Embedding critics in decision-making environments to reduce human errors

Managers, by human nature, are not optimal decision-makers. There are sever al errors that hinder the decision-making process, e.g. cognitive biases, a ccidents, cultural motivations and missing knowledge. These errors can lead to serious consequences. This paper discusses the four errors and their im pact on the decision analysis process. In addition, the paper introduces ex pert critiquing systems. These collaborative systems can help managers or d ecision-makers reduce the above-mentioned errors in an automated environmen t. The critiquing theory is also discussed. Finally, a critiquing example d etails the application of expert critiquing systems in an automated environ ment. The example shows how a knowledge-based system was used to reduce jud gmental human errors. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.