SDA Bocconi
An index to measure how managers use data and models to make decisions and providing a benchmark against leading organizations.
9,488
Total Responses
1,369
Total Participants
Boards of Directors, CEOs, and Members of TMT
60+
Large Companies Polled
Most organizations struggle with decision-making under uncertainty
Decision-making processes under uncertainty lack structure
Poor decision-making has a tangible cost to organizations
There is a better way
The Scientific Decision-Making (SDM) Index measures the extent to which managers use models and data to guide decisions.
Degree and type of scientific decision-making
Benchmarking of how scientific a company's decision-makers are against those of other large organizations
Identification of the scientific decision-making style of managers
Areas of development to support scientific decision-making under uncertainty
Ready to benchmark your organization's decision-making?
Get StartedOrganizations using scientific decision-making methodology demonstrate significant performance improvements
Study by Camuffo et al. 2025 • 1,556 SMEs • 8 countries
Revenue Growth
Average increase in revenue for participating organizations
Productivity Increase
Improvement in decision-making efficiency and outcomes
Camuffo, A., Gambardella, A., & Pignataro, A.
Strategy Science · 2024
The foundational paper establishing an analytic, normative framework for theory-based strategic decision-making—how managers should formulate, test, and update strategic theories.
View PaperCamuffo, A., Cordova, A., Gambardella, A., & Spina, C.
Management Science · 2020
The original RCT showing that entrepreneurs trained to behave like scientists—formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and rigorously testing them—make better decisions and perform better.
View PaperCamuffo, A., Gambardella, A., Messinese, D., Novelli, E., Paolucci, E., & Spina, C.
Strategic Management Journal · 2024
Large-scale replication of the scientific approach to entrepreneurship, extending findings across multiple contexts and populations.
View PaperComprehensive value delivered to participating organizations
A streamlined four-stage process from initial contact to report delivery
Intro call with the IMSL
Definition of the sample
Data collection
SDM Index with benchmark
How organizations apply the SDM Index for strategic advantage
Structure complex strategic problems
Evaluate managerial effectiveness using qualitative feedback and reports
Compare organizational cultures before mergers or acquisitions
Measure engagement, innovation, and collaboration levels
Assess candidates' analytical, strategic, and soft skills from written and verbal data
Analyze large volumes of academic or internal research
Executives and academics trust the SDM Index for rigorous decision-making assessment
“We participated to the ION Management Lab Survey with great pleasure and honor. We understood the essence of scientific decision making through your questions. It’s the ability to make choices grounded in data, tempered by critical thinking, open to revision in light of new evidence. We hope, with your advanced researches, for a better future of our companies and the society. Thank you.”
Mario Nardi
CEO, Pietro Fiorentini SpA
CEO“A rigorous, research-backed approach to measuring something that's traditionally been unmeasurable. The methodology is impressive.”
Professor of Management
Leading Business School
Academic“We used the SDM Index during our M&A due diligence. It helped us understand the cultural fit between organizations before the deal closed.”
M&A Director
Private Equity Firm
PractitionerJoin leading organizations in transforming how strategic decisions are made. Get your benchmark report and personalized development plan.