About to be released...

The state of the art & future of decision analysis - this note reviews successful decision analysis systems and sets out pointers on future developments in decision analysis.

In preparation

DIKS-Data, Information & Knowledge Systems

Locational-State Theory - a short review of recent work in Locational-State Theory and the locational-state method of analysing data and information so as to establish relationships (knowledge) of utility in decision analysis models. This includes a discussion on:

• Determinant analysis in the form of a review of the significance of determinant analysis in the building of decision analysis models

Scripting

Online design studio concepts - a review of current methods of providing client control of server-end logic through comprehensive online design systems as a useful resource when decision analysis models need to be modified according to modifications in decision-maker objectives.

OOPs under the decision analysis microscope - object orientated programming started out some 45 years ago as a realistic approach to simulation. Locational-state theory has provided a basis for a better understanding of the required functionality of scripts used in building decision analysis models. This article identifies some of the main gaps in script functionality.

Complex decision-analysis

Decision-maker constituent functions - a short review of recent work on Decision-Maker Constituent functions (DMCfs) and their role in refining decision analysis model design so as to enhance their relevance to complex decisions. This includes the following aspects:

• Deference models - deference models are the mainstream configurations of Decision-Maker Constituent functions but to date they have not been applied in an effective fashion when supporting effective social and political decision-making.



• Prior approximation - prior approximation involves a learning process of bringing individual preferences in line with feasibilities and is fundamental to more effective decision analysis outcomes.



• Conflict resolution - as social and political decisions become more complex "efficient management" with "effective decision-making" in all social and political spheres can result in widespread alienation of constituencies. This note explores where decision analysis can provide effective contributuions to decisions and help reduce contention, conflict and recriminatory follow-up to decisions.



• Semantics - communicating facts and especially realtionships as a fund of knowledge requires precise coding. Selective communications might present a preferred scenario of relevant knowledge but it is not a complete story and it is the complete story which provideds a better assessment of risk.



• Ethical Decision-Making - navigating between existing knowledge, law, expectations and expediency represent a challenge to ethical decision-making for individuals as well as those taking decisions on behalf of others.



• Immoral ethical conduct - the assiduous pursuit of an ethical approach to reasoned argument can be undermined by an inadequate level of discipline applied to decision analysis. This article explains how to avoid decision-making based on honestly-held wrong points of view and the embarassment of wasted resources and high costs to the image and prestige of decision-makers.

Democracy

Participatory methods - group decisions and democracy are modelled on participatory methods but the degree to which participation contributes to the establishment of decision model determinants can vary significantly.