AHP enlargement in traditional Entropy-TOPSIS approach for selecting desktop personal computers for distance learning: Decomposition of evaluation criteria in blocks with AHP for better consideration of users’ needs in the MCDM process on the example of the Entropy-TOPSIS approach

Abstract

Distance learning became more popular in recent years and its effectiveness depends on the reliability of complex information systems. Under conditions of COVID-19 and the economic crisis, a larger number of users have to implement new working point(s) requiring unplanned investment efforts. Schools, universities, and households are interested in products and components that are adequate to the specifics of the education and can be purchased, maintained, and operated at minimum costs. In this context, the selections of personal computers (PCs) have to take into account various technical parameters and economic factors. Although Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) uses different approaches for supporting decision-makers (DM), there are still many areas for possible improvements. One of them, the enlargement of the traditional “Entropy-TOPSIS” approach with the AHP method provides a more structured, transparent, and objective definition of weights for evaluation criteria in many areas.