From mono-criterion to multi-criteria decision aid: A necessary but unfinished evolution in operational research

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the evolution process from the mono-criteria decision making paradigm to the multi-criteria decision aid paradigm. This process is based on the fact; in general, the decision-maker desires to consider simultaneously several heterogeneous and conflicting dimensions instead of optimising one single objective such as minimising the cost or maximising the profit. This paradigm shift has led to a different way of using mathematical reasoning and tools within the discipline of operational research. Basically, a shift that has meant a return to the roots of the decision making process in order to develop models that attempt to integrate explicitly the decision-maker's preferences where he/she will be playing the main role during the decision-making process. In this paper we will look at some epistemological aspects of this evolution and point out that this mission of integrating explicitly the decision-makers preferences within the multi-criteria decision aid models remains unfinished. © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.