Generating and preselecting alternatives

Franz Eisenführ (), Martin Weber and Thomas Langer ()
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Thomas Langer: University of Münster

Chapter Chapter 4 in Rational Decision Making, 2010, pp 81-105 from Springer

Abstract: Summary The application of cause-effect analysis naturally leads to alternatives. Formal impact models and means-ends networks may generate a multitude of useful alternatives. Visualizing an ideal alternative may stimulate creativity on how to approach such an alternative. Expanding the decision context by taking into account more fundamental objectives may yield innovative, previously unrecognized options. In many cases, the construction of a good solution can be broken down into various modular partial solutions that may simplify the decision problem. By developing multi-level alternatives that include a number of possible reactions to future events, one can obtain more - and often better alternatives than by generating only single-level alternatives. Creativity techniques like brainstorming and the Nominal Group Technique can enhance or support the development of alternatives in groups. Identifying and eliminating bad alternatives is important if the number of options becomes very large. This may mean that the decision maker has to preselect alternatives without having completely evaluated them beforehand. Restrictions and aspiration levels are popular but problematic methods. Under certain conditions, it is possible to preselect alternatives according to the dominance criterion.

Date: 2010
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02851-9_4

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