Value-focused Thinking Research Articles

Food subsidy distribution system through Blockchain technology: a value focused thinking approach for prototype development

ABSTRACT Developing economies provide basic food commodities to the economically backward sections of the society at subsidized prices to reduce food insecurity. The main objective of these programs is to insulate the poor from the impact of rising prices of food commodities and maintain the minimum nutritional status of the population. However, there are financial mismanagement and issues associated with the current working of these schemes that attributed to the illicit diversion of the commodities, urban bias, serious wastage of food and inefficient supervision during the distribution process. Thus, the policy implementation fails to reach its intended beneficiaries. We used principles of Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) to understand this problem at the grass root level by consulting the various stakeholders involved in the food subsidy value-chain. Based on these findings from VFT, we propose a Blockchain-based system demonstrated through a prototype to provide a robust solution for the aforementioned research context.

Modelo de apoio à decisão para identificação e priorização de ações socioambientais

A natureza competitiva dos mercados com foco em questões puramente econômicas, ainda que seja condição necessária para permanecer competindo em algum setor da indústria, não é mais condição suficiente. Os aspectos sociais e ambientais passaram a fazer parte da agenda estratégica dos tomadores de decisão e têm sido incorporados ao escopo de objetivos que norteiam as decisões corporativas. Neste sentido, o presente artigo propôs a aplicação da metodologia Value Focused Thinking (VFT) em conjunto com o método de apoio à decisão PROMETHEE II para identificação e priorização de ações socioambientais em contexto organizacional. A metodologia utilizada possui natureza qualitativa e quantitativa, baseando-se em aplicações do campo da Pesquisa Operacional. Por fim, com a intenção de validar o modelo proposto, um estudo de caso é apresentado como objeto de investigação.

Construction of a value-based equipment development decision analysis index system

This article summarizes the feasibility and related achievements of the value-focused thinking in the field of equipment development. On this basis, in response to previous equipment development decisions that mainly considered combat effectiveness, this paper analyzes equipment development decision-making issues from the two dimensions of mission and resource constraints from the perspective of value, constructs a decision value model, and sets a scoring function for it, Using the final value score as the basis for the selection of equipment plans, aiming to provide a method reference for the decision-making of China’s equipment construction plans.

An overview of air delay: A case study of the Brazilian scenario

Delay is a key point in air transportation activity. As a performance metric, it affects common policy concerns. Delay impacts passenger satisfaction and imposes costs. The complexity that sets in for the air traffic manager is how to mitigate delay, especially in an environment with several stakeholders. The present article applied a problem-structuring method (PSM), named value-focused thinking (VFT), to structure the problem of the air traffic flow management arrival delay. The inflexibility of incorporating a flight operator's specific needs is considered one of the reasons for the limited success of air traffic flow management (ATFM) programs. PSM allows participants to clarify their dilemmas, converge on a mutually liable problem, or agree to the proposed solutions and compromise on what partially solves the issue. The problem is that most papers focus only on the applied solution for air delay mitigation. Before implementing operational research techniques, we investigated the nature and characteristics of air delay. Results showed that there were several stakeholders with distinctive requirements for their business and many of their objectives are interconnected. The use of VFT provided an objective map that can be used as a guide for future solutions.

A novel, Value-Focused-Thinking based, approach for modelling agro-industrial decisions under scarce information

Agro-industrial decision-making is hampered by several, variously-natured, uncertainties. As uncertainty reduction is expensive, the decision modelling process for these industries must strive to use all available information. However, said inclusive effort should be accompanied by an effort to keep modelling assumptions transparent. This work shows the development, from a Value-Focused Thinking perspective, of a model to assess alternatives for improving the operation of a cattle fodder producer. Modelling starts by analyzing and structuring the owner’s objectives and proceeds by systematically characterizing, via value judgments or probability distributions, the connections between structured objectives. Constructing the model over a blueprint of connected objectives allows a faithful representation of the understanding of the system behavior while the methodical, one-connection-at-a-time, modelling procedure renders the assumptions used to operationalize each connection visible, facilitating their replacement if more information becomes available. The modelling approach put forward here can support industrial decision making with limited information.

