Part I: Quick Start Guide Part II: Tutorials

Advanced Decision Support Software for the Millennium
Part I: Quick Start Guide Part II: Tutorials

Expert Choice, Inc. 5001 Baum Boulevard, Suite 644 Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA Sales: 412-682-3844 Fax: 412-682-7008 Technical Support: 412-682-3844 info@expertchoice.com www.expertchoice.com Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Copyright !2000-2002 Expert Choice, Inc., Pittsburgh PA. Software Copyright ! 1982-2002, Patents: 4,613,946; 5,995,728; 6,067,719; other patents pending. Expert Choice, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
Credits
Based on the theory, the Analytic Hierarchy Process: Thomas L. Saaty Ph.D. System Design: Programming: Ernest H. Forman, D.Sc. Ernest H. Forman, D.Sc. Anatoly Shvartsman Michael R. Forman Deployment: Technical Support: Michael Korpics John Zottola
Documentation:
Mary Ann Selly
We wish to thank James Devlin of our Professional Services Staff for reviewing this document. Due to our commitment to constantly improve our software, as well as the documentation, this manual may not include the most current changes. Refer to on-line help for the latest changes to our documentation.
Table of Contents
Part I: Expert Choice Quick Start Guide ................................................. 1 Introduction / Installing / Starting Expert Choice ..................................... 3 Installing Expert Choice .......................................................................... 3 Starting Expert Choice ............................................................................ 4 Building An Expert Choice Model ........................................................... 5 ModelView............................................................................................... 6 Build the Model by Entering Objectives in the TreeView ........................ 8 Enter the Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane ...................................... 8 Making Judgments / Pairwise Comparisons ........................................... 9 Making Verbal Judgments for the Alternatives ....................................... 9 Calculated Priorities ................................................................................ 11 Making Numerical & Graphical Judgments for the Alternatives.............. 12 Making Judgments for the Objectives..................................................... 13 Viewing Your Results - Synthesizing ...................................................... 14 Ideal and Distributive Synthesis Modes .................................................. 15 Sensitivity Analysis.................................................................................. 16 The Ratings Approach ............................................................................ 18 Create a Ratings Model .......................................................................... 19 Defining a Ratings Formula and Ratings Intensities............................... 20 Defining a Ratings Formula..................................................................... 20 Defining Rating Intensities ...................................................................... 20 Prioritizing Ratings Intensities ................................................................. 22 Rating Alternatives with Ratings Intensities ............................................ 23 Understanding the Ratings Intensities Just Entered............................... 25 To View Totals ........................................................................................ 26 Global versus Active Alternatives ........................................................... 26 To Make an Alternative Active ................................................................ 26 To Make an Active Alternative Inactive................................................... 27 Examining Active Alternatives Priorities.................................................. 27 What To Do Next..................................................................................... 28 Part II: EXPERT CHOICE TUTORIALS.................................................. 31 About the Expert Choice Tutorials .......................................................... 33 Introduction to Expert Choice.................................................................. 35 Overview of Expert Choice Features ...................................................... 36 Group Features ....................................................................................... 37
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Table of Contents About the Internet and Intranet Features ................................................ 37 About the Keypads.................................................................................. 38 What Expert Choice is used for: ............................................................. 38 Installing Expert Choice .......................................................................... 39 Starting Expert Choice ............................................................................ 40 Conventions Used in the Tutorials .......................................................... 40 Mouse Conventions ................................................................................ 40 Using the Keyboard to Select a Menu Command................................... 41 Shortcut keys .......................................................................................... 42 Standard Editing Keys............................................................................. 42 Lesson 1 Building A Model .................................................................. 43 Overview ................................................................................................. 43 Differentiating Between Objectives and Criteria ..................................... 43 Starting / Creating a New Model (File).................................................... 44 To Create a Model .................................................................................. 45 Adding (Entering) Objectives to the TreeView ........................................ 46 Renaming Nodes and Deleting Nodes.................................................... 47 Trash Can................................................................................................ 47 Adding Sub-Objectives in the TreeView ................................................. 47 To enter the first sub-objective under an objective: ................................ 47 To enter the second sub-objective:......................................................... 48 Saving Your Model.................................................................................. 48 Moving Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy............................................. 48 Copying Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy ........................................... 49 Copying a Group of Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy......................... 49 Reverting to an Older Version of your Model.......................................... 49 Adding (Entering) Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane ......................... 50 Assessments / Pairwise Comparisons Overview.................................... 51 Changing the Paired Comparison Type.................................................. 51 Making Verbal Judgments for the Objectives ......................................... 52 Inconsistency .......................................................................................... 57 Examining and Improving Inconsistency................................................. 57 Judgments for the Sub-objectives, Using the Graphical Mode............... 59 Comparing the Alternatives, Using the Numerical Mode ........................ 60 Once All Judgments are Made and Priorities are Derived...................... 62 Redraw Commands ................................................................................ 63 Autoredraw .............................................................................................. 64 Redraw .................................................................................................. 64 Making a Factor Dormant in the Pairwise Comparison Matrix................ 64 Synthesis - Getting the Results............................................................... 65 Modes of Synthesis................................................................................. 66
ii
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Table of Contents Synthesis Commands ............................................................................. 67 Sensitivity Analyses - Graphs ................................................................. 68 Dynamic Sensitivity ................................................................................. 68 Sensitivity Command Bar........................................................................ 70 Performance Sensitivity .......................................................................... 71 Gradient Sensitivity Graph ...................................................................... 72 Head-to-Head Graph............................................................................... 73 Two-Dimensional (2D Plot) ..................................................................... 74 Lesson 2 Structuring - Another Way to Build A Model......................... 76 Overview ................................................................................................. 76 Theoretical Foundation of Structuring..................................................... 76 Building a Model Using Top-down Structuring........................................ 78 Adding / Entering Objectives................................................................... 79 Editing Objectives ................................................................................... 80 Clustering Ideas ...................................................................................... 80 Entering Alternatives ............................................................................... 83 Viewing the Hierarchy ............................................................................. 83 Grouping Nodes in the Hierarchy............................................................ 84 Building a Model Using Bottom-up Structuring ....................................... 85 Entering Alternatives ............................................................................... 86 Entering Pros and Cons of the Alternatives ............................................ 86 Viewing the All Pros and Cons List ......................................................... 88 Building the Hierarchy ............................................................................. 89 Converting the Remaining Pros and Cons to Objectives........................ 90 Information Documents ........................................................................... 92 Notes ....................................................................................................... 92 Object Linking and Embedding ............................................................... 93 How to View or Execute the Linked and Embedded Documents ........... 94 Example One: How to Open an Embedded File..................................... 94 Example Two: Another way to open an embedded file. ......................... 94 Example Three: How to Open a Shortcut (link). ..................................... 95 Lesson 3 - Data Grid and Ratings........................................................... 97 Overview ................................................................................................. 97 Why Use the Data Grid? ......................................................................... 99 When to Use Ratings .............................................................................. 99 Resizing and Moving Around the Data Grid.......................................... 102 Viewing the Totals Column ................................................................... 103 Adding an Alternative to the Data Grid ................................................. 104 Entering Ratings.................................................................................... 105 With the mouse: .................................................................................... 105
iii
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Table of Contents With the keyboard: ................................................................................ 106 Copying Formula Types ........................................................................ 107 Deleting a Formula Type....................................................................... 108 Revert Command .................................................................................. 108 Creating a Ratings Scale ...................................................................... 109 Diagonal Pairwise Comparisons ........................................................... 111 Modifying an Existing Ratings Scale..................................................... 114 Selecting Alternatives from Data Grid to Include in the ModelView...... 116 To perform sensitivity analyses on extracted alternatives: ................... 118 To derive refined priorities for the extracted alternatives by pairwise comparing ........................... 118 Entering an Ideal Alternative ................................................................. 118 Lesson 4 - Other Data Grid Functions .................................................. 121 Step Function Overview ........................................................................ 121 Creating a Step Formula From a Ratings Formula............................... 122 Steps to Create a Step Formula from Scratch ...................................... 124 Increasing or Decreasing Utility Curves Overview................................ 124 Decreasing Utility Curves...................................................................... 126 Steps to Create a Decreasing Utility Curve from Scratch..................... 131 Increasing Utility Curves ....................................................................... 131 Steps to Create an Increasing Utility Curve from Scratch .................... 134 Direct Formula....................................................................................... 134 Formula Type None .............................................................................. 135 Must Constraints ................................................................................... 135 Lesson 5 - Group Capabilities............................................................... 137 Overview ............................................................................................... 137 The Facilitator's Role............................................................................. 137 Facilitator vs. Participant Functions ...................................................... 138 What the facilitator can do..................................................................... 138 What the participant can do. ................................................................. 139 Creating a Group Model........................................................................ 139 Adding Participants to and Group Enabling your Group Model ............ 140 To enter or change participants names................................................ 141 Entering Demographic Information ....................................................... 141 Copying Judgments and/or Data when Adding New Participants ........ 141 Deleting Participants ............................................................................. 141 Things to Do Before Opening a Model for Group Use.......................... 142 Allowing New Participants to Open a Model Without Having Been Predefined................................................................................................... 142 Opening a Group Model Using Keypads .............................................. 144
iv
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Table of Contents What the Facilitator Does After a Model is Opened.............................. 144 Group Decision Making Using the Keypads ......................................... 145 Using Keypads to Make Verbal Judgments .......................................... 146 Using Keypads to Make Graphical Judgments ..................................... 147 Using Keypads to Make Numerical Judgments .................................... 148 Making Individual Judgments Using the Data Grid With Keypads........ 149 Entering a Ratings with a Keypad......................................................... 150 Entering a Step Value with a Keypad ................................................... 150 Entering Data for a Utility Curve with the Keypad................................. 151 Entering a Priority with Keypads ........................................................... 152 Facilitator Keypad ................................................................................. 152 Opening a Group Model On a Network or Internet ............................... 154 Group Decision Making Using a Network or the Web .......................... 155 Participants' Paired Comparison Judgments ........................................ 155 Making Verbal Judgments..................................................................... 156 Making Numerical Judgments............................................................... 157 Making Graphical Judgments................................................................ 159 Entering a Ratings in the Data Grid ...................................................... 161 Entering a Value in the Data Grid ......................................................... 161 When to Combine Judgments and Data ............................................... 163 Combining Judgments and/or Data ...................................................... 163 Combining from the Participants Window ............................................. 166 Combining From the ModelView........................................................... 166 Combining from the Data Grid .............................................................. 167 Access and SQL Database ...................................................................168 Upsizing from a Microsoft Access Database to a Microsoft SQL Database............ 168 Accessing and Viewing an Expert Choice SQL 7 Database................. 169 Executing an Expert Choice SQL Database ......................................... 170 Lesson 6 - Web Models and the Internet .............................................. 171 Overview ............................................................................................... 171 System Requirements........................................................................... 171 How Web Models and Expert Choice Work.......................................... 171 Setting Up a Model for Access Over the Internet or an Intranet ........... 172 Put an Expert Choice Model on the Server........................................... 172 Creating a new System Data Source Name ......................................... 172 Accessing a Model Over the Internet.................................................... 181 Logging into a model on the Server ...................................................... 182 Lesson 7 - Resource Allocation ............................................................ 184 Overview ............................................................................................... 184
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Table of Contents How to Perform Resource Allocation .................................................... 184 Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation Optimization......................... 185 Dependency Feature............................................................................. 190 Activity Level Resource Allocation Optimization ................................... 192 Appendix - Area Validation Exercise..................................................... 197 Area Validation - Numerical .................................................................. 200 Validation Questions ............................................................................. 201 Area Validation - Verbal ........................................................................ 202 Results & Conclusion ............................................................................ 203 Setting Up the Hardware Receiver, Keypads and Other Equipment. 206 What You Need to Do Before Connecting the Receiver....................... 206 Connecting the Radio Frequency Receiver .......................................... 206 Programming the Keypads.................................................................... 207 Determining the Current Internal Keypad Number ............................... 207 Programming the Keypad so the * Key Behaves as an Invert Key....... 208 Common Keypad Troubleshooting Questions ...................................... 208 How the Hardware and Keypads are Activated .................................... 209 How the Keypads Are Used .................................................................. 210 Selecting Keypad Options..................................................................... 211 Using Keypads Anonymously ............................................................... 212 Default Facilitator Menus ...................................................................... 213 Appendix of Expert Choice Terminology............................................... 215 Absolute Measurement ......................................................................... 215 Active Alternatives................................................................................. 215 Active Participants................................................................................. 215 Alternatives ........................................................................................... 215 Assessment........................................................................................... 215 Autoadvance ......................................................................................... 215 Autoredraw ............................................................................................ 216 Best Fit .................................................................................................. 216 Bottom-Up Structuring........................................................................... 216 Child Node ............................................................................................ 216 Cluster ................................................................................................... 216 ClusterView ........................................................................................... 216 Comparisons - Modes of ....................................................................... 216 Complete Hierarchy .............................................................................. 216 Covering Objective................................................................................ 217 Criterion / Criteria .................................................................................. 217 Distributive Synthesis............................................................................ 217
vi
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Table of Contents Data Grid ............................................................................................... 217 Diagonal Pairwise ................................................................................. 217 Formulas Grid ....................................................................................... 217 Gap Analysis ......................................................................................... 217 Geometric Average ............................................................................... 218 Geometric Indicator............................................................................... 218 Global Alternatives ................................................................................ 218 Global Priority........................................................................................ 218 Goal Node ............................................................................................. 218 Grandchild ............................................................................................. 218 Graphical Comparison Mode ................................................................ 218 Hierarchy ............................................................................................... 219 Incomplete Hierarchy ............................................................................ 219 Inconsistency Ratio ............................................................................... 219 Information Document........................................................................... 220 Intensity Scales ..................................................................................... 220 Invert ..................................................................................................... 220 Ideal Synthesis...................................................................................... 220 Judgment............................................................................................... 221 Local Priority ......................................................................................... 221 ModelView............................................................................................. 221 Node...................................................................................................... 221 Note....................................................................................................... 221 Numerical Comparison Mode................................................................ 221 Objective ............................................................................................... 222 Pairwise Comparisons / Paired Comparisons....................................... 222 Parent Node .......................................................................................... 222 Plex ....................................................................................................... 222 Priority ................................................................................................... 222 Redraw .................................................................................................. 222 Relative Measurement .......................................................................... 223 Ratings .................................................................................................. 223 Sensitivity Analysis................................................................................ 223 Sibling Node.......................................................................................... 223 Step Function ........................................................................................ 223 Structural Adjust.................................................................................... 223 Structuring ............................................................................................. 224 Sub-Objective (Sub-Criterion) ............................................................... 224 Synthesis............................................................................................... 224 TreeView ............................................................................................... 224 Top Down Structuring ........................................................................... 224 Utility Curves ......................................................................................... 224
vii
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Table of Contents Verbal Comparison Mode ..................................................................... 224 What-if ................................................................................................... 224
viii
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide
Part I: Expert Choice Quick Start Guide
Introduction / Installing / Starting Expert Choice

