Comparative Evaluation of Analytical and Intuitive Decision Making

Abstract

This paper examines a technique for evaluating the differences in value among rank-ordered alternatives using both analytical and intuitive decision making. This technique was applied to the ranking of alternative disinfection methods for both a water and wastewater plant. The paper further provides a framework for analyzing and reconciling the differences between analytical and intuitive decision models. Neither exists in a strictly mathematical closed form, so it is important to investigate both to understand where the differences in alternative recommendations reside. A framework such as the one presented here is key to unlocking the subjectivity inherent in and the difficulty surrounding value structure articulation.