"An Examination of the Effectiveness of Multi-Dimentional
Decision-Making Methods: A Decision-Making Paradox"
International Journal of Decision Support Systems,
1989, No. 5, pp. 303-312.
E. Triantaphyllou and S.H. Mann
Abstract:
This paper presents the results of a study that compared four
decision-making methods. The methods examined were the weighted sum
model, the weighted product model, the analytic hierarchy
process, and the revised analytic hierarchy process. Two
evaluative criteria were used in an attempt to find the best
method. The first criterion was to see ifthe method when accurate
in a multi-dimensional situation remained accurate in a
single-dimensional case. The second criterion determined the
stability of a method in yielding the same outcome when a
nonoptimal alternative was replaced with a worse alternative.
Tests were conducted using simulated decision problems where
random numbers were used for the values of the many combinations
of alternatives and criteria. The results illustrate the paradox
of deciding on a single best decision- making method. While
this paradox is not resolved, useful information is presented for
comparing the four methods tested.
