Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process in a Graphical Approach

Saaty's analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is widely used in many decision-making problems such as a choice of alternatives, prioritization, or ranking. Despite being a valuable tool based on pairwise comparisons of a set of alternatives the method is strongly connected with numeric or linguistic descriptors of the preferences. This can form a limitation to the users who do not feel comfortable with numbers or words strictly related with the articulation of the meaning of preference, i.e., with a predefined scale. Therefore, in this study, we develop a comprehensive approach based on a simple graphic interface. The results and their consistency as well as stability of the method are examined. Moreover, through a suite of experiments we observe how the method works when a group of experts does not provide answers to all questions. Finally, we analyze four variants of non-linear transforms which are used to minimize the inconsistency ratio of the AHP (fuzzy AHP) process.

Automated summary

Saaty's Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is widely used in decision-making, but it can be limiting for users uncomfortable with numerical or linguistic descriptors. This study develops a comprehensive approach based on a simple graphic interface to address this limitation, examining the results and consistency of the method. The study also explores how the method functions when experts do not answer all questions, as well as analyzing four variants of non-linear transforms to minimize inconsistency in the process.