Analytic Hierarchy Process

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a problem solving framework used in decision making. Developed in the 1970s, it is a systematic process for representing the elements of a problem, for relating those elements to overall goals, and for choosing among alternative solutions. It has the proven ability to resolve or assist in resolving a wide range of important decision problems, and has been successfully applied to many complex planning, resource allocation, and priority setting problems in business, government, and other fields.

While AHP can be used by individuals working on straightforward problems, it is best suited to situations where teams of people are working on problems that are highly complex.

References

• Paper: Smith School, University of Maryland
• Book: Natural Resource and Environmental Decision Making
• Overview from The Quality Portal
• Example from Carnegie-Mellon University
• Short nontechnical summary from University of Cambridge
• Example & critique from MSDN Magazine
• Summary & example from iSixSigma Magazine
• Tutorial Program from QFD Institute
• Book: Naveet Bhushan
• Paper: Using AHP in Engineering Education (University of Wales Cardiff)
• Abstract: Transportation and Climate Change (Social Science Research Network)
• Full text of above: An Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Evaluation of Transport Policies to Reduce Climate Change Impacts (University of Padua, Italy)
• Interactive Pairwise Comparison Example (Canadian Conservation Institute)
• Paper: Software for Rating Buildings by Historic Significance (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
• Paper: An Application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process to International Location Decision-Making (University of Nottingham)
• Example: AHP Scripts for Handhelds (Vanguard Software)
• Abstract: Transportation Research Board
• Paper: The Analytic Hierarchy Process as a Means for Integrated Watershed Management (United States Department of Agriculture)
• Abstract: The Analytic Hierarchy Process and Participatory Decisionmaking (USDA Forest Service)
• Full text of the above
• Paper from China
• Composite Indicators/Weighting (European Commission)
• Abstract: Analytic Hierarchy Process Analyzes Risk of Operating Cross-Country Petroleum Pipelines in India (Natural Hazards Review)
• Abstract: The Analytic Hierarchy Process in Medical Decisionmaking
• Paper: Some Comments on the Analytic Hierarchy Process