Handbook of multicriteria analysis (Q2518394)

The present book presents some of the recent advances in multicriteria analysis and robustness analysis and explores the links of multicriteria analysis with other disciplines. There are four parts of the book and various chapters in each part are written by leading experts in the field in an expository way. Part I of the book entitled ``Issues in Decision Aiding'' consists of two chapters. Chapter 1 by \textit{Bernard Roy} deals with the meaning of the terminology ``robust'' in decision aiding (DA) and its importance in DA. The author proposes four proposals to respond to robustness concern in DA. The first proposal suggests moving beyond the scenario concept, while the second proposal calls on following different procedures, the third proposal focuses on defining robust solutions by going beyond the usual trend and in the fourth proposal the author defines the term robust conclusion and mentions some of the rare approaches that led to the notion of robust conclusion. The second chapter by \textit{Gilberto Montibeller} and \textit{Alberto Franco} deals with the use of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for strategic decision making within strategy workshops. In this chapter there are discussions on issues related to tackling of uncertainty in future scenario in the presence of multiple organisational objectives and complex policies with a focus on inter-scenario robustness and inter-scenario risk. Part II of the book entitled ``Multiple Criteria Decision Aid Methodologies'' comprises five chapters. Chapter 3, by \textit{Jose Rui Figueira, Salvatore Greco, Bernard Roy} and \textit{Roman Słowiński} deals with the main features of Electre methods, a family of multi-criteria decision analysis methods. These methods are based on four preference situations, namely indifference, strict preference, weak preference and incompatibility in situations concerning the comparison of two actions. It is observed that Electre methods consist of two main procedures, an aggregation procedure and an exploitation procedure. Chapter 4 by \textit{Thomas L. Saaty} and \textit{Mariya Sodenkamp} gives an introduction to Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and its generalization to dependence and feedback, the Analytic Network Process (ANP). After providing certain notions of ANP the authors give ANP formulations of the classic AHP school examples. An outline of steps of ANP is summarized in one of the sections. Various applications from real world are also provided. Chapter 5 by \textit{Ahti Salo} and \textit{Raimo P. Hämäläinen} provides a structured review of methods used when the parameters of the model are not exactly specified. A generic formulation of additive preference models with comprehensive details and some of the reported case studies using preference programming and some of the software and decision support tools available to solve such problems are also mentioned in this chapter. Chapter 6 by \textit{Yannis Siskos} and \textit{Evangelos Grigoroudis} presents new research developments of aggregation-disaggregation models. The UTA method, a procedure which is able to assess a set of utility functions, along with its extensions is discussed briefly in this chapter. The issues of post optimal analysis and robustness are dealt with to address these issues. Fuzzy preference relations involving the membership function as the degree of credibility are also presented in this chapter. Chapter 7 by \textit{Michael Doumpos} and \textit{Constantin Zopounidis} is devoted to the study of the connections between two related fields namely disaggregation methods in MCDA and statistical learning methods, by highlighting their similarities and differences. The interactions between the two fields in two different directions namely, the first being the use of statistical learning and data mining techniques in a decision aiding context and the other being the implementation of MCDA concepts in a statistical learning framework and development of hybrid methods. Part III of the book entitled ``Multiobjective Optimization'' comprises five chapters. In Chapter 8 \textit{Milan Zeleny} discusses tradeoffs by distinguishing between tradeoff-based and tradeoff-free thinking. The foundations of De Novo Programming is followed by some examples in areas such as risk management and conflict dissolution. Chapter 9 by \textit{Pekka Korhonen} and \textit{Jyrki Wallenius} provides an introduction to interactive methods in multobjective programming. Three approaches based on various principles involving the value function are given in this chapter. A discussion on the technique to generate nondominated solutions using linear and Chebyshev type scalarizing functions is also provided. Chapter 10 by \textit{Dalila B.\,M.\,M. Fontes} and \textit{António Gaspar-Cunha} is dedicated to the study of evolutionary algorithms for multiobjective problems. An algorithm involving the clustering technique to reduce the number of solutions on the Pareto front and other recent developments are provided. Various applications in engineering, industry, economics and management are also included in this chapter. Chapter 11 by \textit{Jacinto González-Pachón} and \textit{Carlos Romero} provides a critical overview of Goal Programming (GP). The modern approach of GP which is linked with Simonian bounded rationality theory is followed by several goal programming models. Works providing relations/extensions of GP with areas namely interactive GP, artificial intelligence, aggregation of individual preferences, stochastic GP, fuzzy GP and DEA are also given in this chapter. Chapter 12 by \textit{Alexander Engau}, is devoted to model multicriteria decision models as multiobjective programs, to use optimization methods to solve resulting problems using decomposition and coordination and to facilitate interaction of decision makers in solution process. Discussions on coordination methods in multidisciplinary optimization, hierarchical multiobjective analysis and interactive decision making methods based on tradeoffs and multiscenario multiobjective optimization are included in this chapter. Part IV of the book entitled ``Applications'' consists of three chapters. Chapter 13 by \textit{Stéphane André} and \textit{Bernard Roy} deals with the approach called EPISSURE, designed to evaluate nonfinancial performance in companies applied to sponsorship projects. The approach is based on the idea of interweaving of separate components of performance. Actual implementation on four selected companies testing several sponsorship projects is also presented. Chapter 14 by \textit{Marc B.\,J. Schauten} and \textit{Jaap Spronk} is aimed at understanding the capital structure decision problem which not only involves maximization of shareholder value but also involves other criteria due to corporate control and managerial incentives. The last chapter by \textit{Stelios Tsafarakis, Kleanthi Lakiotaki} and \textit{Nikolaos Matsatsinis} aims to survey the applications of MCDA in marketing and e-commerce. A description of concepts of strategic marketing such as segmentation, targeting and positioning by means of disaggregation methods and application of MCDA methodologies to marketing problems are presented. The present book would benefit a large audience including among others researchers, graduate students, and practitioners who are interested in management science, operations research and decision analysis.