Embedding critics in decision-making environments to reduce human errors

Managers, by human nature, are not optimal decision-makers. There are several errors that hinder the decision-making process, e.g. cognitive biases, accidents, cultural motivations and missing knowledge. These errors can lead to serious consequences. This paper discusses the four errors and their impact on the decision analysis process. In addition, the paper introduces expert critiquing systems. These collaborative systems can help managers or decision-makers reduce the above-mentioned errors in an automated environment. The critiquing theory is also discussed. Finally, a critiquing example details the application of expert critiquing systems in an automated environment. The example shows how a knowledge-based system was used to reduce judgmental human errors.