mWerte

MWerte is a term used in data analysis to refer to a class of composite metrics that combine several attributes into a single score. In many contexts it is treated as a shorthand for multi-criteria numeric values, often encountered in German-language literature. The general idea is to produce a single index that reflects multiple dimensions of performance or quality.

One common formulation defines a MWert as the weighted sum of standardized attribute values: MWerte = sum_i w_i * z_i, where z_i is the standardized value of attribute i and w_i are nonnegative weights that sum to one. Standardization (for example Z-scores or min–max scaling) ensures comparability across attributes with different units. Variants may include nonlinear aggregations, such as applying a nonlinear function to z_i before weighting, or using multiplicative models. Weights can be determined by expert judgment, data-driven methods such as entropy weighting, or machine learning approaches.

MWerte are used in a variety of contexts, including ranking, scoring, performance dashboards, risk assessment, and policy prioritization. They offer intuitive interpretation as a single score, and are relatively easy to compute and communicate. Limitations include sensitivity to the choice of weights, potential distortion from improper standardization, and the risk of masking trade-offs between individual attributes.

Example: with three attributes whose standardized values are 0.6, 0.3, 0.9 and corresponding weights 0.4, 0.35, 0.25, the MWerte would be 0.4*0.6 + 0.35*0.3 + 0.25*0.9 = 0.57.

History and usage vary by field; MWerte is not a fixed standard but a descriptive label for weighted composite values in practice. See also weighted averages, composite indices, and multi-criteria decision analysis.