Trade-off/Positional Analysis (with a Rawlsian Approach to Equity) as an Alternative to Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) in Socio-technical Decisions
Author(s)
Hall, Ralph P.; Ashford, Nicholas A.![Thumbnail](/bitstream/handle/1721.1/102800/esd-wp-2006-12.pdf.jpg?sequence=4&isAllowed=y)
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This paper introduces a hybrid trade-off/positional analysis framework as an alternative to cost-benefit analysis (CBA). As a decision-support tool, the proposed framework [1] allows decision-makers not to monetize or aggregate non-monetary factors over time; [2] invites the entrance of stakeholders into the debate since there is greater transparency as to who benefits and who is harmed by a particular policy/program/project; [3] enables analysts to undertake a comparative analysis of alternatives over time; and [4] takes into account the important role of technological change in shaping the state and performance of a system. In addition, a Rawlsian approach to incorporating equity into decision-making is advocated.
Date issued
2006-08Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division
Series/Report no.
ESD Working Papers;ESD-WP-2006-12