Threshold combinatorial multicriteria acceptability analysis for group decisions with subjective interpretations of objective measurements

Purpose Combinatorial multicriteria acceptability analysis (CMAA) is a new algorithmic framework for group decisions that provides detailed analytical insights and an efficient consensus-building process. Objective measurement, subjective judgement (OMSJ) decisions are based on objective performance data, which decision-makers convert into subjective satisfaction levels. The purpose of this research was to determine how to best model this class of decisions and study how efficiently CMAA can achieve consensus with them. Design/methodology/approach A new decision model for OMSJ decisions was developed using satisfaction thresholds that are applied to all alternatives simultaneously. CMAA was adapted to this new model, and its performance was evaluated. Findings We applied the new method to four previously published group decisions by introducing synthetic thresholds. CMAA produced the same single-step result as all four case studies and would furthermore have been able to achieve consensus in a small number of clarification steps. A simulation study showed that the number of steps required to reach consensus is only weakly dependent on the size of the decision. Practical implications CMAA is an efficient and robust framework for this class of problems, which often occur in practice, particularly in engineering decisions, which are often based on quantitative data. Originality/value The new OMSJ decision model requires a lower cognitive effort than standard approaches and is able to prevent certain inconsistencies in the decision-maker inputs. CMAA can guide the group to a strong consensus in just a few clarification steps.