The purpose of this guide is to help you start using Expert Choice quickly. To learn more about Expert Choice refer to the Tutorials and other documents available from Expert Choices Help Menu.
Installing Expert Choice

To install Expert Choice with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP: ! Insert the CD into CD drive. If the CD does not automatically start then from Windows: 1. 2. Select Start, and then select Run. Select Browse; then select the launch.exe file from your CD Rom directory.
Follow the instructions on the screen. When prompted, type your name, company name and Expert Choice serial number.
Note: If you do not have a serial number, or do not enter a valid serial number, then only the trial version features will be enabled.
Tip: In this guide we use the words SELECT and CLICK interchangeably.
Starting Expert Choice

! ! ! From Windows click the Start key; then select Programs. From the list select Expert Choice. From the second list, select Expert Choice.
Alternatively, if an Expert Choice icon has been installed on your desk-top you can click the icon.
Building An Expert Choice Model

After starting Expert Choice a Welcome Dialogue box will appear with a blank ModelView window consisting of three panes in the background. To create your new model, Choosing a Vacation Spot, perform the following steps: ! Using the Welcome to Expert Choice dialogue box, select the Create new model radio button and click OK.
Figure 1 Welcome Dialogue Box
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide Note: To open an existing model, select Recent; then select a model from the dropdown list or select Browse existing files. Tip: If you don't want use the Welcome dialogue box, select Esc; then from the ModelView, select File, then New. ! Type the name of your new model such as MyVacation, and select Open. If want to select a different directory navigate to the directory before entering the model name.
Next you must define your goal. ! ! Enter a description of your goal by typing: Choose the best vacation spot. If you made a typo, select Edit, Edit node, or alternatively, right-click on the Goal node and click Edit node. Then fix your error and press Enter.
At this point, you will have a model with only the Goal node shown in the TreeView pane. Now you will add objectives and alternatives to the vacation model.
ModelView
When you start Expert Choice the first window that appears is a blank ModelView. The ModelView is divided into three major sections or panes. ! The TreeView (the left pane) displays the Hierarchy. Figure 2 shows this; here we use the sample vacation model.
Figure 2 Sample Vacation Model
By default, nodes in the hierarchy with children (objectives) are displayed next to yellow circles, and nodes with no children are displayed next to black circles. If a node has children that have not been assessed, a red dot will appear in the center of the circle. When all objectives in the TreeView have been assessed, the circles are replaced by squares that graphically display the priority of each objective. ! ! The Alternatives pane (top-right) shows the active alternatives. The lower-right pane displays the Information Document, if available, for the current (selected) node. (This feature is explained in the Tutorials Lesson 2 and in Expert Choice Contents and Index.) Note: The appearance of the ModelView can be altered by accessing the menu command Tools, Options, View.
Build the Model by Entering Objectives in the TreeView

Figure 2, on the previous page, shows an example of what your model might look like. To build a similar model, you will insert your objectives (criteria) for your vacation. We suggest you limit the number of objectives to four. You might choose from objectives such as cost, climate, nightlife, shopping, recreational activities and ease of getting to the vacation destination. ! ! ! Select Edit; then select Insert Child of the Current Node. Type over the highlighted text and enter the first objective, Activities. When done press Enter. The next node will be displayed; type Arts and Culture. Press Enter.
! !
Repeat the last two steps to enter Sights and Low Cost. After entering Low Cost a blank node will appear, press Enter or Esc to end the insertion process.
If you get interrupted in the above process, click an objective; then click Edit, Insert Sibling of the Current Node to continue entering objectives on the same level as the current node. Tip: To enter sub-objectives for a node, click an objective; then click Edit, Insert Child of the Current Node. To delete a node, click Edit, Delete Node.
Enter the Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane

! Select Edit; then select Alternative, Insert and type the alternative name, Orlando. Press Enter. Alternatively right-click in the alternative pane and select Insert.
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide ! Repeat the above step to enter San Francisco, then New York. (Try clicking the Add Alternative button.) Your model is now complete. Save it by selecting: File, Save. The next step in the modeling process is to make judgments / pairwise comparisons to derive priorities for the objectives with respect to the goal and for the alternatives with respect to each objective.
Making Judgments / Pairwise Comparisons

There are three ways to make pairwise comparisons: verbally, numerically and graphically. Each will be explained in this guide.
Making Verbal Judgments for the Alternatives

You can make judgments / pairwise comparisons starting with the goal and working down to the alternatives (top-down) or you can make judgments about the alternatives before making judgments about the objectives (bottom-up). The bottomup approach illustrated in this Quick Start Guide is usually better because the insights you gain about the tradeoffs among the alternatives will help in making judgments about the importance of the objectives. Note: Judgments about the relative importance of objectives are made with respect to the parent node in the hierarchy (either the Goal or a higher level objective). Judgments about relative preference of alternatives are made with respect to each covering objective. Covering objectives are the lowest level objectives against which all alternatives are judged. Thus, in this model, Activities, Arts and Culture, etc. are considered covering objectives. We will first make judgments about the preference of the alternatives with respect to the covering objective, Activities. 1. 2. Click Activities, the first objective in the hierarchy. If need be, refer to Figure 2. From the menu select Assessment; then select Pairwise. You will be taken to the Verbal comparison window (the default); see Figure 3. Since you are
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide comparing the alternatives with respect to the objective, Activities, the judgment type is preference.
Figure 3 The Verbal Comparison Window
Now select the judgment that best describes your feeling by dragging the verbal scale indicator up or down to the appropriate position. Figure 2 shows our judgment; it says that Orlando is Strongly to Very Strongly preferred to San Francisco with respect to Activities. Note: If you prefer San Francisco to Orlando, drag the indicator down. There are several ways to move the judgment indicator as described fully in on-linehelp or Lesson 1 of the Tutorials. For now, if you do not automatically advance to the next comparison to be made, either click in one of the cells in the comparison matrix after making a judgment, or, click on the word or between words to the right
10
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide of the slider when making your judgment. Tip: The numerical representations of judgments displayed in black in the matrix signify that the row element is preferred to the column element. Judgments shown in red indicate that the column element is preferred to the row element. A numerical representation of a judgment does not necessarily mean that one element is preferred to the other by the numerical amount. (See the Expert Choice Contents and Index for an explanation of the meaning of the verbal scale.) 3. Repeat the process above until all comparisons for Activities have been made. Note: The Inconsistency, shown in the bottom left cell of the matrix, is explained fully in the tutorial lessons. If the Inconsistency is higher than .1, see "Examining and Improving Inconsistency" in Expert Choice Contents and Index. 4. After all judgments are made, you will be prompted to "Record Judgments and Calculate", select Yes; you will be returned to the ModelView.
Calculated Priorities
Priorities for the alternatives with respect to Activities have been automatically calculated and are displayed in the Alternative Pane of the ModelView. Figure 4 shows our priorities for the alternatives with respect to Activities. If the resulting relative local priorities do not adequately represent your feelings, you can repeat the pairwise comparison process using the verbal mode or switch to either the graphical or numerical mode. To do this, click one of the three pairwise comparison tabs , , . Once you select a mode that makes the most sense for you, use that mode to make all judgments for current set of factors being compared.
11
Figure 4 Derived Priorities of the Alternatives with Respect to Activities
Tip: You can also calculate priorities from any paired comparison mode by clicking the Calculate Icon. Refer to Lesson 1 of the Tutorials for more information about this option.
Making Numerical & Graphical Judgments for the Alternatives

! Click the next objective, Arts and Culture, and repeat the Assessment Pairwise process by clicking , to continue making verbal judgments. If desired,
12
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide select either the other modes. or tab to make judgments using one of the
Note: The Numerical mode operates in fashion similar to the Verbal mode. The Graphical mode operates by dragging your preferred comparison bar with the mouse.
! !
Repeat the pairwise comparison process for Sights using the Graphical tab. Repeat the pairwise comparison process for Low Cost using the Numerical tab.
Tip: When comparing the preference with respect to Costs, the alternative that costs less is more preferable. Note: You can derive priorities directly from actual costs by using the Data Grids Utility Function as described in the Tutorials or in the Expert Choice Contents and Index.
Making Judgments for the Objectives

! ! Click the goal node. Select Assessment; then select Pairwise to repeat the paired comparison process to make judgments about the importance of the objectives with respect to the goal. Use the Verbal mode. Instead of responding yes to "Record Judgments and Calculate", click No. Click the calculate button to display the priorities of the objectives. If these priorities are what you think they should be, then press Enter or click on ; otherwise, click on the verbal comparison tab the ModelView tab to redo some or all of your judgments. Now you should have made judgments for all factors (objectives and alternatives) in your model. Next we show you how to get your results and perform sensitivity analyses.
! ! !
13
Viewing Your Results - Synthesizing

