Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study was instigated to develop a computer model that (a) quantitatively evaluates competing research and development projects, and (b) assists in prioritizing such projects when resources are not sufficient to conduct all of them. An evaluation model was developed, based upon existing multiattribute utility theory but with some modification and innovation. The model, with user input, helps determine the relative weights of the factors or criteria used to evaluate the projects under consideration, and, again with user input, determines the utility function for each of the attributes. A computer program (which runs on any IBM-compatible personal computer under IBM- or MS-DOS Version 2.0 or later) was written to implement the model.
A unique feature of this model is that it incorporates uncertainties of three types: (1) those dealing with the factor weights, (2) those dealing with the worth of each project with respect to each factor, and (3) those dealing with the utilities of the attributes. The model is adapted to run on personal computers as well as on larger ones, although the distribution version available is designed for personal computers. No special knowledge of the basic theory involved is required to exercise the computer model.
Although the study was designed with the objective of dealing with competing research and development projects, the model is sufficiently general so that it may be applied to any problem of competing alternatives. Thus, it has wide application in the health, engineering, environmental, and decision sciences.
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