Showing papers on "Pairwise comparison published in 1996"
15 Apr 1996
TL;DR: The results from the case study indicate that the pairwise comparison technique is an efficient informative and accurate means for finding the candidate requirements importance, and is recommended for software requirements prioritizing.
Abstract: The importance of candidate software requirements can vary by orders of magnitude, yet most software providers do not have accurate and efficient means for selecting among them. The paper describes a case study at Ericsson Radio Systems AB of two techniques for software requirements prioritizing as a means for determining the importance of candidate requirements, a pairwise comparison technique and a numeral assignment technique. The results from the case study indicate that the pairwise comparison technique is an efficient informative and accurate means for finding the candidate requirements importance. We therefore recommend the pairwise comparison technique for software requirements prioritizing. At Ericsson we have extended its use in other development projects.
216 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it is shown that when point estimates are difficult to determine, distributions describing feasible judgments may be more appropriate than point estimates, and that levels of confidence can be developed, expected weights can be calculated and expected ranks can be determined.
110 citations
TL;DR: A Markov random field model with a Gibbs probability distribution (GPD) is proposed for describing particular classes of grayscale images which can be called spatially uniform stochastic textures and experiments in modeling natural textures show the utility of the proposed model.
Abstract: A Markov random field model with a Gibbs probability distribution (GPD) is proposed for describing particular classes of grayscale images which can be called spatially uniform stochastic textures. The model takes into account only multiple short- and long-range pairwise interactions between the gray levels in the pixels. An effective learning scheme is introduced to recover structure and strength of the interactions using maximal likelihood estimates of the potentials in the GPD as desired parameters. The scheme is based on an analytic initial approximation of the estimates and their subsequent refinement by a stochastic approximation. Experiments in modeling natural textures show the utility of the proposed model.
109 citations
TL;DR: The pairwise comparison methodology introduced by Thurston in 1927 can be used as a powerful inference tool and knowledge acquisition technique in knowledge-based systems and should be considered as an empirical experiment using a Monte Carlo approach.
107 citations
TL;DR: This paper establishes a vigorous methodology, based on the fuzzy set theory, to improve the facilities layout process that has occupied scholars and practitioners for more than four decades.
Abstract: This paper establishes a vigorous methodology, based on the fuzzy set theory, to improve the facilities layout process that has occupied scholars and practitioners for more than four decades. Fuzzy set theory is an appropriate tool which uses the natural language that humans use to control complex systems such as facilities planning. The closeness rating between departments in a plant depends on qualitative and quantitative factors. Some of these factors may have greater effect on the designer's decisions about such ratings. Thus, the pairwise comparison of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), which ensures the consistency of the designers’ decisions when assigning the importance of one factor over another, is used to find the weights of these factors. FUZZY, a computer program developed based on the fuzzy decision-making system (FDMS) is used to generate the activity relationship charts. These charts are used by FZYCRLP, a modified version of CORELAP, to develop the layouts. FELAP, another program bas...
92 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the feed-forward neural network formulation appears to be a powerful tool for analyzing discrete alternative multicriteria decision problems with imprecise or fuzzy ratio-scale preference judgments.
88 citations
TL;DR: The variance of the number of differences between pairs of sequences in a single sample is studied and forms the basis of a test of the isolation model, one possible alternative to isolation.
86 citations
TL;DR: Two applications of the analytic hierarchy process are presented with reference to case studies of formal expert judgment elicitation previously analyzed in literature: the elicitation of the pressure increment in the containment building of the Sequoyah nuclear power plant following reactor vessel breach, and the prediction of the future changes in precipitation in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain.
56 citations
TL;DR: In the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), decision makers make pairwise comparisons of alternatives and criteria as mentioned in this paper, and the results of the laboratory study with 180 participants confirm that the 1-to-9 conversion table, as is often used in the AHP, tends to overestimate differences in preference.
53 citations
TL;DR: A formal proof of convergence of a class of algorithms for reducing inconsistency of pairwise comparisons (pc) method and making an inference that iterated modifications of the pc matrix made by human experts should also converge is presented.
41 citations
TL;DR: A statistical experiment was designed to check whether the pairwise comparisons method, introduced by Thurstone in 1927, can really improve the accuracy of estimation of stimuli and the obtained results are decisive.
