This study sought to provide a theory driven model to explain how consumers make their purchasing decisions between genuine products and products they know are counterfeit. The influences of Goal-Driven Theory, Morality, and Prospect Theory were included as purchase decisions considerations. To measure their influence, while accounting for product attributes, purchasing decisions were assessed in choice sets as provided by Discrete Choice Experiment. Results found support for using Goal-Driven Theory and Prospect Theory to explain consumer purchasing decisions between genuine and counterfeit products. Morality was not a significant factor in the findings. Theoretical contributions and Managerial implications are discussed.

The purpose of this paper has been to follow how a decision made has developed within anorganization. We have intended to find underlying causes for the development in order to contribute to the understanding of the lifecycle of decisions. The decision we have chosen is Gröna Skolgårdar (Green School Yards) within the city of Västerås. This project has aimed to make the school yards in Västerås more green, more beautiful and more useful for teaching. We have used Grounded Theory Method as our foundation, complemented with decisionmaking theory. The work with this paper has led to the conclusion that Gröna Skolgårdar changed over time, and did not turn out as first intended. This has had several couses such as how resources wasdistributed, political changes, and different views of the project. We have learned that over time a decision can take unexpected paths, and we have contributed with an example of how this can happen.

This thesis describes the implementation methods for multi-criteria evaluation into the software application. IZAR is a software product that solves decision problems. IZAR solves single and multi-criteria, continuous and discrete decision problems. This thesis describes the extension of application IZAR. Several methods of multi-criteria evaluation were added into application. Supplemented methods were chosen so that the extended applications use the most basic methods from the decision theory. Introductory part of the thesis describes the basic methods that have been implemented into IZAR. There is summarized the theoretical basis of each method. The central part deals with the description of each method in terms of implementation. Attention is paid to the parts of the algorithms that have been modified or extended so that the methods are universal. Finally, the thesis shows the test examples in which functionality of methods was verified. There is described a group of complicated decision problems and control conditions that were created for these problems to find the right results.

Recent studies find that mutual funds exhibit differential and persistent performance which is frequently attributed to superior managerial decision making. We extend the literature by examining the impact of the fund's management structure on performance outcomes. Specifically, we examine directly whether superior outcomes, in terms of risk-adjusted returns, may be explained by behavioral decision making theory that asserts that teams make better decisions than individuals. Empirical results are consistent with the classical decision making theory and the efficient market hypothesis.

O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo estudar a influência da consultoria em iniciativas de Fuzzy Front End (FFE). Para tanto, conceituam-se os principais constructos que sustentam a análise, quais sejam: FFE, Nebulosidade, Modelo de Gestão de FFE e Modelo de Tomada de Decisão. Com o intuito de entender melhor o fenômeno em questão, o FFE, avalia-se, através de revisão bibliográfica, quais sãos os principais elementos capacitadores em gestão de FFE para os processos de inovação de produtos em empresas. Nesse sentido, foi elaborado um modelo de gestão FFE, com base em modelo preexistente, aprimorado com modelos de tomada de decisão. Foram empregados a metodologia de Estudo de Caso e o método de Extended Case Method, aplicado a consultorias que executam iniciativas de FFE em empresas clientes. A questão de pesquisa a ser respondida foi: Qual a influência das consultorias em iniciativas de FFE de empresas clientes? Foi construído também um modelo de geração de ideia para entender a gênese do surgimento da ideia em iniciativas de FFE. Da mesma forma, foi realizado o mapeamento do FFE dentro da ciência da administração, mostrando que o FFE deve ser entendido como o motor de geração e seleção de ideias para quaisquer tipos de mudança, e, para isso, recorreu-se à Teoria da Decisão, a fim de fazer a integração do FFE com os demais temas de ciências. Como resultado, este trabalho traz uma visão do FFE, verificando a aplicabilidade prática dos elementos capacitadores levantados na revisão da literatura; um modelo de gestão da dinâmica de interação e geração de competência entre consultorias e empresas clientes; bem como o reconhecimento do valor gerado pelas consultorias em iniciativas de FFE. / The main objective of this work is to study the influence of consulting on Fuzzy Front End initiatives (FFE). For this, the main constructs that support the analysis are: FFE, Fuzziness, FFE Management Model, Decision Making Model and Consulting. In order to better understand the phenomenon in question, the FFE, it is evaluated, through a bibliographic review, which are the main enablers in FFE management for the processes of product innovation in companies. In this sense, an FFE management model was elaborated, based on a preexisting model, improved with decision-making models. We used the Case Study methodology and the Extended Case Method, applied to consultancies that execute FFE initiatives in client companies. The research question is: What is the influence of consulting companies in FFE of client\'s enterprises? A model of idea generation was also designed to understand the genesis of the idea\'s emergence in FFE initiatives. In the same way, the mapping of the FFE within the science of administration was carried out, showing that the FFE should be understood as the engine of generation and selection of ideas for any type of change, and for this, we used Decision Theory, In order to integrate the FFE with other science subjects. As a result, this work brings a complete view of the FFE, verifying the practical applicability of the enablers in the literature; A management model of interaction dynamics and competence generation between consultancies and client companies; as well as the recognition of the value generated by consultancies in FFE initiatives.

