DEFINITE is a decision support software package that improves the
quality of environmental decision making since it:
-structures the decision process;
-makes full use of available information;
-provides a rational, responsible and justifiable decision that is open
for external review; and
allows the exploration of all the options by the use of `what if?'
scenarios. DEFINITE is, in fact, a whole toolkit of methods that can
be used on a wide variety of problems. If there is a problem to be
solved and alternative solutions can be identified, then DEFINITE
can weigh up the alternatives and assess the most reasonable option. The
system contains a number of methods for supporting problem definition as
well as graphical and other methods to support representation. In the
assessment of the problem, DEFINITE can support priority allocation
in a number of ways. DEFINITE can deal with all types of
alternatives, thanks to the inclusion of five different multicriteria
methods, as well as cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Related procedures such as weight assessment, standardization,
discounting, and a wide variety of methods for sensitivity analysis are
also available. DEFINITE - allowing for fifty alternatives and fifty
effects - supports the whole decision process, from problem definition
to report generation. The structured approach adopted ensures that the
decisions arrived at are systematic and consistent.
The full version of DEFINITE comprises:
-The book Multiobjective Decision Support for Environmental
Management;
-The DEFINITE User Manual;
-The DEFINITE software package; and
-A helpdesk for user support.