Modeling a Group Decision Making Problem : -via a Hypothetical Problem of Siting a Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

A group utility theory is discussed based on the concept of convex dependence among multiple conflicting decision makers. Using this concept we could model the different preference structures and attitudes of each decision maker which depend on the utility level (degree of satisfaction) of the other decision makers. Using a hypothetical numerical example of siting a nuclear power plant, the real world implications of convex the dependence are clarified, where we consider three conflicting decision makers: the representative of the electric power company, the representative of the users of the electric power, and the representative of the regional inhabitants. For evaluating the group utility, five alternatives, including the alternative of no construction are considered. It is shown that the concept of the convex dependence among conflicting decision makers would play an importnat role in the group decision or society's decision.