Handbook of Decision Making

by Goktug Morcol (Editor)

Handbook of Decision Making includes the wisdom of the long theological and philosophical traditions of human society, as well as a systematic exploration of the implications of contemporary evolutionary theories. Common patterns in decision making styles are identified as well as the common variations that different contexts may generate. The text covers the multiplicity of mainstream decision making styles such as cost-benefit analysis, and linear programming. It also explains alternative and emerging methods such as geographic information systems, Q-methodology, and narrative policy analysis. Practical applications are discussed using decision making practices in budgeting, public administration and governance, drug trafficking, and information systems.

664 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRC Press published one of the largest series of books in Public Administration. This volume, edited by Goktug Morcol, focuses on decision making. Candor compels me to admit up front that I authored one of the chapters in this book, so that might be considered when reading my review (not one of my best works, by the way; I was still working through my understanding of two perspectives on decision making heuristics!). . . .

This book has a wide ranging set of chapters, covering many of the central issues in decision making. And, there are many major figures in the discipline who have contributed chapters to this edited volume.

The first chapter, authored by the editor, sets the context for the remainder of the volume; it comprises Part I. Part II looks at theories of decision making. These include such approaches as: public choice analysis, incrementalism, Simon's bounded rationality perspective, punctuated equilibrium model, theology and decision making, and complexity theory (for those who are interested, my chapter shows up in this section).

Part III examines contexts in which decision making takes place, such as in public management networks, drug trafficking, e-Government, budgeting, and strategic planning.

Part IV examines methods of decision making. Included here is consideration of: experiments and quasi-experiments, cost benefit analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and participatory decision making.

Like all edited vo9lumes, this one is not perfectly coordinated and cohesive. Nonetheless, I find it a valuable resource in my teaching and my research because of its wide ranging coverage. For those interested in decision making, this is a good place to start. . . .