Assignment Explanation:
Task:
Conduct a critical review of the academic literature on applications of
decision analysis tools or techniques in business, management or public
decision making.
Select academic literature of your own choice, primarily from
your field of study (Business Management) and/or closely related fields (Logistical and Global Operations). Note also that in the review, include both theoretical and empirical studies; however empirical studies is expected to form the bulk of the review. I expect at least 25 references.
It is expected that the focus of literature review is on applications of decision analysis tools/techniques covered in the course. You may include other techniques (in addition to decision analysis techniques covered in the module) if necessary and if the word length allows
In the review of individual studies, pay particular attention the following information:
The objectives of the study, including the any research questions investigated and/or hypotheses tested (if any)
o Methodology or research approach, including methods used to collect data if applicable.
O Methods of analysis, including specific decision analysis tools or techniques employed.
O A summary of key results
Literature Review: Structure
• Typically, its structure takes the form of an ‘inverted triangle’
where broad, general issues are discussed first (the top of the triangle) and as the review continues, the focus becomes narrower i.e. more focused the literature that specifically examines your topic.
• Again, should be analytical and critical—not passive, descriptive
• A literature review can be presented either:
1. Chronologically, where early work is discussed first and developments (theoretical or empirical) are then discussed; or
2. Thematically, in which case the themes fall naturally into sections. This approach is highly recommended. It also provides evidence of your ability to synthesise literature
Literature Review: Structure
Structure your writing thematically, in which themes fall naturally into sections and/or subsections. You may structure your writing thematically in the following sections:
Section 1 – General discussion on decision making in your field or discipline. This could include:
• what characterises “good” decisions in your field
• how are difficult decisions made in your field
Literature Review: Structure
Section 2: A review of applications of DA techniques (not necessarily in
this order)
2.1 Structuring decision problems: influence diagrams and decision trees
2.2. Making choices under uncertainty: decision trees and EMV
2.3. The role of sensitivity analysis in decision analysis
2.4. Applications of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA).
Beware of variants in names; “multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)”
“multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)”. “multi-criteria
decisionmaking (MCDM)”, “Multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM)”. Also be
aware of hyphened and non-hyphened versions; “multi-criteria” and
“multicriteria” or multiple-criteria and multiple criteria
2.5. Applications of DELPHI Methods
2.6. Strategic investment decision-making: NPV and IRR criteria
Section 3: Conclusions – your reflections on what you have learnt
from the literature review.