Additive aggregation with variable interdependent parameters: the VIP analysis software

• Published in: The Journal of the Operational Research Society Vol. 51; no. 9; pp. 1070 - 1082
• Main Authors: Dias, L C, Clímaco, J N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Taylor & Francis 01.09.2000; Macmillan Press; Palgrave; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: additive value function; Aggregation; Applied sciences; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer software; Decision making; Decision support systems; Decision theory. Utility theory; Economic costs; Exact sciences and technology; imprecise information; Information economics; Mathematical constants; Mathematical independent variables; Minimum value; multicriteria decision analysis; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Operations research; Sensitivity analysis; Software; Software packages; Studies; Theoretical Papers; Utility programs; Aggregation; Performance evaluation; Methodology; Decision support system; Multicriteria analysis; Decision making; Flexible structure; Imperfect information; Variable parameter; Software; Decision analysis
• ISSN: 0160-5682; 1476-9360
• DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2601012

We consider the aggregation of multicriteria performances by means of an additive value function under imprecise information. The problem addressed here is the way an analysis may be conducted when the decision makers are not able to (or do not wish to) fix precise values for the importance parameters. These parameters can be seen as interdependent variables that may take several values subject to constraints. Firstly, we briefly classify some existing approaches to deal with this problem. We argue that they complement each other, each one having its merits and shortcomings. Then, we present a new decision support software-VIP analysis-which incorporates approaches belonging to different classes. It proposes a methodology of analysis based on the progressive reduction of the number of alternatives, introducing a concept of tolerance that lets the decision makers use some of the approaches in a more flexible manner.