After all the judgments in your model have been made and priorities have been calculated, a synthesis is automatically performed. When focus is returned to the ModelView the priorities for the alternatives are shown in the Alternatives pane; see Figure 5. The priorities of the objectives are also shown in the TreeView in both graphic and numerical form.
Figure 5 ModelView Showing the Synthesized Results with respect to the Goal
14
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide To examine the synthesis: ! ! ! Select Synthesize, With respect to the Goal to produce the display shown in Figure 6. To view the details, click the Details tab. Select Show Totals, By Alternatives to see the breakdown of priorities.
Note: Decision hierarchies with more levels will have additional details. The column headings of the "Details grid" can be dragged and dropped in different positions to show different views of the results. If you have a compatible version of Microsoft Excel, you can use the Edit Pivot Table command to create an Excel Pivot Table.
Figure 6 Synthesis Window
Ideal and Distributive Synthesis Modes

The difference in results obtained using the ideal or distributive synthesis modes is usually negligible and more of theoretical than practical interest. The Ideal synthesis mode is the default and should be used, as in this case, when you are choosing one
15
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide alternative and dont really care about the alternatives you do not choose. For more information about the Ideal and Distributive modes consult the Expert Choice Contents and Index. ! ! Click Summary; then click Distributive and if desired look at the details. Now click Ideal. This step will return you to the default setting.
Now you are ready to examine the graphic sensitivity analyses of your results. ! Close the synthesis window and return to the ModelView.
Sensitivity Analysis
The five graphic sensitivity analyses show how the alternatives' priorities change when the objectives' priorities increase or decrease. Four of the five sensitivity analyses are shown in Figure 7: Performance, Dynamic, Gradient, and Head to Head. Figure 8 shows the fifth sensitivity analysis, Two Dimensional Plot.
Figure 7 Sensitivity Graphs: Performance, Gradient, Dynamic and Head to Head
16
Figure 8 Two Dimensional Plot
! ! ! ! ! !
From the ModelView click Sensitivity-Graphs Select Dynamic Drag an objective bar back and forth to see the effect. Now vary another objective. Reset your priorities to the original by clicking the Home icon Click Window; click Open Four.
Click the Performance graph, drag another objective and notice how all graphs change. Note: You can dynamically vary three out of five graphs (Dynamic, Performance and Gradient) by dragging the objective bars. Experiment changing other graphs. Note that each graph has different menus and commands.
To view the fifth graph, click the 2D button from the active graph menu bar.
17
For more information about these graphs as well as other commands not discussed in building a model, making pairwise comparisons, synthesizing or performing sensitivity analyses, refer to the Expert Choice Contents and Index. Lesson 1 of the Tutorials will also be helpful.
The Ratings Approach

Overview
If we had a large number of alternatives (possibly hundreds or thousands) to evaluate, it would not be practical to make pairwise comparisons of all the alternatives. Instead, a ratings approach could be used to rate the alternatives against some defined scale(s) using what we call rating intensities. This process of rating alternatives against intensities, or standards is sometimes referred to as performing absolute measurement. We will illustrate this process by: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Adding a couple of more alternatives to the model we just created. (The same process can be used to add hundreds or thousands.) Defining a Ratings formula for each covering objective (lowest level subobjective). Defining rating intensities for each Ratings formula. Deriving priorities for the intensities. Rating each of the alternatives using the intensities defined and prioritized in steps 3 and 4.
18
Create a Ratings Model

If need be start Expert Choice and open your vacation model by: ! Selecting File; then from the bottom of the drop-down list that displays the last four models opened, click 1 for the first file on the list. Make a copy of this model by: ! ! Selecting File, Save As; then type a new filename, MyVacationRatings. From the ModelView, select Go, Data Grid, or click the Data grid tab. Figure 9 shows the Data Grid with the alternatives in the rows and the covering objectives in the columns. (To change how the Data Grid is displayed, use Tools Options View command and refer to Expert Choices Contents and Index.)
Figure 9 Data Grid
19
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide ! Click the first blank cell below New York in the Alternatives column, and type another place such as Hawaii. Repeat for one or two more cities.
Defining a Ratings Formula and Ratings Intensities

Defining a Ratings Formula
! ! From the Data Grid, right-click on the cell with the first covering objective, Activities. Select Formula type, Ratings. When asked if is ok to replace any pairwise comparisons, click OK. Note: In practice when developing a model you will either make pairwise comparisons for the alternatives with respect to a given covering objective OR select a formula type, not both. You should now be at the Ratings Intensities Definition window where you will define intensity names and derive priorities for the intensities using pairwise comparisons.
Defining Rating Intensities

Figure 10 shows three intensities (Many, Some, and Few) that we defined for the covering objective, Activities. Tip: It is usually best to have defined at least five intensities per factor to better reflect a wider range of preferences. For brevity we have only defined three.
20
Figure 10 Activities Intensities Definition Window
Now type one intensity name per row.
TIP: Intensities, if previously defined in your model, will also appear in a list to the right of the priority; this is only shown when you are positioned at a blank intensity name cell. If you want to use an intensity name previously used in another Ratings formula click an intensity in the list. Now that you have defined a Ratings Formula and associated intensities you are ready to prioritize the intensities.
21
Prioritizing Ratings Intensities

1. Now that you have entered the last ratings intensity in the Ratings Definition window, click Assess to make pairwise comparisons. You will be taken to one of the three pairwise comparison modes. For example, if the last comparison mode used was Graphical it would be displayed. To select another mode, click the appropriate tab. 2. After making pairwise comparisons for the intensities, you will be asked to record your judgments, click Yes. You will be returned to the Ratings Intensities Definition window that will now display the derived priorities. Figure 10 shows our derived priorities. If you said No, you would stay at the pairwise window so you could change judgments. After making changes, click the Calculate icon. Then the new priorities will be shown; next press Enter to return to Ratings Intensities Definition window. Figure 11 shows our derived priorities; now make your own comparisons.
22
Figure 11 Ratings Intensities Priorities for Activities
3. 4.
If desired, you can sort the intensities by priority, by selecting the Sort button (They will be sorted automatically when you are returned to the Data Grid.) Click the Close button to return to the Data Grid.
Now you are ready to rate each alternative with respect to Activities.
Rating Alternatives with Ratings Intensities

Now you will rate each alternative with respect to the covering objective, Activities, for which a formula type of Ratings has been defined. Figure 12 shows a sample Ratings Intensity Scale on the Data Grid. The scale is located above the data entry area. This figure also shows the information document about the Activities objective; to learn more about this refer to Expert Choice
23
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide Contents and Index, or Tutorial 2. Figure 12 also shows our ratings that will be explained shortly.
Figure 12 Sample Ratings Intensities Shown on Data Grid
Use your scale when entering your own Ratings. ! ! First click the cell to be rated. Enter your rating in any one of the following five ways: 1. 2. Click on a Rating Intensity such as Medium. The Ratings intensity names are listed in line one of the scale. Type the first letter of the Ratings name; if the first letter is not unique enter the second letter and so on until the Rating is entered.
24
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide 3. Type a number in the cell to designate an intensity, such as 2 for Medium. Numbers, short-hand notation for an intensity name, are shown on line two of the Ratings Scale. The number in parentheses represents the derived priority. Click and drag a bar in a cell. Type a number between 0 and 1 to assign a priority, such as .345 Don't forget the decimal point.
4. 5.
Tip: To enter a value between two intensities type a decimal value between the two priorities shown in the Ratings scale. Note: In practice you would build a model, make pairwise comparisons for each objective with respect to the goal and, if applicable, define each covering objectives formula such as Ratings. Then you would rate each alternative with respect to its covering objective formula/standard. This is especially true if you are using Expert Choice Group in a team setting.
Understanding the Ratings Intensities Just Entered

Look at the cells in the Data Grid where you have just entered ratings. The words represent the intensity name, while the bars represent the priority. If you entered a value between zero and one, or dragged a bar then the numeric representation is the value entered. Figure 12 on page 24 shows our entries. The ratings entered for Orlando and New York are the results of dragging a bar. The rating entered for San Francisco was made by typing "S" for some. ! ! To view all values select View, Values. Then switch back to words representing Ratings intensities by selecting View, Data.
You can, of course define ratings formulas for the other covering objectives columns. You can also copy formulas from one covering objective to another. (For more information, see Expert Choice Contents and Index as well as the Tutorials).
25
To View Totals
! ! Select View, Totals column to see priorities for the alternatives. Right-click on the Totals column; select Normalize and examine each of the normalization options. The ratios of the priorities remain the same regardless of the normalization. Make sure the Ideal Mode is shown in the top left cell of the grid; if Distributive is shown, click the cell to switch to the Ideal mode. Select Totals, Normalize, Priority and jot down the priorities for one or more alternatives to compare to what you will see in the section entitled "Examining Active Alternatives Priorities".
! !
Before ending this Quick Start Guide we explain the difference between global and active alternatives.
Global versus Active Alternatives

Global Alternatives refer to all alternatives shown on the Data Grid. Alternatives can only be deleted from the model from the Data Grid. If you want to include a subset of the global alternatives in the ModelView's Alternative pane you must select and extract them Active Alternatives refer to the subset of alternatives shown in the ModelView's Alternative Pane. When alternatives are added to the model from the Alternatives Pane they are automatically added to the Data Grid. However, alternatives added to the Data Grid do not appear in the ModelView until they are made "active".
To Make an Alternative Active

! ! Check-mark the desired alternative by right-clicking (check them all now). Extract the selected Global alternatives to the hierarchy by selecting Edit, Extract to Hierarchy. 26
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide Now you will be returned to the ModelView where you can examine the extracted alternatives.
To Make an Active Alternative Inactive

! ! Repeat the above process to remove the check-mark, or From the ModelViews Alternative pane, right-click on the alternative to be inactivated; then select Inactivate.
Examining Active Alternatives Priorities

! From the ModelView, click the Goal. Observe that all the alternatives priorities are shown in the Alternatives pane. They will be close to, or exactly the same as those displayed on the Data Grid. They will be exact if at least one cell in every column of the Data Grid has a priority of 1; see Figure 13. This is true for pairwise comparisons, Ratings, and the other Data Grid Formula types. If this is not the case, you can use the Ideal alternative option explained in Expert Choice Contents and Index and the Tutorials to achieve the desired normalization.
27
Figure 13 Each Covering Objective has an Ideal Alternative
One reason for extracting alternatives is to perform sensitivity plots, which you can do now if you like. Another reason for extracting alternatives is to refine the priorities by making pairwise comparisons as explained in the Expert Choice Contents and Index, as well as the Tutorials.
What to Do Next
To learn more about Expert Choice including how to enter data and define formulas such as Ratings, Step Functions, and Increasing and Decreasing Utility Curves refer to the Tutorials that can be accessed from the Expert Choice Help Menu; sample models are found in a directory under the root called ecsamples. A brief description of each tutorial follows. Lesson 1: Quickly review how to build a model.
28
Expert Choice Quick Start Guide Lesson 2: Lesson 3: Lesson 4: Lesson 5: Learn another way to build a model using Structuring. Review what you learned about Ratings. Learn how to use the other Data Grid formula types. Learn how to enable a model for use with a group using Expert Choice Group. This includes learning how to use Expert Choice Group with an audio-response system using radio frequency keypads. This feature provides you with a portable decision conference room. Learn how to access a Web model using Expert Choice Group. Learn how to use the Resource Allocation component to select a combination of alternatives that maximize (optimize) the attainment of objectives while not exceeding a specified budget. Only available in the group versions of Expert Choice.
Lesson 6: Lesson 7:
Other modeling techniques especially adapted for use with Expert Choice can be found in the book Decisions By Objectives, available on the Expert Choice CD. This ends the Quick Start Guide. To learn more about Expert Choice don't forget to visit www.expertchoice.com.
29
30
Expert Choice Tutorials
Part II: EXPERT CHOICE TUTORIALS
31
Expert Choice Tutorials
32
Expert Choice Tutorials Introduction
About the Expert Choice Tutorials

