mAHP

mAHP stands for modified Analytic Hierarchy Process, a family of methods that builds on Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to support multi-criteria decision making. Variants labeled mAHP differ in the specific modification, but common aims are to improve robustness to inconsistent judgments, handle uncertainty in judgments, or better accommodate group decision making.

Methodology in mAHP follows the general AHP framework of structuring a problem into a goal, criteria, and alternatives, and constructing pairwise comparison matrices to judge relative importance. The distinguishing feature of mAHP is how judgments are transformed or aggregated. Common approaches include using multiplicative or geometric aggregation across experts or criteria rather than simple additive methods, incorporating fuzzy numbers to express uncertainty in judgments, or adjusting consistency evaluation to reflect the modified weighting rules. Local weights are derived from the modified matrices, using approaches such as eigenvector calculations or geometric means, and then synthesized into global scores for the alternatives. Consistency checks are often retained, though the acceptance criteria may be tailored to the specific modification.

Applications of mAHP span various decision contexts, including supplier selection, project prioritization, site or location selection, disaster risk management, and sustainability assessments. The approach is valued for its ability to integrate expert input from multiple stakeholders, model uncertainty, and provide transparent, auditable decision trails. Limitations include residual subjectivity, dependence on the chosen modification, and potential increases in computational or methodological complexity. See also Analytic Hierarchy Process, fuzzy AHP, and group decision making.