Prof. Ralph Keeney | Decision Analysis | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Ralph Keeney | Decision Analysis | Research Professor Emeritus at Duke University, United States

Prof. Ralph Keeney is a globally recognized authority in decision sciences, risk analysis, and systems management, whose work has significantly advanced decision-making methodologies and value-focused thinking. He earned his Ph.D. in Operations Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, alongside an S.M. and E.E. in Electrical Engineering from MIT and a B.S. in Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prof. Keeney has held distinguished academic positions, including Research Professor Emeritus at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Southern California, with prior appointments at MIT, Boston University, and international research institutions. His professional experience spans both academia and consultancy, advising corporations and governmental agencies such as Hewlett-Packard, British Columbia Hydro, Pacific Gas and Electric, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on complex multi-objective decision problems. His research interests focus on decision analysis, risk assessment, systems modeling, and the development of frameworks for making informed, value-based decisions in business, energy, environmental, and policy domains. Prof. Keeney’s research skills include quantitative modeling, multi-criteria decision analysis, risk evaluation, and stakeholder-driven decision design, demonstrated in his widely cited publications including Decisions with Multiple Objectives, Value-Focused Thinking, and Smart Choices. He has received numerous honors such as the Daniel Berg Award, Pioneer Award from the Society of Decision Professionals, Decision Analysis Publication Award, and election to the National Academy of Engineering, reflecting his impact on the field and society. Prof. Keeney continues to contribute to decision sciences through mentorship, professional society engagement, and interdisciplinary collaborations. His career exemplifies excellence in research, teaching, and applied problem-solving, establishing him as a thought leader whose work shapes strategic decisions globally and offers a foundation for future innovation in value-based decision-making.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (1993). Decisions with multiple objectives: Preferences and value trade-offs. Cambridge University Press. Cited 23,153

2. Keeney, R. L. (1996). Value-focused thinking: A path to creative decisionmaking. Harvard University Press. Cited 5,884

3. Fischhoff, B., & Keeney, R. L. (1981). Acceptable risk. Cambridge University Press. Cited 2,141

4. Hammond, J. S., Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (2015). Smart choices: A practical guide to making better decisions. Harvard Business Review Press. Cited 1,971

5. Keeney, R. L. (1999). The value of Internet commerce to the customer. Management Science, 45(4), 533–542. Cited 1,543

6. Keeney, R. L. (1982). Decision analysis: An overview. Operations Research, 30(5), 803–838. Cited 1,262

7. Hammond, J. S., Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (1998). The hidden traps in decision making. Harvard Business Review, 76(5), 47–58. Cited 1,085