Practical and theoretical considerations when integrating linear programming and multi-attribute utility theory: US Army value added analysis

Significant advances in the computer and computational sciences are allowing analysts to address increasingly complex problems. Many of the problems are characterized by both large combinations of alternative solutions and multiple, often competing, objectives. Linear programming and decision analysis are two mathematical modeling tools that are designed to address these types of problems. Analysis reports and software tools are emerging that are beginning to integrate these techniques. However, each of the techniques have properties that must be considered if they are to provide a meaningful integrated model. This paper describes a resource allocation methodology, called the value added analysis, which forms a decision support system for Senior Army and Defense Department leaders. This methodology consists of several different operations research (OR) techniques which are integrated in a manner consistent with the assumptions of each OR technique. In addition to the methodology, some of the key theoretical and practical considerations in the model development process are described