Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis [Hardcover]

Valerie Belton (Author), Theodor J. Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2002

The field of multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) - also sometimes termed multiple criteria decision aid, or multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) - has developed rapidly over the past quarter century and in the process a number of divergent schools of thought have emerged. Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis: An Integrated Approach provides a comprehensive yet widely accessible overview of the main streams of thought within MCDA. Two principal aims are: To provide sufficient awareness of the underlying philosophies and theories, understanding of the practical detail of the methods, and insight into practice to enable researchers, students and industry practitioners to implement MCDA methods in an informed manner; To develop an integrated view of MCDA, incorporating both integration of different schools of thought within MCDA and integration of MCDA with broader management theory, science and practice, thereby informing the development of theory and practice across these areas. It is felt that this two-fold emphasis gives a book which will be of value to the following three groups: Practicing decision analysts or graduate students in MCDA for whom this book should serve as a state-of-the-art review, especially as regards techniques outside of their own specialization; Operational researchers or graduate students in OR/MS who wish to extend their knowledge into the tools of MCDA; Managers or management students who need to understand what MCDA can offer them.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`The book...is an excellent overview of the different multiple criteria approaches developed in divergent schools of thought which emerged in the last three decades. This book is not only a theoretical document, but also provides good coverage of practical issues. It can be recommended to a broad audience, ranging from those in academic institutions to practitioners, as well as those who are interested in finding information on multiple criteria approaches, methods and techniques. It is an excellent book in the main area of Operations Research and Decision Analysis, with a special focus on Multiple Criteria and is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students.' José R. Figueira, DIMACS Center, Rutgers University

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1st edition (January 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079237505X
• ISBN-13: 978-0792375050
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,869,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for an interesting field of study, July 30, 2009

By 

R. Taylor "RJT" (Albrightsville, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (Hardcover)

This book is definitely written from the scientific point of view. I've studied the military decision making process a bit and this book gave me not only a better understanding of that particular process but also that other exist and when/where they might be applicable.

If you are interested at all in the study of decision analysis this is a good book. It isn't always an easy read but scientific books rarely are.

I used this while writing my master's thesis and found it very helpful.

It would also be helpful if you were designing software algorithms related with this area of study.

2.0 out of 5 stars Unusually Disappointing Book, April 4, 2011

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David L. Charlesworth (Sugar Land, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (Hardcover)

On the positive site, the authors have done a good job researching the literature relative to MCDA and are careful and thorough with their citations. However, my disappointment stems from (1) the production of the book itself is unusually poor (illegible figures, splotchy gray in back of text boxes making it difficult to read, varying typography) - it looks like it was produced on a Xerox machine by a secondary school student, (2) over-reliance on others' work (Keeney is cited so many times that it begs the question, why do we need this work when we can go to Keeney?), (3) over-use of acronyms (makes the book very difficult to read), and (4) infrequent and inconsistent use of examples. The net result of this is a lack of clarity of presentation. My rating would be 1 star but for the diligence of summarizing others' research and work. That said, I recommend going to the source (Keeney) and avoiding this expensive and poorly produced book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Seminal work, January 13, 2011

By 

Mr. Alfred Quintano (Malta) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (Hardcover)

Extremely interesting and useful for MCDA novices and advanced students and practioners alike. Well structured such that issues of non interest to user can be skipped without affecting text flow. Nicely balanced between theoretical under-pinning and practical examples alike.