Introduction to Structured Decision Making Workshop

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:00am to 11:30am

Introduction to Structured Decision Making workshop 

Wednesday February 25th, 10:00-11:30am
SMAST-East, 836 S Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford Ma. Classrooms 102-103

Workshop instructor: Dr. Jonathan Cummings (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

What is structured decision making (SDM)? Structured decision making is an approach for careful and organized analysis of natural resource management decisions. Based in decision theory and risk analysis, SDM encompasses a simple set of concepts and helpful steps, without being a rigidly-prescribed approach. This short workshop will provide an introduction and overview to SDM. We will discuss the rationale for a structured approach to decision making, such as the challenges that arise in complex systems with multiple objectives and the behavioral heuristics that can let us down when decisions are made without careful thinking. These challenges can be addressed with key SDM concepts that include making decisions based on clearly articulated fundamental objectives, recognizing the role of scientific predictions in decisions, dealing explicitly with uncertainty, and responding transparently to societal values in decision making; thus, SDM integrates science and policy explicitly. By analyzing each component separately and thoughtfully within a comprehensive decision framework, it is possible to improve the quality of decision-making. The core SDM concepts and steps to better decision making are useful across all types of decisions: from individuals making minor or personal decisions to complex public sector decisions involving multiple decision makers, scientists and other stakeholders. In turn, an array of simple to highly quantitative analytical methods are available for structured decision analysis.

This workshop is being supported through the university's Blue Economy Initiative. Seats are limited. Register your interest in advance at: https://forms.gle/Zaj2j3buCUnuCNMK9

We will reply to you directly regarding workshop attendance. 

Questions? Email Dr. Gavin Fay and Sarah Hope

SMAST East 101-103 : 836 S. Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford MA 02744
Gavin Fay
gfay@umassd.edu
https://forms.gle/Zaj2j3buCUnuCNMK9