Decisi-o-rama: An open-source Python library for multi-attribute value/ utility decision analysis

Environmental decisions are complex as they are multi-dimensional, highly interdisciplinary and not only involve multiple stakeholders with conflicting objectives, but also many possible alternatives with uncertain consequences. The difficulty lies in making trade-offs between tough value trade-offs on the one hand while appreciating uncertain impacts of alternatives on the other. To support decisions tackling such problems, a combination of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and environmental models is promising yet limited by the available MCDA software. Here, we present Decisi-o-rama, an open-source Python MCDA library for single and sets (portfolios) of alternatives in the context of multi-attribute value/utility theory (MAUT/MAVT). Its development was driven by four aspirations that are crucial for usability in the context of environmental decision-making: (1) interoperability, (2) uncertainty-awareness, (3) computational efficiency, and (4) integration with portfolio decisions. The results indicate that these aspirations are met, thus facilitating the adoption of MCDA methods by environmental researchers and practitioners.

Automated summary

Environmental decisions are complex due to their multidimensional nature, involving multiple stakeholders and uncertain consequences. Decisi-o-rama, an open-source Python MCDA library, addresses the challenges by focusing on usability, uncertainty awareness, computational efficiency, and integration with portfolio decisions, facilitating the adoption of MCDA methods in environmental decision-making.