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Decision Table

A decision table is a structured tool for representing and analyzing complex decision logic by mapping conditions to actions. It consists of conditions, actions, and rules, allowing for a clear visualization of decision-making scenarios. Benefits include improved clarity, comprehensiveness, error reduction, and efficient analysis.

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26 views2 pages

Decision Table

A decision table is a structured tool for representing and analyzing complex decision logic by mapping conditions to actions. It consists of conditions, actions, and rules, allowing for a clear visualization of decision-making scenarios. Benefits include improved clarity, comprehensiveness, error reduction, and efficient analysis.

Uploaded by

mosesbaraza.co.ke
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DECISION TABLE

A decision table is a structured way of representing and analyzing complex decision logic,
where you can map different combinations of conditions (inputs) to the corresponding actions
(outputs). It's a tool used to aid in decision-making by organizing and presenting all possible
scenarios in a compact, easy-to-read format.

Structure of a Decision Table

A decision table consists of the following components:

1. Conditions (Inputs): These are the factors or variables that affect the decision-making
process. Conditions are typically binary (True/False) or can take on multiple values.
2. Actions (Outputs): These are the possible outcomes or decisions that are taken based on
the conditions.
3. Rules: Each rule represents a combination of condition values (True/False or other
values), and specifies the corresponding action or outcome.

Key Elements of a Decision Table:

• Conditions Stub: A column where each condition is listed.


• Action Stub: A column where actions or decisions are listed.
• Condition Entries: Each rule represents a combination of conditions. The table will
contain entries such as "True", "False", or other values for each rule.
• Action Entries: The actions that correspond to a specific combination of conditions.

Example of a Simple Decision Table:

Let's consider a scenario where a company gives discounts based on customer type and purchase
amount.

Conditions:

• C1: Customer Type (New or Returning)


• C2: Purchase Amount (Less than $100, $100 or more)

Actions:

• A1: No Discount
• A2: 10% Discount
• A3: 20% Discount
C2: Purchase
C1: Customer Type A1: No A2: 10% A3: 20%
Rules Amount
(New/Returning) Discount Discount Discount
(<$100/$100)
R1 New <$100 X
R2 New >=$100 X
R3 Returning <$100 X
R4 Returning >=$100 X

How to Read the Table:

• R1: If the customer is new and the purchase amount is less than $100, No Discount (A1)
applies.
• R2: If the customer is new and the purchase amount is $100 or more, a 10% Discount
(A2) is applied.
• R3: If the customer is returning and the purchase amount is less than $100, a 20%
Discount (A3) is applied.
• R4: If the customer is returning and the purchase amount is $100 or more, a 20%
Discount (A3) applies.

Types of Decision Tables:

1. Limited Entry Decision Table: A decision table where each condition has a small
number of possible values (e.g., True/False or Yes/No).
2. Extended Entry Decision Table: A decision table that can accommodate more complex
situations with multiple values for each condition.
3. Condition/Action Matrix: A simplified version of decision tables used in software
development or business analysis.

Benefits of Using a Decision Table:

• Clarity: It helps visualize the relationship between conditions and actions, making the
decision logic easier to understand.
• Comprehensiveness: Decision tables help ensure that all possible scenarios are
considered and that no combinations are overlooked.
• Error Reduction: By systematically mapping out all conditions and actions, decision
tables reduce the chances of missing important decision scenarios.
• Efficient Analysis: It allows easy identification of overlapping or redundant rules and
helps streamline decision-making processes.

Conclusion:

A decision table is a powerful tool for modeling decision logic in a structured manner. It's
particularly useful when there are multiple conditions that affect a set of outcomes. By
organizing all combinations and possible actions, decision tables allow decision-makers to
ensure completeness and consistency in their decision-making process.

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