Public Decision MakingSupport: A Developing Country Perspective

The aim of this paper is to discuss a method for public decision making with decision support in developing countries in Africa. It integrates two academic fields: decision theory and computer-aided decision support on the one hand, and political science and e-democracy on the other. The method suggested deals with the problem of communication within the governmental body, as well as externally to the public. It supports decision making by a methodical stepwise procedure, formal modelling, and analysis. The result is a well-organized and transparent decision making process. The model is based on previous research and case studies in Sweden and Hungary. One major challenge is to develop a decision support adapted to local conditions and needs while preserving integrity of the method. Potential benefits range from better investment decisions, improved risk management, to increased transparency and governmental trust.