Lo scopo della presente tesi consiste nell’esplorare la possibile connessione tra la Teoria della Mente (ToM) e due dimensioni implicate nel processo decisionale: l’abilità di resistere ai bias che intervengono durante la valutazione della decisione e la capacità di scegliere quando è implicata la dimensione temporale, entrambe considerate in una prospettiva evolutiva. Il primo capitolo definisce una panoramica in merito alla ToM; il secondo fornisce un’ampia descrizione in merito ai bias legati alla decisione: hindsight bias e outcome bias; mentre il terzo si focalizza sulle scelte basate sulla dimensione temporale. Il quarto e il quinto capitolo presentano due contributi relativi a come questi temi si sviluppano e come sono connessi. Entrambe le ricerche si focalizzano su bambini di scuola primaria, una fascia d’età che solo recentemente è stata oggetto d’indagine in letteratura. Nel primo studio, l’attenzione si è diretta verso la ToM e il possibile legame con i bias della decisione; nel secondo studio, l’abilità di mindreading è presa in considerazione quando i bambini devono prendere decisioni che richiedono la capacità di gestire la dimensione temporale del presente e del futuro. I risultati evidenziano il ruolo chiave della mentalizzazione nel processo decisionale. / The aim of this thesis is to explore the possible connection between Theory of Mind (ToM) and two dimensions implicated in the decisional process: the ability to resist to the biases that occur during the evaluation of a decision and the ability to decide when a temporal dimension is involved, both considered in a developmental perspective. The first chapter presents an overview on ToM; the second one provides a wide description of the most investigated decision evaluation biases: hindsight bias and outcome bias; whereas the third one focuses on the choices based on the temporal dimension. The fourth and the fifth chapters show two empirical contributes on how these themes develop and how they are connected. The focus is on primary school-age children, an age range that only recently has been explored. Specifically, in the first study the attention has been directed towards ToM and its possible link with hindsight and outcome biases. In the second study, the mindreading ability is analyzed when children have to take decisions that require the ability to manage the temporal dimension of the present and of the future. The results of both researches highlight the crucial role of mentalizing in the decision-making process.

