Readers will detect that the key distinction between traditional policy analysis and decision
support systems is that the latter have an explicit procedural component. Decision support analysts devote much effort to mapping the points in a decision process at which analysts might helpfully intervene. They then apply themselves to the design of potentially fruitful interactions at those few key points. They are shifting the practice of policy analysis away from a major focus on substantive rationality to giving equal consideration to procedural rationality.