CDS provides an array of decision support services within the Applied Research profession. Applied Research is the application of a scientific approach to decision making using mathematical applications to efficiently allocate scarce resources. We strive to provide decision makers with the tools that they need to make the best decisions possible in a deterministic, where all details are known, or an uncertain environment. Within Applied Research, CDS has capabilities in these areas:

CDS combines its Applied Research capability with its software development to provide sophisticated yet understandable decision support systems that provide insights and results to our clients.

Decision Analysis

We apply a combination of decision theory concepts to help the client make better decisions. Our approach will differ based on the client’s needs, but usually includes a combination of research into the problems or decisions at hand, modeling of the system or a decision model, and process improvements to ensure any decision can be supported once made. The resulting decision support system is meant to be defendable technically, repeatable, sustainable, and transparent.

Portfolio Analysis

CDS considers corporate goals and maps all modeling to those goals. In our portfolio analysis, we assist the client in determining the best corporate investments to place in their portfolio under constrained budget realities.

Mathematical Modeling

Mathematical Modeling provides a mathematical representation of the problem, system, or environment. CDS can build sophisticated bi-criteria mixed integer programming models, simulations, and/or simpler spreadsheet models that adequately represent problems and provide the insights needed to make quality choices.

Pricing

All goods and services need to be priced. CDS can help the client develop simple or sophisticated pricing models that support bundled products and services or support value based pricing.

Economic Analysis

Economic Analysis provides the client models for buy versus lease decisions or more complex purchasing decisions with uncertainty. We strive to ensure all models are intuitive, informative, and insightful.

Spreadsheet Analysis

CDS can provide your organization a full array of different spreadsheet models, techniques, and instruction including simulations within spreadsheets.