Tactic selection in a complex decision situation

Many complex decisions that arise in the modern world cannot be treated by formal mathematical models. The author describes a method of studying these complex decisions that can be applied to many everyday situations. The division of the process of resolution into a number of sequential and contributing decisions suggests that the analysis done by participants can be divided into two parts, which may be called strategic and tactical. Strategic analysis is related to the whole of the resolution process. It is concerned with final outcomes and with the preferences of the participants between them. Tactical analysis is concerned with the choice of tactics in the immediately ensuing interactions between the participants. Both types of analysis are considered. The consequences of a choice of tactics are discussed. These findings can be used as an aid for formulation of a model for tactical analysis in real-life situations. An example of the application of the model is included