Showing papers by "Simon French published in 1989"

Partial Information and Sensitivity Analysis in Multi-objective Decision Making

Abstract: Many decision aids have been designed to help decision makers choose between several alternatives. Such aids are typically intended to deal with some or all of the problems arising from conflicting objectives, uncertainty, groups of decision makers, etc.

Readings in decision analysis : a collection of edited readings, with accompanying notes, taken from publications of the Operational Society of Great Britain

Abstract: Provides an introduction to decision analysis. This book is based upon a number of papers and articles taken from the Operational Research Society's journal and other publications. However, the book is not simply a 'collection of reprints': Professor French has provided extensive notes and commentary to weave the extracts into a coherent whole. Although techniques are presented, the main thrust is to convey the purpose of decision analysis and the interpretation that should be placed upon its output: vital topics, but ones seldom discussed in introductory texts. The writing is aimed at the non-technical reader.

Statistical and decision theoretic aspects of examination assessment

Abstract: At a recent conference in Innsbruck, held in memory of Bruno De Finetti, attention focused on one of his aphorisms: analysts should think about things. This paper seeks to do precisely that in the context of public examinations in England and Wales. It attempts to think about those quantitative things that are done to marks in the process of assessing candidate scripts. Public examinations are central to our education system: hundreds of thousands of candidates enter them every year. In assessing the candidates performances, the examination boards must absorb, analyse and combine literally millions of marks. To do so they must use many quantitative procedures. What is the validity of these procedures? What is their purpose and do they have their desired effect?