Abstract: A statistical experiment was designed to check whether the pairwise comparisons method, introduced by Thurstone in 1927, can really improve the accuracy of estimation of stimuli. This method was co...
TL;DR: In this paper, a new method of synthesizing local and criteria priorities into global priorities is proposed, which is a development of the Analytic Hierarchy Process enabling the unified consideration of all horizontal and vertical connections of a hierarchical system in a single optimizing objective function based on statistical models of the synthesis process.
16 Sep 1996
TL;DR: A novel approach to unsupervised texture segmentation is presented which is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem known as pairwise data clustering with a sparse neighborhood structure and the adequacy of the proposed segmentation cost function is statistically validated.
Abstract: A novel approach to unsupervised texture segmentation is presented which is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem known as pairwise data clustering with a sparse neighborhood structure. Pairwise dissimilarities between texture blocks are measured in terms of distribution differences of multi-resolution features. The feature vectors are based on a Gabor wavelet image representation. To efficiently solve the data clustering problem a deterministic annealing algorithm on the basis of a mean field approximation is derived. An application to collages of Brodatz-like microtexture is demonstrated. The adequacy of the proposed segmentation cost function is statistically validated. The deterministic annealing algorithm outperforms its stochastic variants in terms of quality and efficiency.
TL;DR: A simulation analysis supports Saaty's theoretical statements and empirically concludes that the EEV method is to be preferred over the AEV method for the calculation of priority vectors.
TL;DR: This study proposes a new interactive multicriteria method for determining the best levels of the decision variables needed to optimize a stochastic computer simulation with multiple response variables that combines good features from interactive multiple objective mathematical programming and response surface methodology.
Abstract: This study proposes a new interactive multicriteria method for determining the best levels of the decision variables needed to optimize a stochastic computer simulation with multiple response variables. The method, called the Pairwise Comparison Stochastic Cutting Plane (PCSCP) method, combines good features from interactive multiple objective mathematical programming and response surface methodology. The major characteristics of the PCSCP method are: (1) it interacts progressively with the decision-maker (DM) to obtain her preferences, (2) it uses experimental design to explore the decision space adequately while reducing the burden on the DM, and (3) it uses the preference information provided by the DM and the sampling error in the responses to reduce the decision space. The mechanics of the method are illustrated with a numerical example. Some computational studies evaluating the method are also reported.
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TL;DR: This paper defines a new classification scheme for all production plans based on fuzzy dominance, and the traditional assumption of deterministic or crisp production plans may be substituted with the weaker assumption of fuzzy production plans as proposed by fuzzy set theory.
Abstract: Classically, the concept of efficiency measurement is based on the definition of a frontier that envelops the observed production plans. The efficiency score itself is based on the distance of an observed production plan from this frontier. The frontier along with the required technological assumptiolL9 (such as convexity) needed for its definition may be replaced with the concept of pairwise dominance. This concept leads to a classification scheme for all production plans instead of a ranking based on efficiency scores. Also, the traditional assumption of deterministic or crisp production plans may be substituted with the weaker assumption of fuzzy production plans as proposed by fuzzy set theory. This paper attempts to merge these two concepts and to define a new classification scheme based on fuzzy dominance.
TL;DR: A special minmax goal programming model with fractional goals is formulated and then used as the basis for developing two specific MCDM methods: a method to derive priorities for decision elements from pairwise comparison matrices in the AHP framework and an additive value function by analysing some preference information expressed over the set of alternatives on a ratio scale.
Abstract: A special minmax goal programming model with fractional goals is formulated and then used as the basis for developing two specific MCDM methods: (1) a method to derive priorities for decision elements from pairwise comparison matrices in the AHP framework; (2) a method to assess an additive value function by analysing some preference information expressed over the set of alternatives on a ratio scale For both methods a common iterative solution procedure is proposed by using a linear programming formulation
TL;DR: This paper focuses on pairwise preference approach which permits a homogeneous treatment of different kinds of evaluations and introduces new solution concepts for ranking and choice problems.