The purpose of the tutorials is to teach you how to use the major features of the Expert Choice software. Consider the decision process involved in purchasing a laptop computer. When people buy a laptop, they usually have several objectives they want to satisfy before they will be happy with their selection. Examples of these objectives may be to maximize performance and reliability, while minimizing cost. Performance might include sub-objectives of speed, capacity, display quality, storage capacity, etc. In the following tutorials you will learn how to use Expert Choice to evaluate alternatives and measure their relative benefits to the decisionmaker(s) objectives. ! Lesson 1, Building a Model, will guide you through building a hierarchical model with objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives, viewing the overall results (synthesis) and performing sensitivity analyses. Lesson 2, Structuring, illustrates other ways to build a model. With the top-down approach, you cluster objectives and then add alternatives. With the bottom-up approach you convert alternatives' pros and cons to objectives. Lesson 3, the Data Grid, explains the grid and demonstrates Ratings, the first of several different approaches for applying values to a model. Lesson 4 continues to explain the remaining Data Grid approaches including: Step Functions, Increasing and Decreasing Utility Curves, and Entering Priorities Directly. ! Lesson 5, is for those who purchased Expert Choice Group. It shows you how to use the group version in a team setting using either a local area network or the Internet. Lesson 6, Web Models and the Internet is a step-by-step guide that demonstrates how to access the Web models. Lesson 7, the Resource Allocation component is a way to select a combination of alternatives that maximize (optimize) the attainment of objectives while not exceeding a specified budget. Appendix Area Validation Exercise shows you how Expert Choice converts seemingly meaningless words into accurate ratio scale priorities. 33
! !
Expert Choice Tutorials Introduction We recommend that you perform each exercise in order. Lesson 2, Structuring, can be bypassed although it is highly recommended. You can perform the area validation exercise after performing Lesson 1. Lessons 3, 4 and 5 describe various functions of Expert Choice; at the beginning of each section we reference models that are found in the sample models directory (ecsamples) under the root. We also recommend that you use the Expert Choice Contents and Index found on the Help Menu when using Expert Choice as this document contains information not presented here.
34
Introduction to Expert Choice

Expert Choice (EC) software is a multi-objective decision support tool based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a mathematical theory first developed at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania by one of Expert Choice's founders, Thomas L. Saaty. The AHP is a powerful and comprehensive methodology designed to facilitate sound decision making by using both empirical data as well as subjective judgments of the decision-maker. The AHP assists with the decision making process by providing decision-makers with a structure to organize and evaluate the importance of various objectives and the preferences of alternative solutions to a decision. Following are the steps used in AHP and EC: ! ! ! Brainstorm and structure a decision as a hierarchical model Pairwise compare the objectives and sub-objectives for their importance in the decision Pairwise compare the alternatives for their preference with respect to the objectives, or assess them using one of the following: Utility curves, Ratings or Step function, or enter priorities directly ! ! Synthesize to determine the best alternative Perform sensitivity analysis
Expert Choice has a unique method of using pairwise comparisons to derive priorities that can more accurately reflect your perceptions and values than any other way. Expert Choice synthesizes or combines the priorities that you derive for each facet of your problem to obtain the overall priorities of your alternatives. By performing "what-if" and sensitivity analyses, you can quickly determine how a change in the importance of an objective would affect the alternatives of choice. If the results of your decision model differ from your intuition; you can modify the model and/or judgments until the model incorporates your intuition. Then the model results will either change to conform to your "gut" feeling, or your intuition will change based upon your modeling. In the former case, you will not only have verified your "gut" feeling, but you will have a detailed justification, if one is 35
Expert Choice Tutorials Introduction required. In the latter case, you will have learned something and avoided a costly mistake. Expert Choice with group capability provides for the synthesis of different peoples' judgments. Expert Choice and Expert Choice Group are also useful for forecasting, assessing risk and uncertainty, and deriving probability distributions.
Overview of Expert Choice Features

These are some of the features available in Expert Choice. ! ! User friendly displays that make decision model building straightforward and simple ModelView containing either a TreeView or ClusterView presentation of the decision hierarchy (objectives, sub-objectives), alternatives, pros and cons, and rich text end-user documentation in the form of Information Documents. TreeView with automatic expansion and collapsing of branches including: Long objectives/names of the criteria to allow for in-depth explanations Drag and drop manipulation of objectives and sub-objectives in the TreeView or ClusterView Unlimited Levels in Hierarchy Build larger, more complex decision models Information Documents Easily accessible from most windows, enabling you to import videos, sound or text or even run other programs. Notes Another form of documentation, where each group participant can enter their own comments related to the decision process Data Grid Approaches Increasing and Decreasing Utility Curves Step Function Ratings
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
36
Expert Choice Tutorials Introduction ! ! Direct Entry of Priorities Data Conversion The ability to rapidly convert large amounts of raw data from existing databases to prioritized information to be used for decisionmaking. Printing/Reporting Easily exportable reports to Microsoft Word and Excel.
Group Features
! ! ! Internet and Intranet capabilities for group decision-making. Reply System Keypad capability for group decision-making Resource Allocation a way to select a combination of alternatives that maximize (optimize) the attainment of objectives while not exceeding a specified budget. This module is available for our group enabled versions for an additional fee.
About the Internet and Intranet Features

In addition to the features described above Expert Choice Group is a decisionsupport software tool designed to help groups enhance the quality of their decisions by bringing structure to the decision making process. It enables group members any place in the world to solve decisions together through the Internet. The Web capability works as a virtual meeting place allowing for each participant's input to be officially heard and included in the final decision. This not only reinforces buy-in from all members but also saves on travel time and costs. Expert Choice Group helps participants of a group define objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives and then organize them into a structured hierarchical tree. Once participants compare and prioritize the relative importance of the decision objectives, Expert Choice Group is then used to synthesize the group's judgments to arrive at a conclusion. Then the group can examine how changing the priorities of any objective affects the outcome by manipulating one of four dynamic sensitivity graphs. By keeping the participants focused on the problem, Expert Choice Group contributes to more efficient use of meeting time.
37
About the Keypads

If Expert Choice Group is keypad enabled you can create a group decision room where members of your team can brainstorm and answer questionnaires. Then the results can be structured into a decision hierarchy. Using the electronic keypads, up to 150 people can make judgments about the objectives or sub-objectives and alternatives of a decision problem. Like the Internet version, the keypad version keeps the participants focused on the problem, while contributing to more efficient use of meeting time.
What Expert Choice is used for:

Expert Choice is designed to help individuals and groups in the analysis, synthesis and justification of complex decisions and evaluations. Thousands of businesses and government agencies worldwide use Expert Choice for a variety of applications including: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Resource Allocation Source Selection Human Resource Management Employee Performance Evaluation Salary Decisions Formulating Marketing Strategy Selecting Alternatives Predicting Likely Outcomes Analytical Planning Facilitating Group Decision Making Benefit/Cost Analysis
38
Expert Choice Tutorials Introduction ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Engineering Design Evaluations Production and Operations Management Policy Formulation and Evaluation Evaluating Acquisitions and Mergers Supplier Evaluation Credit Analysis Customer Feedback IT Portfolio Management Product Pricing Decisions Innovation Management
Installing Expert Choice

To install Expert Choice with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 or higher, Windows 2000 and Windows XP: ! Insert the CD into CD drive. If the CD does not automatically start then from Windows: 1. 2. ! Select Start, and then select Run. Select Browse; then select the launch.exe file from your CD Rom directory.
Follow the instructions on the screen. When prompted, enter your name, company name and Expert Choice serial number. Note: If you do not have a serial number or do not enter a valid serial number, then only the trial version features will be enabled.
39
Tip: In this guide we use the words SELECT and CLICK interchangeably.
Starting Expert Choice

! ! ! From Windows click the Start button; then select Programs. From the list select Expert Choice. From the second list, select Expert Choice.
Alternatively, if an Expert Choice icon has been installed on your desk-top you can click the icon.
Conventions Used in the Tutorials

! Window refers to one of several EC windows: ModelView Data Grid Formulas ! Pane is a portion of a window. A window can have several panes that change as different portions of Expert Choice are accessed. For example, the ModelView has 3 panes.
Mouse Conventions
If you have a multiple-button mouse, the left mouse button is the primary mouse button, unless you have configured it differently. Any procedure that requires you to click the secondary button will say, right-click.
40
Expert Choice Tutorials Introduction Click Select, then Items following the word "Click" will appear in bold typeface. Press the mouse button once on the menu bar item. Move the cursor to the specified item within the sub-menu and press the mouse button again or slide the cursor to the specified item and release the mouse button. For example: Select File, then Open. Then move the mouse to the word File on the menu bar and click once. Move the mouse to the word Open on the drop-down menu and click once. Drag Press and hold the left-mouse button on the indicated item as you move the mouse to the designated location, dragging the item with the mouse pointer, and then release the mouse button on the desired destination. When you are required to enter data, we use the word "Type", followed by what is to be entered in bold print; for example: Type Performance Click and drag the arrows on a scroll bar, located at the right-side or bottom of a window, to scroll within a window.
Type
Scroll Bars
Using the Keyboard to Select a Menu Command

Special keys are in bold and should be pressed to perform an action include: Enter, Esc, F1, Tab, Alt. For example, you can press Alt plus F to select the Files command from the menu bar. This will drop the file menu down and you can then select the item you want by again pressing one of the underlined keys. Obtaining Help Press Alt H, or press the function key, F1. Hot Keys Most menu items have hot keys that are underlined and can be invoked by pressing the Alt key in combination with the hot key. The hot keys may not be underlined in Windows 2000 until the Alt key is pressed.
41
Expert Choice Tutorials Introduction Shortcut keys Shortcut keys exist for some, but not all of the menu commands. You can see the shortcuts when a drop-down menu is selected using the keyboard or the mouse. Standard Editing Keys Text can be edited using the same keys you would use for a typical word processor.
arrow keys
(" , # , $ , %)
Delete backspace key (") Home End
move the cursor horizontally and vertically through the text deletes character immediately to the right of the cursor deletes character immediately to the left of the cursor moves the cursor to the beginning of the line moves the cursor to the end of the line
42
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model
Lesson 1 Building A Model

Overview
This lesson describes how to build an Expert Choice model. In this lesson you will learn how to insert objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives into the decision model, make judgments (paired comparisons), synthesize to get your results and view sensitivity analyses. Building a hierarchy is as much an art as it is a science. Following are guidelines that you need to keep in mind before beginning to build any model. Guideline 1: Try not to include more than nine elements in any cluster because experiments have shown that it is cognitively challenging for human beings to deal with more than nine factors at one time and this can result in less accurate priorities. Guideline 2: Try to cluster elements so that they include elements that are "comparable", or do not differ by orders of magnitude. In other words, try not to include items of very small significance in the same cluster as items of greater significance. The purpose of a hierarchy is to cluster the more important elements with each other and the less important elements with each other. By keeping these two simple guidelines in mind, you will be able to model complex decisions correctly and efficiently.
Differentiating Between Objectives and Criteria

In practice, the words objectives and criteria are used interchangeably. An objective is something that is sought after or aimed at, whereas, a criterion is a principle or a standard that an idea or objective is judged by. When dealing with choice models, we will use the word objectives rather than criteria because it better describes the purpose of the evaluation to select the alternative that best meets an individuals or groups objectives.
43
Starting / Creating a New Model (File)

