Examples of Objectified Multiple Criteria Ranking in the Selection of Infrastructural Projects

Abstract

The paper addresses the issue of multiple criteria rankings of infrastructural projects (buildings, roads, etc.). Although the amount of literature devoted to this subject is considerable, all methods proposed produce subjective rankings, dependent on a direct or indirect definition of weighting coefficients applicable to subsequent evaluation criteria. Infrastructural projects are usually selected and approved collegially, however, by a group of decision makers with preferences that may potentially differ significantly. Therefore, an objectified ranking, independent from subjectively defined weighting coefficients, is needed for infrastructural projects. Such a ranking is proposed, analyzed and applied by the authors of this paper. This ranking depends originally only on the multiple objective evaluation data, i.e. the values of evaluation criteria related to decision scenarios or alternatives. Such an approach does not render a fully objective ranking, since one of this kind does not exist at all. Even the choice of the ranking method is a subjective decision, but it is objectified to the extent possible. The paper presents several examples of multiple criteria evaluation of infrastructural projects, derived from literature, and compares subjective rankings published in literature with objectified rankings that are independent of weighting coefficients.