Diploma Thesis from the year 2008 in the subject Computer Science - Commercial Information Technology, grade: 1,3, University of Bayreuth (Lehrstuhl für Wirtschaftsinformatik (BWL VII)), language: English, abstract: This work is concerned with the conduct of Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) by intelligent software agents trading digital commodities in Application Layer Networks (ALN) such as grids or clouds. These agents consider trustworthiness in their course of negotiation and select offers with respect to product price and seller reputation. To automate the selection process, we seek an appropriate MCDM method that provides clear advice for an agent prior to negotiating. We compare eleven well-known MCDM methods and choose the TOPSIS approach of Hwang and Yoon since it produces comprehensible and plausible results with a justifiable amount of effort. We modify the method and present a draft named xTOPSIS that promises intertemporal performance analysis for further automatation. The resulting tool is finally tested and evaluated in the context of a scenario similar to the eRep - Social Knowledge for e-Governance project.

Diploma Thesis from the year 2008 in the subject Computer Science - Commercial Information Technology, grade: 1,3, University of Bayreuth (Lehrstuhl für Wirtschaftsinformatik (BWL VII)), language: English, abstract: This work is concerned with the conduct of Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) by intelligent software agents trading digital commodities in Application Layer Networks (ALN) such as grids or clouds. These agents consider trustworthiness in their course of negotiation and select offers with respect to product price and seller reputation. To automate the selection process, we seek an appropriate MCDM method that provides clear advice for an agent prior to negotiating. We compare eleven well-known MCDM methods and choose the TOPSIS approach of Hwang and Yoon since it produces comprehensible and plausible results with a justifiable amount of effort. We modify the method and present a draft named xTOPSIS that promises intertemporal performance analysis for further automatation. The resulting tool is finally tested and evaluated in the context of a scenario similar to the eRep - Social Knowledge for e-Governance project.

This book introduces the step-by-step processes involved in using MCDM methods, starting from problem formulation, model development, and criteria weighting to the final ranking of the alternatives. The authors explain the different MCDM methods that can be used in specific manufacturing environments. The book explains the conceptual frameworks of how these methods are applied with special focus on their applicability and usefulness. The authors begin with an introduction to multi-criteria decision-making, followed by explanations of 29 MCDM methods and their applications. The final sections of the book describe helpful normalization techniques and criteria weight measurement techniques. The collection of diverse range of manufacturing applications and case studies presented here will aid readers in applying cutting-edge MCDM methods to their own manufacturing projects. As both a research and teaching tool, this book encourages critical and logical thinking when applying MCDM methods for solving complex manufacturing decision-making problems.

With contributions from some of the top academics and scientists in the field, Advanced Studies in Multi-Criteria Decision Making presents an updated view of the landscape of Decision Sciences, current research topics, the interaction with other sciences and fields, as well as the prospects and challenges at an international level. Given that Decision Sciences are recognized today as indispensable for confronting the major societal challenges in science and technology, this book would be of interest to decision-makers, managers, and researchers from academia, and industrial/services companies that would like a fresh insight into MCDM. Features Integrates a wide range of scientific fields with a general reader approach, including applied researchers from the social, business, enterprise sciences Suitable for academics and professionals Presents a broad coverage of MCDM tools either in industry or in services companies and systems Provides a fresh overview on MCDM studies promoted by prestigious R&D institutions

As its title implies, Advances in Multicriteria Analysis presents the most recent developments in multicriteria analysis and in some of its principal areas of application, including marketing, research and development evaluation, financial planning, and medicine. Special attention is paid to the interaction between multicriteria analysis, decision support systems and preference modeling. The five sections of the book cover: methodology; problem structuring; utility assessment; multi-objective optimisation; real world applications. Audience: Researchers and professionals who are operations researchers, management scientists, computer scientists, statisticians, decision analysts, marketing managers and financial analysts.

Multiple criteria decision aid (MCDA) methods are illustrated in this book through theoretical and computational techniques utilizing Python. Existing methods are presented in detail with a step by step learning approach. Theoretical background is given for TOPSIS, VIKOR, PROMETHEE, SIR, AHP, goal programming, and their variations. Comprehensive numerical examples are also discussed for each method in conjunction with easy to follow Python code. Extensions to multiple criteria decision making algorithms such as fuzzy number theory and group decision making are introduced and implemented through Python as well. Readers will learn how to implement and use each method based on the problem, the available data, the stakeholders involved, and the various requirements needed. Focusing on the practical aspects of the multiple criteria decision making methodologies, this book is designed for researchers, practitioners and advanced graduate students in the applied mathematics, information systems, operations research and business administration disciplines, as well as other engineers and scientists oriented in interdisciplinary research. Readers will greatly benefit from this book by learning and applying various MCDM/A methods. (Adiel Teixeira de Almeida, CDSID-Center for Decision System and Information Development, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil) Promoting the development and application of multicriteria decision aid is essential to ensure more ethical and sustainable decisions. This book is a great contribution to this objective. It is a perfect blend of theory and practice, providing potential users and researchers with the theoretical bases of some of the best-known methods as well as with the computing tools needed to practice, to compare and to put these methods to use. (Jean-Pierre Brans, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium) This book is intended for researchers, practitioners and students alike in decision support who wish to familiarize themselves quickly and efficiently with multicriteria decision aiding algorithms. The proposed approach is original, as it presents a selection of methods from the theory to the practical implementation in Python, including a detailed example. This will certainly facilitate the learning of these techniques, and contribute to their effective dissemination in applications. (Patrick Meyer, IMT Atlantique, Lab-STICC, Univ. Bretagne Loire, Brest, France)

The organizers of the 12th International Conference on Multiple Cri teria Decision Making (MCDM) held June 19-23, 1995 in Hagen received the second time the opportunity to prepare an international conference on MCDM in Germany; the first opportunity has been the 3rd International Conference on MCDM in Konigswinter, 1979. Quite a time ellapsed since then and therefore it might be interesting to compare some indicators of the development of the International Society on MCDM, which has been founded in Konigswinter. Stanley Zionts has been elected first president and all 44 participants of that Conference became founding members. Today our Society has over 1200 members and its own Journal (MCDM World Scan). In Hagen, 1996, we had 152 participants from 34 countries. It is interesting to mention that also other Groups established their organi zation, like the European Working Group on Multiple Criteria Decision Aid, the German Working Group on Decision Theory and Applications, the Multi Objective Programming and Goal Programming Group, ESIGMA, and some others. It is also interesting to note that the intersection of members of all these Groups and Societies is not empty and there is quite a cooperation among them.