0B
Cost IC0602 International Doctoral School
Applying Decision Analysis to Real Problems
Manchester Business School, 10th to 13th April 2011
http://research.mbs.ac.uk/decision-science/Newsandevents.aspx
Introduction
Manchester Business School will be holding a doctoral school in Manchester from
Sunday 10th to Wednesday 13th April 2011 to explore the processes of applying decision
analysis in practice. Attendees will be introduced to some theory, particularly
behavioural and similar theories which are often absent from mathematical and
algorithmic presentations of decision analysis; but the majority of the course will focus
on practical exercises and case studies. Our aim will be to introduce participants to the
range of skills that real application requires.
Content of the Doctoral School
The Doctoral School will offer the following lectures and activities

Introductory session surveying decision analysis and introducing the terminology
and models to be used in the School;

Lectures including demonstrations and break-out sessions on
- individual and group decision behaviours,
- decision processes and how to support them in a variety of contexts,
- the quality of decision making in organisations;

Case studies of applications of decision analysis in domains such as
-
Environmental planning,
Energy planning,
Organisational strategic decision making,
Supply chain risk;

Exercises using decision analytic software, designed particularly to develop
modelling and interpretation skills

An extensive group exercise based around a realistically complex scenario in
which the students would experience the process of decision analysis and explore
the ways in which it may bring insight;

Discussion and reflections on their doctoral research topics and the way in which
some of the learning from the course may be introduced in these.
The students will be provided with notes, copies of slides, etc. A discussion web-site will
be established during the event and run in the weeks after it to continue discussion and
share experiences in applying the ideas back in their research institutes and universities.
S. French
Document1
- 1 -
Outline Timetable
Sunday
April 10th 2011
14.00 – 15.00
Introduction. Getting to know each other.
15.00 – 15.30
Tea
15.30 – 17.30
Lecture: What is decision analysis: a brief overview illustrated by case vignettes.
Wine and light buffet, then evening free
Monday
April 11th 2011
09.00 – 10.30
Lecture: A behavioural view of decision making
10.30 – 11.00
Coffee
11.00 – 12.30
Lecture: Multi-criteria decision making
12.30 – 13.30
Lunch
13.30 – 15.00
Group Exercise Session 1: Introduction to the case study.
Groups meet and begin preliminary discussion on their case study facilitated by a course tutor
15.00 – 15.30
Tea
15.30 – 17.00
Computer lab exploring decision analytic software
17.00 – 18.00
Lecture: Decision support
18.00 –
Dinner
Tuesday
April 12th 2011
09.00 – 10.30
Lecture: Problem structuring methods
10.30 – 11.00
Coffee
11.00 – 12.30
Lecture: Handling uncertainty
12.30 – 13.30
Lunch
13.30 – 15.00
Group Exercise Session 2: Groups continue working on their case study facilitated by a course
tutor
15.00 – 15.30
Tea
15.30 – 16.30
Lecture: Developing consultancy skills: the decision analytic process
16.30 – 18.00
Exercise: Structuring problems and facilitating group discussions
18.00 –
Dinner and evening event
Wednesday
April 13th 2011
09.00 – 10.30
Group Exercise Session 3: Groups finalise their analysis and prepare presentation working on
their case study
10.30 – 11.00
Coffee
11.00 – 12.30
Group presentations on their case study and discussion
12.30 – 13.30
Lunch
13.30 – 15.30
Panel discussion: Publishing in top journals
15.30 – 16.00
Wash and brush up... how does the learning from the course fit with their doctoral studies
16.00 – 16.30
Tea
16.30
Departure
S. French
Document1
- 2 -
Facilities offered by Manchester Business School
As befits one of the world’s leading business schools, MBS offers a range of teaching
environments. We have a group decision support room equipped with a range of
software, including GroupSystems’ ThinkTank, which will allow us to explore how
decision support systems and software may be used in a variety of individual and group
circumstances. Teaching rooms are fully networked and equipped with computers, data
projectors, etc.
Course tutors
The following have agreed to offer sessions:
Prof Simon French
Prof Jian-Bo Yang
Prof Theo Stewart
Prof John Keane
Dr Nadia Papamichail
Dr Ling Xu
Dr Ludi Mikhailov
We may also bring in one or two outside speakers including clients who have
experienced decision analysis support to their decision making and can comment on its
value.
Location
Manchester is a major UK city with extensive transport connections including an
international airport. The North West region has much history, particularly in relation to
the Industrial Revolution. There are many areas of outstanding natural beauty in easy
reach: the Peak District, the Cheshire Plain, the Lake District and North Wales. The city
itself is vibrant with many attractions and entertainments.
Length of Course
The course will begin on the afternoon of Sunday 10th April and continue until the
afternoon of Wednesday April 13th, 2011. There will be a social outing/event on the
evening of the second day.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the package offered to participants. There are many
hotels and hostels within walking distance of MBS and accommodation at these can be
very cheap if various promotional offers are taken. During the months of January and
February such offers are available over the Internet. Thus participants are advised to
S. French
Document1
- 3 -
book early to take advantage of these. We will provide a list of such hotels and hostels
upon accepting the students onto the course.
There are also some funds available to offer some limited support to some, but not all of
the participants.
Applications and Registrations
Applicants should submit the attached form, preferably by email, along with a short c.v.
to:
Professor Simon French
Manchester Business School
University of Manchester
Booth Street West
Manchester, M15 6PB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-161-275-6401
Email: simon.french@mbs.ac.uk
Places are limited, so early application is recommended. Do not book accommodation
until we have accepted you on the course. We will endeavour to turn around applications
within five working days. Acceptance will be conditional on our receiving the
registration fee of £100.00 within 21 days of notification of acceptance or before April 1 st
2011, whichever is the earlier. Do not send the registration fee with the application.
Note that students are responsible for arranging their own visas and other travel
documents and costs. Upon acceptance we will issue a letter of invitation to the School
such as may be needed by the UK visa authorities.
S. French
Document1
- 4 -
Cost IC0602 International Doctoral School
Applying Decision Analysis to Real Problems
Manchester Business School, 10th to 13th April 2011
Application Form
Name:
.............................................................................................................................
Affiliation:
.............................................................................................................................
Address:
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
Email:
.............................................................................................................................
Tel:
........................................ .........
Mobile:
........................................ .........
Special dietary requirements:
Fax: .........................................................
..............................................................................................
Name of Supervisor: .................................................................................................................
Email address of Supervisor:
Title of Project/Thesis:
..................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
Expected date of submission:
...............................................................................................
Please attach to this form the following documents.
 A short (~2 sides A4) description of your research project and an
explanation of how you foresee applied decision analytic skills
contributing to your research.
 A short c.v. including details of your career and education to date.
 If you wish to apply for some limited support towards accommodation
costs, please submit a letter countersigned by your supervisor explaining
the limits of other funding available to you.
Please send the completed form, preferably by email, to:
Prof Simon French, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester,
Booth Street West, Manchester, M15 6PB, UK.
Email: simon.french@mbs.ac.uk
S. French
Document1
- 5 -