Reasoning maps for decision aid: an integrated approach for problem-structuring and multi-criteria evaluation

Abstract

This paper proposes a tool for multi-criteria decision aid to be referred to as a Reasoning Map. It is motivated by a desire to provide an integrated approach to problem structuring and evaluation, and in particular, to make the transition between these two processes a natural and seamless progression. The approach has two phases. In the first one, the building of a Reasoning Map supports problem structuring, capturing a decision maker's reasoning as a network of means and ends concepts. In the second phase, this map is enhanced, employing a user-defined qualitative scale to measure both performances of decision options and strengths of influence for each means–end link. This latter phase supports the decision maker in evaluating the positive and negative impacts of an action through synthesis of the qualitative information. A case study, which investigates the use of the method in practice, is also presented.

Keywords:

• cognitive mapping
• multiple criteria evaluation
• qualitative decision analysis
• soft-hard OR integration

Acknowledgements

This work was developed when the first author was associated with the Department of Management Science, University of Strathclyde. The initial phase of this research was supported by a grant from the Capes foundation.We are thankful to Carlos Bana e Costa, for the insightful idea that sparkled this research; to the HR consultant Cristianne Sá Bez, who devoted time and effort in the case study, and to two anonymous referees for their comments on our draft.