Belmont CA: Duxbury Press (1996),
Computers play a large role in decision analysis. As a result, sections in several chapters discuss current software available for the construction and analysis of decision models on personal computers.
One of the most intriguing software developments in decision analysis is the publication of DPL. This remarkable product integrates both influence diagrams and decision trees. Created initially for consulting use by Applied Decision Analysis, Inc., DPL has also enjoyed considerable success as a vehicle for teaching decision analysis. To facilitate the use of DPL in courses, a student edition of DPL is available at a discount when bundled with Making Hard Decisions.
In addition to dedicated decision-analysis software, much of the discussion in the text revolves around the use of electronic spreadsheets, such as Lotus 1-2-3 or Micrsoft Excel. Spreadsheets provide a very flexible modeling environment for analyzing decision situations, and many students and decision makers may have access to spreadsheets rather than special-purpose software. One of the most useful skills that an analytically-minded decision maker could have these days is expertise in the use of a spreadsheet.
Do not take this business about computers wrong, though. Decision-analysis concepts and techniques can indeed be learned, understood, and used quite effectively without ever touching a computer. In some cases, though, such as simulation or sensitivity analysis, working with a computer more readily demonstrates the insights that can be obtained from the analysis.
Use the buttons below to access sections of the hyper-preface.
Introduction | New in the Second Edition | Guidelines for Students
Computers and Decision Analysis | A Word to Instructors
Keeping Up with Changes | Acknowledgements
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