Inferring an ELECTRE TRI Model from Assignment Examples

Abstract

Given a finite set of alternatives, the sorting problem consists in the assignment of each alternative to one of the pre-defined categories. In this paper, we are interested in multiple criteria sorting problems and, more precisely, in the existing method ELECTRE TRI. This method requires the elicitation of parameters (weights, thresholds, category limits,...) in order to construct the Decision Maker‘s (DM) preference model. A direct elicitation of these parameters being rather difficult, we proceed to solve this problem in a way that requires from the DM much less cognitive effort. We elicit these parameters indirectly using holistic information given by the DM through assignment examples. We propose an interactive approach that infers the parameters of an ELECTRE TRI model from assignment examples. The determination of an ELECTRE TRI model that best restitutes the assignment examples is formulated through an optimization problem. The interactive aspect of this approach lies in the possibility given to the DM to revise his/her assignment examples and/or to give additional information before the optimization phase restarts.