An E-learning support system based on qualitative simulations for assisting consumers' decision making

In this paper, we propose an e-learning support system (LSDM) for assisting a buyers' decision making by applying artificial intelligence technology. When buyers purchase an expensive item, they must carefully select it from many alternatives. The learning support system provides useful information that helps consumers to purchase goods. We employed qualitative simulations because the result of output of simulation is useful. It consists of a qualitative processing system and a quantitative calculation system. When buyers use the system, they first input goods information they want to purchase. The information input by buyers is used in the qualitative simulation. Next, they fill out a form concerned with the details of their budgets, the rate of loans, and several other factors. After that, the system integrates the results of simulation and the buyer's input data and proposes plans to help their decision process. The system has several advantages: buyers can use it by simple input, they can understand process of simulation, and they can base their decision making on synthetic results.