Science and Decisions
Science and Decisions

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-03-24

Total Pages: 422

ISBN-13: 0309120462

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Risk assessment has become a dominant public policy tool for making choices, based on limited resources, to protect public health and the environment. It has been instrumental to the mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as other federal agencies in evaluating public health concerns, informing regulatory and technological decisions, prioritizing research needs and funding, and in developing approaches for cost-benefit analysis. However, risk assessment is at a crossroads. Despite advances in the field, risk assessment faces a number of significant challenges including lengthy delays in making complex decisions; lack of data leading to significant uncertainty in risk assessments; and many chemicals in the marketplace that have not been evaluated and emerging agents requiring assessment. Science and Decisions makes practical scientific and technical recommendations to address these challenges. This book is a complement to the widely used 1983 National Academies book, Risk Assessment in the Federal Government (also known as the Red Book). The earlier book established a framework for the concepts and conduct of risk assessment that has been adopted by numerous expert committees, regulatory agencies, and public health institutions. The new book embeds these concepts within a broader framework for risk-based decision-making. Together, these are essential references for those working in the regulatory and public health fields.

Assessment and Decision Making for Sustainable Transport
Assessment and Decision Making for Sustainable Transport

Author: European Conference of Ministers of Transport

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2004-03-10

Total Pages: 235

ISBN-13: 9282113132

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This report makes recommendations for good practice bringing the results of economic appraisals and environmental assessments before decision makers in the transport sector on the basis of reviews of recent experience in infrastructure planning and policy development in seven countries.

Decision Making and Performance Evaluation Using Data Envelopment Analysis
Decision Making and Performance Evaluation Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Author: Dariush Khezrimotlagh

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-05-03

Total Pages: 412

ISBN-13: 3319763458

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This book offers new transparent views and step-by-step methods for performance evaluation of a set of units using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The book has twelve practical chapters. Elementary concepts and definitions are gradually built in Chapters 1-6 based upon four examples of one input and one output factors, two input factors, two output factors, and four input and three output factors. Simultaneously, the mathematical foundations using linear programming are also introduced without any prerequisites. A reader with basic knowledge of mathematics and computers is able to understand the contents of the book. In addition, to prevent pre-judgment about the available concepts and definitions in the DEA literature, some new phrases are introduced and, after elucidating each phrase in detail in Chapters 1-6, they are reintroduced for industry-wide accuracy in Chapter 7. After that, some of the more advanced DEA topics are illustrated in Chapters 8-12, such as: production-planning problems, output-input ratio analysis, efficiency over different time periods, Malmquist efficiency indexes, and a delta neighborhood model. A clear overview of many of the elementary and advanced concepts of DEA is provided, including Technical Efficiency, Relative Efficiency, Cost/Revenue/Profit Efficiency, Price/Overall Efficiency, the DEA axioms, the mathematical background to measure technical efficiency and overall efficiency, the multiplier/envelopment form of basic DEA models in input/output-orientation, the multiplier/envelopment of Additive DEA model, the multiplier/envelopment of slacks-based models, and others. The book also covers a variety of DEA techniques, input-output ratio analysis, the natural relationships between DEA frontier and the ratio of output to input factors, production-planning problems, planning ideas with a centralized decision-making unit, context-dependent DEA, Malmquist efficiency index, efficiency over different time periods, and others. End-of-chapter exercises are provided for each chapter.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Author: Henry M. Levin

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 332

ISBN-13: 9780761919346

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Cost-effectiveness analysis allows researchers and evaluators to determine if a particular program or policy has attained maximum effectiveness for a given budget. This book introduces cost-effectiveness analysis and gives readers step-by-step methods to plan and implement a cost-analysis study. It explains and illustrates the four major techniques : cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, cost-utility, and cost-feasibility. It discusses choice of analysis, implementation, the nature of costs (including how to identify, measure, and distribute costs); measuring effectiveness, utility, and benefits; and, lastly the difficulties of including cost evaluations in the decision making process. Each chapter ends with exercises that enable readers to sharpen their ability to evaluate policy options and program effectiveness.

Therapeutics, Evidence and Decision-Making
Therapeutics, Evidence and Decision-Making

Author: Michael D Rawlins

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2011-07-29

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 1853159476

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This book is intended to help decision-makers use, assess and appraise the evidence that underpins decisions about the use of therapeutic interventions. It will inform decision-makers about the nature of evidence, the strengths and weaknesses of the available approaches, and how these can be most effectively distilled for the purpose of reaching reliable conclusions. It aims to encourage decision-makers to base their judgements about the use of therapeutic interventions on an informed appraisal of the totality of the evidence base. Is it reliable? Is it generalisable beyond the context of the environment in which the primary research has been conducted? Do the intervention's benefits outweigh its harms? Is it cost effective as well as clinically effective? Is it, indeed, fit-for-purpose? Ultimately, good judgement is at the heart of decision-making in therapeutics. An invaluable text for all physicians, pharmacists, nurses, health commissioners and purchasers and indeed anyone having to make decisions concerning evidence-based therapeutics.

Fuzzy Decision Analysis: Multi Attribute Decision Making Approach
Fuzzy Decision Analysis: Multi Attribute Decision Making Approach

Author: Farhad Hosseinzadeh Lotfi

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-11-24

Total Pages: 362

ISBN-13: 3031447425

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Authored by a leading expert in the field, this book introduces an innovative methodology that harnesses the power of fuzzy logic to enhance decision-making in multi-attribute scenarios. In a world of complexity and uncertainty, effective decision-making is paramount. Springer proudly presents a cutting-edge publication that revolutionizes decision analysis: "Fuzzy Decision Analysis: Multi-attribute Decision-Making Approach." This book stands at the forefront of decision analysis, introducing the integration of fuzzy logic into multi-attribute decision-making. It is a transformative journey into the realm of advanced decision analysis. It book not only equips you with the knowledge to comprehend the theoretical underpinnings but also empowers you to apply these insights in practical scenarios. This book serves as your indispensable companion. Its comprehensive coverage serves as a beacon, guiding you through the intricate maze of fuzzy logic and multi-attribute decision-making, ultimately empowering you to embrace innovation and master the art of making well-informed decisions in an ever-changing world.

The Cambridge Handbook of Psychology and Legal Decision-Making
The Cambridge Handbook of Psychology and Legal Decision-Making

Author: Monica K. Miller

Publisher:

Published: 2024-02-28

Total Pages: 760

ISBN-13: 1009122304

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Presenting state-of-the-art research, this Handbook summarises emerging and establishing topics in the area of legal decision-making. Interdisciplinary in its approach, it covers decisions made within the criminal justice system, the trial process, and clinical settings. Chapters, written by accomplished academics and experts in the field, synthesize historical context, identify gaps in existing literature, propose future directions of study, and discuss policy limitations. It also includes 'perspectives from the field' essays written by professionals - a judge, an attorney, a police officer, a trial consultant, and a probation officer - to bridge the gap between academic research and its application to the real world. It is intended as a go-to resource for students and researchers who want to immerse themselves in a body of scientific research to understand its history and shape its future.