flerkriteriebeslutningsverktøy

Flerkriteriebeslutningsverktøy, often abbreviated as MCDA (Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis) tools, are systems designed to aid in making complex decisions involving multiple, often conflicting, criteria. These tools help individuals or groups evaluate a set of alternatives based on predefined objectives and preferences. The core idea is to systematically weigh different aspects of a decision to arrive at a more reasoned and justifiable outcome.

The process typically begins with identifying the decision problem, defining the relevant alternatives, and establishing the criteria that will be used for evaluation. These criteria can be quantitative, such as cost or performance metrics, or qualitative, like environmental impact or user satisfaction. Once the criteria are set, weights are assigned to reflect their relative importance. Different MCDA methods exist, each with its own approach to aggregating the weighted criteria scores for each alternative. Common methods include Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), ELECTRE, and PROMETHEE.

Flerkriteriebeslutningsverktøy are employed across various domains, including business, environmental management, public policy, and engineering. They are particularly useful when dealing with situations where a simple, single-metric optimization is insufficient. By providing a structured framework for analysis, these tools promote transparency, facilitate communication among stakeholders, and can lead to more robust and defensible decisions. Their application aims to reduce subjectivity and improve the overall quality of decision-making processes.