The DECIDE Model

The task of marketing research is to provide management with relevant, accurate, reliable, valid, and current information. Traditionally, marketing researchers were responsible for providing the relevant information and marketing decisions were made by the managers. However, the roles are changing and marketing researchers are becoming more involved in decision making, whereas marketing managers are becoming more involved with research. The role of marketing research in managerial decision making is explained using the framework of the "DECIDE" model:

D

Define the marketing problem

E

Enumerate the controllable and uncontrollable decision factors

C

Collect relevant information

I

Identify the best alternative

D

Develop and implement a marketing plan

E

Evaluate the decision and the decision process

The DECIDE model conceptualizes managerial decision making as a series of six steps. The decision process begins by precisely defining the problem or opportunity, along with the objectives and constraints. Next, the possible decision factors that make up the alternative courses of action (controllable factors) and uncertainties (uncontrollable factors) are enumerated. Then, relevant information on the alternatives and possible outcomes is collected. The next step is to select the best alternative based on chosen criteria or measures of success. Then a detailed plan to implement the alternative selected is developed and put into effect. Last, the outcome of the decision and the decision process itself are evaluated.

Comprehension questions:

1. What is marketing research?

2. What does the DECIDE model consists of?

3. Explain each step in the model.