Frame-based argumentation for group decision task generation and identification

One of the most important stages of group decision-making is the generation and identification of decision tasks. In this paper, we define a decision task with five elements: decision makers, decision executors, decision objectives, decision problems and decision constrains. Based on this distinction, we present a conceptual model for generation and identification of group decision tasks in an organization. In addition, we describe a prototype of a group argumentation support system (GASS) that applies frame-based information structure in electronic brainstorming (EBS) and argumentation to support group decision task generation and identification. Using four group performance indicators, the prototype was evaluated in a lab experiment to determine its effectiveness and efficiency. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.