Types of problems

After answering the 12 questions, the problem becomes more structured and thus can achieve a satisfactory solution.

The decision may involve four types of problem - alpha, beta, gamma and delta:

• Alpha problems are those where the decision involves choosing the best alternative or alternatives.
• Beta are those problems in which the decision is to accept the alternatives that look good and discard the ones that look bad - for example, classifying the alternatives.
• Gamma problems are those where we want to generate a ranking of the alternatives, by putting them in order of priority.
• Delta problems are those in which the decision requires carrying out an appraisal of the alternatives.