An Overview of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and the Applications of AHP and TOPSIS Methods

Abstract

The integration of multiple technical, economic, environmental, and social criteria establishes Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) as a dependable decision-making tool in the context of interdisciplinary research. This study employs a literature-based methodology to illustrate how MCDA, particularly utilizing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and TOPSIS models, has been utilized to tackle intricate decision-making issues. It also highlights the noteworthy discoveries derived from real-world applications, drawing upon previous research and case studies. This study explores the methodologies employed in the commonly utilized AHP and TOPSIS approaches, highlighting their broad applicability across various industries from 2000 to 2023. Additionally, a comprehensive examination of the applications of MCDA has been organized into five distinct sectors, namely supply chain, healthcare, business, resource management, and engineering & manufacturing.