Application of portfolio theory to asset-based biosecurity decision analysis

Abstract

A key challenge for biosecurity decision-making is how best to allocate scarce resources across multiple environmental assets. The allocation of funds for the best return from investment requires a careful assessment of expected return and uncertainty. In this paper, we applied a portfolio theory-based decision support tool that helps determine resource allocation in a way that maximizes expected return and minimizes uncertainty. Our framework offers three advancements to the literature. First, it helps in making resource allocation decisions across multiple pests that affect multiple environmental assets. Second, it incorporates multiple sources of uncertainty in the decision analysis inclu..