Computing multiple attribute value function ranges under a hierarchy of the attributes with application to environmental decision making

A decision tool is introduced that is particularly useful for examining environmental alternative management strategies from numerous decision-making viewpoints or by multiple decision-makers. A spreadsheet implementation of the decision tool is described. Assuming an additive value function, the method quickly computes the possible range of value from the most optimistic to the most pessimistic (best to worst) for any hierarchical arrangement of the multiple attributes or criteria. The method, applied after commensurate attribute values or scores have been determined for each alternative, does not require one to specify or determine explicit weight factors for the attributes. The importance order of the attributes at any level in the hierarchy can be changed and the function value range computed again by means of a simple iterative algorithm. This solution method makes it easy to determine the result of modifying priorities in portions of the hierarchical architecture without recalculating the contributions of unaffected branches. The method is well suited to problems involving multiple stakeholders since multiple decision problem structures or priorities can be considered simultaneously. An example addressing the issue of determining a rangeland health index is given.