A number of approaches for multi-attribute selection decisions exist, each with certain advantages and disadvantages. One method that has recently been developed, called the hypothetical equivalents and inequivalents method (HEIM) supports a decision maker (DM) by implicitly determining the importances a DM places on attributes using a series of simple preference statements. In this and other multi-attribute selection methods, establishing consistent preferences is critical in order for a DM to be confident in his/her decision and its validity. In this paper, a general preference consistency method is developed, which is used to ensure that a consistent preference structure exists for a given DM. The method is demonstrated as part of HEIM, but is generalizable to any cardinal or ordinal preference structure, where the preferences can be over alternatives or attributes. These structures play an important role in making selection decisions in engineering design including selecting design concepts, materials, manufacturing processes, and configurations, among others. The theoretical foundations of the method are developed and the need for consistent preferences is illustrated in the application to a drill selection case study where the decision maker expresses inconsistent preferences.
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e-mail: kelewis@buffalo.edu
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October 2007
Research Papers
A Method to Ensure Preference Consistency in Multi-Attribute Selection Decisions
Michael Kulok,
Michael Kulok
Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,
University at Buffalo-SUNY
, Buffalo, NY 14260
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Kemper Lewis
Kemper Lewis
Professor
Mem. ASME
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,
e-mail: kelewis@buffalo.edu
University at Buffalo-SUNY
, Buffalo, NY 14260
Search for other works by this author on:
Michael Kulok
Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,
University at Buffalo-SUNY
, Buffalo, NY 14260
Kemper Lewis
Professor
Mem. ASME
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,
University at Buffalo-SUNY
, Buffalo, NY 14260e-mail: kelewis@buffalo.edu
J. Mech. Des. Oct 2007, 129(10): 1002-1011 (10 pages)
Published Online: December 18, 2006
Article history
Received:
July 20, 2006
Revised:
December 18, 2006
Citation
Kulok, M., and Lewis, K. (December 18, 2006). "A Method to Ensure Preference Consistency in Multi-Attribute Selection Decisions." ASME. J. Mech. Des. October 2007; 129(10): 1002–1011. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2761921
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