Title: Applying multi-criteria approaches to ontology ranking: a comparison with AKTiveRank

Authors: Alessandra Esposito; Luciano Tarricone; Marco Zappatore

Addresses: Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy. ' Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy. ' Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy

Abstract: Recent years have seen a progressive spread of ontologies. This indicates the need for instruments for their evaluation and ranking. However, most of the developed algorithms are based on a single metric, thus focusing on a unique feature and neglecting other potentially meaningful aspects. Others perform a weighted aggregation of different metrics, thus resulting in poor tunability and sensitivity to measurement errors. In this context, we propose the adoption of general purpose and flexible multi-criteria decision analysis techniques which represent a total novelty for ontologies. Two methods belonging to the Electre family are presented: Electre I and Electre III. Both techniques are compared to the well-known AKTiveRank procedure, demonstrating their suitability for ontology ranking. The former best identifies the most promising candidates amongst a set of alternatives. The latter provides a set of tuning parameters for making thin ranking procedures.

Keywords: ontology ranking; criterion-based ranking; multicriteria decision analysis; MCDA; Electre methods; ontologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMSO.2012.050180

International Journal of Metadata, Semantics and Ontologies, 2012 Vol.7 No.3, pp.197 - 208

Received: 09 Feb 2012
Accepted: 24 May 2012
Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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