Inverse optimization on the evaluations of alternatives in the Promethee II ranking method

IF 6.7 2区管理学 Q1 MANAGEMENT

Omega-international Journal of Management Science Pub Date : 2025-03-31 DOI:10.1016/j.omega.2025.103325

Alexandre Flachs, Yves De Smet

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

In multi-criteria decision aid, one usually distinguishes three main families of methods: aggregating, outranking and interactive approaches. Among the outranking methods, Promethee II allows decision makers to obtain a complete ranking of the alternatives regarding multiple – usually conflicting – criteria. Despite its popularity and the various theoretical contributions that have been made to it, few work has been focused on the influence of the alternatives’ evaluations on the final ranking.

In this contribution, this issue is addressed by proposing a solution to the following question: given a ranking of the alternatives, what are the minimal modifications required on the evaluations of a given alternative in order to improve its position? A novel exact algorithmic procedure is proposed to answer this question even when multiple criteria are involved. In such cases the solution takes the form of a Pareto optimal front. A proof of the correctness of the algorithm and a complexity analysis are provided. Finally, experimental tests of the method on a real life dataset is discussed along with some indications on how it could be presented to decision makers.

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来源期刊

Omega-international Journal of Management Science 管理科学-运筹学与管理科学

CiteScore

13.80

自引率

11.60%

发文量

130

审稿时长

56 days

期刊介绍： Omega reports on developments in management, including the latest research results and applications. Original contributions and review articles describe the state of the art in specific fields or functions of management, while there are shorter critical assessments of particular management techniques. Other features of the journal are the "Memoranda" section for short communications and "Feedback", a correspondence column. Omega is both stimulating reading and an important source for practising managers, specialists in management services, operational research workers and management scientists, management consultants, academics, students and research personnel throughout the world. The material published is of high quality and relevance, written in a manner which makes it accessible to all of this wide-ranging readership. Preference will be given to papers with implications to the practice of management. Submissions of purely theoretical papers are discouraged. The review of material for publication in the journal reflects this aim.