O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo estudar a influência da consultoria em iniciativas de Fuzzy Front End (FFE). Para tanto, conceituam-se os principais constructos que sustentam a análise, quais sejam: FFE, Nebulosidade, Modelo de Gestão de FFE e Modelo de Tomada de Decisão. Com o intuito de entender melhor o fenômeno em questão, o FFE, avalia-se, através de revisão bibliográfica, quais sãos os principais elementos capacitadores em gestão de FFE para os processos de inovação de produtos em empresas. Nesse sentido, foi elaborado um modelo de gestão FFE, com base em modelo preexistente, aprimorado com modelos de tomada de decisão. Foram empregados a metodologia de Estudo de Caso e o método de Extended Case Method, aplicado a consultorias que executam iniciativas de FFE em empresas clientes. A questão de pesquisa a ser respondida foi: Qual a influência das consultorias em iniciativas de FFE de empresas clientes? Foi construído também um modelo de geração de ideia para entender a gênese do surgimento da ideia em iniciativas de FFE. Da mesma forma, foi realizado o mapeamento do FFE dentro da ciência da administração, mostrando que o FFE deve ser entendido como o motor de geração e seleção de ideias para quaisquer tipos de mudança, e, para isso, recorreu-se à Teoria da Decisão, a fim de fazer a integração do FFE com os demais temas de ciências. Como resultado, este trabalho traz uma visão do FFE, verificando a aplicabilidade prática dos elementos capacitadores levantados na revisão da literatura; um modelo de gestão da dinâmica de interação e geração de competência entre consultorias e empresas clientes; bem como o reconhecimento do valor gerado pelas consultorias em iniciativas de FFE. / The main objective of this work is to study the influence of consulting on Fuzzy Front End initiatives (FFE). For this, the main constructs that support the analysis are: FFE, Fuzziness, FFE Management Model, Decision Making Model and Consulting. In order to better understand the phenomenon in question, the FFE, it is evaluated, through a bibliographic review, which are the main enablers in FFE management for the processes of product innovation in companies. In this sense, an FFE management model was elaborated, based on a preexisting model, improved with decision-making models. We used the Case Study methodology and the Extended Case Method, applied to consultancies that execute FFE initiatives in client companies. The research question is: What is the influence of consulting companies in FFE of client\'s enterprises? A model of idea generation was also designed to understand the genesis of the idea\'s emergence in FFE initiatives. In the same way, the mapping of the FFE within the science of administration was carried out, showing that the FFE should be understood as the engine of generation and selection of ideas for any type of change, and for this, we used Decision Theory, In order to integrate the FFE with other science subjects. As a result, this work brings a complete view of the FFE, verifying the practical applicability of the enablers in the literature; A management model of interaction dynamics and competence generation between consultancies and client companies; as well as the recognition of the value generated by consultancies in FFE initiatives.

Deinstitutionalization has had an impact increasing the number of offenders with mental health problems within the correctional system. Furthermore, preliminary research claims that offenders with mental health problems are disproportionately denied when applying for parole. The reasons for this are not well understood. This exploratory qualitative research draws on 48 decisions from the Parole Board of Canada decision registry, four interviews with former parole board members, and observation data from 17 parole hearings to explore how mental health problems are constructed within the conditional release decision-making process. Against a risk logic back drop, this institutional ethnography analyzes the way parole board members understand and operationalize mental health within the decision-making process. Self-regulation, medication compliance, and the role of the expert were strong themes that emerged through a content analysis. By integrating symbolic interactionism and a governmentality framework, the current study explores how mental health in parole decision-making is influenced by individual, organizational, and macro-level risk rationalities that draw on neoliberal responsibilization strategies and "psy" expertise. The findings are presented within Hawkin’s (2002) legal decision-making framework. Policy and human rights implications are discussed.

Escalation of Commitment (EoC) behaviour occurs when a Decision Making Unit (DMU), such as an individual or group, continues with a course of action despite receiving negative feedback about it. Much research exists, within multiple disciplines, which attempts to explain why DMUs continue with failing courses of action. To date however, there has been very little critical inquiry of such research. Using a historical research approach, this thesis reviews and critically assesses all existing EoC behaviour research and concludes that a number of serious issues exist. These include the use of multiple labels by authors to describe the phenomenon; the considerable uncertainty that exists regarding which DMUs are subject to EoC behaviour; the existence of multiple, concurrent definitions for each ‘theory label’ and important EoC behaviour concepts, such as escalation, DMU, resource, success, failure and commitment, not being adequately defined. It is contended that these and other issues exist primarily because of the scope of the phenomenon and the resultant high quantity and complexity of research; all of which impair research technique. However, independent, pre-existing research technique issues are also proposed as reasons. Ultimately, it is argued that the state of EoC behaviour research is poor. It is considered that the mere recognition of the issues raised in this thesis will assist in the improvement of the research. Yet this aspect in isolation is deemed inadequate. In response, a prescriptive technique is developed which is bifurcated between resolutely defining the important concepts related to EoC behaviour research and creating an ‘integrated framework’ which includes all existing EoC behaviour determinants from all research disciplines. The proposed framework also identifies a number of new potential determinants of EoC behaviour, including the Autoepistemic Sunk Cost Effect (ASCE), the age of the DMU and anthropomorphic revenge motives. It is suggested that these two prescriptive responses will also promote focussed future EoC behaviour research, designated in the thesis as research direction. This thesis contributes to existing knowledge by not only recognising research issues that have not previously been acknowledged but also by prescribing for these issues through a complete concept exploration, coupled with a complete collective framework.

