Multi-criteria analysis

Abstract

Multi-criteria analysis (MCA), in the literature also known under the names of multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM), multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), multi-objective decision analysis (MODA), multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) or multi-dimensional decision-making (MDDM), comprises various classes of methods, techniques and tools (with different degrees of complexity) which explicitly consider multiple objectives and criteria (or attributes) in decision-making problems. Since the late 20th century, MCA methods have ignited an increasing interest among researchers and practitioners working in a number of fields, including transport policy and planning. The threefold purpose of this chapter, based on a comprehensive examination of the academic and gray literature, is to: (1) provide a brief, yet comprehensive overview of the different MCA methods available; (2) illustrate the current state of the art in the use of MCA in the transport sector; and (3) discuss the potential advantages and limitations of MCA by adopting, as far as possible, a balanced and neutral stance on the subject. This chapter, in particular, contends that while extremely useful for framing and structuring complex problems, MCA is not always a synonym for better and more comprehensive decisions. It also highlights that a fundamental disconnection exists between theory and transport assessment practice, with several methods proposed in the academic literature ( e.g. , sophisticated MCA methods based on elaborated procedures and advanced mathematical principles, or participatory approaches to MCA grounded on rather idealistic assumptions) which are rarely employed in real-world applications. Hence, more dialogue and collaborative research between scholars, practitioners and decision-makers is encouraged to close this gap and develop theoretically robust but also more realistic and pragmatic MCA techniques.