Modeling by construction: a new methodology for constructing models for decision support

When comparing the fields of model building and model solving/analyzing, it is the latter that is more widely researched and understood. This is particularly true in respect of the construction of solving paradigm-free representations. These are needed in the case of general models for decision support, to function as problem descriptions. The process of formulating such models is supported badly in a conceptual and a technical way. We focus on the conceptual way. Model building is viewed as a creative act, which needs constructive achievement, and which is not only a mapping of reality. We provide a framework for a step-by-step conception and formulation of general models for decision support in an easy-to-use and problem-driven manner. We supply an example which uses a graphical modeling language