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

Using the objectives hierarchy in figure 25 as an example, Keeney and Raiffa say
that once the subset of attributes Y1 is determined to be utility independent of Y2, it is
possible to speak of preferences and utility functions over Y1 without considering the
levels of the attributes within Y2, which can be specified at some convenient level. 104
Hence, the verification of independence assumptions was done within each subset
of attributes stemming from the fundamental objective they were supposed to measure.
The results showed that some attributes interacted, thus the multiplicative utility function
was used to integrate them.
4.3.3 Assessment Procedure
Due to restrictions of time and access to senior DMs, the complete elicitation
process was actually done just in part of the model. The remainder of the model was
assessed using information collected through research and personal experience. This
should not be considered a major limitation, since the main concern is to correctly apply
the proposed methodology. Moreover, the data used to build the model can be updated at
any time.
The following steps were followed during the elicitation with the DM: 105
1. Introduction of terminology and ideas.
2. Identification of relevant independence conditions.
104 Ibid., 332-333.
105 Ibid., 261.
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