Generating a Set of Consistent Pairwise Comparison Test Matrices in AHP using Particle Swarm Optimization

Abstract

Pairwise Comparison Matrix (PCM) play a crucial role in multi-criteria decision-making, especially within the framework of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). It is essential for an expert to systematically assess and compare alternatives, considering various criteria as part of the decision-making process. The AHP relies on consistency to ensure the accuracy of pairwise comparisons made by decision makers, increasing the overall integrity of the decision-making process. The aim of this paper is to present an approach based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) as a metaheuristic method to generate a set of consistent pairwise comparison matrices. Numerical results are presented with different sizes of matrices showing the effectiveness of our algorithm in producing acceptable matrices for the benefit of expets.