07 Mar 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors have implemented four types of skew detection algorithms in order to investigate possible testing methodologies and tested each algorithm on a sample of 460 page images randomly selected from a collection of approximately 100,000 pages.
Abstract: Recently there has been an increased interest in document image skew detection algorithms. Most of the papers relevant to this problem include some experimental results. However, there exists a lack of a universally accepted methodology for evaluating the performance of such algorithms. We have implemented four types of skew detection algorithms in order to investigate possible testing methodologies. We then tested each algorithm on a sample of 460 page images randomly selected from a collection of approximately 100,000 pages. This collection contains a wide variety of typographical features and styles. In our evaluation we examine several issues relevant to the establishment of a uniform testing methodology. First, we begin with a clear definition of the problem and the ground truth collection process. Then we examine the need for pre-processing and parameter optimization specific to each technique. Next, we investigate the problem of establishing meaningful statistical measurements of the performance of these algorithms and the use of non-parametric comparison methods to perform pairwise comparisons of methods. Lastly, we look at the sensitivity of each algorithm to particular typographical features, which indicates the need for the adoption of a stratified sampling paradigm for accurate analysis of performance.
TL;DR: A method for obtaining non-dominated alternatives without solving the non-linear program is proposed using a simple weighted-additive function.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with the use of incomplete information about utilities and weights in multiattribute decisionmaking. Because of time pressure and/or lack of knowledge, a decision maker may only be able to provide incomplete information which might be expressed as a set of linear inequalities. If the decision maker's information on both weights and utilities is imprecisely identified, then the model for establishing pairwise dominance becomes a non-linear program. A method for obtaining non-dominated alternatives without solving the non-linear program is proposed using a simple weighted-additive function.
TL;DR: In this paper, the welfare properties of a market with pairwise meetings and asymmetric information were studied and an equivalence between asymptotically expost individually rational and asymPTotically (exante, interim and ex-post) efficient equilibrium sequences was established.
Abstract: We study the welfare properties of a market with pairwise meetings and asymmetric information, establishing an equivalence between asymptotically expost individually rational and asymptotically (ex-ante, interim and ex-post) efficient equilibrium sequences.
TL;DR: Turkey's procedure for pairwise multiple comparisons in one-way ANOVA is extended to two-way unbalanced designs and the exact and the conservative methods will be introduced.
Abstract: Turkey's (1953, The Problem of Multiple Comparisons, unpublished report, Princeton University) procedure is widely used for pairwise multiple comparisons in one-way ANOVA. It provides exact simultaneous pairwise confidence intervals (SPCI) for balanced designs and conservative SPCI for unbalanced designs. In this paper, we will extend Turkey's procedure to two-way unbalanced designs. Both the exact and the conservative methods will be introduced. The application of the new procedure is illustrated with sample data from two experiments.
14 Oct 1996
TL;DR: A reference framework supporting management in correctly using quantitative information and choosing the scale of measure in the pairwise comparison procedure is suggested, in order to avoid distortions in the evaluation of alternatives according to both qualitative and quantitative criteria.
Abstract: Since the seminal work of Saaty (1977), the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) has been widely applied in a large number of decision problems, that show the potential of this methodology in addressing trade offs among quantitative and qualitative measures. Even if the theoretical basis of the AHP are quite sound, some areas need further research. One of those areas concerns the interaction of tangible and intangible measures. In particular, two major critical points can be evinced: how to use quantitative measures expressed in a standard scale within the AHP framework; and how to compose quantitative and qualitative information in an unbiased way. The objective of this paper is to suggest a reference framework supporting management in correctly using quantitative information and choosing the scale of measure in the pairwise comparison procedure, in order to avoid distortions in the evaluation of alternatives according to both qualitative and quantitative criteria.
14 Oct 1996
TL;DR: A method of constructing the pairwise comparison matrix in the decision-making problems by utilizing the "forced consistency" technique and an effective way of extracting decision-maker's will on the independent data is discussed.
