Abstract
A systems approach to decision-making for urban water resources development will assist urban water resources planners and decision makers in seeking their goal of effective utilization of water resources systems. Decision analysis procedures are incorporated in a total systems approach directed to the alleviation of urban water resources development decision-making problems. A multi attribute decision analysis model has been developed and applied to current water resource development problems in San Angelo and San Antonio, Texas. Important attributes considered in the selection of the "optimum" water resource development alternative include quantity, dependability, quality, cost, flexibility, and social-economic impact for each of the development alternatives. The decision analysis solution to each of the water resources development decision problems will be presented in conjunction with a sensitivity analysis of the utility data collected from decision makers in the two Texas cities. The subjective judgments of different decision makers will be pooled for a consensus of opinion and integrated in the specific applications of the general decision analysis model. Decision analysis techniques and the theory underlying multi attribute utility functions will be discussed in detail. An illustrative example is included to convey the sequential phases of decision analysis. The art of problem decomposition and the application of simulation techniques to sensitivity analysis will be demonstrated with two practical case studies. The implications of decision analysis will also be discussed.
Dean, Joe Harvey (1973). A systems approach to decision-making for urban water resources development. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -188842.