Integrating value-focused thinking and FITradeoff to support information technology outsourcing decisions

PurposeThe information technology (IT) outsourcing (ITO) decision is a key issue in strategic and operational management and is considered a main critical factor influencing successful organizational performance and technology assessment. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework combining value-focused thinking (VFT) methodology and the FITradeoff method to support decisions regarding ITO.Design/methodology/approachThis study answers the following questions: How to identify, in a structured way, the objectives that should be considered in an ITO decision process in a changing environment? How to identify new IT services to be outsourced from the established objectives? The VFT method is recommended in this case to structure and model the problem. Moreover, the FITradeoff multicriteria method was considered in this study to support the evaluation and prioritization of IT services in an ITO decisionFindingsThe framework provides promising results for ITO decisions. This study revealed that a lack of strategic and fundamental objectives is a critical issue in making ITO decisions. Although the VFT methodology is subjective in nature, it promotes a better understanding of goals and values, and FITradeoff allows the decision-maker to make comparisons of consequences based on his/her preferences.Research limitations/implicationsThe recommendations of the study are restricted to the case study and cannot be generalized. In addition, applying the method requires attention in determining the criteria used for outsourcing IT.Practical implicationsThe strategic analysis of ITO provides a holistic view of the current situation since (i) the VFT methodology enables the IT manager to generate new alternatives to assist future decisions and (ii) FITradeoff has been demonstrated as a suitable option to evaluate ITO decisions.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to utilize a problem structuring method (VFT) to identify criteria and alternatives based on the organizational values and objectives. This is integrated with a multicriteria method that uses partial information and may consequently lead to fewer inconsistencies (FITradeoff) in the context of ITO.

Disintermediation in medical tourism through blockchain technology: an analysis using value-focused thinking approach

Medical tourism (MT) is a promising industry that has shown significant growth in the past few decades. Patients often travel abroad to seek treatment, conventional and otherwise due to a myriad of reasons. The reasons include but are not limited to rising costs in their home country, experimental treatments only available abroad or better standards of care. However, MT has also created room for intermediaries to grow. These intermediaries are known as medical tourism facilitators (MTF), and as the name suggests, they provide patients services to make their experience easier and more convenient. MTFs often under deliver on their claims to the detriment of the patient. Given the varying legal jurisdiction, the sensitive nature of the healthcare process, and the arduous process of seeking and claiming settlements, most medical tourists are unlikely to pursue cases where they have been cheated. To understand the system of MT and the key issues faced by stakeholders, we used Value Focussed Thinking (VFT). VFT assists to arrive at the fundamental objectives that need to be addressed for mitigating these problems of MT. Based on the findings of VFT; we present a linkage or equivalence between the fundamental objectives for mitigating the problems of MT through Blockchain Technology. We present our findings on how Blockchain Technology can assist to increase disintermediation, transparency, and trust by bringing in aspects of optimizing time and efforts; optimizing expense required to settle disputes, automating disbursement of payments and enforcing mutually accepted agreements among other benefits.

Understanding security in the government's use of blockchain technology with value focused thinking approach

PurposeThe purpose of the research is to assess security concerns in government's use of Blockchain technology through the lens of value focused thinking (VFT) approach.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods such as open ended questions and interviews were used to gather data and the data was analysed in a structured approach to formulate a means-ends network of objectives. The data were collected from eight interviews of selected participants.FindingsThe findings are 35 objectives of which ten are fundamental objectives related to the values of identity, trust, data privacy, transparency, integrity, public service delivery, cost, availability of public information, responsibility and usability.Practical implicationsThe study implies that governments or private organisations building blockchain solutions for governments can benefit from insights on values to focus on in blockchain security; and the current research serves as a base to understand more on blockchain use in the governments as well as security values and application of VFT approach for future academic researchers in this area.Social implicationsIt is a need-driven approach in which blockchain is assessed to ensure its fit to societal needs and public values.Originality/valueIt is first of its kind in studying security in blockchain use by government through the lens of VFT approach, and it provides insights of values that are of importance to further blockchain use in the government.

Using FITradeoff in a ranking problem for supplier selection under TBL performance evaluation: An application in the textile sector

Paper aims This paper proposes a multicriteria decision approach for supplier selection using a multicriteria method based on Flexible and Interactive Tradeoff (FITradeoff) elicitation process, within the ranking problematic perspective. Originality This paper develops a framework integrating the results of VFT (Value-Focused Thinking) method with the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) dimension and the veto concept to improve the decision process within a multicriteria perspective. Research method This study provides a case study in a textile company in Campina Grande, northeast Brazil using data mainly from semi-structured interviews. It also employs quantitative techniques based on problem structuring methods and multicriteria decision making. Main findings The VFT helped in identifying criteria that are not yet explored by the company, and in structuring the decision problem of how incorporate and balance the TBL dimensions. The recommendation obtained by using the proposed multicriteria decision framework is different from the group of suppliers currently used by the company. Implications for theory and practice Clarify and identify different objectives and to specify the consequences of a decision problem, allowing the Decision Maker (DM) to obtain and prioritize an economic and sustainable solution for a given number of suppliers to be selected, saving his time and effort.

