Is Additive Utility Function Always a Sufficient Method in the Project Prioritization Process? Bridge Management Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (10) ◽  
pp. 284-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onur Kalan ◽  
Abdullah Kurkcu ◽  
Kaan Ozbay
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Utility Theory ◽  
Functional Form ◽  
Utility Functions ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Bridge Management ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Hypothetical Scenario ◽  
Multi Attribute Utility Theory

The prioritization of maintenance activities in bridges has great importance in bridge asset management systems as they are mentioned in MAP-21. One of the most commonly used prioritization methodologies in bridge management systems is multi-attribute utility theory process. In this study, the problem is defined as using the additive functional form in this process without testing additive independence (AI) assumption, which is one of the properties of multi-attribute utility theory. This study aims to emphasize the strength of the use of multiplicative functional forms when the multiplicative form is proven to be more appropriate by AI assumption test. To demonstrate this vital point, mathematical expressions are derived for the feasible regions of indifference curves. Then, the optimum region for both additive and multiplicative approaches are calculated using these analytical expressions to demonstrate the difference between the two relation to maximizing utility. This comparison is aimed at preventing suboptimal decisions because of the use of the additive approach when the multiplicative approach is more representative of the actual decision-making process. The relevance of this claim is also demonstrated using a simple hypothetical scenario. Findings of the paper provide valuable insights to decision makers and policy makers about the importance of choosing the most appropriate functional form for utility functions employed in a prioritization. We hope that policy makers at state departments of transportation will use the comparative analysis of the effect of utility functions on the final project selection process presented in this paper as part of their routine decision-making process.

Adopting Technological and Structural Changes to Horticultural Production in Spanish Mediterranean Regions

2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-254
Author(s):  
Mª A. Fernández-Zamudio ◽  
Mª D. De Miguel ◽  
P. Caballero
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Utility Theory ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Multi Attribute Utility Theory ◽  
Mediterranean Regions ◽  
Vegetable Cultivation

The decision-making process of farmers in the Spanish Mediterranean regions was analysed using the function of Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT). The economic, agronomic and social repercussions resulting from adopting a series of technological and structural improvements were evaluated on farms with citricultural and outdoor horticultural production. The introduction of such measures is necessary to improve competitiveness and favour the sustainability of these farms. The outstanding consequences of these innovations were a more efficient use of irrigation water and an increase in the area of vegetable cultivation when mechanized, which counteracted the overwhelming trend in the area towards citriculture.

scholarly journals An Emergency Decision-Making Method for Urban Rainstorm Water-Logging: A China Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiyong Ding ◽  
Juefang Cai ◽  
Guangxiang Guo ◽  
Chen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Bayesian Analysis ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Utility Theory ◽  
Urban Traffic ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Water Logging ◽  
Multi Attribute Utility Theory ◽  
Emergency Decision Making ◽  
Emergency Decision

With the rapid development of the urbanization process, rainstorm water-logging events occur more frequently in big cities in China, which causes great impact on urban traffic safety and brings about severe economic losses. Water-logging has become a hot issue of widespread concern in China. As one kind of natural disasters and emergencies, rainstorm water-logging has the uncertainties of occurrence, development, and evolution. Thus, the emergency decision-making in rainstorm water-logging should be carried out in stages according to its development trend, which is very complicated. In this paper, an emergency decision-making method was proposed for urban water-logging with a hybrid use of dynamic network game technology, Bayesian analysis, and multi-attribute utility theory. The dynamic game process between “rainstorm water-logging” and “decision-making group” was established and the dynamic generation of emergency schemes was analyzed based on Bayesian analysis in various stages of water-logging. In terms of decision-making attributes, this paper mainly considered two goals, i.e., ensuring smooth traffic and controlling emergency cost. The multi-attribute utility theory was used to select the final scheme. An example analysis in Guangzhou of China showed that the method is more targeted and can achieve emergency management objectives more effectively when compared with traditional methods. Therefore, it can provide reference for the scientific decision-making of emergency management in urban rainstorm water-logging.

scholarly journals The Psychological Puzzle: Contributing Factors to the Top-Down Politicization of Intelligence

Elements ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Moretti
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Intelligence Community ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Symbiotic Relationship ◽  
Rational Decision ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Political Leaders ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Rational Decision Making

Policy and intelligence are intimately intertwined. Policymakers need intelligence to make decisions, while the intelligence community derives significance from its ability to provide policy makers with reliable information. In this symbiotic relationship, it is healthy for intelligence consumers to at times check and direct the work of intelligence producers. However, if undertaken maliciously, this checking mechanism manifests as top-down politicization. Here, leaders use intelligence post facto to legitimize their policies instead of using it to guide them, reversing the rational decision-making process. Certain factors may compel leaders to manipulate intelligence to reflect their policy preferences. This essay demonstrates how three distinct processes of top-down politicization can arise from ambiguous evidence, the psychology of intelligence consumers, and the nature of the leaders’ political positions and responsibilities. It then proceeds to argue that political leaders’ psychology is the most potent source of top-down politicization.

scholarly journals Penerapan Metode Multi Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) Dalam Pemilihan Rumah Kost

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
Rita Novita Sari ◽  
Ratna Sri Hayati
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Decision Support System ◽  
Support System ◽  
Utility Theory ◽  
Weighted Sums ◽  
Multi Attribute Utility Theory ◽  
Boarding House ◽  
Selection Of

The development of information technology is currently developing rapidly. The use of information technology is very broad in various fields of life. The choice of boarding house is one of the things that is not easy to do. The problem often faced when choosing a boarding house is that boarders find it difficult to get information about boarding houses. Decision support system is a method that helps in making decisions on a particular problem, where no one can make a definite decision. Multi Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) is a method of decision making. MAUT is a method where looking for weighted sums of the same values in each utility in each attribute. By applying the MAUT method in the selection of boarding houses, it can give good suggestions or recommendations on boarding houses.

scholarly journals Opportunities for early-career researchers to engage with science policy through the Biochemical Society

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Science Policy ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Education Funding ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Early Career Researchers ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion

Science policy can be broadly defined as a two-way dialogue between science-related sectors and government. It involves the exchange of scientific findings and opinions with policy makers to inform the decision-making process, as well as the scrutinization of legislation around science-related topics to ensure it is based on sound evidence. Science policy covers a variety of issues, including research, education, funding, ethics, public health and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

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