Title: The analytic hierarchy process applied to complexity

Authors: Thomas L. Saaty; Nina Begicevic

Addresses: Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, Mervis Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA ' Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb, Pavlinska 2, Varaždin 42 000, Croatia

Abstract: Even in science, there is always the human element of using our own assumptions in logic, our feelings, our values and numerous criteria we must deal with. In addition, we often have to include the measurements of tangibles that always need agreed upon subjective judgement to interpret what exactly they mean. The understanding and judgements of other people must inevitably be considered and people use language and create Babel of incoherent possibilities. This paper deals with the various aspects of how to make it possible to overcome the problems of using verbal logic, combining different scale measurements of tangibles and conflicts in group decision-making to make good choices scientifically in the face of complexity and illustrates it with the examples.

Keywords: analytical hierarchy process; AHP; analytical network process; ANP; group decision-making; groups; complexity; assumptions; personal feelings; individual values; tangibles; subjective judgements; language; incoherent possibilities; verbal logic; scale measurements; military conflicts; choices; Iraq; USA; United States; wars; top management; management replacement; economics; business research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2012.046821

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2012 Vol.4 No.3, pp.266 - 283

Published online: 25 Nov 2014 *

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