ZAPROS-LM — A method and system for ordering multiattribute alternatives

Abstract A method to aid in qualitative evaluation of multiattribute alternatives is proposed. It not only elicits information from a decision-maker in a qualitative form but tries to use it without resort to numbers, and to apply rational logic for comparison of alternatives. Special procedures for identification of possible inconsistencies in decision-maker's information and elimination of them in a dialogue with a decision-maker are developed. Possibilities for verification and explanation of the results for partial ordering of a large set of alternatives are shown. Two main assumptions are used: transitivity of the decision-maker's preferences and preferential independence of attributes. Problems of justification of these properties in real tasks of decision making are discussed. The description is accompanied by an example.

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