Mitmekriteeriumiliste

Mitmekriteeriumiliste, meaning "multi-criteria" in Estonian, refers to a broad class of decision-making problems where choices are evaluated based on several different, often conflicting, criteria. These problems arise in various fields, including engineering, economics, environmental management, and public policy. The core challenge is to find a solution that performs well across all relevant criteria, which may not be possible due to inherent trade-offs.

The process of addressing mitmekriteeriumiliste problems typically involves identifying the relevant criteria, assigning weights or priorities to each criterion if necessary, and then evaluating potential alternatives against these criteria. Various methodologies and tools exist to assist in this process, such as Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and ELECTRE. These methods aim to structure the decision-making process, making it more transparent and systematic.

Commonly, mitmekriteeriumiliste problems involve both quantitative and qualitative criteria. For instance, selecting a new project might consider cost (quantitative) and environmental impact (qualitative). The complexity arises from the need to aggregate these diverse factors into a coherent overall assessment. The goal is not always to find a single absolute best solution, but rather to identify a set of preferred alternatives or to rank the options in a way that reflects the decision-maker's preferences and the characteristics of each alternative.