Which of the following best defines a logical DFD?

A logical Data Flow Diagram (DFD) primarily focuses on the flow of data within a system without delving into the physical implementation details. It provides a conceptual visualization of the processes involved, the data stores, and the flow of data between processes, showing how data is processed within the system. This abstraction allows stakeholders to understand how the system operates from a functional perspective, which is crucial during the analysis phase of system development.

The other options point to various aspects of system representation but do not align with the essence of a logical DFD. For instance, one option refers to a representation that includes hardware specifics, which is more characteristic of a physical DFD or system architecture rather than a logical one. The DFD does not typically present performance metrics; hence the mention of performance metrics is not applicable to logical DFDs. Lastly, while a framework for decision support systems is significant in its own right, it does not specifically define what constitutes a logical DFD. Thus, option A encapsulates the definition accurately, distinguishing it as a clear representation of the data flow without hardware or implementation specifics.