Value-focused Thinking Research Articles

Setting priorities for police operations by using a multicriteria decision approach with partial information

Abstract The paper presents a real-world decision-making problem in the context of the Brazilian Federal Police (BFP), which consists of establishing priorities for Police Operations. This study deals with allocating resources to trigger police operations that, while demanding more resources and specialized techniques, also promote the effectiveness of police actions more conspicuously and directly. Driven by the Value Focused Thinking methodology, the objectives and values of the Federal Police were structured and represented by criteria, which let police operations be evaluated and prioritized. The FITradeoff method was applied to rank the operations, with an innovative methodological perspective, which integrates two different paradigms for preference modelling: elicitation by decomposition and holistic evaluations. A mathematical modelling approach is presented to deal with the combination of both types of information obtained by the Decision Maker (DM), in order to search for dominance relations between alternatives. This study shows how incorporating holistic judgments in the process can be useful for tightening the decision process, since the inequalities obtained with holistic judgments have a high impact on the space of weights compatible with the DM’s preferences. A clear conceptual framework is presented for the analysis, showing how the application of such a combined approach to prioritizing special police operations adds a step to the decision-making processes and policies of the BFP, thereby broadening the managerial implications of tackling public security issues by seeking to solve them using management mathematics.

Value-Focused Assessment of Container on Barge Freight Transportation Readiness

Container on Barge (COB) is a freight transport mode that utilizes barges to transport shipping containers. This mode has been relatively slow to develop in the United States compared to Europe and Asia. This research contributes a comprehensive and practical readiness assessment scorecard based on value-focused thinking for inland waterway ports to evaluate the feasibility of COB development. Based on a comprehensive literature review, the Container on Barge Readiness Assessment Scorecard covers important attributes and provides constructed measurements to assess COB port readiness. Applicability of the scorecard is demonstrated on nine global ports, and implications for engineering managers are presented.

Incomplete Objectives in Decision Making: How Omitting Objectives Affects Identifying the Most Promising Alternative

Research has shown that decision-makers omit a significant number of their objectives when making a decision. This study examines the consequences of incomplete objectives on decision making, i.e., how does omitting objectives affect identifying the most promising alternative? We investigate this question using a dataset of 945 observed decisions. These decisions were developed by students using the decision-skills and training tool entscheidungsnavi.com. The tool guides students in a step-by-step process based on value-focused thinking, multi-attribute utility theory, and debiasing methods. Results show that omitting objectives significantly reduces the chances of identifying the most promising alternative. Hence, neglecting only 20% of the objectives is sufficient to mislead more than one in four decisions. We have found three factors that influence this risk of misidentifying the most promising alternative: (1) the weight of the omitted objectives; (2) the consensus on the best alternative across all objectives; and (3) the consensus on the ranking of all alternatives across all objectives.

Use of the value-focused thinking methodology to understand health care waste management under the perspective of occupational and environmental health

The increasing generation of healthcare waste has greatly accelerated the concern about its potential negative environmental and public health effects. In this sense, the application of decision-making methods and techniques at a strategic level has become increasingly indispensable for the management of health units. This article aimed to understand the challenges in healthcare waste management (HCWM), the main mechanisms of action and values. The Value-Focused Thinking methodology was used to evidence important gaps and propose improvements in the context of decision on occupational safety and environmental protection, leading to the creation of alternatives not seen previously and guaranteeing the good ideas would be converted into actions. The structure was developed by semi-structured questionnaires, observation lists and interviews, conducted to expose the values of the main stakeholders (managers, health professionals, and cleaning professionals) of 10 public health units selected in Caruaru (Brazil). As a result, the investigation evidenced four fundamental goals for the decision context: improvement in work and environmental safety; improvement in HCWM practices; improvement in resource management; strengthening of the stakeholder communication network. From the analysis of the attributes associated with the fundamental goals, it was possible to identify actions that should be implemented with a higher priority and, in the short term, aiming at obtaining positive results, especially in the management practices and the safe management of health waste. The study resulted from an investigation that awakened the participants about aspects little questioned in everyday life. Implementing actions to segregate and recycle materials, with data monitoring and sharing, will increase the population's trust and the environment's and professionals' safety. The alternatives derived from the VFT method consider the perspectives of key stakeholders in HCWM, helping decision-makers and policymakers develop more assertive and grounded management strategies.

