App ’Value Decision’ supports experts in complex decisions (Photo: Fridolin Haag, Eawag, and cottonbro)
App 'Value Decision' supports experts in complex decisions (Photo: Fridolin Haag, Eawag, and cottonbro) - "ValueDecisions" is the name of the new tool developed by Judit Lienert and her research group, which deals with decision analysis at the aquatic research institute Eawag. The web app relieves users of the complicated programming work that was previously required for professional decision-making. "We use a method called 'multi-criteria decision analysis'," explains Lienert: "In principle, this is a cost-benefit analysis; however, it is not only about the lowest possible costs, but also a wide range of other objectives, and the decisions involve many stakeholders with conflicting interests, so a good choice cannot be made with common sense alone." In technical jargon, the method is called MCDA, short for "Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis". The ValueDecisions app calculates and visualises the results of the MCDA in clear graphical representations and tables. "You can see at a glance which options are best for the stakeholders and where a compromise is possible," says the environmental social scientist and biologist. While a script with complex programming runs in the background, the interface is very user-friendly. All you have to do is upload two Excel spreadsheets.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
