Abstract
Integrated statistical-theoretical based approaches in decision support promise to support effective investment decision making. From this view, this paper proposes an innovative methodology to digitally indicate the true developmental level of villages (the smallest Egyptian local units), which would accordingly provide a precise guidance for fair investments' allocation according to their needs' priorities. This would be achieved through testing 158 variables; taking Farscour district in Damietta Governorate in Egypt as a case study. Accordingly, this paper comes out with a statistical methodology that enables decision makers map out the most deteriorated local communities and to set up investment priorities. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.