FlowSort: a flow-based sorting method with limiting or central profiles

Based on the ranking methodology of PROMETHEE, a new sorting method (FlowSort) is proposed for assigning actions to completely ordered categories defined either by limiting profiles or by central profiles. The FlowSort assignment rules are based on the relative position of an action with respect to the reference profiles, in terms of the incoming, leaving, and/or net flows. For a better understanding of the issues involved, a graphical representation is given. An explicit relationship between the assignments obtained when working either with limiting or central profiles is formalized. Finally, an empirical comparison with Electre-Tri is made to compare the resulting assignments.