Problems in applying Soft OR methods to climate actions: lessons from two cases of governmental use

npj Climate Action, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: Feb. 27, 2023

Abstract The field of Soft Operational Research (Soft OR) has emerged from the attempt to address contextually rich, multi-actor ‘wicked’ problems that are not amenable traditional ‘hard’ operational research techniques, which often rely on mathematical modelling. This study assesses use OR techniques in climate change policymaking. Since classical wicked problems, many assume would be high demand developing policy. And review these conducted here does find cases where methods have been used by academics and other non-governmental actors, they consistently provided useful results for It is puzzling therefore there little evidence governments using application this area. We two explicit (in Bristol UK) implicit (Rhode Island, US) such explain why so. argue notwithstanding challenges reveal their application, nevertheless much offer policymakers arena policymaking deserve more attention use.

Language: Английский

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Solving the Problem of Reducing the Audiences’ Favor toward an Educational Institution by Using a Combination of Hard and Soft Operations Research Approaches

Mathematics, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(18), P. 3815 - 3815

Published: Sept. 5, 2023

Because of hyper-complexity, a difficulty to define, multiple stakeholders with conflicting perspectives, and lack clear-cut solutions, wicked problems necessitate innovative adaptive strategies. Operations research (OR) has been valuable tool for managers make informed decisions years. However, as we face increasingly complex messy problems, it become apparent that relying solely on either hard or soft OR approaches is no longer sufficient. We need explore more methodologies address these effectively. This study bridged the gap by proposing structured process encompassing subdivision-based problem structuring method defining problem, multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) prioritizing subproblems, technique, data envelopment analysis (DEA) tackling one most critical subdivisions. The proposed methodology, (SPSM), implemented in case study, focuses higher education institution experiencing decline student admissions involves five steps. First, diverse group formed ensure comprehensive consideration perspectives. Second, defined, considering long-term consequences, stakeholders, qualitative stakeholder opinions. Third, hierarchical structure created break down into manageable subproblems. Fourth, multi-criteria (MCDM) prioritizes Finally, subproblems are addressed using combination tools. findings highlight benefits integrating approaches. concludes reflections implications combined approach tackle beyond.

Language: Английский

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Generating policy alternatives for decision making: A process model, behavioural issues, and an experiment

EURO Journal on Decision Processes, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12, P. 100050 - 100050

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

The generation of alternative policies is essential in complex decision tasks with multiple interests and stakeholders. A diverse set typically desirable to cover the range options objectives. Decision modelling literature has often assumed that clearly defined alternatives are readily available. This not a realistic assumption practice. We present structured process model for policy settings include non-quantifiable elements where portfolio optimisation approaches applicable. Behavioural issues path dependence as well heuristics biases which can occur during discussed. behavioural experiment compares obtained by using two different techniques. results demonstrate generation. report thinking patterns subjects relate heuristics.

Language: Английский

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Policy Control as a Strategy for Controlling Inherent Vices of Policy-Making

Administration & Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 56(7), P. 830 - 858

Published: July 23, 2024

Policy makers face inherent vices in the policy-making process that can affect outcomes of policy process. While it is widely recognized literature these lead to volatility, date, virtually no attention has been paid how be controlled. In Netherlands, control was introduced as a mechanism increase likelihood implementing effective by involving controllers at all stages This study shows an vices.

Language: Английский

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Solving the Problem of Reducing the Audiences’ Favor Towards an Educational Institution by Using a Combination of Hard and Soft Operations Research Approaches

Published: June 15, 2023

Because of hyper complexity, difficulty to define, multiple stakeholders with conflicting perspectives, and lack clear-cut solutions, wicked problems necessitate innovative adaptive strategies. Operations Research has been a valuable tool for managers make informed decisions years. However, as we face increasingly complex messy problems, it become apparent that relying solely on either hard or soft OR approaches is no longer sufficient. We need explore more methodologies address these effectively. This study bridged the research gap by proposing structured process encompassing subdivision-based problem structuring method defining problem, multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) prioritizing sub-problems, technique, data envelopment analysis (DEA) tackling one most critical sub-divisions. The proposed methodology, implemented in case study, focuses higher education institution experiencing decline student admissions involves five steps. First, diverse group formed ensure comprehensive consideration perspectives. Second, defined, considering long-term consequences, stakeholders, qualitative stakeholder opinions. Third, hierarchical structure created break down into manageable sub-problems. Fourth, multi-criteria (MCDM) prioritizes Finally, sub-problems are addressed using combination tools. findings highlight benefits integrating approaches. article concludes reflections implications combined approach tackle beyond.

Language: Английский

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Editorial: Special Issue on Decision Processes in Policy Design

EURO Journal on Decision Processes, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11, P. 100038 - 100038

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Language: Английский

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