Structuring Objectives for Problems of Public Interest

The analysis of problems of public interest requires a broad range of objectives. This paper outlines and illustrates a procedure to constructively involve stakeholders in the process of identifying these objectives. The illustration concerns the evaluation of alternatives to ship spent nuclear fuel from power plants to a repository. Objectives were developed from group discussions with individuals in the nuclear industry, in state governments, and in environmental and public interest organizations. Using guidelines outlined in the paper, hierarchies of objectives were structured to represent each of these stakeholders. From these, a combined hierarchy was structured that addressed health and safety; economics; equity; environmental, social, and political impacts; flexibility; and scheduling.