Generalised framework for multi-criteria method selection
  Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods are widely used in various
fields and disciplines. While most of the research has been focused on the
development and improvement of new MCDA methods, relatively limited attention
has been paid to their appropriate selection for the given decision problem.
Their improper application decreases the quality of recommendations, as
different MCDA methods deliver inconsistent results. The current paper presents
a methodological and practical framework for selecting suitable MCDA methods
for a particular decision situation. A set of 56 available MCDA methods was
analyzed and, based on that, a hierarchical set of methods characteristics and
the rule base were obtained. This analysis, rules and modelling of the
uncertainty in the decision problem description allowed to build a framework
supporting the selection of a MCDA method for a given decision-making
situation. The practical studies indicate consistency between the methods
recommended with the proposed approach and those used by the experts in
reference cases. The results of the research also showed that the proposed
approach can be used as a general framework for selecting an appropriate MCDA
method for a given area of decision support, even in cases of data gaps in the
decision-making problem description. The proposed framework was implemented
within a web platform available for public use at www.mcda.it.
