MindDecider

MindDecider is a decision making, mind mapping and project management tool designed for analysis and solution of decision problems, managing project stages and resources, drawing mind maps.
Program basics
The software is based on two concepts. The first is mind maps with their efficiency in organization of information and brainstorming. The second concept is multi-criteria decision analysis which is widely used in decision support systems.
Main construction element of a program is an item. It may describe any object, idea, task, phenomenon or a term. An item can be divided into smaller and simpler subitems (mind mapping). If a subitem still looks complicated it is further divided into other sub-subitems. So, end-level items are very simple and can be easily analyzed and operated.

For example, "success" can be described as "carrier", "money", "health", "self-realization" and so on. As a result a decision tree is drawn.
On each level items or variants can be processed either as an integration or as a choice. Integration of items is done by methods of summation, calculation of average and probabilities. Processing methods of choice include the best and the worst choice.
MindDecider's multiple criteria part means that any item is described by specific parameters or criteria to compare the variants. For example, "house" item may have such parameters as "price", "living area", "number of rooms", etc. A user sets a number of criteria and then estimates each variant or subvariant by these criteria. The program analyses all variants by all criteria and estimates to make the best (worst) choice or process the data as a sum, average or probability.
Basic features
* 3 work modes: Plan mode, Estimation mode and Time Analysis. Each of them offers specific functions and displayed features depending on the goal pursued.
* Plan mode: general project structure, decision tree drawing, operations with items and subitems. The mode offers minimal display options to present an idea of mind mapping as it is.
* Estimation mode: adding criteria to estimate variants (subvariants) or resources. The mode offers additional math features to the Plan mode.
* Time Analysis mode: setting time characteristics of items. The mode offers Timeline option (Gantt chart) that shows time behaviour of items and their contribution to a final result.
* Several data processing methods: choice of the best or the worst variant, summing, calculation of probabilities and average meaning, maximize win and minimize loss.
* Two balancing procedures to compare pairs of parameters or items. Fast Balance - simple pairwise comparison (choice of one variant). Precision Balance - visual comparison where a user sets a share or proportion between two parameters. 5 types of visual aids is offered: graphs, areas, segments, numbers or multitudes.
* Time optimization function: automatic distribution of objects in time under the user-set conditions or constraints. Examples of conditions: event A occurs before B, event A occurs after event B, event A occurs if the rate is over zero point, event A ends simultaneously with event X.
* Fuzzy calculations: setting intervals for estimates to add uncertainty into decision analysis.
* Sensitivity analysis: Tornado diagram showing relative importance of parameters.
* Report mode: brief statistics of the compared variants, reasoning of the best or the worst choice, time-rate distribution graphs, etc.
* Subject areas: selection of project templates with predefined and regularly updated data (GCI performance indicators, prices, indices, etc)
* Hyperlink option: linking of a MindDecider project to any file or a document. Users may exchange data if another MindDecider project or file is hyperlinked.
* Direct input system to facilitate quick typing of information.
* Export to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Bitmap, XML, HTML and other formats.
Specific features of Pro version
* Teamwork that allows several users to work on the same project which enhances its validity, saves time and provides multiple approach in decision-making process. Teamwork is realized in an on-line mode by tcp/ip protocols either within one organization or worldwide.
* Calculation of a consensus estimate formed by different experts, calculation of average, optimistic and pessimistic conclusions to find the right solution and to forecast the best or the worst scenarios.
* Administrator's control over the project and other authors, setting and removing of authorities or limitations.

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See Also

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