The Internet: An End to Classical Decision Modeling?

Abstract

Problem formulation, data collection, modeling, testing running, analyzing and results–these are the pre-Internet staged approaches to decision aiding, when the modeling time allowed to the analyst was to some extent determined by the fact there were few alternative approaches that were either better and/or faster. It is possible that the Internet now facilitates “cut-and-paste” modeling, the development of an acceptable approximate model, suitable for the immediate decision, constructed from bits of programs from anywhere on the Web. It is this possibility that is examined in this chapter. First we look at classical decision modeling, then at a hypothesized Internet alternative approach and lastly mention some dangers of the Internet approach, which is, what might happen to the benefits of mental activity?