Decision Behaviour, Analysis and Support

Behavioural studies have shown that while humans may be the best decision makers on the planet, we are not quite as good as we think we are. We are regularly subject to biases, inconsistencies and irrationalities in our decision making. Decision Behaviour, Analysis and Support explores perspectives from many different disciplines to show how we can help decision makers to deliberate and make better decisions. It considers both the use of computers and databases to support decisions as well as human aids to building analyses and some fast and frugal tricks to aid more consistent decision making. In its exploration of decision support it draws together results and observations from decision theory, behavioural and psychological studies, artificial intelligence and information systems, philosophy, operational research and organisational studies. This provides a valuable resource for managers with decision-making responsibilities and students from a range of disciplines, including management, engineering and information systems.

List of figures; List of tables; List of case vignettes; List of abbreviations and notation; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. Behavioural decision studies; 3. Decision analysis and support; 4. Information and knowledge management; 5. Artificial intelligence and expert systems; 6. Operational research and optimisation; 7. Decision analysis and multiple objectives; 8. Decision analysis and uncertainty; 9. Issue formulation and problem structuring; 10. Strategic decision analysis; 11. Groups of decision makers; 12. Organisational decision support; 13. Societal decision making; 14. Decision support systems; 15. Conclusions; Index; Bibliography.

This valuable 2009 resource for managers and students in management, engineering and information systems explains strategies for better decisions taken from a wide range of disciplines. It covers computer technology, as well as human aids to building analyses, and some fast and frugal tricks for more consistent decision making.

Simon French is Professor of Information and Decision Sciences at Manchester Business School, University of Manchester.
John Maule is Professor of Human Decision Making and Director of the Centre for Decision Research at Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds.
Nadia Papamichail is Senior Lecturer in Information and Decision Systems at Manchester Business School, University of Manchester.