The Application of Decision Analysis: A US/UK Comparison

Abstract

The paper sets out findings of a survey of leading exponents of decision analysis in the UK and USA. It examines the hypothesis that decision analysis is an example of a proven management tool which UK managers appear to have been slow to adopt. A number of recent developments in decision analysis are discussed, as is the changing pattern of its application. The paper concludes that there are several substantial differences in both the public and the private sector management environments in the two countries, which in combination have encouraged a significantly higher level of decision analysis application in the USA. Likely future developments are summarized, and suggestions given about avenues which could encourage higher levels of application in the UK.