In this lesson we are going to build a new model. Figure 1 shows our ModelView window consisting of three panes that contains our completed model. If you make the same judgments that we suggest during this lesson then your model will look like this.
Figure 1 Lesson One Sample Model
TreeView pane displays the hierarchical listing of the objectives and subobjectives. This is where you will enter the objectives and sub-objectives of your decision. Each element in the TreeView is also referred to as a Node. Alternatives pane displays the active alternatives. Alternatives can be added to your model from this pane or from the data grid (the latter to be explained in Lesson 3).
44
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model Information document pane displays information about the highlighted objective or alternative in either the TreeView or Alternatives pane.
To Create a Model
! Click the windows Start key, select Programs; select Expert Choice program group and then select Expert Choice.
Tip: If you have already created an icon for Expert Choice on your desktop, you may double click the icon to start. ! ! Then a blank ModelView window consisting of three panes will appear with a Welcome to Expert Choice dialogue box superimposed over the ModelView. Using the Welcome to Expert Choice dialogue box, select the Create new model radio button and click OK. Note: To open a recently opened model, select Recent; then select a model from the drop-down list or select Browse existing files. Tip: If you don't want use the Welcome dialogue box, select Esc; then from the ModelView, select File, then New. ! ! A dialogue box will appear, that prompts you to type a file name. Type Laptop; then click Open. Another dialogue box will appear prompting you to "Enter a description for your goal." Type To purchase a laptop computer; then click OK.
Notice your model has no elements below the goal; this is indicated by the black circle next to your goal description. Now you will enter the objectives and subobjectives of your decision model.
45
Adding (Entering) Objectives to the TreeView

To enter your first objective: ! ! Select Edit, then Insert Child of Current Node, then a node will appear below the Goal. Type your first objective, Performance: a laptop that is fast and holds a lot of data, then press Enter.
Tip: A quick way to insert an objective is to right-click on the Goal and select Insert Child of Current Node from the drop down menu. Once you have entered an objective, you may right-click on it and select Insert Sibling of Current Node to enter other objectives on the same level. Notice that the black circle next to the Goal changed to yellow after you have entered the first objective; this means that there are items below the goal. ! Type your second objective, Reliability: a laptop that is durable, then press Enter. Notice when you add the second objective the yellow circle, to the left of the goal node, now includes a red dot in its center; this means that the objectives below the goal have not been assessed. We will now continue entering in our objectives. Notice that we briefly define our objectives to help clarify what we are trying to accomplish. ! ! ! Type your third objective, Customer Service: easily accessible Technical Support, then Enter. Type your fourth objective, Price: affordable with some bells and whistles; then press Enter. Press Enter to stop inserting children.
46
Renaming Nodes and Deleting Nodes

If you make mistakes while entering nodes or feel that you have added too many, move to the node that you would like to either be renamed or deleted and do either of the following: ! ! Select Edit, then select Edit Node to rename a node, or Select Edit, then select Delete Node to delete a node.
Trash Can
Trash receives nodes that have been deleted from the model (Edit, Delete Node) or copied using Edit, Copy Plex to Trash Can. The trash only appear on the ModelView menu bar when nodes are in trash. ! From the ModelView, select View, Trash Can or alternatively, click the Trash button. Once items are in the trash can they can be dragged and dropped back into the hierarchy by positioning the cursor over the node that will receive them.
Adding Sub-Objectives in the TreeView

In this tutorial, we will enter sub-objectives for only one of the top-level objectives. In a "real" decision model you might add sub-objectives for most top-level objectives. To illustrate how to do this, we use our objective: Performance: a laptop that is fast and can hold a lot of data.
To enter the first sub-objective under an objective:

! ! ! Click the objective, Performance, and it will become highlighted. Select Edit, then select Insert Child of Current Node. Type Speed, then press Enter.
47
To enter the second sub-objective:

! ! Type Size of Hard Drive, then press Enter. Press Enter again to stop inserting children.
Saving Your Model

Since some of your model is stored in memory versus the database, it is important to continuously save your model additions or modifications; to do so: ! Select File, then Save. Alternatively, you can click the save icon from the button bar or use the shortcut keys Ctrl S.
Tip: If you terminate your Expert Choice session now by selecting File, Exit you can easily retrieve the most recently accessed models by selecting one of the entries in the bottom portion of the File, Open menu dropdown list.
Moving Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy

You have the ability to re-order the nodes in the hierarchy any way you want. To move nodes follow the steps below. ! ! Press and hold the left mouse button while positioned on the node (objective) or its description that you wish to move elsewhere in the hierarchy. Drag that node over another node in the hierarchy where you would like it to appear, until the receiving node is highlighted; then release the mouse. The node will become the first child under the node on which it is dropped. During the move a white notepad will be dragged from one portion of the hierarchy to another. If you want the nodes of a cluster to appear in alphabetical order, select the parent of the cluster and then select Edit, Sort Cluster.
48
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model ! To rearrange nodes within a cluster, select each node within the cluster in reverse order of the way you want them to appear in the cluster and drop each in turn on the parent node of the cluster.
Copying Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy

Follow the same steps above except press the Shift key, then press and hold the leftmouse button. Drag the node to the copy location, as you do this, a notepad will be displayed.
Copying a Group of Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy

Follow the same steps above except press the Control key, then press and hold the left-mouse button. Drag the node to the copy location, as you do this, a notepad will be displayed. Then all the nodes below head of the dragged Plex will be copied below the destination node. Tip: An easier way to move and copy nodes is to drag and drop with the RIGHT mouse button. Then a list of options will appear, select one.
Reverting to an Older Version of your Model

We shall assume that you practiced moving and copying nodes in the hierarchy. To put them back to their original order: ! ! Select Edit, Revert. From the displayed Revert to box, double-click on the option "after save". This will restore your model to its form right after you executed the File, Save command in this lesson. (Should you revert to the wrong option, select Edit, Revert again and choose another option from the box.)
49
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model Note: Revert is only available during the current session or if there is an abnormal termination due to causes such as power interruptions.
Adding (Entering) Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane

To enter the alternatives into your decision model, do the following: ! Click Alternative pane. Then a dialogue box will appear which prompts you to enter an "Alternative name". Type the Add Alternative button click OK or press Enter. in the right corner of the DaVinci, then
Note: For legal reasons, we use the names of mathematicians in lieu of computer manufacturers. You may wish to enter computer manufacturer names such as IBM, Gateway, Apple, Dell, or Toshiba.
Repeat the above process to enter the remaining two alternatives, Galileo, and then Turing.
You can also enter alternatives from the ModelView by: ! Selecting Edit, then select Alternative. Now select Insert and proceed as described above.
Tip: When you see the phrase "Click OK", you have the option of doing just that or pressing the Enter key.
Now your model is complete. ! Save it by selecting File, Save.
50
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model Next you will learn how to make judgments or pairwise comparisons about the objectives and alternatives in your model.
Assessments / Pairwise Comparisons Overview

One of the major strengths of the AHP and Expert Choice is the use of pairwise comparisons to derive accurate ratio scale priorities, as opposed to using traditional approaches of "assigning weights" which can also be difficult to justify. Once your model is built, the next step is to evaluate the elements by making pairwise comparisons. A pairwise comparison is the process of comparing the relative importance, preference, or likelihood of two elements (objectives) with respect to another element (the goal) in the level above. Pairwise comparisons are carried out throughout this model to establish priorities. There are three pairwise comparison assessment modes. Verbal judgments are used to compare factors using the words Equal, Moderate, Strong, Very Strong, Extreme. Equal means the two items being compared are of equal importance to you. Extreme means an order of magnitude about 9 or 10 to 1. Judgments between these words, such as Moderate to Strong are also possible. Graphical judgments are made by adjusting the relative length of two bars until the relative lengths of the bars represent how many times more important one element is than the other. Numerical judgments are made using a nine-point scale, represent how many times one element is more important than another.
Changing the Paired Comparison Type

There are three different paired comparison types, Importance, Preference and Likelihood. Importance is most appropriate when comparing objectives or criteria. Preference is appropriate when comparing alternatives with respect to their covering objective. Likelihood is appropriate when comparing the likelihood of uncertain events or scenarios, such as in risk analysis.
51
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model To change the comparison type: ! Select Assessment, Type, and then select either: Importance, Preference or Likelihood.
Making Verbal Judgments for the Objectives

Since judgments about the relative importance of the objectives may depend on the alternatives being considered, we recommend that judgments be made from the "bottom up", that is first for the alternatives, then for the sub-objectives, and then for the objectives. However, for illustrative purposes, we will make judgments "top down" in this tutorial. ! ! From the TreeView, click the Goal (until highlighted). Then from the menu, select Assessment; then Pairwise, or simply click the Verbal tab. The Verbal pairwise window will appear. Figure 2 shows what the Verbal comparison window will look like if you make the judgments described below.
52
Figure 2 The Verbal Comparison Window
Tip: If you cannot see the lower portion of the window, enlarge it. Using the verbal comparison mode, you assess the relative importance, preference or likelihood of two elements at a time using words from Equal to Extreme. You may also select "between" Equal, Moderate, Strong, and Very Strong. You should use the word that most accurately represents your feelings. The upper portion of the Verbal Pairwise window shows two elements being compared with respect to their parent. On the right side of the Verbal Pairwise screen is the verbal judgment indicator. By clicking and dragging the indicator, either up or down, you can select the judgment that best describes your feelings. The lower portion of the window shows numerical representations of the verbal judgments; the current judgment is highlighted. Note for example, a judgment of Strong, while represented by 5, does not necessarily mean that one element is 5 times another since the priorities are derived from the set of judgments, rather than one judgment alone.
53
Now you will make judgments with respect to the objectives. To make your first judgment you will compare Performance to Reliability with respect to your goal. ! Click on Moderate, above the word "Equal" on the Verbal Judgment Indicator. We are saying that Performance is Moderately more important to you than the computer's Reliability.
As you make your first comparison, by clicking Moderate, notice that a number representing your verbal judgment is entered in the matrix and you are automatically taken to the next paired comparison to be made. (In this lesson the Autoadvance option is on. It automatically advances you to the next paired comparison. To learn about deactivation of this and other default options see Tools, Options, Calculation and refer to Expert Choice Help Contents and Index.) Tip: In our example, the objective on the top is always more important than the objective on the bottom. In the real world, if the objective on the bottom is more important than the top, select the word from the lower portion of the scale. Now make the remaining five judgments by referring to Table 1. When finished, read the additional information about entering verbal judgments before proceeding.
Table 1 Remaining Verbal Judgments under the Goal: to purchase a laptop computer
At any time you may alter your judgments by clicking on whichever judgment box in the matrix that you would like to change; then make your change using the verbal scale. There are several ways judgments can be entered with the mouse when using the Verbal comparison mode; for further information refer to context sensitive on-line help by pressing F1 from the Verbal comparison window.
54
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model One way to make Verbal judgments is to type the numerical representation of the judgment in a matrix cell. If you want to enter a judgment between two words such as "Very Strong and Extreme" you would type 8. If you do this, 8 is merely a numerical representation of the wording "Very Strong to Extreme". Refer to Table 2 Numerical Representations of Verbal Judgments. When the column element in the matrix (objective 2) is preferred to the row element (objective 1) invert the judgment by pressing Alt I or clicking the Invert button .
Table 2 Numerical Representations of Verbal Judgments
After you enter your last judgment, a dialogue box will appear asking if you want to "Record Judgments and Calculate". o Select No, and you will remain at the Verbal window where you may change judgments. Once finished reviewing and/or changing your judgments, click the Calculate button to record and calculate your priorities and display a graph of the results. See Figure 3. o If you had selected Yes, the priorities for the objectives would have been calculated and you will be returned to the ModelView window without displaying the priority graph.
Tip: When entering judgments, you may click the calculate button as long as it is colored yellow or green. The calculate button will be: Red if not enough judgments are made to calculate priorities; Green if all judgments have been made; or Yellow if you have missing judgments but there are a sufficient number to calculate priorities.
55
Figure 3 Priorities Window
Notice at the top portion of the Priorities window you have the option to: ! ! ! ! Sort by Name sorts your objectives in alphabetical order. Sort by Priority sorts your objectives in ascending order by priority. Unsort leaves the objectives in the order in which they are shown in the TreeView. If the Normalize box is checked the highest priority will be shown as a value of 1.000 while the other priorities will be displayed as a ratio with respect to the highest priority.
56
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model ! Before proceeding select File, Save to save your model.
Inconsistency
The inconsistency measure is useful for identifying possible errors in judgments as well as actual inconsistencies in the judgments themselves; this is accessed from the Priorities Window. Inconsistency measures the logical inconsistency of your judgments. For example, if you were to say that A is more important than B and B is more important than C and then say that C is more important than A you are not being consistent. A somewhat less inconsistent situation would arise if you would say that A is 3 times more important than B, B is 2 times more important than C, and that C is 8 times more important than A. In general, the inconsistency ratio should be less than 0.1 or so to be considered reasonably consistent. The priority window also shows how many missing judgments are in the set of objectives being compared.
Examining and Improving Inconsistency

