The Art and Science of Decision Making: The Analytic Hierarchy Process

This paper presents an overview of the philosophy and methodology which underlies the Analytic Hierarchy Process. After introducing the method through a series of examples, the theoretical basis of the method is described along with a summary of its mathematical underpinnings. Several recent methodological extensions are also described along with a brief description of several major and illustrative applications. The paper concludes with a summary of the progress to date in the continuing development and application of this important decision-aiding methodology.