Abstract: As a way of scoring human's subjectivity, the pairwise comparison technique has been widely used. This paper proposes a method of constructing the pairwise comparison matrix in the decision-making problems. The "forced consistency" technique in which the decision-maker gives only independent entries, is utilized to avoid considerable labor and time for giving data. In fact, the labor to give pairwise comparison entries increases extraordinary as increasing the number of evaluation items. Furthermore, as the entries (except independent entries) are given by the calculation, there exist no numerical inconsistencies for the entries. In the paper, an effective way of extracting decision-maker's will on the independent data is discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a large-sample post hoc procedure for pairwise comparisons of proportions that was recently proposed by Cox and Key in 1993 is discussed, problems with the procedure are discussed, and a correct procedure is described.
Abstract: This article focuses on a large-sample post hoc procedure for pairwise comparisons of proportions that was recently proposed by Cox and Key in 1993. Problems with the procedure are discussed, and a correct procedure is described. The method is then extended to planned comparisons of proportions.
TL;DR: It is found that hierarchical partitioning methods perform significantly better than the linear method with respect to predictive validity and structural validity when task predictability is higher, and particularly when degrees of freedom are low.
Abstract: We employ a bankruptcy prediction task to compare the validity of linear compensatory models of judgment to a nonlinear, noncompensatory model of judgment (hierarchical partitioning) given two levels each of task predictability and degrees of freedom. We compare these modeling methods on three measures of validity (predictive, diagnostic, and structural). To aid model comparison, information acquisition protocols are used to develop benchmark measures of cue importance. We find that hierarchical partitioning methods perform significantly better than the linear method with respect to predictive validity and structural validity when task predictability is higher, and particularly when degrees of freedom are low. Measures of diagnostic validity are consistently higher for the hierarchical model, but no pairwise comparison is found to be statistically significant at acceptable levels.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider best fit social rankings for any individual preferences through the definition of levels of agreement between preferences and rankings, and demonstrate the possibility of non-dictatorial social choice.
Abstract: This paper explores an approach to social choice which is an alternative to Arrow's social welfare function. We consider 'best fit' social rankings for any individual preferences through the definition of levels of agreement between preferences and rankings. We thereby avoid the pairwise approach of Arrow's independence and Pareto conditions, and we demonstrate the possibility of non-dictatorial social choice. Mie consider the rationality implications of a non-unique outcome, and determine additional properties, including majority-consistency, of the Condorcet process for determining the rankings. The approach also allows an interpretation of Sen's 'impossibility of a Paretian liberal' in terms of individual agreement.
01 Jan 1996
TL;DR: A new aggregation method Minimum Distance Method (MDM) was developed to support group decision process and to help the decision makers achieve consensus under the framework of AHP and the performance of aggregation methods was evaluated by using accuracy and group disagreement criteria.
Abstract: An abstract of the dissertation of Sida Zhou for the Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Science: Engineering Management presented December 1, 1995. Title: THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AGGREGATION METHODS FOR GROUP PAIRWISE COMPARISON JUDGMENTS The basic problem of decision making is to choose the best alternative from a set of competing alternatives that are evaluated under conflicting criteria. In general, the process is to evaluate decision elements by quantifying the subjective judgments. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) provides us with a comprehensive framework for solving such problems. As pointed out by Saaty, AHP "enables us to cope with the intuitive, the rational, and the irrational, all at the same time, when we make multicriteria and multiactor decisions". Furthermore, in most organizations decisions are made collectively, regardless of whether the organization is public or private. It is sometimes difficult to achieve consensus among group members, or for all members of a group to meet. The purpose of this dissertation was two-fold: First, we developed a new aggregation method Minimum Distance Method (MDM) to support group decision process and to help the decision makers achieve consensus under the framework of AHP. Second, we evaluated the performance of aggregation methods by using accuracy and group disagreement criteria. The evaluations were performed through simulation and empirical tests.
TL;DR: The paper investigates a new type of computer interconnection structure using a combinatorial arrangement with pairwise balanced design property in which the interconnection is organized through replication of corresponding objects to provide a direct support of object-oriented constructs in distributed systems.
Abstract: The paper investigates a new type of computer interconnection structure using a combinatorial arrangement with pairwise balanced design property in which the interconnection is organized through replication of corresponding objects. The suggested system provides low access latency and reduces the communication overhead. A simulation study to evaluate the performance of this system is presented. The considered organization provides a direct support of object-oriented constructs in distributed systems.