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Decision Tools

Types of Decision Tools

The Decision Tools in this Toolbox can be used to inform and direct the decision-making process. They present a set of methods and examples for filtering and summarising complex information based on repeatable standardised criteria so that decisions can be rationalised and traced. In most cases, it is suggested that these Tools be implemented in a workshop environment, where there is scope for multiple iteration. The following table gives a brief description of each of the Decision Tools available in the Toolbox. 

A flowchart to help you choose the right Decision Tool and where each tool fits in the decision making process can be seen on the right (click to enlarge).

List of Toolbox Decision Tools 

Tool Name Tool Reference Primary Function

Council Policy and Plan Auditing Tool (PDF 411 KB)

+ Spreadsheet example (PDF 183 KB)

[Tool 1.5] Provides the basis for undertaking a ‘health-check’ audit of existing planning provisions to take account of climate change effects and to identify gaps and needs for additional planning instruments.
Sensitivity Matrix Prioritisation Tool (PDF 859 KB) [Tool 1.6] Provides the basis for structured subjective assessment of the vulnerability of an entity (e.g. a Council) to climate change effects across its assets and service responsibilities.

Using RiskScape (PDF 400 KB)

+ Worked example (PDF 1.2 MB)

[Tools 3.2 and 3.3] An integrated database and natural hazard prediction and mapping system capable of producing hazard-risk maps for geological and weather related hazards.
Subjective Quantified Risk Analysis Tool (PDF 860 KB)
[Tool 3.5] Provides order-of-magnitude estimates of the consequences and risks of defined events which may be used in preliminary evaluations of high-level strategic options for adapting to climate change, amongst other things. 
Options Selection Tool (PDF 1.5 MB) [Tool 4.2]  Designed to be used in a brainstorming context, the tool provides a means of exploring a wide range of generic options and short-listing the most promising for the local context. 
Rapid Cost Effectiveness Analysis Tool (PDF 1.2 MB) [Tool 4.3] The classical Cost Effectiveness Process embodied within a subjective order of magnitude approach to quantifying the costs and benefits of alternative adaptation scenarios.
Individual House Flood Mitigation Measures - Benefit/Cost Tool (PDF 750 KB) [Tool 4.4] Example application of the classical Benefit Cost Analysis process to explore the balance of economics versus performance of alternative building design adaptations for particular valued buildings. 
Two Stage MCA-Based Decision Tool (PDF 1.6 MB) [Tool 4.5]  A Two-Stage Multi-Criteria Analysis process, the first stage is a risk-based prioritisation of needs, the second stage is an evaluation of options for reducing the risk. 
Top-down Decision Tool (PDF 963 KB) [Tool 4.6] A tool to assist decision-making in a “real-world” context, where statutory and policy provisions must be included along with other considerations.
A Building Flood Protection Decision Framework (PDF 982 KB) [Tool 4.8] This Framework provides stakeholders with a range of potential adaptation options for flood-prone buildings. A series of 'ready to use' methods is provided to assess the suitability of the mitigation options under different flood risk conditions, thereby supporting the decision making of involved stakeholders. 


This diagram shows the four stages to the decision process and which are the principle Decision Tools to apply at each stage. Click to enlarge.