scholarly journals Decision-Making Process Factors Explain Some of the Heterogeneity of Irrigation Practices among Maize Farmers in Southwestern France

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 3504
Author(s):  
Marine Albert ◽  
Jacques-Eric Bergez ◽  
Stéphane Couture ◽  
Robert Faivre ◽  
Magali Willaume

Agricultural practices are heterogeneous among farmers in the face of climate hazards. Structural and material resources as well as risk preferences explain some of this heterogeneity, but little is known about how psychological factors associated with the decision-making process may explain differences in practices among farmers. The aim of this study was to understand whether decision-making process factors help explain the heterogeneity of a specific practice—the date of first irrigation—among maize farmers, along with material and structural factors. We conducted semi-directed interviews with 35 farmers who irrigated maize in southwestern France. We analyzed discriminating factors of the decision-making process, such as reactivity (i.e., capacity to change plans), deliberation (i.e., level of internal information used to make decisions) and assistance (i.e., level of external information used to make decisions). We used two complementary statistical methods (linear regression and regression trees) to analyze the database. Our study confirms the influence of material and structural factors, and also reveals the strong influence of decision-making process factors. A high level of reactivity is associated with adaptive behavior. Moreover, using decision-support tools and technologies helps farmers to manage the use of water resources. These elements could be used by advisors and public policy-makers in the agriculture sector to improve adaptation.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 43-50
Author(s):  
Oksana Mulesa ◽  
Vitaliy Snytyuk ◽  
Ivan Myronyuk

Management decision-making tasks are usually characterized by a high level of uncertainty. When solving this class of problems, it is necessary to take into account the environmental conditions for the implementation of the decisions made and the consequences that may arise in this case. The decision-making task in the face of uncertainty can be represented in the form of a “game with nature”, in which the optimal player strategy is sought. A two-stage decision-making process is considered, in which at each stage the decision-making problem is solved in conditions of risk. The case is supposed in which, after making a decision at the first stage, choosing an effective alternative and the onset of a certain state of nature, it is necessary to solve the decision-making problem of the second stage. Decision-making models based on well-known decision models of the “game with nature” are proposed. The developed models allow in the process of choosing an effective alternative to the first stage to assess the possible consequences of such a choice, taking into account the expectations of the decision maker. In the course of experimental verification, it is shown that the developed decision-making models can be used to solve such multi-stage problems, the phased solution of which is incorrect. This may occur due to the fact that some of their stages are associated with certain losses, and others – with profit. In such situations, it is advisable to consider the problem as a whole and at each stage, take into account all available information as much as possible.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy A. Otieno ◽  
Fauzia A. Malik ◽  
Stacy W. Nganga ◽  
Winnie N. Wairimu ◽  
Dominic O. Ouma ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Maternal immunization is a key strategy for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases in mothers and their newborns. Recent developments in the science and safety of maternal vaccinations have made possible development of new maternal vaccines ready for introduction in low- and middle-income countries. Decisions at the policy level remain the entry point for maternal immunization programs. We describe the policy and decision-making process in Kenya for the introduction of new vaccines, with particular emphasis on maternal vaccines, and identify opportunities to improve vaccine policy formulation and implementation process. Methods We conducted 29 formal interviews with government officials and policy makers, including high-level officials at the Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group, and Ministry of Health officials at national and county levels. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. We analyzed the qualitative data using NVivo 11.0 software. Results All key informants understood the vaccine policy formulation and implementation processes, although national officials appeared more informed compared to county officials. County officials reported feeling left out of policy development. The recent health system decentralization had both positive and negative impacts on the policy process; however, the negative impacts outweighed the positive impacts. Other factors outside vaccine policy environment such as rumours, sociocultural practices, and anti-vaccine campaigns influenced the policy development and implementation process. Conclusions Public policy development process is complex and multifaceted by its nature. As Kenya prepares for introduction of other maternal vaccines, it is important that the identified policy gaps and challenges are addressed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 661
Author(s):  
Clair Sullivan ◽  
Andrew Staib ◽  
Keith McNeil ◽  
David Rosengren ◽  
Ian Johnson

