This document discusses the concept of decision making. It defines decision making as the mental process of choosing from alternatives, and identifies two types of decisions: programmed and nonprogrammed. It then outlines the five steps of the decision making process using the example of a woman choosing a dress for a wedding: 1) awareness of need, 2) gathering information, 3) making a decision, 4) evaluating choices, and 5) satisfaction with the decision. It stresses the importance of merchants assisting customers through this process.