Determining the best alternative to build and operate a new coal crushing facilities: Analytical hierarchy process approach

Purpose: This study examines the increase in national coal production in Indonesia and its impact on PT. KLM is one of the largest coal producers in the country. With rising production and shifting global market needs, this study aims to analyze the necessity of building a new Coal Crushing Facility next to the South Pinang Extension #2 area, including evaluating costs and the best strategies for its implementation. Methods: The research methodology involves analyzing problem trees and stakeholders to uncover business complexities and identify the root causes of issues. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews. All alternatives were evaluated using Value-Focused Thinking (VFT), and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was employed to determine the best alternative assisted by the Super Decision application. Results: Based on interviews conducted with subject matter experts (SMEs) and the analysis, three funding solutions were identified: 1. owned by self-financing, and 2. Own by Leasing 3. Rental Scheme. Limitations: The limitations of this study are that it was sourced from an internal company and gathered from outside the company. An alternative option was produced based on extensive collaborative discussions and interview sessions conducted with subject matter experts within the company. Contributions: This study provides valuable guidelines for selecting alternative financing to build and operate new coal crushing facilities at South Pinang Extension #2.

Can we stop reinventing the wheel in blue-green infrastructure planning? Using value-focused thinking to enable transferability of a multicriteria planning support system

Strategic planning approaches are essential for addressing the complex and multi-dimensional challenges in selecting blue-green infrastructure (BGI) location. The development of planning support systems (PSS) for BGI siting often lacks a value-based approach with early stakeholder engagement. In this study, we used value-focused thinking (VFT) to adapt and develop a BGI planning support framework to the Canadian urban context, moving towards an objective-driven framework. We provide a hierarchical objectives framework for BGI planning in urban areas, aligned with stakeholder values, with three-level information: higher-level objectives, lower-level objectives and measurable spatial attributes. To assess site performance across these attributes, value scales elicitation was conducted with 17 experts. The engagement of 37 stakeholders in co-creating and validating our objectives set helped identify common concerns and refine our framework, focusing on the most relevant objectives for stakeholders. The VFT approach and the resulting framework can be easily transferred to other cities in Quebec (Canada), but also to other urban contexts looking to optimize BGI site selection to maximize benefits across the multiple functions of BGI and opportunities arising from the urban context.

A multicriteria vulnerability index for equitable resource allocation in public health funding.

This paper describes an action research project with the Centre universitaire intégré de santé et de services sociaux - Capitale Nationale (CIUSSS-CN) who identified a need to assess vulnerability in their territories in order toensure equitable distribution of the Integrated Perinatal and Early Childhood Services (SIPPE) program funds. The objective was to design and validate a multicriteria model to provide a more accurate portrait of vulnerability based on recent social realities. Our multidisciplinary research team of 7 members included experts in analytics, decision aiding, and community and public health. In collaboration with 6 CIUSSS-CN professionals, we co-constructed, during 9 workshops, a multicriteria model to aggregate the multiple dimensions of vulnerability. We used a value-focused thinking approach and applied the method MACBETH assisted by a geographic information system. Criteria, scales, and weights were validated and led to a vulnerability score for each CIUSSS-CN territory. This score provides a more accurate portrait of territorial disparities based on data and the participants' experience. The model was implemented in a dynamic user-friendly tool and serves to support decision-makers in the resource allocation process. Knowledge transfer was conducted during and after the process. This multidisciplinary research has served to anchor public health funding in local realities, with an emphasis on equity and stakeholder engagement. Our mixed-method approach integrating qualitative and quantitative data is adaptable to other contexts. Our results can enhance intervention effectiveness and allow for a better response to the needs of the population targeted by the SIPPE program.