Using Value-Focused Thinking and Multicriteria Decision Making to Evaluate Energy Transition Alternatives

The future transformation of the energy system is a contentious topic, involving a variety of conflicting opinions and interests. In order to structure and evaluate these opinions, we develop a decision-making process with professional stakeholders and energy experts. The aim of this process is to develop a common objective system for the energy transition and to evaluate four possible energy transition alternatives for Germany until 2030. We apply value-focused thinking to define and structure the objectives of the stakeholders and use multiattribute utility theory to evaluate the preferences of the stakeholders toward these objectives. The results show that 8 out of 11 stakeholders prefer the energy transition alternative with the highest climate protection ambitions. Only 3 stakeholders favor the pan-European alternative, where Germany’s power system is further integrated into the European energy system.

VALUE FOCUSED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Performance assessment is addressed in the literature as means for continuous improvement. The objective of this study was to identify the most valued performance criteria for a Graduate Program of Biotechnology in a University of Brazil through the Value Focused Thinking (VFT) approach. The choice of the VFT was due to the holistic vision provided by it and the focus on the identification of organizational values. Among the objectives found, it is possible to notice an expansion of the vision of performance that is more focused on publications regarding the regulatory body Coordination of Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (CAPES), and contemplating among others the quality in the student’s training as evidence of other stakeholders. The VFT approach met the established assumptions, efficiently allowing strategic, fundamental and media objectives to be identified, as well as measurable attributes to be used by the program to enable more efficient management.

A Decision Model for Identifying and Solving Problems in an Urban Water Supply System

Water supply systems in urban areas may become deficient due to increasing demand, which accompanies population growth but is further jeopardized by equipment aging and problems related to maintenance management. Moreover, operating the system involves a large number of issues that a decision-maker must address simultaneously. Therefore, the use of tools to aid the decision process is quite relevant in providing a better understanding of the problem and to generate a recommendation that better meets the wishes of the decision-maker. This study presents a model based on the value-focused thinking approach, requiring only partial information in the multi-attribute analysis by using linear value functions and FITradeoff, entailing less effort to achieve the ideal alternative. The model was applied to the operations manager of the water supply company in the central region of Olinda in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Consequently, the model yielded a deep analysis of the manager’s reasoning, which was transcribed through the objective’s hierarchy, and reached a solution to the problems of the local water supply system.

Assessing blockchain potential for improving the cybersecurity of financial transactions

Purpose Blockchain holds promise as a potential solution to the problem of cybersecurity in financial transactions. However, difficulty exists for both the industry and organizations in assessing this potential solution. Hence, it is important to understand how organizations in the financial sector can address these concerns by exploring blockchain implementation for financial transactions in the context of cybersecurity. To do this, the problem question is threefold: first, what objectives are important based on the strategic values of an organization for evaluating cybersecurity to improve the security of financial transactions? Second, how can they be used to ensure the cybersecurity of financial transactions in a financial organization? Third, how can these objectives be used to evaluate blockchain as a potential solution for enhancing the cybersecurity of organizations in the financial sector relative to existing cybersecurity methods? The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach To accomplish this goal we utilize Keeney’s (1992) multi-objective decision analytics technique, termed value-focused thinking (VFT), to demonstrate how organizations can assess a blockchain solution’s value to maximize value-add within financial organization. Findings The presented model clearly demonstrates the viability of using Keeney’s (1992) VFT technique as a multi-criteria decision analysis tool for assessing blockchain technology. Further, a clear explanation of how this model can be extended and adapted for individual organizational use is provided. Originality/value This paper engages both the academic literature as well as an expert panel to develop an assessment model for blockchain technology related to financial transactions by providing a useful method for structuring the decision-making process of organizations around blockchain technology.

