Sajjad Zahir

Clusters in a group: Decision making in the vector space formulation of the analytic hierarchy process

For a large group that might have a clustered structure, we discuss and implement an algorithm to group individuals into natural clusters using a convenient similarity measure. The cohesiveness of a homogeneous group or cluster is also investigated.

Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Internet Portals

When new technologies become available and cultures adopt them, the result can be either convergence, cultures becoming more similar as a result, or divergence, when cultures adopt technology in different ways that maintain or even further accentuate their differences. An analysis of full‐service national Web portals from different countries, typically offering a search engine, directories of links on a set of selected topics, news items (including weather, sports, entertainment, and stock market results), advertisements and shopping, and free e‐mail, shows evidence of both trends. While most national portals closely resemble the basic structure of Yahoo!, the original free full‐service portal, there are also differences in appearance and features offered that can be attributed to cultural variations based on Hofstede’s framework.

Consequences of uncertainty in the analytic hierarchy process: A simulation approach

A methodology for the propagation of uncertainty in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is described. The sole source of the uncertainty is assumed to lie in the elements of the preference matrices. The uncertainty in decision alternative rankings and the probability of a rank reversal as functions of the number of alternatives and hierarchy depth are examined. Ranking uncertainty is found to decrease as the number of alternatives or the depth of the hierarchy is increased. The observed behaviour of ranking uncertainty is partially explained using the central limit theorem.

Geometry of decision making and the vector space formulation of the analytic hierarchy process

We extend the conventional Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to an Euclidean vector space and develop formulations for aggregation of the alternative preferences with the criteria preferences. Relative priorities obtained from such a formulation are almost identical with the ones obtained using conventional AHP. Each decision is represented by a preference vector indicating the orientation of the decision makers mind in the decision space spanned by the decision alternatives. This adds a geometric meaning to the decision making processes. We utilise the measure of similarity between any two decision makers and apply it for analysing decisions in a homogeneous group. We propose an aggregation scheme for calculating the group preference from individual preferences using a simple vector addition procedure that satisfies Pareto optimality condition. The results agree very well with the ones of conventional AHP.

Eliciting Ratio Preferences For The Analytic Hierarchy Process With Visual Interfaces: A New Mode Of Preference Measurement

Although verbal and numerical scales are commonly used in the Analytic Hierarchy Process for pairwise comparisons, new experiments with computer-based visual tools confirm that ratio preferences can be effectively and efficiently elicited using adjustable visual tools and simultaneous comparisons, as well. Such an improved approach shows promise in the design of a new class of multi-criteria decision support system both for individual and group decisions.

APPLICATION OF ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS IN MULTI-OBJECTIVE MIXED INTEGER PROGRAMMING FOR AIRLIFT CAPACITY PLANNING

The analytic hierarchy process is combined with multi-objective mixed integer programming to determine the optimal allocation of a limited number of aircraft among a group of airlift users with varying levels of priority and length of usage. Canadian Forces airlift planners typically encounter such a capacity planning problem. The solution to this problem requires the constrained assignment of n variable length missions (tasks) integrating hundreds of airlift requests from several users with many priorities to m airframes (parallel machines).

Online-expert : an expert system for online database selection

Because of the rapid growth in the number of databases and online vendors/hosts, the task of selecting databases has become increasingly complicated, not only for end‐users but also for information specialists. In addition, shortage of such experts and the cost of consultation, may act as hindrances for new users, thereby limiting the utilization of available services and discouraging many potential end‐users. In this article, we discuss the design of an expert system called ONLINE‐EXPERT. The system was built after acquiring knowledge from available human experts and printed documents such that users could obtain advice on the selection of appropriate databases. To further enhance the knowledge base, a multicriteria decision analysis technique called the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to construct a decision model that provided, within the framework of the expert system, the ranking of databases and hosts in order of preference.

Optimising multi-objective location decisions in a supply chain using an AHP-enhanced goal-programming model

Goal Programming (GP) is combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine optimal plant and distribution centre locations in a supply chain with special focus on the operational efficiencies of the Distribution Centres (DCs). The combined GP-AHP model incorporates multiple conflicting objectives as demanded by the decision process. The AHP is used to handle the non-cost criteria, aspiration levels and to find the relative weights of multiple objectives in GP. We illustrate the combined approach with an example to highlight its usage in solving other similar complex multi-objective decision problems as well.

An interactive decision support system for implementing sustainable relocation strategies for adaptation to climate change: a multi-objective optimisation approach

Global warming may cause low-lying areas to be inundated because of frequent flooding and rising sea levels. It may further intensify dehydration of semi-arid zones. Such environmental impacts may require planned relocation of a section of population and force others to adapt to these evolving situations. In this article, we discuss a multi-objective optimisation approach for deciding what fraction of a population will be relocated to another location and what fraction of it may be retained for effective adaptation to climate change. We consider various costs, peoples preferences and priorities of planning objectives in a goal programming model and illustrate the concept with the design of a decision support system for interactive analysis of complex multifaceted environmental decisions.

Using The Analytic Hierarchy Process For Quantifying And Classifying Objects With Multiple Attributes

Abstract We devise a quantitative technique for grouping objects with multiple attributes by extending a recently developed methodology in which the Analytic Hierarchy Process has been formulated in a Euclidean vector space. The idea is illustrated in the context of two practical application scenarios involving group technology and plant biotechnology research. We demonstrate that Euclidean distance based cluster analysis produces meaningful results only when the representative data satisfy Euclidean normalization, as well.