Thomas L. Saaty

Bio: Thomas L. Saaty is an academic researcher from University of Pittsburgh. The author has contributed to research in topics: Analytic hierarchy process & Analytic network process. The author has an hindex of 92, co-authored 375 publications receiving 95026 citations. Previous affiliations of Thomas L. Saaty include College of Business Administration & Politécnico Grancolombiano.

The analytic hierarchy and analytic network measurement processes: Applications to decisions under Risk

Abstract: Mathematics applications largely depend on scientific practice. In science measurement depends on the use of scales, most frequently ratio scales. A ratio scale there is applied to measure various physical attributes and assumes a zero and an arbitrary unit used uniformly throughout an application. Different ratio scales are combined by means of formulas. The formulas apply within structures involving variables and their relations under natural law. The meaning and use of the outcome is then interpreted according to the judgment of an expert as to how well it meets understanding and experience or satisfies laws of nature that are always there. Science derives results objectively, but interprets their significance is subjectively. In decision making, there are no set laws to characterize structures in which relations are predetermined for every decision. Understanding is needed to structure a problem and then also to use judgments to represent importance and preference quantitatively so that a best outcome can be derived by combining and trading off different factors or attributes. From numerical representations of judgments, priority scales are derived and synthesized according to given rules of composition. In decision making the priority scales can only be derived objectively after subjective judgments are made. The process is the opposite of what we do in science. This paper summarizes a mathematical theory of measurement in decision making and applies it to real-life examples of complex decisions.

Transport planning with multiple criteria: the analytic hierarchy process applications and progress review

Abstract: Five examples of applications of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are made to illustrate the different uses of this ratio scale multicriteria decision method in transportation. They include a commuter route selection hierarchy, a best mix of routes to Pittsburgh's new International Airport, a benefits/costs hierarchy to choose the best mode to cross a river, a planning hierarchy for a transport system and a simple dependence with feedback cycle to choose a car when criteria depend on the alternatives. For a better appreciation of the use and power of the method, the examples are followed by a resume of developments in research on the (AHP) in the last few years.

How to Make A Decision

Abstract: ieρa aρχή is the Greek word for hierarchy meaning holy origin or holy rule1. It is the ordering of parts or elements of a whole from the highest to the lowest. A hierarchy is the principle of control that secures the effective functioning of the organization2.

The Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract: This chapter provides an overview of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is a systematic procedure for representing the elements of any problem hierarchically. It organizes the basic rationality by breaking down a problem into its smaller constituent parts and then guides decision makers through a series of pair-wise comparison judgments to express the relative strength or intensity of impact of the elements in the hierarchy. These judgments are then translated to numbers. The AHP includes procedures and principles used to synthesize the many judgments to derive priorities among criteria and subsequently for alternative solutions. It is useful to note that the numbers thus obtained are ratio scale estimates and correspond to so-called hard numbers. Problem solving is a process of setting priorities in steps. One step decides on the most important elements of a problem, another on how best to repair, replace, test, and evaluate the elements, and another on how to implement the solution and measure performance.

Fuzzy Set Theory - and Its Applications

Abstract: Fuzzy Set Theory - And Its Applications, Third Edition is a textbook for courses in fuzzy set theory. It can also be used as an introduction to the subject. The character of a textbook is balanced with the dynamic nature of the research in the field by including many useful references to develop a deeper understanding among interested readers. The book updates the research agenda (which has witnessed profound and startling advances since its inception some 30 years ago) with chapters on possibility theory, fuzzy logic and approximate reasoning, expert systems, fuzzy control, fuzzy data analysis, decision making and fuzzy set models in operations research. All chapters have been updated. Exercises are included.

Principles of Neural Science

Abstract: I have developed "tennis elbow" from lugging this book around the past four weeks, but it is worth the pain, the effort, and the aspirin. It is also worth the (relatively speaking) bargain price. Including appendixes, this book contains 894 pages of text. The entire panorama of the neural sciences is surveyed and examined, and it is comprehensive in its scope, from genomes to social behaviors. The editors explicitly state that the book is designed as "an introductory text for students of biology, behavior, and medicine," but it is hard to imagine any audience, interested in any fragment of neuroscience at any level of sophistication, that would not enjoy this book. The editors have done a masterful job of weaving together the biologic, the behavioral, and the clinical sciences into a single tapestry in which everyone from the molecular biologist to the practicing psychiatrist can find and appreciate his or