Value-based analysis of the negotiation for the construction of a church dome

In the construction industry, the signing of contracts between contractors and clients is a common practice. The entities signing these contacts have vastly different objectives in the context of the project: the contractor is motivated by the achievement of profit, while the client has objectives that can be economic, aesthetic, related to completion time, etc. According to negotiation theory, the greater the difference between the objectives of the sides, the better the contracts that can be achieved in the negotiation. Therefore, the analysis of a contractor-client negotiation in the building industry should be based on a complete understanding of the objectives of the sides. Kenney’s Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) provides a framework on which such understanding can be achieved. This paper presents a VFT-based methodology to analyze the contractor-client negotiations in the context of construction projects. The methodology is illustrated by analyzing, in retrospective, the negotiation between a construction company and a client regarding the construction of a dome for a church. The results show the usefulness of analyzing the negotiation from the point of view of the sides’ objectives.

Using value-focused thinking to elicit oncologic inpatients' life and treatment objectives: a qualitative interview study.

Value-focused thinking (VFT) is a decision-making method that places the qualitative elicitation of decisionmakers' objectives at the beginning of the decision-making process. A potential healthcare application of VFT is to elicit patients' objectives to better understand what matters to them. Only then can treatments be tailored accordingly. This is particularly important for patients with life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Thus, this interview study used VFT to elicit the life and treatment objectives of non-terminal oncologic inpatients. Fifteen cancer inpatients (median age 66 years) were sampled in a German university hospital in September 2019. The participants completed questionnaires, the data of which were used to semi-structure the subsequent interviews. Data were analysed using inductive category formation to identify objectives in the transcribed interviews. Sixteen objectives in five life domains (optimising physical wellbeing, optimising mental wellbeing, optimising personal life, optimising family life and optimising financial life) were identified. Comparison of the findings with previous research indicated that VFT is a reliable approach to elicit patients' objectives. The identified objectives could increase understanding of the outcomes that cancer inpatients care about.

Value-based analysis of the negotiation for the construction of a church dome

In the construction industry, the signing of contracts between contractors and clients is a common practice. The entities signing these contacts have vastly different objectives in the context of the project: the contractor is motivated by the achievement of profit, while the client has objectives that can be economic, aesthetic, related to completion time, etc. According to negotiation theory, the greater the difference between the objectives of the sides, the better the contracts that can be achieved in the negotiation. Therefore, the analysis of a contractor-client negotiation in the building industry should be based on a complete understanding on the objectives of the sides. Kenney’s Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) provides a framework on which such understanding can be achieved. This paper presents a VFT based methodology to analyze the contractor-client negotiations in the context of construction projects. The methodology is illustrated by analyzing, in retrospective, the negotiation between a construction company and a client, regarding the construction of a dome for a church. The results show the usefulness of analyzing the negotiation from the point of view of the sides’ objectives.

Setting conservation objectives with value‐focused thinking

AbstractThe approach common to well‐known conservation planning frameworks is rooted in values, like species persistence and quality habitat, and expectations resulting from conservation actions, like restoration and protection. We evaluated value‐focused thinking (VFT) as a framework for setting objectives based on personal or group values. Our approach included five steps: eliciting individual participant values, specifying objectives, organizing objectives, structuring multiple objectives, and a quality check. We implemented these steps with 12 conservation planning teams at a global conservation organization. We performed descriptive analyses based on comparisons between final group objectives and initial individual objectives as well as the quality check. We found that participants could only self‐identify a proportion of the team's objectives, which VFT strengthened. Participants were equally challenged with identifying means and ends objectives, contrasting with general VFT theory. Both experienced and newly formed teams effectively applied VFT. Our study formalizes a common‐sense approach to evaluating the underlying drivers of conservation planning so that its resulting outcomes can be most impactful.

Heavy Equipment Workforce Planning: An Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach for Local Worker Composition Regulation Compliance – A Coal Company Case Study

The Newcastle Coal Price surge, currently at $457.80 in September 2022, drives coal companies, like one in East Kutai, to ramp up production by acquiring equipment and operators. However, compliance with Kutai East Region Regulation No 1 of 2022, requiring an 80% local workforce, complicates operator recruitment. This study aids management in selecting operator compositions in line with stakeholder expectations and regulations. Employing Problem Tree Analysis, Value-Focused Thinking, and Stakeholder Analysis, key challenges and alternative strategies were identified. Analyzing five options via the Analytic Hierarchy Process, the optimal choice, 100% skilled non-local operators, conflicts with regulation, necessitating negotiation for a suitable compromise. The fourth option, with adjusted operator compositions over time, emerges as the most viable solution. Implementation planning, utilizing the 5W+1H method, is crucial for addressing stakeholder concerns, ensuring compliance, reducing unemployment, and enhancing welfare. This research offers a framework for fulfilling operator qualifications while meeting stakeholder interests through strategic planning and negotiation.

