Research project selection: Testing a model in the field

The results of a field test of a procedure for evaluating research projects is reported in this paper. The procedure, based on what is termed an expected value model, considers the following decision elements: 1) the environment of the problem, 2) the decision maker, 3) his objectives, and 4) his alternatives. The decision maker's alternatives, in this case a number of potential research projects, are evaluated in the light of his objectives. The result of the procedure is a ranking of potential projects in terms of their expected values.