After judgments have been entered, you may also request suggestions for reducing inconsistency. This can be done from any comparison mode. To see how Expert Choice helps identify inconsistencies, do the following from the Verbal comparison window: ! ! Select Inconsistency, 1st from the menu to identify the most inconsistent judgment. Select Inconsistency, Best Fit.
Figure 4 shows our Best Fit, where the judgment between Reliability and Customer Service should be Equal as indicated by the Best Fit indicator of 1.0, located above the matrix. Notice we entered a judgment of Moderate that is represented by 3. Your Best Fit might be different if you did not make the same judgments. (You should only change an inconsistent judgment if you feel that your initial comparison was in error and did not truly represent your feeling.)
57
Figure 4 Verbal Comparison Window Showing Best Fit to Reduce Inconsistency
Note: If the Best Fit is displayed in red then the column element of the matrix is preferred to the row element. To enter an inverted element in the matrix, enter your judgment and if it is not displayed in red then click the Invert Icon .
You can also view the second, third etc., inconsistent judgment by selecting an option from the Inconsistency menu. Then, if desired, you can alter the judgment. Inconsistencies can also be suggested when you have missing judgments. Tip: To view the "best fit" of any cell right-click in a selected matrix cell.
58
Judgments for the Sub-objectives, Using the Graphical Mode

Now you will make judgments (paired comparisons) with respect to the subobjectives below Performance using the Graphical comparison mode. If you made any changes to your model while you were learning how to use the Inconsistency command you might be prompted to record your judgments. Since you were experimenting, just select No. ! ! ! Click the ModelView tab. Click the objective, Performance. Click the Graphical tab. The Graphical pairwise window will appear; refer to Figure 5 when you make your comparison. Note: In this example, there is only one judgment to be made. The Graphical mode operates by clicking and dragging either comparison bar (the blue or red bar) either to the left or to the right. Tip: By dragging the top bar to the right you are saying that the objective on top is more important than the objective on the bottom, in proportion to the relative lengths of the bars. By dragging the bottom bar to the right you are saying that the objective on the bottom is more important than the objective above. Its representation is entered into the matrix in red indicating that the column element is preferred to the row element. When done dragging a bar you are prompted "Record Judgments and Calculate?" If you select Yes you are returned to the ModelView. ! ! ! Select No. Click the Calculate button to view the Priorities Graph, or Click ModelView tab to return to the hierarchy.
59
Figure 5 Graphical Comparison Window
Comparing the Alternatives, Using the Numerical Mode

Since we have now made comparisons for all the objectives and sub-objectives, it is time to make pairwise comparisons with respect to each covering objective (lowest level objective/sub-objective) and their alternatives. Now we will illustrate how to make numerical comparisons. ! ! From the TreeView, click the sub-objective, Speed Click the Numerical tab
60
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model A window will appear where you will compare your preference of the alternative computers with respect to Speed. When finished, a dialogue box will appear, prompting you to Record and Calculate Judgments. Figure 6 shows what we entered.
Figure 6 Numerical Comparison Window
If you click on the number above the slider bar you will autoadvance to the next paired comparison. Alternatively, you can drag the indicator bar to make the next judgment. Then click the next empty cell in the matrix. (Refer to on-line help to see other ways to enter judgments.) After all comparisons have been made, you will be prompted to record your judgments and return to the ModelView. From the TreeView, select Hard Drive, the next sub-objective to be compared.
! !
61
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model ! ! Select one of the modes of comparison of your choice Verbal, Graphical or Numerical. Make your own comparisons and return to the ModelView.
Tip: Remember to save your model often; then if you want to go back to an earlier version you can use the Edit Revert command. ! You can repeat the above steps until all remaining three comparisons are made, or alternatively, you can: o o o ! Select Go, Next Unassesed (to advance to the next unevaluated set of elements). Select one of the modes of comparison of your choice - Verbal, Graphical or Numerical. Repeat the above process until all judgments have been made for both the last two objectives.
Then return to the ModelView.
Tip: You can tell when comparisons have been made with respect to a node, as the red dot in the yellow or black circles of the TreeView will no longer be present.
Once All Judgments are Made and Priorities are Derived

Once priorities have been derived, the circles in the TreeView are replaced by Priority Fills; they graphically portray the derived priorities (Figure 7). These fills indicate the amount of importance of each objective or sub-objective. You can also use the View command to switch between assessed indicators (circles) and priority fills.
62
Figure 7 Hierarchy Showing Priority Fills
Before proceeding save your work. Select File, Save.
Redraw Commands
There are two redraw commands that are available when at the ModelView or Data Grid windows (lessons 3 and 4 explain the Data Grid). Each command redraws the TreeView (hierarchy) around the current node. Other redraw commands are found on the View Menu; they expand and contract nodes and display only the first level of the hierarchy. The redraw commands are useful when viewing large models; you can move to a node in the hierarchy and view what is relevant without losing your position. When at the Data Grid you can click a node in the hierarchy and you will automatically be positioned to its corresponding covering objective on the grid. See lesson 3.
63
Autoredraw
Autoredraw, the default option, automatically redraws the hierarchy about the current node. When you move to a new node in the hierarchy, Autoredraw will automatically expand the current node displaying its descendants while collapsing other branch nodes of the hierarchy. (This feature uses Expert Choice's patent 4,613,946.) Autoredraw is represented on the button bar by the left-hand. It is on when it is depressed.
Redraw
Redraw, is only available when Autoredraw is off. It manually redraws the hierarchy about the current node and does not collapse other nodes. It is represented by the right-hand Redraw button. Tip: When at the ModelView's TreeView, depressing the first letter of a node name (or a series of characters) will take you to that node.
Making a Factor Dormant in the Pairwise Comparison Matrix

Before we tell you how to synthesize to obtain the results, we want to explain how to make an element (objective or alternative) dormant so it can be excluded from being prioritized. Alternatively, if an alternative has already been prioritized it can be excluded from the results. From any pairwise comparison window: ! Press Ctrl and click a factor name (any objective or alternative located in the rows of the matrix). The row for the factor that you have selected will be blocked. In addition, any comparison made (or to be made) relating to that factor will also be blocked. Figure 8 shows this. Now press Ctrl and click on the dormant factor to make it non-dormant; any judgments previously made will be shown.
64
Figure 8 An Example of a Dormant Objective
Synthesis - Getting the Results

A synthesis can be done for either the entire model or a portion of your model. From the ModelView, select Synthesize, then With Respect to Goal. The synthesis window will appear, showing the results (see Figure 9).
65
Figure 9 Ideal Synthesis
Modes of Synthesis
In Figure 9, notice the Ideal and Distributive buttons. In our example, the Ideal mode is selected. Ideal Synthesis is the default synthesis mode. The Ideal mode assigns the full priority of each covering objective to the alternative that ranks highest under it. The other alternatives receive a percentage of the priority in proportion to the highest alternative. The Ideal Synthesis should be used when you are interested in only one alternative and the remaining alternatives are no longer relevant. Distributive Synthesis is used when you are interested in prioritizing alternatives from which you may pick more than one. The Distributive Synthesis distributes the priority of the objectives among the alternatives, thereby dividing each objective's priority into proportions relative to the percentage of the alternatives. Because each synthesis mode combines priorities differently, you will notice that each mode may yield different, although normally very similar, results.
66
Synthesis Commands
There are two synthesis tabs - Summary and Details. Summary displays bar graphs of the alternatives' priorities with respect to the node from which you performed the synthesis (in our example, the Goal). See Figure 9 above. Details displays a grid showing all the priorities and alternatives with respect to the goal or objective selected. In our example, since we selected the Goal node, we show all objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives. Figure 10 shows the details. Experiment with the other detail options and refer to the on-line help for more information.
Figure 10 Ideal Synthesis Details
67
Sensitivity Analyses - Graphs

Sensitivity analyses from the Goal node will show the sensitivity of the alternatives with respect to all the objectives below the goal. It can also be performed from the nodes under the goal if the model has more than three levels to show the sensitivity of the alternatives with respect to an objective or sub-objective. When performing a sensitivity analysis you may vary the priorities of the objectives and observe how the priorities of the alternatives would change. There are five types of sensitivity analysis. ! ! ! ! ! Dynamic Performance Gradient Head to Head Two-Dimensional (2D Plot)
You can open four types of sensitivity analyses at once or each one separately. Each graph has its own unique menu commands and each sensitivity analysis can be compared to a "what-if" analysis because the results are temporary. The remainder of this section explains each graph.
Dynamic Sensitivity
Dynamic Sensitivity analysis is used to dynamically change the priorities of the objectives to determine how these changes affect the priorities of the alternative choices. By dragging the objectives priorities back and forth in the left column, the priorities of the alternatives will change in the right column. If a decision-maker thinks an objective might be more or less important than originally indicated, the decision-maker can drag that objective's bar to the right or left to increase or decrease the objectives priority and see the impact on alternatives. Figure 11 shows a Dynamic Sensitivity graph.
68
Figure 11 Dynamic Sensitivity
! !
From the TreeView, click the Goal From the menu select Sensitivity-Graphs, then select Dynamic Experiment changing the priorities of your objectives by clicking and dragging the objective bars on the graph. Drag one objective bar back and forth and you will see the alternatives' priorities change. Also try this for the remaining objectives. To see the original priorities, click the Home button on the button bar . To view a dynamic sensitivity graph, Figure 12, showing the alternative's bars in multiple sections:
Select Options, Components
69
Figure 12 Dynamic Sensitivity with Component Option Selected
Sensitivity Command Bar

While viewing any sensitivity analysis, you can hold your mouse over each icon under the menu bar to show you what it represents. Each graph has different icons as well as different menus. Note: You can have multiple graphs open at the same time. However, if desired, you can close all graphs by clicking the X icon.
70
Performance Sensitivity
To see the Performance Sensitivity graph: ! Click the appropriate button on the Dynamic graph button bar. Alternatively, select Sensitivity-Graphs from the ModelView; then select Performance.
Figure 13 Performance Sensitivity
The Performance Sensitivity analysis, displayed in Figure 13, shows how the alternatives were prioritized relative to other alternatives with respect to each objective as well as overall. To see how the best computer compared to the second and third computers, read the overall priority from the intersection of "right y-axis" and the overall priority for each alternative. In our example, DaVinci is approximately .43, Galileo is approximately .34 and Turing is approximately .24. Note the priorities for the alternatives sum to one. To read each objective's priority (based on the decision-makers paired comparisons), use the left y-axis. For example Performance is about .52 while Reliability is about .25. Customer Service is about .14 and Price is about .10. To read the alternative priorities with respect to each objective, read from the "right y-axis". In our example, using Reliability, DaVinci has priority of approximately .42; while Galileo is about .33 and Turing is approximately .24.
71
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model This graph is also dynamic, so you can temporarily alter the relationship between the alternatives and their objectives. ! ! ! Drag any one of the objective bars up or down. Restore the original priorities by clicking the Home button Select the Open Four icon from the Performance menu bar . .
Gradient Sensitivity Graph

