Capturing Different Viewpoints in Multi-Criteria Analysis

Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) is a popular technique for bringing together a wide range of quantitative and qualitative assessments into the decision making process. While its ability to handle diverse criteria is often seen as an asset of MCA, in other ways, MCA can stifle diversity. In particular, it is generally required that consensus can be obtained (or forced) at some point in the process regarding the relative importance of the criteria. This can lead to dissatisfaction with the process and loss of richness and alternative viewpoints. This paper reviews available methods and recent research results for group decision making in MCA and assesses the implications of these methods in terms of simplicity, transparency and practicality. Often these methods are complex and lack transparency. Then the paper describes a simplified approach that has been successfully used on several transport projects as a way of capturing the richness of alternative viewpoints into the options comparison and decision making process. Finally the paper includes observations about links between this approach and the adjusted BCA method described in the Australian Transport Council ―National Guidelines for Transport System Management in Australia‖.