Briefs
The first briefs to be issued will be in support of preparation of the Feedstocks, Fibres & Food Workshop 2007-2008. The workshop series will start on 26th March 2007 and briefs are being posted as they are completed.
Forthcoming briefs are listed below with those in blue being currently available (click to access):
No.1 An introduction to decision analysis
No.2 Fundamental relationships in the feedstocks, fibres & food domain
No.3 Private & public monies
No.4 Ethics & professional standards
No.5 Law & evidence
No.6 The contributions of agricultural performance trials to decision analysis (nearing completion)
No.7 The role of decision analysis in agricultural extension (nearing completion)
Summary descriptions are provided below. |
Short descriptions of content:
No.1 An introduction to decision analysis
A description of the decision analysis methodology with reference to the feedstocks, fibres & food sector.
No.2 Fundamental relationships in the feedstocks, fibres & food domain
Part 1 - some principles of nature
A review of the important bio-systems relationships in agriculture which determine feasible physical production functions available for the production, processing and supply chain with specific reference to known information quality limitations relevant to decision analysis.
Part 2 - some principles of economics
A review of the important economic relationships in agriculture which shape the viability of appropriate economic production functions and determine achievements in the production, processing and supply chain with specific reference to known information quality limitations relevant to decision analysis.
Part 3 - some principles of scarcity
A review of the important inter-relationships between limited natural resources and economic demand and the role of the principle of scarcity in allocating economic resources to viable physical and economic production functions for the production, processing and supply chain with specific reference to known information quality limitations relevant to decision analysis.
Part 4 - some principles of survival
A review of the important bio-systems relationships affecting the survival of the biosphere itself. These determine medium to long term feasibity for life itself in the face of technical change. Specific reference will be made to known information quality constraints on issues vital for decision analysis procedures to establish limits on options so as to sustain survival. |
No.3 Private & public monies
A review of issues which determine the approach to decision analysis associated with decision maker preferences in the private and public sectors. In the sector development arenas, where public monies are used to support projects (multilaterals, development banks, bilateral and government agencies) there are frequently deficiencies in decision analysis resulting from bias introduced by political parties, lobbies, client governments and agencies.
With Globalization and intensification of inter-seasonal food supplies, food safety is becoming a critical factor... |
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No.4 Ethics & professional standards
This brief reviews the basis for gaining cost-effective results for public and private monies related to the reliability of decision analysis. This is directly related to practitioner experience, competence, independence and responsibility in following transparent and compenhensive guidelines in applying decision analysis.
No.5 Law & evidence
Issues of evidence at law concerning how information as used to take a decision and even the design of the information systems implemented have direct implications on public liability. Poor private and/or public decisions can be assessed using decision analysis information so as to identify induced political bias, irresponsibility or incompetence of the professionals undertaking decision analysis as well as determining tort provisions for members of the public harmed by poor outcomes of decisions.
No.6 The contributions of agricultural performance trials to decision analysis
Performance trials can help identify what is possible and help open up rational options for improving the livelihood of farmers and rural populations. They need to be relevant to the capabilities of farmers and the geographic locations where results are to be applied.
No.7 The role of decision analysis in agricultural extension.
Agricultural extension is an essential process of know how and the dissemination of innovation across geographic space. If orientated in a practical manner, extension activities can opens up a wider range of options for economic and social development.
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