A hipótese básica do presente trabalho é que embora a ocorrência de uma determinada doença possa apresentar impactos econômicos expressivos para a pecuária de um país - onerando não apenas a atividade produtiva - alguns produtores não reconhecem, individualmente, a importância devida em adotar medidas preventivas, uma vez que a ocorrência da doença não é frequente. Ademais, a existência de externalidades faz com que a ação de um produtor em relação às medidas sanitárias de seu rebanho afete os demais produtores da mesma região, o que também pode não ser percebido por eles. Diante disso, o presente trabalho desenvolve um procedimento teórico para a análise de decisões estratégicas dos produtores quanto à prevenção contra doenças em animais, face ao risco de contaminação de seu rebanho. O desenvolvimento do modelo é baseado nos preceitos da Teoria dos Jogos, e na análise econômica de benefício/custo como suporte da tomada de decisão do produtor. Depois de modelado o problema e determinados os possíveis equilíbrios do jogo, infere-se sobre as possíveis atuações do governo, no uso de incentivos econômicos (como indenizações e multas) para que o equilíbrio seja o da prevenção. Em seguida, o modelo teórico é aplicado a um caso específico de surto de febre aftosa no Brasil. Os resultados mostram que quando não se tem um mercado diferenciado para animal não vacinado, o equilíbrio do jogo tende para a situação onde os produtores decidem vacinar seu rebanho, sugerindo que não existe a necessidade de intervenção do governo para estimular a prevenção. Na prática, no entanto, o governo brasileiro estabelece políticas de incentivo, visto que alguns produtores não vacinam seu rebanho mesmo conhecendo os riscos, o que se traduz na falta de racionalidade dos mesmos. Considerando essa irracionalidade por parte de alguns produtores, o presente estudo é importante para que estes possam delinear panoramas de decisão, de forma a identificar as melhores ações a serem tomadas de forma coletiva. / The basic hypothesis of this study is that producers do not perceive, individually, the importance of adopting prevention measures, even when aware of the economic risks for them and for the local economy, because the outbreaks of some diseases are not frequent. Moreover, the presence of externalities is such that the action of one producer regarding sanitary measures of the herd affects other producers in the same region, which also cannot be perceived by them. This study aims to develop a theoretical procedure to infer about strategic decisions taken by producers to prevent animal disease in their herds, in face of the risk of contamination. The development of the model is based on the Game Theory, and the benefit cost analysis as support for producer\'s decision. After modeling the problem and determining the equilibriums, these are used to elaborate inferences about possible actions of the government through economic incentives (such as indemnities and fines) to encourage the prevention. Then, the theoretical model is applied to a specific case of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Brazil. The results indicate that in the absence of a differential market for non-vaccinated animals, the game equilibrium tends to the situation where producer\'s decisions are to vaccinate their herd, suggesting that government intervention is not necessary. Even though, the Brazilian government uses incentive policies for the cattle vaccination since some producers do not vaccinate their animals, despite of their awareness of the risks, which suggests lack of rationality. Considering the irrationality of some producers, this study is important for them to delineate decisions scenes, identifying the best actions to be taken in the collective context.