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A semi-automated approach for structuring multi criteria decision problems

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  • Maier, Konradin
  • Stix, Volker

Abstract

This article seeks to enhance multi criteria decision making by providing a scientific approach for decomposing and structuring decision problems. We propose a process, based on concept mapping, which integrates group creativity techniques, card sorting procedures, quantitative data analysis and algorithmic automatization to construct meaningful and complete hierarchies of criteria. The algorithmic aspect is covered by a newly proposed recursive cluster algorithm, which automatically generates hierarchies from card sorting data. Based on comparison with another basic algorithm and empirical engineered and real-case test data, we validate that our process efficiently produces reasonable hierarchies of descriptive elements like goal- or problem-criteria.

Suggested Citation

  • Maier, Konradin & Stix, Volker, 2013. "A semi-automated approach for structuring multi criteria decision problems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 225(3), pages 487-496.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:225:y:2013:i:3:p:487-496
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2012.10.018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saaty, Thomas L. & Shih, Hsu-Shih, 2009. "Structures in decision making: On the subjective geometry of hierarchies and networks," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 199(3), pages 867-872, December.
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    Cited by:

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