[Sample B: Approval/Signature Sheet] - George Mason University

The structure to combine the different attributes is built using a value model
v (also called objective function) that assigns a number v(x) t o each consequence
x=(x1, x2,...,xN), where xi is a level of attribute Xi measuring objective Oi, such that the
numbers assigned indicate the relative desirability of the consequences and can be used to
derive preferences for alternatives. 62
As explained earlier, the objective function can be used as a utility function
because ―most complex decision situations involve significant uncertainties, and
therefore attitudes toward risk are important.‖ 63 The ultimate utility function u, related to
the overarching objective, is subdivided into parts and later integrated to find the final
results.
The multiattribute utility theory (MAUT) addresses the utility measurement in
such situations, where single-attribute evaluations are constructed and then the tradeoffs
among attributes are quantified as importance weights. Finally, ―formal models are
applied to reaggregate the single-attribute evaluations.‖ 64
One important step during the MAUT model building is to determine the
importance weights of each attribute. The swing-weighting technique is one of the most
common and ―can be used in virtually any weight-assessment situation.‖ 65 One important
characteristic of this method is that the swing weights are sensitive to the range of values
of an attribute. Thus, it is mandatory to emphasize this aspect during the elicitation
process, in order to avoid distortions in the results. The use of this technique is also
62
Keeney, Value-Focused Thinking, 129.
63
Ibid., 132.
64
Winterfeldt and Edwards, Decision Analysis and Behavioral Research, 259.
65 Clemen, Making Hard Decisions, 615.
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