Title: The KM-MCDM interface in decision design: tradeoffs-free conflict dissolution

Authors: Milan Zeleny

Addresses: Fordham University, GBA, New York, USA; The Tomas Bata University, CAEV, Zlin, Czech Republic

Abstract: Concepts of decision design are introduced via Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), Knowledge Management (KM) and optimisation. Decision-making conflict is defined as the absence of a prominent tradeoffs-free alternative. Because tradeoffs are properties of alternatives (the measured) and not of criteria (the measures), designing an optimal decision involves designing a tradeoffs-free alternative (or its proxy). Decision-making process becomes more important than its outcome: high-quality process assures high-quality outcome, not vice versa. A merger of MCDM and KM into an integrated decision support is outlined. Process-based MCDM paradigm emerges: decision making is neither art nor science – but knowledge-based skill or practice.

Keywords: decision making; decision design; decision process; multiple criteria decision making; MCDM; optimisation; knowledge management; KM; tradeoffs; tradeoffs-free; conflict dissolution; conflict resolution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJADS.2008.017951

International Journal of Applied Decision Sciences, 2008 Vol.1 No.1, pp.3 - 23

Published online: 24 Apr 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article