Empowering Internal Control: A Case Study in Leveraging Data and Technologies

This essay responds to the PCAOB's call for insights into data analytics and emerging technologies in auditing by developing a Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) framework to embed data analytics and technologies to improve internal control performance. SCOT outlines four phases of institutionalization: problem definition, interpretative flexibility management, stabilization, and social construction. This paradigm is validated through a documented procedure of institutionalizing a data-driven analyticproject optimizing the purchase-to-payment process at a state university. The study used a value-focused thinking approach to observe and identify the values at stake in the decisions about how communication among IT, auditors, and management impacts the adoption of technologies. The collected evidence highlights the importance of identifying suitable algorithms and qualified data as the starting point for technology’s institutionalization. Additionally, the case study demonstrates mechanisms for preparingan integrated and transparent data platform, emphasizing the role of integrating relevant social groups and technology in circulating emerging technology. This study offers a practical roadmap about how to fit AI and technologies into an institutional social management ecosystem. It contributes to the literature by addressing the emerging technology usage trap and improving analytics performance, offering practical value through a social construct roadmap for institutionalizing emerging technologies.

VFT and AHP Approach to Selecting the Best Option in Decision-Making at PLN: A Case Study in the Cawang-Gandul Project

PLN EIC is one of PLN’s business units and is responsible for the development of electrical infrastructure in the working area of DKI Jakarta, Banten Province, and its surroundings. One of the national strategic projects included in the PLN is the 500 kV Cawang Baru II/Cililitan-Gandul transmission line project, with a COD target of 2026. The delay in the completion of this project and the non-fulfillment of stakeholders’ expectations will certainly have a broad impact on the operation of the electricity system, the impact on PLN’s financial performance, the social impact, the environmental impact, as well as the direct impact on the performance and image of PLN EIC. This research aims to assist management in making decisions related to the best transmission line design for the Cawang-Gandul project so that project completion can be on time and in accordance with stakeholder expectations. In this research, several methodological approaches were used to gain a broader and more complete understanding. The Problem Tree Analysis approach, combined with brainstorming and structured interview techniques, was used to explore business issues. Two complementary approaches, namely Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) and the Stakeholder Analysis method, are used to formulate stakeholder expectations and will become guidelines for formulating alternative strategies. Using a structured interview technique, 4 alternative strategies were formulated in the form of the transmission line design, namely (1) Compact Lattice Tower, (2) Underground Cable, (3) Combine Design (Compact Lattice Tower + Underground Cable), and (4) Steel Pole Tower. The next methodological approach uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the best transmission line design, which is then analyzed using AHP Super Decision software. The results of this research show that the Underground Cable design is the best design alternative that can be implemented in the Cawang-Gandul project with several advantages, namely minimal social conflict, easy implementation, and a relatively faster work process. The final stage of research is to make an implementation plan.

Enhancing Community Participation in Corporate Social Responsibility Activities at PT. Prima Bara Nusantara through Improved Decision-Making Process