Make the Gradient Sensitivity graph the active window by clicking the appropriate button; see Figure 14. This graph shows the alternatives' priorities with respect to one objective at a time. By clicking the menu command " X Axis", you have the ability to select which objective appears on the x-axis. The red vertical line indicates the objective's priority (based on the decision-makers paired comparisons). To indicate where an objective's priority changes drag the red bar to either the left or right; this is shown as a blue dashed vertical line. In this figure you can see that increasing the priority of Price from .09 to .30 changes the choice of the alternative with respect to Price. When viewing a Gradient graph you are looking for cross-over points of the alternatives.
72
Figure 14 Gradient Sensitivity Graph
Head-to-Head Graph
! Make the Head-to-Head graph the active window. Figure 15 shows how two alternatives compared to one another against the objectives in a decision. One alternative is listed on the left side of the graph and the other is listed on the right. The alternative on the left is fixed while the alternative on the right can be varied, by selecting a different tab on the graph. Down the middle of the graph are listed the objectives in the decision. If the left-hand alternative is preferred to the right-hand alternative with respect to an objective, a horizontal bar is displayed towards the left. If the right-hand alternative is better, the horizontal bar will be on the right. If the two choices are equal, no bar is displayed. The overall result is displayed at the bottom of the graph and shows the overall percentage by which one alternative is better than the other; this is the composite difference. The
73
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 1 Building A Model overall priority can either be shown based on the objective weights (typical) or unweighted.
Figure 15 Head to Head Graph
Two-Dimensional (2D Plot)

! From the menu bar of the last graph viewed, click the Two-Dimensional (2D Plot) button.
This graph (Figure 16) shows the alternatives' priorities with respect to two objectives at a time. By clicking the menu commands "X Axis" and "Y Axis" you have the ability to change the objectives being displayed. The area of the 2D plot is divided into quadrants. The most favorable alternatives with respect to the objectives on the two axes will be shown in the upper right quadrant (the closer to the upper right corner, the better the alternative). The least favorable alternatives will be shown in the lower left quadrant (the closer to the lower left corner, the less favorable the alternative). Alternatives located in the upper left and lower right quadrants indicate key tradeoffs where there is conflict between the two selected objectives.
74
Figure 16 2 Dimensional Plot
To close all the graphs, click the X icon on the button bar.
Now save your model by selecting File, Save. Alternatively, click the save icon from the button bar or use the shortcut keys Ctrl S.
75
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring
Lesson 2 Structuring Another Way to Build a Model

Overview
Expert Choices Structuring component is a freestyle, interactive technique for building a model. Unlike the way we built our model in Lesson 1, you can think in terms of clustering ideas that are a result of brainstorming, discussion, research and the solicitation of views and ideas from others. There are two approaches to model building in Structuring. Top-down structuring is better suited for decisions of a strategic nature where the objectives are better understood or known than the alternatives. Top-level objectives are identified followed by the identification of sub-objectives. Bottom-up structuring is best suited for situations where the alternatives are better understood than the objectives. The pros and cons of the alternatives are used to help identify the objectives that can then be clustered into groups.
Theoretical Foundation of Structuring

When using Structuring individually or with a group, top-down or bottom-up structuring provides a framework whereby decision-makers use their knowledge of the problem to identify and organize the factors (objectives and alternatives) of the decision. With a group the facilitator tracks the discussion, entering objectives and alternatives or pros and cons. Then the facilitator clusters the concepts as the participants direct. These elements are then assembled into a hierarchical model consisting of objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives. Each alternative may have advantages (pros) and/or disadvantages (cons), sometimes complicated by the fact that the pros of one alternative may be cons of another. Using Structuring, decision-makers will list positive and negative aspects of each alternative in the decision model.
76
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring The group of pros and cons is a pool of ideas that helps identify the important objectives that need to be met in order to resolve the issue. Since objectives encompass these ideas, the pros and cons will be used for creating the objectives. The conversion of pros and cons into objectives means organizing the pros and cons of each of the alternatives in relation to your main goal or objective. The pros and cons are evaluated for the alternatives and a list of objectives is developed. Often, you will then continue to cluster the objectives into additional levels of subobjectives. Structuring provides an intuitive interface to help you create a hierarchical decision model. This interface includes the following familiar concepts for model building: pros and cons, objectives, and sub-objectives. Pros and cons are translated into objectives and sub-objectives. These are actually the same as criteria and subcriteria. Generally in the Analytic Hierarchy Process objectives are synonymous with criteria, and sub-objectives are synonymous with sub-criteria. You, the decision-maker, are the one who turns pros and cons into objectives. Thus, it is important to remember that converting pros and cons to objectives is a matter of thinking about which objective(s) the pros or cons point to. More specifically, using pros and cons to derive objectives means you must re-conceptualize the pros and cons so that they are 1) described in value-neutral terms, rather than the positive and negative terms of pros and cons, and 2) specified in a general form. Making this conversion is usually easier than it may appear. For example, the pros and cons of being inexpensive or high priced in deciding which car to buy would be generalized into the objective of saving money. Another way to think about converting pros and cons into objectives is to consider how the pros and cons of an alternative can serve as indicators of what you actually want, which can then be expressed as an objective. There are two Structuring approaches to model building, bottom-up and top-down. The terms bottom-up and top-down are not based on AHP but Expert Choice users should not interpret these terms rigidly for two reasons: 1) in bottom-up structuring, regardless of how hard you try to stick with a strict bottom-up approach, you still have to start with some kind of goal in mind and the goal is always represented by the top level of the decision model; and 2) with regard to top-down modeling, Structuring provides for a freestyle, interactive "brainstorming" of the various aspects of your decision situation which is a natural, intuitive approach to building a decision model, where identifying parts of the problem is a matter of inspiration, intuition and common sense more often than a formal stepwise process, working from top to bottom. Bottom-up structuring means that you are starting construction of your decision model with the alternatives at the bottom and working "up" towards your goal. Topdown structuring means, essentially, that you are starting by listing and organizing
77
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring your objectives. The instructions for top-down structuring emphasize the freestyle interactive approach to top-down structuring because 1) discussions of induction and deduction applied to AHP model building are beyond the scope of this manual; and 2) if you know how to use formal applications of inductive and deductive logic, it is straightforward to implement them in top-down structuring once you are skilled in using Expert Choice (if, for some reason, you think you must). Emphasizing a freestyle, interactive approach to top-down structuring is the best way to lead you into becoming skilled, efficient, and comfortable with the Structuring.
Building a Model Using Top-down Structuring

Top-down structuring provides a simple format for establishing objectives and subobjectives for evaluating alternatives. ! ! ! ! Start Expert Choice. From the menu select File, New. In the dialogue box type a new file name, Vehicle; then click Open or press Enter to continue. Type the Goal Description To purchase the most preferred vehicle.
The TreeView pane now contains your goal; now you must turn on Structuring; ! ! ! From the menu, select Tools, Options; then select the General tab. In the Structuring box, select the Enable button; then select Close. From the menu, select View; then select the ClusterView pane or just click Figure 1 shows the ModelView window that now consists of a ClusterView pane; it replaced the Treeview pane used in Lesson 1. Additional buttons appear in the right corners, over both the ClusterView and Alternatives panes. ! Drag your mouse over each button to see what they do.
78
Figure 1 ModelView with ClusterView and Alternatives Panes
Adding / Entering Objectives

! ! ! Click the Objective/ criterion/ group button, located in the ClusterView pane. When a dialogue box appears, type an objective; for this lesson, type Style. A highlighted box will appear in the ClusterView containing your objective. The red dot indicates where the next objective will be placed. Tip: To position an existing objective drag it where desired. To position the placement of a new objective, click anywhere in the ClusterView; drag a box with the mouse. Next enter the objective. Now use the list below to enter the remaining objectives, repeating the same process from above.
79
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring Engine Performance Safety Price Horsepower Acceleration Crash Test Score Braking Distance Initial Cost Resale Value Note: When using the Structuring feature, it is not necessary to worry about whether a new entry is an objective or a sub-objective as you will cluster them later. ! ! ! ! If you cannot see the entire objectives name within a box select Tools, Options. You should be at the View tab. Look at the second box in the tab. Change the number of characters to 20. Select Close. Now you see the entire objectives names; that is if you typed what we suggested.
Editing Objectives
To edit an objective, double click on it.
Clustering Ideas
Once you are satisfied with the list, it is time to cluster your objectives by identifying those that belong in the same cluster and then repositioning the objectives into that
80
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring cluster. An objective that does not fit into any cluster may standalone. If you have several objectives that do not fit into any existing cluster but belong to the same cluster, simply add another objective into which these objectives can be clustered. Follow the steps below to cluster the objectives entered in the ClusterView. ! ! ! ! Click Engine Performance, the objective you want to move; it will become highlighted. Drag Engine Performance to the right of the list of objectives by pressing and holding the left-mouse button. Release the mouse when done. Click Horsepower, it will become highlighted. Drag and position Horsepower over Engine Performance. Once positioned, release the mouse button. Now Horsepower is clustered in the Engine Performance box. Cluster the remaining objectives listed below, using the same steps just described. Refer to Figure 2 below to see what our clusters look like. ! ! ! Acceleration to Engine Performance Crash Test Score and Braking Distance to Safety Initial Cost and Resale Value to Price
Tip: Another way to enter an objective is to click anywhere in the ClusterView and drag the mouse until a rectangular shaped box is drawn, simultaneously, a dialogue box will appear, prompting you to enter your objective.
81
Figure 2 Clustered Objectives in Vehicle Model
Tip: You can also cluster objectives by dragging a box around one or more existing objectives. When the mouse button is released, you will be prompted for the name of the new clustering objective. (You may need to drag and arrange the objectives to an empty portion of the screen before doing this.) After clustering the objectives you are ready to enter alternatives.
82
Entering Alternatives
! Now that the objectives and sub-objectives are clustered it is time to enter alternatives.Click the Add Alternative button Alternative from the menu. ! or select Edit Insert
A dialogue box will appear prompting you to enter an "Alternative name"; type Clydesdale. (Rather than use actual car names we use the names of horses; feel free to use your preferred vehicle names.) Repeat the Add Alternative process to enter the remaining two alternatives: Arabian and Palomino. Save what you have done by selecting File, Save.
! !
Now we will view the hierarchy.
Viewing the Hierarchy

! To view the hierarchy, click the TreeView button. the menu. Figure 3 shows this. Or select View from
83
Figure 3 Completed Model After Using Top-down Structuring
Note: You can drag/drop the objectives to change the order of the objectives in the hierarchy as explained in "moving nodes in the hierarchy" in Lesson 1. From this point on you would continue to evaluate your model by making paired comparisons as described in Lesson 1, or you could evaluate your model based on what you will learn in Lesson 3, using the Data Grid. ! Before continuing, select File, Save.
Now we want to show you how to draw a box around several objectives to make a new top-level objective.
Grouping Nodes in the Hierarchy

If you already have your hierarchy structured and wish to create a forgotten toplevel objective you can do the following:
84
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring ! ! ! ! From the ModelViews TreeView go to the ClusterView pane by clicking Drag Style and Engine Performance close to each other. With the mouse drag and draw a box around them. When prompted type an objective name such as Features. .
Tip: To create one objective, just drag and draw with the mouse. To delete what you just did: ! ! Drag Style and Engine Performance from the group, Features. Click Features, the empty group; then select Delete.
Building a Model Using Bottom-up Structuring

In Bottom-up structuring you start constructing your decision model with the alternatives. This is a good approach when more is known about your alternatives of choice than your objectives. To use our patented bottom-up structuring approach, you will first, enter alternatives; second, enter the pros and cons of each alternative; and third, convert the pros or cons to objectives. ! ! ! Start Expert Choice and from the menu select File, New. Type the file name, Vehicle2. Type Goal Description To purchase the most preferred vehicle.
85
Entering Alternatives
! ! From the ModelView pane click the Add Alternative button. Enter your alternatives (Clydesdale, Arabian and Palomino), as described in the previous section, Top-down structuring.
Entering Pros and Cons of the Alternatives

