Composite decisions consist of interconnected parts or subdecisions and correspond to a composite (composable, modular, decomposable) system. The composite decision approach extends the traditional paradigm of decision making of Herbert A. Simon, i.e. choice of the best alternative(s), and realizes a two-stage solving scheme: (a) the selection of alternatives as the best subdecisions or local decisions and (b) composition of the selected local decisions into a composite global decision while taking into account the quality of the local decisions and their compatibility.
Composite Systems Decisions describes an educational approach that is based on systems engineering and considered modular design of composite decisions. Divided into four parts, this book contains descriptions of basic systems approaches and examines basic 'technological' problems for composite systems, including: modular hierarchical design; multistage design; multistage planning; redesign/improvement/adaptation; evaluation; and, combinatorial evolution/development.
Applied researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and practitioners in many domains will find Composite Systems Decisions a valuable reference. The basic systems problems, solving schemes, and applied examples contained in the book will also be of interest to various scientists (e.g., mathematicians, computer scientists, economists, social engineers, etc.).
About the Author: Dr. Mark Levin is currently a Senior Researcher for the Institute for Information Transmission Problems at the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow. His research interests include: combinatorial and systems engineering, combinatorial optimization, multi-criteria decision making, algorithms and procedures, applications, engineering/CS education. In his career he has taught in many different institutions including in more recent years: the Moscow Physical-Technical Institute (Univ.) and Ariel College in Israel.
