The Current State of Multiple Criteria Decision Support Systems

Abstract

This research examines the current state of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) model-embedded decision support systems (MCDSS). A comprehensive bibliography of 203 specific DSS applications was extracted from over 1100 English-language journals published in the last 18 years (1971–April 1988). The survey identified 26 MCDM model-embedded DSS (13% of the 203 DSS applications). Approximately 30% of the MCDSS applications (8 out of 26 applications) were developed to support strategic decisions; about 70% support tactical and operational levels of decisions. The integration pattern over the last two decades was also analysed. During the 1970s only two MCDM model-embedded DSS were developed; however, the number of MCDSS models has increased proportionately during the 1980s.