Decision orders: a decision taxonomy

Abstract

Purpose -The proper identification of a decision problem is paramount to finding a course of action or solution. This paper attempts to capture the general laws or principles that define decision problems. These principles are then used to establish a decision classification system called the decision-order taxonomy. Design/methodology/approach -The decision-order taxonomy is developed by performing a content analysis on the seminal literature in the natural, social, and applied sciences. By identifying the semantic descriptors used to partition various domains, an implicit taxonomy for proper identification of decision problems is hypothesized. Findings -The multidimensional taxonomic classification system and defined nomenclature, together with the identification process, comprise the complete decision-order taxonomy developed in this paper. While applying the decision-order taxonomy to an actual decision problem, insights are exposed which will guide the decision maker toward appropriate solution methodologies.Research limitations/implications -The theoretical foundation developed can be used to promote future research in decision classification. By providing a theoretically derived model, rich opportunities to test the taxonomy empirically are offered. Researchers are also given a foundation upon which they can build interdisciplinary decision models. Practical implications -For practitioners, the decision-order taxonomy provides a new paradigm for communicating decision problems across disciplinary boundaries. The taxonomy also provides guidance to the practitioner as they search for appropriate solution methodologies in unfamiliar disciplines. Originality/value -The establishment of a useful decision-problem taxonomy is a significant contribution to understanding the multidimensional interdisciplinary nature of real world decision problems. The original classifications will promote cross disciplinary communication, a central element in business success.

A Temporal Perspective of Merger and Acquisition and Strategic Alliance Initiatives

“…"Rhythm" role. While the frequency role examines temporal constructs such as acquisition pace/rate or temporal distance between two strategic initiatives, studies in the rhythm role focus on second-order temporal characteristics (Scherpereel, 2006). A second-order temporal characteristic has at least one of the two attributes: (a) it has one or more functions as an input or (b) it is an output of a function.…”

The impact of resources on decision making

“…The contribution of such research is that it begins to define how a decision-making activity should be performed given the resources available. The research described thus far has not typically extended to a consideration of decision-making methods that can be applied within the identified approaches, but does consider the types of analyses that may be appropriate (e.g., Scherpereel, 2006).…”

A Classification of Supply Chain Problems

“…In his taxonomy of decision problems, Scherpereel (2006) suggests that academics are sometimes so focused on finding solution methodologies for ideal problems that the differences between problems may be overlooked until these methodologies are applied to real world situations. This suggests that, as it has in other disciplines, a classification scheme for supply chain problems can provide a useful connection between research and industry.…”

“…A supply chain specific classification of problems should be useful for many of the same reasons that problem classification has proven useful for other fields, i.e., for streamlining the problem-solving process (Bean and Kuh, 1984), and ensuring that the differences between problems are given suitable attention (Scherpereel, 2006).…”