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Abstract

Decisions unfold, guided by science’s light, in choices, science’s wisdom resides, for Guiding paths with less clarity. In this enlightening chapter on the Foundations of Decision Making, readers will embark on a journey through the intricate web of decision theory and decision science. Delving into the profound philosophy that underlies these concepts, we'll unravel the fundamental principles that guide human choices. With a systematic exploration of reputable domains and practical applications, readers will witness the transformative power of these principles in diverse contexts, from economics to psychology and beyond. We'll navigate through the Hierarchy of Decisions, dissecting the layers of choices from the mundane to the monumental, and in the process, gain invaluable insights into the art and science of decision-making. As we traverse this intellectual landscape, readers will acquire the skills to evaluate options with precision and make well-informed decisions based on robust reasoning. By the end of this chapter, readers will be able to comprehend and appreciate the fundamental principles and concepts that form the foundation of decision-making. They will develop a solid understanding of key components such as decision theory, rationality, and cognitive biases. With this knowledge, readers will acquire the necessary analytical skills to effectively recognize the complexity of decision-making scenarios, evaluate alternative options, and make informed decisions based on sound reasoning and evidence. Moreover, readers will gain a broader perspective on the significance of decision-making across various aspects of life, including personal, professional, and societal contexts. This chapter will lay a strong groundwork for readers’ journey towards becoming more confident and adept decision-makers

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Operations Research (OR) is a field of study that utilizes advanced analytical methods to facilitate improved decision-making. It draws upon mathematical sciences, such as mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and mathematical optimization, to find optimal or near-optimal solutions to complex decision problems. With a focus on practical applications and human-technology interaction, operations research intersects with disciplines like industrial engineering, operations management, psychology, and organization science.

    The primary objective of operations research is to determine the best possible outcome for a given real-world objective. This could involve maximizing profit, performance, or yield, or minimizing loss, risk, or cost. By employing mathematical modeling techniques and sophisticated analysis, operations research provides insights and recommendations that guide decision-makers in making more effective choices. Although operations research initially emerged from military efforts before World War II, its methodologies and techniques have evolved over time and are now applied across a wide range of industries. The versatility of operations research allows it to address complex problems in various fields, including manufacturing, logistics, transportation, healthcare, finance, and telecommunications. By employing operations research, organizations can optimize their processes, allocate resources efficiently, and enhance overall performance. It enables decision-makers to analyze various scenarios, evaluate trade-offs, and make informed choices based on quantitative evidence. Through its interdisciplinary nature and emphasis on practical applications, operations research continues to contribute to the advancement and efficiency of decision-making in diverse industries.

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Acknowledgement

A special thanks to the Iranian DEA society for their unwavering spiritual support and consensus in the writing of this book. Your invaluable support has been truly remarkable, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such esteemed professionals.

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Correspondence to Farhad Hosseinzadeh Lotfi .

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Hosseinzadeh Lotfi, F., Allahviranloo, T., Pedrycz, W., Shahriari, M., Sharafi, H., Razipour GhalehJough, S. (2023). Foundations of Decision. In: Fuzzy Decision Analysis: Multi Attribute Decision Making Approach. Studies in Computational Intelligence, vol 1121. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-44742-6_1

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