Foundations of Multiattribute Utility

Many of the complex problems faced by decision makers involve uncertainty as well as multiple conflicting objectives. This book provides a complete understanding of the types of objective functions that should be used in multiattribute decision making. By using tools such as preference, value, and utility functions, readers will learn state-of-the-art methods to analyze prospects to guide decision making and will develop a process that guarantees a defensible analysis to rationalize choices. Summarizing and distilling classical techniques and providing extensive coverage of recent advances in the field, the author offers practical guidance on how to make good decisions in the face of uncertainty. This text will appeal to graduate students and practitioners alike in systems engineering, operations research, business, management, government, climate change, energy, and healthcare.

Ali E. Abbas is Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Southern California. He directs the Center for Decisions and Ethics (DECIDE) and previously directed the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE). His research covers all aspects of decision making under uncertainty broadly defined. He has written two books and edited two others, and has more than 100 refereed publications in the field of decision analysis. He is editor of numerous professional journals and has extensive media coverage on all aspects of decision making and risk.