Constructing highly consistent matrices in the analytic hierarchy process

AHP provides a decision making framework by quantifying the decision elements in order to evaluate alternative solutions with respect to a specified objective in multiple criteria decision making problems. AHP uses pairwise comparison (PC) data for generating weight vectors of decision elements for final results, which limits the validity of the result with the consistency of PC matrices. Final results (resulting weight vector) can only be considered as a reliable reflection of the evaluator's opinion, if and only if relevant data is sufficiently consistent. By determining the causes of inconsistency, we develop a new method for constructing highly consistent PC matrices. This study investigates underlying reasons of inconsistency, and explores new a faciliting elicitation process to derive consistent matrices.