TRUSTED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD

Methods and apparatus for providing a comprehensive decision support system to include predictions, recommendations with consequences and optimal follow-up actions in specific situations are described. Data is obtained from multiple disparate data sources, depending on the information deemed necessary for the situation being modeled. Some embodiments perform complex systems modeling including performing massive correlative analyses of the data obtained from the multiple disparate data sources with current situational data obtained regarding the situation for which the decision support process is being utilized. The decision support system provides a prediction or predictions and a recommendation or a choice of recommendations based on the correlative analysis and/or other analyses. In some embodiments the decision support system provides possible consequences that could result from a recommendation. In other embodiments the decision support system provides a list of tasks for acting upon a recommendation. Also described are methods and apparatus for developing application specific decision support models. The decision support model development process may include identifying multiple disparate data sources for retrieval of related information, selection of classification variables to be retrieved from the data sources, assignment of weights to each classification variable, selecting and/or defining rules, and selecting and/or defining analysis functions.