Digital transformation of Australian hospitals is occurring rapidly. Although the clinical community has had limited ability to influence high-level decision making and investments into digital health technologies, as these technologies increasingly transform the way patients are cared for, the clinical community must influence the digital health agenda and be an integral part of the decision-making process. This case study details the process and lessons learnt during the development of the state-wide consensus statement detailing the clinical requirements for digital health initiatives to form the Queensland Digital Health Clinical Charter. To the best of our knowledge, Queensland is the first Australian jurisdiction to create a Digital Clinical Charter to be specifically referenced in the investment in and governance of digital health in hospitals. By developing this clinical charter for digital health, and in articulating the needs of clinicians, a clinical framework will be added to both the decision-making process around the investments in digital health and the definition and realisation of the expected benefits from these sizable investments. What is known about the topic? Digital transformation of healthcare is occurring rapidly. The clinical community has had limited ability to influence high-level decision making and investments into these digital health technologies. Tension currently exists between the clinical community who must use the new digital technologies and the technical groups that govern the introduction of the new technologies. This tension can be manifest as clinicians refusing to adopt new systems, safety concerns and an inability to reach consensus on direction. There are few peer reviewed publications addressing this tension between the clinical community and technical providers. What does this paper add? This paper is the first attempt to create a list of clinical requirements for digital transformation that crosses professional streams and is endorsed by the state-wide executive leadership team to inform the acquisition and governance of digital health technologies. What are the implications for practitioners? Clinicians can feel excluded and marginalised during the decision-making process for new digital technologies, despite the fact that they are often using these technologies to deliver hands-on care to patients. This charter clearly articulates the requirements of clinicians for digital transformation and has been endorsed by the executive leadership team of Queensland Health. The charter adds a clinical framework to be referenced during the decision-making process around the investments in digital health, and the definition and realisation of the expected benefits from these sizable investments. As the digital landscape in public hospitals evolves, clinicians are becoming increasingly reliant upon digital technologies. It is critical that clinicians have a strong effect on technology acquisition and governance to maximise the quality and efficiency of the care they provide.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 987-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Song ◽  
Yan Luximon ◽  
Jing Luo

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to test the theoretical framework of lettering case, color temperature, perceived trustworthiness and investment intentions. First, it aims to test whether the effect of lettering case on investment intentions is mediated by trustworthiness. Second, the study will examine if this process is moderated by color temperature.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the behavioral research method, this study employed a 2 (the fully-lowercase slogan vs the initial-uppercase slogan) by 2 (warm-color design vs cool-color design) full factorial between-subject design. Two hundred participants were recruited for the experiment to test the hypotheses.FindingsFor the lowercase slogans (vs uppercase slogans), we found that people tended to have a high level of perceived trustworthiness, which led to a high level of investment intentions. In addition, the indirect effect of the lettering case on investment intentions through the perceived trustworthiness was moderated by color temperature. Specifically, the visually warm advertisement (vs visually cool design) would strengthen the effect of lowercase slogans on customers' investment intentions.Originality/valueWhen people make a financial decision with limited, incomplete or overly complex information, simplified visual heuristics, rather than rational algorithmic processing, play a significant role in their decision-making process. However, only a limited amount of research has addressed the effect of the lettering case on customers' perceptions and the consequent decision-making process from a financial advertising perspective. This study tries to supplement and extend the visual heuristics theory, highlighting the role of simplified heuristics, rather than rational algorithmic processing, in financial customers' decision-making process.


2006 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 635-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles D. Freilich

This article presents a first of its kind typology of Israeli national security decision-making processes, focusing on five primary pathologies and a number of strengths. It will demonstrate that these pathologies are the product of an extraordinarily compelling external environment and domestic structural factors: chiefly, the extreme politicization of the decision-making process stemming from the proportional representation electoral system, the consequent need to govern through coalition cabinets, and the absence of effective cabinet-level decision-making support capabilities.