Coordenação de coalizões de defesa utilizando mapas cognitivos

Resumo Este artigo traz uma contribuição à análise de coalizões de defesa em processos de formulação ou mudança de políticas públicas, conjugando modelos de análise de políticas públicas e da pesquisa operacional (PO). Jenkins-Smith, Nohrstedt, Weible et al. (2014) observam, a partir dos resultados de algumas aplicações empíricas, que somente as crenças dos atores envolvidos não contam toda a história da mudança da política e ressaltam que o grau de conflito entre os atores ou as coalizões está relacionado às suas percepções quanto ao alcance das ameaças, dos objetivos ou das ações de outros atores, às suas crenças acerca de uma política. Diante do exposto, propõe-se uma abordagem para análise do grau de coordenação inter e intracoalizões políticas em processos de mudança institucional, a partir da identificação das crenças, dos objetivos declarados e das alternativas políticas dos atores, utilizando o pensamento focado no valor (value-focused thinking - VFT) associado aos mapas cognitivos causais. A partir da conjugação desses métodos, espera-se, por meio da comparação dos mapas cognitivos, identificar as coalizões políticas e caracterizar os ambientes colaborativos ou conflituosos, bem como identificar as agendas políticas com variados graus de cooperação ou conflito.

Prioritization of strategic initiatives in the context of natural disaster prevention

Goal: The purpose of this paper is to build the structure of a multicriteria decision model that supports definition and prioritization of strategic initiatives by an institution performing in the prevention of natural disasters.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methodological process is adopted to build a multicriteria evaluation model. A two-phase process is followed, employing a top-down approach, based on Value-Focused Thinking (VFT), in combination with the Multi Attribute Value Theory (MAVT) method. The participants of the MCDA process were experts of the control room in the case study institution.
 Results: The proposed methodology not only helped decision makers to enumerate a number of strategic initiatives to accomplish the organizational objective, but also helped them to establish a structured procedure to prioritize these initiatives.
 Limitations: Absence of a criterion related to the organization budget in the model; limited scope of participation in the process; absence of quantitative criteria.
 Practical implications: The major practical contributions are as follows: an structured model that supports the strategic planning process; a better allocation of resources (human, financial, and materials) in projects that are truly aligned with the strategic objective of the organization; the organizational learning coming from the exercise of reflection on values, objectives and preferences; and the legitimacy of decisions as a result of the participative character of the construction process of the model.
 Originality/Value: In this study, a multicriteria evaluation model is structured and applied as support for strategic decision making in the context of a natural disaster early warning system. The model has a significant application potential, since it encourages the adoption of structured decision support methods rather than traditional empirical decision making. Thus, the value of the study lies in the contribution that the proposed model can offer to more effective disaster prevention.

Effects of proactive decision making on life satisfaction

Proactive decision making, a concept recently introduced to behavioral operational research and decision analysis, addresses effective decision making during its phase of generating alternatives. It is measured on a scale comprising six dimensions grouped into two categories: proactive personality traits and proactive cognitive skills. Personality traits are grounded on theoretical constructs such as proactive attitude and proactive behavior; cognitive skills reflect value-focused thinking and decision quality. These traits and skills have been used to explain decision satisfaction, although their antecedents and other consequences have not yet been the subject of rigorous hypotheses and testing.This paper embeds proactive decision making within a model of three possible consequences. We consider—and empirically test—decision satisfaction, general self-efficacy, and life satisfaction by conducting three studies with 1300 participants. We then apply structural equation modeling to show that proactive decision making helps to account for life satisfaction, an explanation mediated by general self-efficacy and decision satisfaction. Thus proactive decision making fosters greater belief in one's abilities and increases satisfaction with one's decisions and with life more generally. These results imply that it is worthwhile to help individuals enhance their decision-making proactivity.Demonstrating the positive effects of proactive decision making at the individual level underscores how important the phase of generating alternatives is, and it also highlights the merit of employing “decision quality” principles and being proactive during that phase. Hence the findings presented here confirm the relevance of OR, and of decision-analytic principles, to the lives of ordinary people.

A Framework for Designing Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Facilities: A New Approach Using Interdisciplinary Value-Focused Thinking.

