Definition
Decision Support is the process of providing and using information, analysis, models or recommendations to help a person or organisation make an informed and justifiable decision.
Human Explanation
A system or adviser helps the decision-maker understand the situation, available options and likely consequences but does not make the decision on their behalf.
Why it Matters
Separating analysis from the final choice makes assumptions, evidence and trade-offs more visible and preserves accountability for the decision.
Conceptual Boundary
Decision Support does not replace human judgement or the person accountable for action. It may inform, compare and recommend, but responsibility for the final choice remains with the decision-maker.
Practical Perspective
Effective Decision Support presents feasible options, relevant evidence, assumptions, consequences and risks in a form suited to the decision. It may use reports, dashboards, scenarios, models, simulations or professional advice.