Speaker
Description
Constructing a hierarchy of objectives is a foundational step in multi-criteria decision analysis, yet its use as an integration tool in interdisciplinary research projects remains underexplored. Based on interventions carried out in four different projects between 2025 and 2026, I reflect on the benefits and challenges of supporting research teams to construct a hierarchy of objectives. The projects were about sustainable dairy production (twice), comparing sustainability assessment tools for farms, and sustainable maritime shipping. Two cases required support at the end of several year-long interdisciplinary research projects, two cases at the start. Three cases involved a participatory workshop, which structure was similar: after a starting activity, participants were presented with a draft of hierarchy of objectives and asked to “proof” it in pairs or sub-groups against textbook recommendations (completeness, no redundancies, conciseness, commensurability and unambiguity, general balance). Then, the notes were discussed in plenum. At the end of the workshop, anonymous written feedback was collected. The following learnings emerged. Overall, the process was well perceived: the workshops were experienced as good and constructive moments, bringing a holistic understanding among project members. The exercise appears to be a valuable integration mechanism. Two hours were insufficient to satisfy the discussion needs of the participants; half a day was better. A specific challenge arose in a project relying heavily on life-cycle assessment: the LCA modelling framework tended to blur distinctions between criteria that the hierarchy would rather keep separate. In all cases, significant post-workshop revisions were necessary. In both post-project cases, missing measures/data for criteria considered important by participants was an issue. Based on these cases, and consistent with best practice in research design, integration is smoother when it is planned from the outset of a project – a finding with practical implications for how MCDA practitioners position their involvement in interdisciplinary research.
| Keywords | Problem structuring; value tree; hierarchy of objectives; research integration; sustainable development |
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| Participation in the SNSF Early-Stage Researcher Support and Award Scheme | I am submitting a regular presentation but do not wish to participate in the scheme. |