A modified analytical hierarchy process (M-AHP) approach for decision support systems in natural hazard assessments

Abstract

The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a classic and powerful decision support tool. However, the conventional AHP has some disadvantages originating in the expert decision-making process. To minimize the disadvantages of the conventional AHP, a modified analytical hierarchy process (M-AHP), is suggested in this study. This study is conducted in three stages: (i) the theoretical background for the conventional AHP is introduced, (ii) essentials for the proposed M-AHP technique are given with an example solution for the evaluation of snow avalanche source susceptibility, and (iii) a computer code named M-AHP is presented. By applying the methodology suggested in this study, the consistency ratio value for the comparison matrix and the weight vector never exceeds 0.10. The M-AHP program is a complementary tool for natural hazard, natural resource, or nature preservation researchers who apply the M-AHP technique to their decision support problem. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.