Some Comments on Conceptual Frameworks for Comparing Alternatives,
Abstract
A vital part of the long range planning (LRP) process is the systematic comparison of alternative future courses of action. The most important function of an analytical activity in support of the LRP process is to develop information that will help the decisionmakers in making comparisons among the alternatives under consideration. Several types of conceptual frameworks of analysis are available for formulating comparisons. However, for most LRP problems, the specified effectiveness or job-to-be-done approach and the specified resource constraint approach are the two frameworks that are likely to be most useful. Either approach may be used at the lower levels of suboptimization, depending on the specifics of the problem at hand. But at the higher levels--e.g., at the overall agency level--the specified resource constraint approach is likely to be the most feasible and useful. Use of unconstrained effectiveness/cost ratios is not generally recommended. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0721274
Entities
People
- G. H. Fisher
Organizations
- RAND Corporation