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Selecting Attributes to Measure the Achievement of Objectives

Author

Listed:
  • Ralph L. Keeney

    (Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Box 90120, Durham, North Carolina 27708)

  • Robin S. Gregory

    (Decision Research, 1201 Oak Street, Suite 200, Eugene, Oregon 97401)

Abstract

The foundation for any decision is a clear statement of objectives. Attributes clarify the meaning of each objective and are required to measure the consequences of different alternatives. Unfortunately, insufficient thought typically is given to the choice of attributes. This paper addresses this problem by presenting theory and guidelines for identifying appropriate attributes. We define five desirable properties of attributes: they should be unambiguous, comprehensive, direct, operational, and understandable. Each of these properties is discussed and illustrated with examples, including several cases in which one or more of the desirable properties are not met. We also present a decision model for selecting among the different types of natural, proxy, and constructed attributes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ralph L. Keeney & Robin S. Gregory, 2005. "Selecting Attributes to Measure the Achievement of Objectives," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 53(1), pages 1-11, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:oropre:v:53:y:2005:i:1:p:1-11
    DOI: 10.1287/opre.1040.0158
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ralph L. Keeney & Alan Sicherman, 1983. "Illustrative Comparison of One Utility's Coal and Nuclear Choices," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 31(1), pages 50-83, February.
    2. Miley W. Merkhofer & Ralph L. Keeney, 1987. "A Multiattribute Utility Analysis of Alternative Sites for the Disposal of Nuclear Waste," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 7(2), pages 173-194, June.
    3. Ralph L. Keeney & Timothy L. McDaniels & Cary Swoveland, 1995. "Evaluating Improvements in Electric Utility Reliability at British Columbia Hydro," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 43(6), pages 933-947, December.
    4. Ralph L. Keeney, 1982. "Feature Article—Decision Analysis: An Overview," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 30(5), pages 803-838, October.
    5. Robin Gregory & Lee Failing, 2002. "Using decision analysis to encourage sound deliberation: water use planning in British Columbia, Canada," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(3), pages 492-499.
    6. Hsee, Christopher K., 1996. "The Evaluability Hypothesis: An Explanation for Preference Reversals between Joint and Separate Evaluations of Alternatives," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 67(3), pages 247-257, September.
    7. Camerer, Colin & Weber, Martin, 1992. "Recent Developments in Modeling Preferences: Uncertainty and Ambiguity," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 5(4), pages 325-370, October.
    8. Jeffrey P. Krischer, 1976. "Utility Structure of a Medical Decision-Making Problem," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 24(5), pages 951-972, October.
    9. Keeney, Ralph L. & Robilliard, Gordon A., 1977. "Assessing and evaluating environmental impacts at proposed nuclear power plant sites," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 4(2), pages 153-166, June.
    10. Ralph L. Keeney & Timothy L. McDaniels, 1999. "Identifying and Structuring Values to Guide Integrated Resource Planning at BC Gas," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 47(5), pages 651-662, October.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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