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is crucial for companies that have a substantial ecological footprint, such as coal mining in Indonesia. PT. PBN strives to achieve a harmonious combination of responsible behaviors and economic viability. However, attaining this equilibrium necessitates strong community engagement to alleviate negative effects and provide beneficial contributions at the local level. This study focuses on the underexplored issue of poor community participation in CSR initiatives within Indonesia’s coal mining sector. Although PT. PBN has made substantial investments in environmental and community activities, recent evaluations indicate a substantial disparity between stakeholder expectations and the level of actual participation in activities. Gaining insight into the factors contributing to this disparity is vital for the effectiveness of CSR endeavors, as the support of stakeholders and active involvement of the community are crucial for ensuring social sustainability and enduring stability. The study utilizes analyzed data from interviews conducted with both internal and external respondents. It uses problem tree analysis in order to uncover the root causes of low community participation. Focus group discussions are used to delve deeper into the objectives of Value-focused Thinking (VFT) and help determine which alternative solutions should be chosen. The integration of VFT with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) aids decision-making by recognizing the criteria and sub-criteria used to evaluate solutions based on their values. The findings emphasize identifying skill gaps and providing formal acknowledgment to improve the sense of responsibility and involvement of the community in CSR initiatives. This is in line with PT. PBN’s commitment to its stakeholders and the sustainable development of the community in the long run. In the end, decision-makers give the utmost significance to the strategy of licensing and training, considering its long-term impact, effectiveness, resource availability, and ease of control.

Determining The Contract Service Strategy at Coal Terminal Maintenance to Address Contractor’s Inability to Maintain Availability of Fixed Plants in Supporting Shipments Activities at PTKPC a Case Study PTKPC, East Kutai, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

PTKPC, a coal producer, was facing challenges due to a permit transition in December 2021 from Coal Mining Contract of Work (PKP2B) to Special Mining Business License (IUPK). This change increases operational costs with added royalty rates, value-added tax, and profit-sharing obligations. To address this issue, the company decided to streamline contractors in each department in all business units, consolidating various tasks under one umbrella contract. The goal is to provide a big volume of work, potentially lowering rates and reducing PTKPC’s operational costs. However, relying on a single contractor for crucial operations, as seen in the Coal Terminal Maintenance Department (CTMD), introduces risks. The sole contract winner, PTPB, struggles to meet obligations since the contract’s initiation on December 1, 2021. The average contract fulfillment since commencement date is 86% of 100% desired target, disrupting fixed plant Coal Terminal maintenance activities. Physical availability is 93%, below the 94% target, increasing CTMD’s maintenance costs by $0.059 per ton. This research seeks to identify the root causes of PTPB’s inability to fulfill contractual duties and explore alternative solutions. and then from all the existing alternatives, what is the best alternative in responding to this condition. Utilizing primary and secondary data from PTPB’s monthly proforma invoices, contract scope, and CTMD’s monthly reports, the research employs methodologies like problem tree analysis and stakeholder analysis to unravel business complexities and identify root cause of the problems. Qualitative data collection methods, including focused group discussions (FGD) and semi-structured interviews, will be used to determine alternatives. These alternatives will be assessed using the Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) methodology. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology, assisted by the AHP Super Decision application, will determine the best alternative: the “Implementation of Warnings and Penalties to PTPB”. Implementing this alternative demonstrates PTKPC’s commitment to stakeholders, ensuring contractor accountability without disrupting fixed plant maintenance. Penalty funds will support CTMD’s financial viability, funding additional resources for tasks beyond PTPB’s capacity. This strategy may be applied to other contracts within PTKPC.

Proposed Improvement of Contractor Selection for Maintenance of Reactor Effluent Air Cooler Using Value-Focused Thinking and Analytic Hierarchy Process at PT KPI RU V Balikpapan

PT KPI RU V Balikpapan performs turnaround to ensure equipment reliability for domestic oil and natural gas production. The Reactor Effluent Air Cooler (REAC) is an important refinery secondary process equipment. Experience in earlier maintenance showed that repeated work on the equipment’s welding tube required further repair processes until it met welding compliance criteria. REAC repair rejections exceeded the 2% target at 43%. Welding on furnaces and tubes was repeated, consequently resulting in delays of work completion that may cost money. The study identified contractor selection criteria using Value-Focused Thinking (VFT). After consulting Subject Matter Experts and Management, five contractor selection criteria were identified: Safety and Health, Technical Ability, Management Capability, Reputation, and Financial. The contractor selection consider uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on selection criteria. Contractor APL is the best alternative with a 57% score. AHP methods on goods and services procurement can improve contractor selection at the pre-qualification or tender evaluation phase.

