Performance Measurement and Evaluation in Multi-Criteria Decision Making Systems
Summary
Performance measurement in multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) systems has evolved into a rigorous yet accessible discipline that integrates quantitative and qualitative metrics to support complex strategic choices. At its core, MCDM provides structured methods for selecting, weighting and aggregating multiple conflicting criteria—ranging from cost and quality to risk and sustainability—into a unified performance score. Frameworks such as the Balanced Scorecard map strategic objectives to performance indicators, while analytic techniques—AHP, ANP, TOPSIS, VIKOR, ELECTRE and PROMETHEE—enable systematic ranking and prioritisation. Recent advances address intercriteria dependencies through network-based approaches, and embrace uncertainty via fuzzy set theory and hybrid models that combine MCDM with system-modelling tools. Applications span higher education, healthcare delivery, urban infrastructure and environmental risk management, demonstrating global significance in informing resource allocation, policy appraisal and continuous improvement. Emerging research emphasises real-time data integration, stakeholder-driven criteria refinement and decision-support platforms that enhance transparency and robustness in multi-stakeholder environments.
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Performance Measurement and Evaluation in Multi-Criteria Decision Making Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in performance measurement and evaluation in multi-criteria decision making systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM): A family of methods for evaluating and ranking alternatives based on multiple, often conflicting criteria.
Balanced Scorecard (BSC): A strategic management framework that translates vision and strategy into a coherent set of performance measures across financial, customer, internal process and learning perspectives.
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): A pairwise comparison technique that derives relative weights for decision criteria and evaluates alternatives within a hierarchical structure.
Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL): A network-based method for identifying and quantifying causal relationships among criteria in complex systems.
Analytic Network Process (ANP): An extension of AHP that accommodates interdependencies and feedback among criteria and alternatives within a network rather than a strict hierarchy.
Fuzzy Set Theory: A mathematical approach for modelling vagueness and ambiguity by allowing partial membership of elements in sets, often used to capture expert uncertainty in MCDM judgments.
References
- A Novel Strategic Approach to Evaluating Higher Education Quality Standards in University Colleges Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making. Education Sciences (2023).
- Applying the Balanced Scorecard to Build Service Performance Measurements of Medical Institutions: An AHP-DEMATEL Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023).
- Maritime Environment Assessment and Management Using through Balanced Scorecard by Using DEMATEL and ANP Technique. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022).
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