Decision tables revisited: A Decision Table is primarily used as which kind of representation when modeling business logic?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: a way of representing multiple conditions and their corresponding actions

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Complex business rules often depend on several conditions. Decision tables provide a compact, unambiguous method to enumerate condition combinations and specify the required actions, supporting clarity in requirements and testing.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We want the core purpose of decision tables.
  • Information flow (DFD) and “big picture” summaries are separate artifacts.
  • The emphasis is on conditions → actions mapping.


Concept / Approach:
Decision tables list conditions as dimensions and enumerate each possible state (for example, Y/N, ranges). Each rule line maps a specific condition combination to one or more actions. This ensures completeness and reduces ambiguity compared to prose rules or ad hoc diagrams.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the analysis need: multiple conditions interact.Choose a tabular format that exhaustively lists combinations.Associate each combination with clear actions.Select the option that states “representing multiple conditions and actions.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Test case design frequently mirrors the decision table, making coverage and traceability straightforward.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Information flow representation belongs to data-flow diagrams.
  • Overall system picture is a scoping or context diagram activity.
  • All/None: Overbroad or incorrect given the precise role of decision tables.


Common Pitfalls:
Not enumerating mutually exclusive conditions; failing to specify default actions; mixing data movement with decision logic.


Final Answer:
a way of representing multiple conditions and their corresponding actions

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion