An extension of the analytical hierarchy process using OWA operators

The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) provides a comprehensive methodology for the solution of multicriteria decision problems which makes considerab le use of comparison generated importances to help in the aggregation of lo wer order concepts in the formulation of higher order concepts. We introduc e an extension of the Analytical Hierarchy Process using the Ordered Weight ed Averaging (OWA) operators. This extension, which generalizes the aggrega tion process used in the AHP, allows more flexibility in the formulation of higher order concepts and provides the AHP an even greater facility for mo deling human decision making. Using the OWA operators we are able to model situations where the number of sub-criteria needed to satisfy a higher orde r concept can be expressed in terms of linguistic quantifiers.