TESLA
Structured Analysis of Complex Decisions in the Face of Uncertainty
Page last modified
April 11 2024
TESLA is a software tool that supports decision makers faced with complex problems drawing on multiple and uncertain sources of qualitative and quantitative evidence. It provides a means to break a decision down into a hierarchical structure, in such a way that information can be easily gathered, and the implications analysed and presented.
The main purposes of TESLA are:
- To provide a structure for breaking a complex decision down into manageable chunks.
- To allow decision makers to assess and record not only evidence that supports or refutes a claim, but also any uncertainties that may exist, including those due to uncertainties in evidence, and those due to lack of knowledge.
- To provide a full audit trail of the information that was used to reach a decision.
- To provide decision makers with tools to analyse their decision, allowing them to effectively target funds and resources at areas that have the most bearing on the overall decision.
Pros & Limitations
1
Concise visual presentation of all the elements of a complex decision
1
Transparent audit trail, including links to evidence sources
1
Portfolio tool for comparing options
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Graphical output summarising levels of confidence and sensitivity to input
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Automatic report generation
0
Specialist software, which operates on Microsoft Windows 10
0
Requires basic knowledge of evidence support logic (ESL)
Specification
Specification Title | Specification Description |
---|---|
Theme/Discipline | Design & Concept Select |
Core Tech | Planning & Productivity |
Applicability
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Across various industries, including CCUS, Hydrogen, Oil & Gas, Renewable
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Prioritisation
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Structured approach to making decisions about R&D priorities, site selection, alternative implementation strategies alternative optimisation approaches, and risk reduction, based on the available evidence
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Decision-making
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Deliberative and structured approach to ensure that the rationale and judgment is clear
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Conformance
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Demonstrating regulatory compliance against subjective criteria when judging multiple lines of evidence that are uncertain and/or conflicting
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Stakeholder engagement
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Approach for structuring and recording conversations among stakeholders leading to the development of a consensus about subjective criteria
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Portfolio Selection
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Selection of an optimum set of activities (e.g., geological site selection, environmental monitoring programme, suites of measurements, decommissioning and/or restoration strategies) that together satisfy a range of common requirements.
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Options Assessment
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Support for the development of policies and strategies, including the Best Available Techniques (BAT)
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Reporting
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Producing summaries containing information about all aspects of the decision (as Word or PDF documents)
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Training
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Comprehensive documentation is provided in the TESLA User Guide, but further training can be provided.
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Reviews
Technology Readiness Level
The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) indicates the maturity level of novel technologies. Learn more about the TRL scale used by us.
[9/9]
Development
Technology demonstration
Mature / Proven