This course is designed for structured decision making practitioners who want to develop their skills as decision analysts, particularly in facilitation of the decision-making process and elicitation techniques. It builds on the fundamental principles taught in “Introduction to Structured Decision Making” (ALC 3171) and focuses on facilitating the “PrOAC” steps of the “PrOACT” process.

Course content includes:

• eliciting problem framing and objectives;
• eliciting measurable attributes, alternatives, and subjective preferences;
• eliciting expert judgments; and
• decision process design and facilitation challenges.

Sections on eliciting expert judgments include the setup and preparation phases, elicitation phase, methods and techniques of elicitation, and data analysis and documentation phases. The course is primarily experiential, with hands-on exercises mixed with short lectures and group discussions.

Background readings will be required in preparation for the course.

Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Successfully set up and design a decision analysis process
• Effectively facilitate decision makers and small groups through PrOAC:
 
• Problem framing
 
• Objectives
 
• Alternatives
 
• Consequences
• Elicit personal values or preferences
• Conduct value scoring for consequences
• Elicit expert judgments
• Process and use expert judgments in structured decision making
• Recognize some typical challenges with facilitation and group dynamics, and when you need help
• Work toward competency as an independent decision analyst