Analytic hierarchy process

<p>In the theory of <a href="/facts/Decision_making/NbJYprSw">decision making</a>, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), also analytical hierarchy process, is a structured technique for organizing and analyzing <a href="/facts/MCDA/IXQLJgBx">complex decisions</a>, based on <a href="/facts/Mathematics/pxTouaz4">mathematics</a> and <a href="/facts/Psychology/duoqW7Sz">psychology</a>. It was developed by <a href="/facts/Thomas_L._Saaty/XPHPmHux">Thomas L. Saaty</a> in the 1970s; Saaty partnered with Ernest Forman to develop <i><a href="/facts/Expert_Choice/oDPq4vWj">Expert Choice</a></i> software in 1983, and AHP has been extensively studied and refined since then. It represents an accurate approach to quantifying the weights of decision criteria. Individual <a href="/facts/Expert/W1BtG3h1">experts</a>’ experiences are utilized to estimate the relative magnitudes of factors through pair-wise comparisons. Each of the respondents compares the relative importance of each pair of items using a specially designed questionnaire. The relative importance of the criteria can be determined with the help of the AHP by comparing the criteria and, if applicable, the sub-criteria in pairs by experts or decision-makers. On this basis, the best alternative can be found.
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Analytic hierarchy process