Introduction

Abstract

The term “decision aid” comes from Europe, where a number of computer systems designed to help decision makers select from a finite set of alternatives have been developed. Other terms apply, such as “decision analysis,” a term more widely used in the U.S., although usually reserved for multiattribute utility theory application. The term “decision support system” has also been used, but in the U.S. that term is usually used for a broader set of computer tools to less specific problems. Whatever they are called, a wide variety of systems have been developed to help humans select from a given set of alternatives. In this book, the European term “decision aid” will be used.