Aim:To use Value-Focused Thinking to investigate what is important in the design of inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility buildings.Background:Many stroke patients require inpatient rehabilitation in a dedicated facility. Rehabilitation facilities are healthcare spaces, but they are also learning spaces where patients practice targeted tasks to acquire new skills and to reacquire skills and abilities that were compromised as a result of their stroke. There is currently no consensus regarding how the design of inpatient rehabilitation facilities could be optimized for patients’ learning.Method:We used Value-Focused Thinking to develop a framework of what interdisciplinary experts consider important for inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility design. Two workshops were conducted. The following experts were invited to participate: past patients with experience of stroke rehabilitation; stroke rehabilitation clinicians; stroke rehabilitation academics; healthcare environments academics; learning environments academics; architects, designers, and wayfinders with experience designing healthcare or learning environments; and healthcare design policy makers.Results:Thirty experts participated. The experts’ final framework included 16 criteria that were considered fundamentally important for inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility design, and 14 criteria that were considered instrumentally important. Inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility design should maximize efficiency, maximize effectiveness (i.e., patients’ clinical and functional outcomes), foster emotional well-being, and maximize safety. Opportunities to practice physical, cognitive, and social activity were considered important for patients’ outcomes.Conclusions:Value-Focused Thinking was an effective and equitable means of engaging experts from multiple disciplines. Designers, planners, and developers of inpatient stroke rehabilitation facilities should consider the rehabilitation-specific framework developed in this study alongside evidence from other healthcare settings.

Cloud privacy objectives a value based approach

PurposeTo effectively develop privacy policies and practices for cloud computing, organizations need to define a set of guiding privacy objectives that can be applied across their organization. It is argued that it is important to understand individuals’ privacy values with respect to cloud computing to define cloud privacy objectives.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of this study, the authors adopted Keeney’s (1994) value-focused thinking approach to identify privacy objectives with respect to cloud computing.FindingsThe results of this study identified the following six fundamental cloud privacy objectives: to increase trust with cloud provider, to maximize identity management controls, to maximize responsibility of information stewardship, to maximize individual’s understanding of cloud service functionality, to maximize protection of rights to privacy, and to maintain the integrity of data.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation is generalizability of the cloud privacy objectives, and the second is research bias. As this study focused on cloud privacy, the authors felt that the research participants’ increased knowledge of technology usage, including that of cloud technology, was a benefit that outweighed risks associated with not having a random selection of the general population. The newness and unique qualities of privacy issues in cloud computing are better fitted to a qualitative study where issues can emerge naturally through a holistic approach opposed to trying to force fit an existing set of variables or constructs into the context of privacy and cloud computing.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research study can be used to assist management in the process of formulating a cloud privacy policy, develop cloud privacy evaluation criteria as well as assist auditors in developing their privacy audit work plans.Originality/valueCurrently, there is little to no guidance in the literature or in practice as to what organizations need to do to ensure they protect their stakeholders privacy in a cloud computing environment. This study works at closing this knowledge gap by identifying cloud privacy objectives.

Using Value-Focused Thinking and Multi-Criteria Group Decision-Making to Evaluate Energy Transition Alternatives

The future transformation of the energy system is a contentious topic, involving a variety of conflicting opinions and interests. In order to structure and evaluate these opinions, we develop a group decision-making process with professional stakeholders and energy experts. The aim of this process is to develop a common objective system for the energy transition and to evaluate four possible energy transition alternatives for Germany until 2030. The stakeholders are involved in every step of the decision-making process – the development of the alternatives, the definition of the objective system, and the final evaluation of the alternatives. We apply Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) to define and structure the objectives of the stakeholders and use Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) to evaluate the preferences of the stakeholders towards these objectives. The results show that a majority of the stakeholders prefers the energy transition alternative, which has the highest ambitions to limit climate change. A minority prefers the pan-European alternative where Germany’s power system is further integrated into the European energy system.

A flexible multicriteria decision-making methodology to support the strategic management of Science, Technology and Innovation research funding programs

Research funding programs are a policy instrument utilized by governments to influence the innovation process. They are usually elaborated, launched and managed by research funding agencies. In order to select the most adequate research projects, agencies often rely on the peer review process.This paper introduces a methodology to support funding decisions based on the peer review process. The methodology involves the use of a multicriteria decision model to support the assessment, evaluation, prioritization and selection of applications, under a multi-step decision-making process, which fits into a strategic management cycle within the agency. The Multiattribute Value Theory, being considered under a Value Focused Thinking approach, provides a basis for the construction of the multicriteria decision model. The good practices in peer review and also a logical framework for program management are considered by the methodology.A pilot study, presented in the paper, involved a retrospective implementation of a peer review process in the context of a program launched by the Ministry for Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications and the National Council of Technological and Scientific Development, in Brazil. The methodology allowed a clear distinction of roles. The agency staff in the role of decision-makers was responsible for making value judgments on behalf of the agency. The experts, in the role of committee members and ad hoc reviewers, contributed with their expertise by providing objective assessments. Such assessments served as a basis for evaluating the applications, characterizing the possible portfolios, and can be considered as data in future program evaluation studies.