Anthony King. M6.3 Assignment.
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Module 6.3: Decision Analysis in Systems Engineering
Anthony King
College of Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
SYSE 515: Math Applications in Systems Engineering
Federica Robinson-Bryant Instructor
November 25, 2023
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Module 6.3: Decision Analysis in Systems Engineering
Decision analysis, a normative facet of decision-making, acts as a crucial tool in the
decision-making process. It encompasses six key elements. Firstly, decision makers and
stakeholders are pivotal, as decisions impact them directly. The second element involves framing
the decision by identifying the problem, perspectives, and decision boundaries. Thirdly, a viable
set of alternatives must be established for effective decision-making. The preferences of decision
makers and stakeholders constitute the fourth element, emphasizing values and trade-offs. The
fifth element involves information capturing knowledge and uncertainties, with probability
representing uncertainty. The often overlooked sixth element is the decision logic or choice
criterion, where rational decision-making norms suggest choosing the alternative with the highest
expected utility. Despite efforts in other elements, arbitrary choice criteria can lead to poor
decision outcomes. The quality of a decision relies on the analysis and thought process, not just
the outcome (Abbas, 2016).
Figure 1
Six Elements of a Decision
Note.
Perspectives on the Use of Decision Analysis in Systems Engineering: Workshop
Summary. 2016.
(
https://ieeexplore-ieee-org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/document/7490551
)
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Decision analysis methods can be applied to systems engineering problems to support the
decision-making process by providing a structured framework for evaluating alternatives,
assessing uncertainties, and identifying the optimal course of action. These methods help in
analyzing complex systems and making informed decisions based on available information and
preferences (Amekudzi, Khisty, & Mohammadi, 2012).
The main takeaway from the article is that decision analysis methods provide a
systematic approach to deal with uncertainties, conflicting objectives, and complex decision
problems in systems engineering. These methods help in clarifying the problem, identifying
objectives, evaluating alternatives, and incorporating preferences and uncertainties into the
decision-making process (Abbas, 2016).
One of the decision analysis tools introduced in the course is the Decision Tree Analysis.
This approach involves representing decisions and their possible consequences in a tree-like
structure, where each branch represents an alternative and its associated outcomes. Decision Tree
Analysis allows for quantifying probabilities and values for each outcome and provides a visual
representation of the decision problem (Amekudzi, Khisty, & Mohammadi, 2012).
To demonstrate the application of Decision Tree Analysis in systems engineering, we
should consider a problem in the context of developing a new product. The problem is to
determine whether to invest in developing a new feature for the product or not. The decision to
invest involves uncertainties such as market demand, development costs, and potential revenue.
Why 1: Why should we invest in developing the new feature? The new feature has the
potential to attract more customers and increase market share.
Why 2: Why would the new feature attract more customers? The new feature addresses a
specific customer need that is currently unmet by competitors.
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Why 3: Why is addressing this specific customer need important? Market research
indicates that there is a significant demand for a product with this feature.
Why 4: Why is there significant demand for this feature? Customers are looking for a
more efficient and user-friendly solution to the problem the feature addresses.
Why 5: Why are customers seeking a more efficient and user-friendly solution? Existing
solutions in the market are cumbersome and do not effectively meet the customers' requirements.
The root cause would be that existing solutions in the market are cumbersome and do not
effectively meet the customers' requirements. The identified root cause indicates that the problem
lies in the current solutions available in the market. By addressing this root cause, the decision to
invest in developing the new feature becomes more justified.
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References
Abbas, A. (2016).
Perspectives on the Use of Decision Analysis in Systems Engineering:
Workshop Summary
. IEEE.
https://ieeexplore-ieee-
org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/document/7490551/citations?tabFilter=papers#citations
Amekudzi, A., Khisty, C., & Mohammadi, J. (2012).
Systems Engineering with Economics,
Probability, and Statistics
(2
nd
ed.). J. Ross Publishing.