Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)

Question 1

MCDA

Answer 1

MCDA is a form of decision analysis:

• Provides a structured, numerical and transparent way of aiding decision making.
• Can increase understanding of your own values and those of others and how those values affect outlook.
• Can be used to set quantitative targets for technological improvements.

Question 2

MCDA techniques

Answer 2

• Multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT)
• Multi-attribute value theory (MAVT)
• Outranking methods (e.g. ELECTRE, PROMETHEE)
• Fuzzy set theory
• Analytical hierarchy process (AHP)

Question 3

Benefits of MCDA

Answer 3

Provides structure to complex decisions

- Can help users to more fully understand their preferences and decisions.

Question 4

Limitations/ drawbacks of MCDA

Answer 4

• subjective: You still rely on individual values. (decisions cannot always be completely objective).
• There are many different, competing techniques, making it difficult to use it without guidance.
• Making weightings clear can be difficult/inaccurate. garbage in=garbage out.
• Time consuming

Question 5

Re-mapping

Answer 5

• Natural scale uses raw data
• Local re-mapping sets the minimum value as 0 and the maximum value as maximum (e.g. 1 or 10).
• Global re-mapping determines a scaling range based on judgment

Question 6

Analytical hierachy considerations

Answer 6

• Direction of preference (higher or lower values may be preffered)
• consistency in pairwise comparisons
• non- linearity of preference