General Modeling and Problem Solving

DecisionPro's user interface overcomes a typical spreadsheet's limitations in representing complex models by using a hierarchical tree layout. This interface is proven to be a more natural and productive way of working with complex problems. It allows you to work with meaningful cell names, plain-English formulas, and equations in standard math form.

Like spreadsheets, DecisionPro trees are essentially networks of user-defined formulas that can be built for almost any purpose. Unlike spreadsheets, DecisionPro does not force you to map your problem onto a grid. Instead, it automatically constructs a diagram that matches the logical structure of your model. This is a key benefit that makes it easier for you to tackle complex, unstructured problems.

DecisionPro's problem-solving abilities are based on the Divide and Conquer concept. That is, to solve a complex problem you simply divide it into two or more simpler components. To solve these component problems, you apply the same process again, breaking them down into still finer elements. The result is a DecisionPro tree.

DecisionPro's tree structure not only provides a great way to solve business problems, it also provides a great way to present your analysis to others. With DecisionPro, your models are inherently outlined. The root node represents the solution you seek and each branch provides increasingly more detailed information about how that solution is derived. This feature makes it easy for someone who is unfamiliar with your model to understand its function quickly.

DecisionPro's hierarchical structure is further enhanced by the ability to group parts of your model into functional blocks. In the example above, the Weighted Average Cost of Capital and Cost of Equity branches are organized into functional groups. You can expand or collapse these groups interactively to display the level of detail that is appropriate for your audience. For example, if you present the model above to a colleague or client and your discussion focuses on cost of capital issues, you can display all components of the Weighted Average Cost of Capital group. If your discussion focuses on other areas, you can use a single mouse click to collapse this entire group to one node.

DecisionPro is capable of producing a wide variety of presentation-quality tables and graphs that help to communicate the results of your work.

As an OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) server, DecisionPro can exchange graphic elements with other Windows applications. Using DecisionPro with an OLE-compatible word processor gives you a great deal of flexibility in preparing summary reports and presentations. These reports can include trees, graphs, tables, text, and objects from other applications, all on the same page.

For more information on general modeling and problem solving, see the chapters Building Models, page 25, and Modeling Language Basics, page 51.