Two interesting challenges have been created in the traditional transportation
planning process through recent adoption of more interactive roles by Federal,
State and local transportation agencies and of those representing the communities
being impacted by proposed transportation projects. First, the decision-making
groups that formerly included solely transportation and related professionals now
consist of professionals from state and local agencies and other stakeholders
impacted by those proposed projects. Furthermore, the economic justification
methodologies commonly used, such as the benefit/cost ratio, no longer provide a
sufficient means for evaluation since they now must take account of non-quantifiable
or qualitative impacts, such as local quality of life and sustainable
development. These new challenges require a new way of thinking, and a new
methodology to handle them.
A new methodology is required not only to take qualitative performances into
consideration, but also to accommodate the diversities created by those in the
decision-making process. This research focuses on the alternative evaluation stage
as it often demonstrates the above challenges. The objective of the proposed
methodology is to develop "a continuous process of learning and understanding
through communicative means by virtue of a fair and open framework in
developing the group consensus rather than relying solely on the STATUS QUO."
The new methodology that combines the advantages of three unrelated components
is proposed to reduce the complexities in complex decision situations. The three
components include the conflict resolution model (SANTA), the analytical method
(AHP), and the group decision support system (GDSS). The proposed
methodology also explores a new way to take advantage of the Internet which
allows decision makers to make their decisions from any where at any time.
A small-scaled pilot study was set up to test the methodology and the software
developed according to the framework outlined by the proposed methodology.
Many benefits are discovered by the participants' observations without their prior
knowledge about the methodology and the software. Those benefits include
Flexibility, Accessibility, Transparency, and Efficiency, or FATE. There are two
possible applications of this new methodology, i.e., in real-world problem-solving
situations and as a learning tool. / Graduation date: 2003
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/30437 |
| Date | 05 April 2002 |
| Creators | Taekratok, Thaweesak |
| Contributors | Layton, Robert D. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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