Decision analysis methods for wicked problems in planning

Decision Analysis Method: analysis of Rittel and Webber (1973) Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning and Tsoukias (2008) From decision theory to decision aiding methodology.

Perspectives used

In brief, Rittel and Webber (1973) article addresses the complex processes involved in planning and the challenges involved in an effort to understand such processes. In doing so, the authors adopt a cognitive perspective and contend that the \'wicked\' policy problems cannot be solved solely through technical and empirical methods. This argument is basically founded on the premise that problems, which are social in nature, do vary and this variation means there is no standard blueprint to guide decision-making process for social problems. Therefore, a logical irrationality perceptive is used in this article. This perspective involves logical understanding of the problems based on the problem itself and the prevailing conditions, hence the rise of \"wicked problems.\" The prevailing conditions are referred to as the \'social context\' of a problem. The authors thus argue that, under this perspective, the decision-making process is an argumentative model where the solution emerges gradually.

On the other hand, Tsoukias (2008) article in brief is a presentation of what the author refers to as the decision-aiding methodology. This is done through reflection of evolution of decisions making, which is done through a generally rational perspective. This perspective evolves from the understanding that, for a decisions aiding process, it has to be rationalized on the prevailing circumstances. For a decision aiding process to be initialized, one of the requirements is a \"rationalization model\" (p. 147) for the translation of the information available. This rationality model is however distinct and independent of the problem situation.

In both articles, the authors have utilized an aspect of rationality, the most evident being logical rationality. While the prevailing social context might not be part of the problem situation in most cases, it is a major determinant of the success or otherwise, of the problem solution. In both articles, the authors seem to acknowledge that, the prevailing context should be considered in both decision analysis and decision aiding processes because they determine the uniqueness of the problem, and the behavior of the planner respectively.

Decision analysis in manufacturing industry project management

Project management is a discipline involving high level decision-making. An authentic, sound, and viable decision is dependent on the utilization of the various decision-making resources available through decisions analysis and decision support methods. In my profession as a project manager in the manufacturing industry, I will use decision analysis through reliance on facts, anchoring decisions on values, review of the means, and the end goals to be met through implementation of the decision. For every decision, there is a problem situation, and to ensure that solution is a best-fit to the situation, it would require careful and precise analysis of the situation. Rittel and Webber (1973) argument would be deployed in the process by not generalizing problems and therefore not applying universal solutions. Each problem situation is unique and I would apply a unique solution through analysis of the situation.

Following such rigor, I would utilize Tsoukias (2008) argument of using decision aids to ensure the decision proposed is relevant and supportive of the prevailing situations. To do this, I would adopt the \"models of rationality\" (139) where I would first make a representation of the problem situation, which is the set of participants in the problem and the resources available. Second is formulation of the problem which involves representation of the problem as a descriptive scope thus introduction of the model of rationality. Third is to apply the evaluation model, which is predefined and practically involves evaluation of the best fit alternative to the problem based on the model. Lastly, I would give recommendations on the best solution based on the models applied.

In brief, while decision analysis as proposed by Rittel and Webber (1973) would be used in the analysis and evaluation of the specific problem situation at hand, the decisions aiding methodologies as discussed by Tsoukias (2008) would be utilized to ensure that the decisions arrived at, best fit to the prevailing problem situation.

Challenges/criticisms of using systems analysis

One of the major challenges of systems analysis is the complexity involved. This is despite the fact that the system analysis process is straightforward in concept. The application of the practical aspects of system analysis, however, is complex. For example, a relatively simple task like analyzing the current procurement process will require inputs from the procurement department, the finance department, the auditors, the supplies and transport department, and even input from the company board. This is a complex process that requires time and effort from the various concerned stakeholders.

The second challenge is closely related to the first, and it lies in achieving collaboration and synchronization through teamwork. Based on the need for various disciplines to contribute to the system analysis process, inherent discrepancies often threaten the success of the process. While, on the periphery, teamwork is and should be a contributory aspect, the entire process is at risk, even if one of the disciplines fails to deliver. In the manufacturing industry, the scientists, the engineer, and the technicians are required to work as an integrated team in system analysis, and work in a common environment for a common problem-oriented focus, to realize a common objective.

Lastly, at a company level, the process of system analysis is expensive. The development of capacity, both human and financial is hard-worn, time-consuming, and expensive. This is especially true when an entirely new process of system analysis is being undertaken. This is also the basis for a criticism of this process by those who propose a continuous analysis of the system by documentation of system challenges and continuous efforts to better the system as an alternative to system analysis events. However, entirely new system analysis process cannot be avoided, especially when new products or a new line of operation in a service industry is under consideration.

To counter these challenges, effort is required to integrate the teamwork as possible to ensure that the best possible results are obtained, because system analysis cannot be avoided in any success-endeavoring venture.

Validity of role as a systems analyst

To be a competent and qualified systems analyst, the first and probably the most important qualification is a high academic qualification in a field related to or involving project management. The proposed minimum academic qualification is Graduation. The academic qualification is essential for equipping a system analyst with the requisite and standard information on how the system works; in considering the academic level, the higher the better. Based on this requirement, I am qualified to be a valid systems analyst.