for different purposes.

754. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the collaborative decision-making includes collaborative decision-making that is facilitated utilizing a platform including at least one module for supporting the decision-making in a manner that is, at least in part, universal when applied differently by the platform.

755. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein at least a portion of the computer code is carried out using modules capable of interfacing with different applications adapted for applying the modules differently.

756. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, 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.

757. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the computer program product includes an asynchronous framework operable such that the at least one user interface is capable of asynchronously receiving the second information from different people, such that contents of the at least one display is based on the second information from the different people.

758. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the computer program product includes an asynchronous framework operable such that the at least one user interface is capable of asynchronously receiving the second information from different people, such that contents of the at least one display is based on the second information from the different people;

the asynchronous framework further operable to iteratively repeat a framing process.

759. The computer program product as recited in claim 742, wherein the computer program product includes an asynchronous framework operable such that the at least one user interface is capable of asynchronously receiving the second information from different people, such that contents of the at least one display is based on the second information from the different people;

the asynchronous framework further operable such that the at least one user interface is capable of asynchronously receiving modified second information from the different people, such that the contents of the at least one display is modified based on the modified second information from the different people.

760. A system, comprising:

collaborative decision means for facilitating decision-making in association with 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;

means for retrieving first information from a memory; and

means for receiving second information via a web page constructed utilizing a hypertext markup language;

wherein the system is operable to cause generation of at least one display based on the first information and the second information, the display facilitating the decision-making by including at least one of a potential feasible hybrid theme, a decision sensitivity display, or a decision hierarchy display.