Author(s):  
Chang-Hyeon Joh ◽  
Theo Arentze ◽  
Harry Timmermans

Previously, a theory of activity-travel rescheduling decisions was developed. This theory left open the problem of how individuals deal with the combinatorial problem of a very large solution space. Based on the argument that an appropriate algorithm should also be interpreted as a representation of an actual decision-making process, such an algorithm for activity-travel rescheduling is proposed here. Details are described, and a numerical illustration is provided to explore the face validity of the proposed algorithm.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-171
Author(s):  
Jane Elizabeth Sullivan ◽  
Lynn Heather Gillam ◽  
Paul Terence Monagle

AbstractObjectivesTypically pediatric end-of-life decision-making studies have examined the decision-making process, factors, and doctors’ and parents’ roles. Less attention has focussed on what happens after an end-of-life decision is made; that is, decision enactment and its outcome. This study explored the views and experiences of bereaved parents in end-of-life decision-making for their child. Findings reported relate to parents’ experiences of acting on their decision. It is argued that this is one significant stage of the decision-making process.MethodsA qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with bereaved parents, who had discussed end-of-life decisions for their child who had a life-limiting condition and who had died. Data were thematically analysed.ResultsTwenty-five bereaved parents participated. Findings indicate that, despite differences in context, including the child’s condition and age, end-of-life decision-making did not end when an end-of-life decision was made. Enacting the decision was the next stage in a process. Time intervals between stages and enactment pathways varied, but the enactment was always distinguishable as a separate stage. Decision enactment involved making further decisions - parents needed to discern the appropriate time to implement their decision to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining medical treatment. Unexpected events, including other people’s actions, impacted on parents enacting their decision in the way they had planned. Several parents had to re-implement decisions when their child recovered from serious health issues without medical intervention.Significance of resultsA novel, critical finding was that parents experienced end-of-life decision-making as a sequence of interconnected stages, the final stage being enactment. The enactment stage involved further decision-making. End-of-life decision-making is better understood as a process rather than a discrete once-off event. The enactment stage has particular emotional and practical implications for parents. Greater understanding of this stage can improve clinician’s support for parents as they care for their child.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Carauta ◽  
Affonso Amaral Dalla Libera ◽  
Anna Hampf ◽  
Rafael Felice Fan Chen ◽  
José Maria Ferreira Jardim Silveira ◽  
...  

To keep yield advances, farmers in Mato Grosso (MT) have been adopting several technological innovations. Therefore, agricultural production systems in MT have become complex and dynamic since farmers have to consider the increase of decision variables when planning and implementing their farming practices. These variables are widely spread across many distinct topics, bringing them together and summarizing information from diverse fields of research has become a difficult task in farmers’ decision-making process. Therefore, we performed an Integrated Assessment simulation experiment with a region-specific bio-economic component to assess trade-offs between different agricultural practices in a double cropping system. The simulation experiment was carried out with MPMAS, a multi-agent software package developed for simulating farm-based economic behavior and human-environment interactions in agriculture. Crop yields were simulated with the Model of Nitrogen and Carbon dynamics in Agro-ecosystems (MONICA). Our simulation results show a trade-off between lower soybean yields with the flexibility of double cropping when soybean with shorter maturity cycle is introduced. Results also captured regional differences in terms of land use share of different crops and farm configurations of double cropping. These results provide key insights into a farmer’s decision-making process depending on a multitude of decision variables.


Jumping to conclusions bias is a tendency to make decisions with a high level of haste, even taking into account that there is little evidence. The jumping to conclusions bias has been widely associated with patients with schizophrenia, above all, in those patients who have positive symptomatology, that is, delusions. This cognitive bias is involved in the onset, maintenance, and relapse of these positive symptoms in schizophrenia. Also, it has been found in other psychological disorders and in healthy populations, above all in individual with schizotypy personality traits. Due to the extensive study on this cognitive bias, a detailed explanation of it will be carried out in relation to certain psychological disorders, especially schizophrenia. Moreover, the chapter describes recent studies with healthy population to see how it affects the decision-making process.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document