Why pairwise comparison methods may fail in MCDM rankings

This article is based on previous author's article on the correct way for ranking alternatives in a Multi-criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) by combining additively ranks or scores evaluated against a dimensionless scale, common to all criteria. A straightforward but robust Weighed-Sum Procedure (WSP) is presented here. MCDM methodologies based on pair-wise comparison methods are on the contrary not providing the correct rankings in many practical situations. The roots of the observed failures are made clearer by means of a simple example for the well-known Promethee method.

ISBN:978-3-642-29209-5

Publication year:2012

Keywords:Multicriteria Decision Making, Pair-wise comparisons, anomalies, Promethee