A significant part of the model-building process is generating alternatives. In optimization models (such as linear programming), the alternative may be generated automatically by the model.
In most MSS situations, however, it is necessary to generate alternative manually. This can be a lengthy process that involves searching and creativity, perhaps utilizing electronic brainstorming in a GSS.
Generating alternatives is heavily dependent on the availability and cost of information and requires expertise in the problem area. This is the least formal aspect of problem solving. Alternatives can be generated and evaluated using heuristics.