A system that uses data mining to guide decisions about customer retention is categorized as a?

A system that utilizes data mining to guide decisions about customer retention is classified as a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). This classification is grounded in the system's use of complex data analysis and mining techniques specifically aimed at enhancing decision-making processes.

In the context of customer retention, the decision support can involve analyzing past customer behaviors, preferences, and interactions to predict future actions. By leveraging this targeted insight, businesses can implement strategies to retain customers effectively. CDSS systems are tailored to support decisions through guided analysis, making them highly relevant for applications that focus on optimizing customer relationships.

It’s important to note that other options represent different types of systems. A Management Information System (MIS) primarily focuses on providing routine information for managerial functions, a Decision Support System (DSS) usually assists in making unstructured decisions by analyzing data, and an Executive Support System (ESS) serves higher-level executives by facilitating strategic insight rather than direct operational guidance. Thus, the emphasis on customer retention through data mining distinctly aligns with the functionalities attributed to CDSS.