Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis

The field of multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA), also termed multiple criteria decision aid, or multiple criteria decision making (MCDM), has developed rapidly over the past quarter century and in the process a number of divergent schools of thought have emerged. This can make it difficult for a new entrant into the field to develop a comprehensive appreciation of the range of tools and approaches which are available to assist decision makers in dealing with the ever-present difficulties of seeking compromise or consensus between conflicting inter ests and goals, i.e. the "multiple criteria". The diversity of philosophies and models makes it equally difficult for potential users of MCDA, i.e. management scientists and/or decision makers facing problems involving conflicting goals, to gain a clear understanding of which methodologies are appropriate to their particular context. Our intention in writing this book has been to provide a compre hensive yet widely accessible overview of the main streams of thought within MCDA. We aim to provide readers with sufficient awareness of the underlying philosophies and theories, understanding of the practi cal details of the methods, and insight into practice to enable them to implement any of the approaches in an informed manner. As the title of the book indicates, our emphasis is on developing an integrated view of MCDA, which we perceive to incorporate both integration of differ ent schools of thought within MCDA, and integration of MCDA with broader management theory, science and practice.

`The book...is an excellent overview of the different multiple criteria approaches developed in divergent schools of thought which emerged in the last three decades. This book is not only a theoretical document, but also provides good coverage of practical issues. It can be recommended to a broad audience, ranging from those in academic institutions to practitioners, as well as those who are interested in finding information on multiple criteria approaches, methods and techniques. It is an excellent book in the main area of Operations Research and Decision Analysis, with a special focus on Multiple Criteria and is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students.'
José R. Figueira, DIMACS Center, Rutgers University

Klappentext

The field of multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) - also sometimes termed multiple criteria decision aid, or multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) - has developed rapidly over the past quarter century and in the process a number of divergent schools of thought have emerged. br/ emMultiple Criteria Decision Analysis: An Integrated Approach/em provides a comprehensive yet widely accessible overview of the main streams of thought within MCDA. br/ Two principal aims are: ul li To provide sufficient awareness of the underlying philosophies and theories, understanding of the practical detail of the methods, and insight into practice to enable researchers, students and industry practitioners to implement MCDA methods in an informed manner; li To develop an integrated view of MCDA, incorporating both integration of different schools of thought within MCDA and integration of MCDA with broader management theory, science and practice, thereby informing the development of theory and practice across these areas. /li /ul It is felt that this two-fold emphasis gives a book which will be of value to the following three groups: ul li Practicing decision analysts or graduate students in MCDA for whom this book should serve as a state-of-the-art review, especially as regards techniques outside of their own specialization; /li li Operational researchers or graduate students in OR/MS who wish to extend their knowledge into the tools of MCDA; /li li Managers or management students who need to understand what MCDA can offer them. /li /ul

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. The Multiple Criteria Problem.- 4. Preference Modelling.- 5. Value Function Methods: Practical Basics.- 6. Value Function Methods: Indirect and Interactive.- 7. Goal and Reference Point Methods.- 8. Outranking Methods.- 9. Implementation of MCDA: Practical Issues and Insights.- 10. MCDA in a Broader Context.- 11. An Integrated Approach to MCDA.- Appendices.- MCDA Software Survey.- Glossary of Terms and Acronyms.- References.