A value model, also called a value tree by some authors, is a branching structure, with the most fundamental decision maker objectives at the top. In other words, the lower level objectives completely specify their higher level objective. The force qualities should allow straightforward measurement. Objectives should only appear once in the tree. The decision maker should be able to think about and treat the branches of the tree separately.
Analysts work with decision makers to develop value models.
Sometimes candidate value models already exist, at least partially, within an organization. In other cases, a new value model must be constructed. Keeney provides further background and techniques for developing value models. 17 Figure 2-3 shows a notional value model. For each force quality, one or more measures of merit must be identified, each of which has a corresponding scoring function.