MAUD (Multiattribute Utility Decomposition): An Interactive Computer Program for the Structuring, Decomposition, and Recomposition of Preferences between Multiattributed Alternatives

Abstract

This report describes the use and operation of Multiattribute Utility Decomposition (MAUD), an interactive computer program for the structuring, decomposition, and recomposition of preferences between multiattributed alternatives. MAUD is designed as a decision aid, helping the decision maker in any and all of the above operations. MAUD is of use in situations in which the user has an intuitive 'feel' for relevant aspects of the decision-making and problem but has not as yet uncovered its precise worth structure, or where we are interested in how the user's idiosyncratic worth structure is mapped onto the problem situation. MAUD is designed for direct interfacing of client (decision maker, expert) and decision problems in a 'hands on' approach. As such, it is designed to interact directly with the client, without using a decision analyst or technician as an intermediary. The decision analyst, in discussing the problem with the client before using MAUD, will wish to arrive at an agreed definition of the set of alternatives whose worth structure MAUD is to investigate and the goals under which the worth structure is subsumed. However, once these issues have been defined, the decision analyst is advised to let MAUD take over structuring decomposition and recomposition of preferences between alternatives in direct interaction with the user.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA137625

Entities

People

  • A. Wisudha
  • P. Humphreys

Organizations

  • Brunel University London

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  • C4I

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  • Algorithms
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  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.