Deciding Financial Problem Solution for a Construction Company using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP)

PT X is a construction company with clients spread among Central Java, West Java, Papua, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. This company experienced financial problem and with the absence of financial bookkeeping, the financial issue was difficult to trace and each manager and also the owner had different perceptions toward the financial problem. One said that it was caused by bad financial investment decision, many said that it is because client late payment, while the other said that it is due to lack of orders and competition. In other word, this problem is still a perceived financial problem. This research was conducted to find the root cause of perceived financial problem in PT X as well as to find the best solution to solve it. By establishing 2 methods that consisted of fault tree analysis (FTA) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP), employing the thinking framework of value-focused thinking (VFT), the best solution was decided. FTA was used to identify the root cause of the problem which was bad investment decision. After that, reverse brainstorming was conducted to find all possible solutions. Before jumping into alternative solutions, VFT, a thinking framework, identified that control and simplicity was the value that the owner considered. 3 alternative solutions which were asking to financial consultant, hiring financial analyst, and training current financial manager, then analysed using fuzzy AHP with context suitability, sustainability, time needed, and cost as the criterion, and found out that training current financial manager is the best alternative to be chosen.

Creating conservation strategies with value-focused thinking.

Biodiversity and human well-being strategies are only as good as the set of ideas people think about. We evaluated value-focused thinking (VFT), a framework that emphasizes creating objectives and strategies that are responsive to the objectives. We performed a proof-of-concept study of VFT with 6 conservation planning teams at a global conservation organization. We developed a package of materials related to VFT, including meeting-session agendas, a virtual facilitation template, facilitator's guide, and evaluation questionnaires. We used these materials to test whether VFT applied in a group setting resulted in high-quality conservation strategies and participant satisfaction and whether our materials were scalable, meaning that someone newly trained in VFT could facilitate planning meetings that resulted in high-quality strategies and participant satisfaction, as compared with an experienced VFT facilitator. Net response indicated positive compelling, feasible, creative, and representative ratings for the conservation strategies per team. Participants indicated satisfaction overall, although satisfaction was greater for objectives than for strategies. Among the participants with previous conservation planning experience, all were at least as satisfied with their VFT strategies compared with previously developed strategies, and none were less satisfied (p=0.001). Changes in participant satisfaction were not related to facilitator type (experienced or inexperienced with VFT) (p>0.10). Some participants had a preconceived sense of shared understanding of important values and interests before participating in the study, which VFT strengthened. Our results highlight the advantages of structuring the development and evaluation of conservation planning frameworks around VFT.

Implementing Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for Oil Production Scenario from TMB & KRG Field Development: Case Study of PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan Zone 4

Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) carries out the duties of Pertamina's Upstream Subholding to manage the business and operations of upstream oil and gas business activities in the Regional 1 – Sumatra region. Zone 4 is one of the working areas that contributes greatly to PHR oil production. Zone 4 manages oil and gas fields in the Southern Sumatra region which has been producing for more than 40 years and has experienced a decline in production from year to year due to the decline in performance of the main oil and gas structure. The achievement of oil production is currently only 95% of the target set by SKK Migas. The Subsurface Department conducts studies on structures that have the potential to increase oil production in Zone 4, one of which is the Teluk Merah complex consisting of the Teluk Merah Baru structure (TMB) and the Karanganyer structure (KRG). The latest analysis gives results, oil reserves of 9.41 MMBO will be generated through the development scenario of 21 Oil Production Wells (18 Infill Wells + 2 Step out Wells + 1 reactivation well). What must be solved is the problem of how to handle the oil production of the two structures. A VFT (Value Focused Thinking) approach combined with an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to address the problem. VFT is used to generate selection process criteria and to narrow down alternative oil production scenario solutions from TMB & KRG. AHP is used to prioritize alternative scenarios best of the three proposed alternatives. Four experts conducted FGD (Focused Group Discussion) to assess each scenario by considering these criteria. Generated scenarios to build new production facilities in the TMB & KRG structure area as the best scenario with the preference result is 58%. The alternative selection process considers costs (Project Cost & Operational Cost) and benefits (Oil Gain, Operability, and Time to Implement). The selection of this scenario could increase Zone 4 oil production by 9.1 MMBO.