Using analytic network process and goal programming for interdependent information system project selection

Abstract

Information system (IS) project selection problems are multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. Existing methods for IS project selection does not reflect interdependencies among criteria and candidate projects. Considering these interdependencies among criteria provides valuable cost savings and greater benefits to organizations. When we evaluate project problems, we need to collect a group opinion because to know the interdependence relationship among criteria and criteria in considered project problems is very important. In order to collect group opinion for interdependent project problem, we use expert interview. In this paper, we suggest an improved IS project selection methodology which reflect interdependencies among evaluation criteria and candidate projects using analytic network process (ANP) within a zero–one goal programming (ZOGP) model. Scope and purpose When information system (IS) projects are selected from a suggested competing projects they are evaluated according to different criteria. Prior research neglected an important aspect of information technology, namely the interdependencies that exist among IS projects. When we select IS project in organization, to select IS project through recognizing and modeling these project interdependencies provides valuable cost savings to organizations. Among the proposed methodologies of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), goal programming (GP) is widely used for IS project selection. Although GP incorporates multiple objectives and arrives at an optimal solution, its major drawback is dependent on the judgment of decision maker(s). In order to provide a systematic approach to set priorities among multi-criteria and trade-off among objectives, analytic network process (ANP) is suggested to be applied prior to GP formulation. In this paper, we present a methodology using analytic network process and zero–one goal programming (ZOGP) for IS projects selection problems that have multiple criteria and interdependence property.