! Click the Pros/Cons pane button over the TreeView pane. Alternatively, from the menu select View; then select Alternative Pros/Cons pane.
The Pros/Cons pane with three buttons will appear in the ModelView window. Figure 4 shows our pros and cons for the highlighted alternative. Notice the highlighted alternative in the Alternatives pane also appears as the title above the Pros/Cons pane.
Figure 4 The Pros/Cons for the First Alternative
86
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring Now you will enter pros and cons for the first alternative. If you would like to add pros and/or cons for a different alternative simply click on another alternative to make it the current alternative. ! ! With Clydesdale selected, click the Add Pro button. A dialogue box will appear labeled "Add Pro for Clydesdale" Type High Engine Performance then click OK. If necessary, drag the pro under the Pro button.
Tip: To align the entry of a future pro or con in the pane, click with the mouse where you would like the pro or con to appear before selecting the appropriate button. Now enter a con for the Clydesdale. ! Select the Add Con button. When the dialogue box appears, type Very Expensive and click OK Notice that the cons are displayed in magenta while the pros are in blue. ! Add another con, Not very safe
! ! ! !
Add the following pros, repeating the same process just explained: Stylish Crash Test Score Fast
Now continue adding Pros and Cons for the remaining two alternatives; for brevity we will only enter one pro and one con for each alternative. ! ! Click on the next alternative, Arabian. Add the pro, Affordable Add the con, Slow Acceleration
87
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring ! ! ! Click on the last alternative, Palomino. Add the pro, Fuel Economy Add a con, Terrible Braking
Select File, Save to save your model before viewing a list of all your pros and cons.
Viewing the All Pros and Cons List

Now that you have entered your alternatives as well as their associated Pros and Cons, you will look at the list of all Pros and Cons (Figure 5). Next you will convert the pros and cons on the list to objectives using our patented process. ! The way to see this is to click the All Pros/Cons button over the Alternatives Pane .
Note: The Pros are in blue while the Cons are magenta.
88
Figure 5 Alternatives Pane Showing All Pros and Cons
Building the Hierarchy

Now you will start building a hierarchy by dragging and dropping (as well as redefining) a pro or a con (from the All Pro/Cons pane) to the TreeView. Since order is not important, you can start anywhere in the Pro/Con list. Lets begin with the con, Very Expensive, which is associated with the Clydesdale. ! ! ! Click Very Expensive. Drag and drop it on the Goal in the TreeView. When prompted to re-define the con as an objective, type Low Cost; click OK.
The above process places the objective, Low Cost, below the Goal in the TreeView. You should now be able to see the beginning of the formation of your hierarchy.
89
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring Notice how the con, Very Expensive, is now grayed out; this indicates that it was converted to an objective. Gray can be removed from a pro or con by double clicking. Tip: Since alternatives are evaluated based on their preference with respect to objectives, the wording for cons must almost always be changed to state the objective (or objectives) that the con points to. For example, expensive points to low cost as an objective. Looking at the list of pros and cons, you can see that some pros and cons could be repeated more than once because they are associated with more than one alternative; if this is the case, you would not need to convert repeats. Those pros and cons not used in the conversion process will remain white. Tip: On the other hand, a single pro or con may point to several objectives and can be dragged and dropped numerous times. For example, a pro of size for a large car may point to the following objectives: Comfort; Carrying capacity; Safety; Fuel Economy; Ease of Parking, etc.
Converting the Remaining Pros and Cons to Objectives

Refer to Figure 6 and use it as a reference, practicing converting pros or cons to objectives or sub-objectives. This is what we did. First we dragged relevant pros and cons to the hierarchy redefining them. When we were done we had a list of objectives. Second, we clicked the ClusterView button and started grouping our objectives. Third, we also added a few more objectives. Fourth, we returned to the TreeView by clicking and dragged the objectives in reverse order of presentation to place them in the hierarchy as shown. We could have added objectives directly in the TreeView by selecting Edit, Insert either Child or Sibling of the current node. Then we could have dragged existing objectives beneath the new objectives. Both choices produce the same results.
90
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring Expert Choice is a flexible decision support system designed to work the way you think.
Figure 6 TreeView of Converted Pros and Cons
Once your hierarchy of objectives is complete, select the Alts/Children/InfoDocs button located over the Alternatives pane. replace the All Pros/Cons pane. Then the Alternatives pane will
Now you are ready to make paired comparisons as outlined in Lesson 1 or use the Data Grid that you will learn in Lesson 3. Before this lesson ends, we want to describe three more features that are available: Information Documents and Notes and Object Linking and Embedding.
91
Information Documents
Information Documents, referenced briefly in Lesson 1, are displayed in the lower right-hand side of the ModelView. They typically contain text, entered by you, or a facilitator in the group enabled verison, which may describe the goal, give additional information as to why particular objectives or sub-objectives were selected, and tell us how paired comparisons were made. Information Documents are rich text objects and can include files such as Microsoft Office Files (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access), audio, pictures and video. Information documents can be created for each objective, alternative or paired comparison in the hierarchy. ! ! ! From the Goal, click the Information button and a blank document will appear. Type your name. To close, click the Information button. Note: If an Information Document exists for the current (highlighted) node, the Information button will appear as an open book. . that appears on the button bar
When an information document is open you can drag other documents to it and/or create shortcuts to other files or programs. Information documents can also be created and accessed from other windows.
Notes
In addition to Information Documents, Notes can be entered for elements in the hierarchy, alternatives, individual paired comparisons, and cells in the data grid (discussed in Lesson 3). When working with group models, each participant can enter their own notes to express their views, rationale, concerns and the like about the different parts of the decision process. ! To create a note from the current (highlighted) node, click the Note button. Enter your comments and when done, click the Note button to close.
92
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring If a note exists for the current node, the bottom portion of the Note Icon will be When a Note window is open, you can yellow instead of completely black. drag other documents to it and/or create shortcuts to other files or programs. Like Information documents, Notes are available from other windows. To learn more about these features, refer to Expert Choices Contents and Index.
Object Linking and Embedding

You can insert shortcuts (links) or embed files within any Expert Choice Information Document. This very powerful feature enables you to document the rationale of your decision process as well as execute other programs. The process to link or embed files is dependent on your operating system; with certain operating systems you may only be able to embed. This is what we recommend. 1. 2. With an open Information Document or Note, position the cursor to the insertion point within the Information Document or Note. With Windows Explorer navigate to the file to be linked or embedded. a. For Windows 2000 and other versions: Drag a rich text file icon such as .xls, .ppt, or .doc from Windows Explorer into the opened Information Document or Note. Then a link (shortcut) to the file will be created. This saves space, but the file won't be available on other computers if the .ahp model is copied. If you want to "embed the object" (the file), select File, Open from the Information Document or Note menu. Next navigate to the file to be linked or embedded and select it. b. For Windows 98 and earlier: Drag the file into the Information Document or Note. Then the file will be embedded in the Information Document or Note: Alternatively select File, Open from the Information Document or Note menu. Next navigate to the file to be embedded and select it. Windows 98 only supports embedding. 3. Lastly close the Information Document or Note.
93
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 2 Structuring Note: You can embed several documents or files in one Information Document or Note, intermixed with text if desired.
How to View or Execute the Linked and Embedded Documents

There are several ways to open and execute linked and embedded files.
Example One: How to Open an Embedded File.

1. From an opened Information Document or Note, double-click on the embedded file to make the Excel commands available within the Expert Choice window. Then Expert Choices file menu will disappear and it will be replaced by the embedded program's menu, in this case Excel. Alter the embedded file using Excel. To close the embedded file and executing program, in this case, Excel, you must click x in the upper-right corner of the window or press Alt-Spacebar.
2. 3. 4.
Example Two: Another way to open an embedded file.

1. 2. Open an Information Document or Note and right-click on the embedded document. When a pop-up list appears, select Worksheet Object, Open. You will be taken to the embedded program. Now continue as described above.
94
Example Three: How to Open a Shortcut (link).

1. 2. 3. 4. From an opened or closed Information Document or an opened Note, doubleclick on the shortcut (link). Then you will be taken to that program. To close the program click x in the upper-right corner of the window. Then if need be close the Information Document or Note.
95
96
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings
Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings

Overview
The Data Grid contains data about the decision alternatives with respect to the decision hierarchy covering objectives. The alternatives appear in the rows of the Data Grid while the covering objectives appear in the column headers; see Figure 1. Instead of deriving priorities for alternatives through pairwise comparisons, as illustrated in Lesson 1, formulas can be defined under any covering objective (column). Each covering objective's formula converts data about the alternatives to values (priorities). There are five different formula types that can be used in the Data Grid. This lesson discusses how to use one of these formula types, called RATINGS. Lesson 4 discusses the remaining formula types. Alternatives that are added to a model from the Alternatives pane in the ModelView, as described in Lesson 1 and 2, are known as active alternatives and are automatically added to the Data Grid. Alternatives can also be added directly in the Data Grid. All the alternatives in the Data Grid are referred to as global alternatives. Active alternatives are check-marked in the grid (see Figure 1). You can mark and un-mark active alternatives and then extract them to the Alternatives pane to refine judgments or perform sensitivity analyses. Extracting alternatives from the Data Grid will be explained later. While alternatives appear in the first column of each row of the Data Grid the covering objectives appear in the remaining column headers, while the ratings appear in the intersecting cells underneath the column headers.
97
Figure 1 Sample Data Grid
The Data Grid also has "Total" and "Cost" columns that can be made visible or hidden with the View menu command. The value in the total column for each alternative (see Figure 1) contains the weighted sum of the values (priorities) for the alternative across all the covering objectives columns. Each cell in the body of the Data Grid contains (1) a bar representing the value of the respective alternative (row element) with respect to the covering objective (column element) and (2) the underlying data or value (you can ask to see either data or values).
98
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings The values in the Data Grid body cells are derived from the data based on one of five formula types: Ratings, Increasing utility curve, Decreasing utility curve, Step function, and Direct data entry.
Why Use the Data Grid?

Applications such as personnel evaluation, resource allocation and college admission decisions, may involve a large number of alternatives. Making pairwise comparisons in a model that has a large number of alternatives can be very time consuming, as you would have to perform a large number of comparisons for the alternatives (up to n*(n-1)/2) with respect to each covering objective. Instead of making pairwise comparisons for the alternatives, the data grid can be used. The use of the data grid combines the power of the hierarchy and the pairwise comparison process with the ability to evaluate hundreds or even thousands of alternatives. Pairwise comparisons are still used to evaluate the elements in the hierarchy itself, but not for evaluating the alternatives. Alternatives priorities are established relative to each covering objective either by (1) using ratio scaled Rating intensities (explained below), or (2) using other formulas that can be applied to data (explained in Lesson 4).
When to Use Ratings

People often "rate" alternatives using words such as High, Medium and Low; or Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. This is often the case for subjective aspects of an evaluation or when there is no hard data. First we will show you how to do this and derive ratio scale priorities using rating scales that are predefined in a sample model and then we will show you how to define and prioritize your own rating scales. We will also show you how to: ! Copy formulas,
99
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings ! ! ! ! Delete existing formulas, Revert to a prior version of your model to undo a formula deletion, Create a new formula, and Modify an existing formula.
We will start by using the model called Ice Cream Site.ahp that is found in the sample models folder. Figure 2 shows the model. ! ! Start Expert Choice as you normally would. Select File, Open; navigate to the ECSamples models folder (found in a root directory) and select Ice Cream Site.ahp from the list. Note: Expert Choice files have the extension of .ahp. If you are upgrading from version 9 your models will have to be converted.
100
Figure 2 Icecream ModelView
Since we will be explaining how to use Ratings by changing this model, we want you to make a copy of the model first. ! Select File, SaveAs and when the save model dialogue box appears: a. b. c. Click the Up One Level button for the Expert Choice folder Click the Create New Folder button and type a folder name, such as Models Type MyIcecreamSite and then click Save. The original model will be closed and the new copy of the model will appear. The filename of the new model also appears in the "Title" bar.
101
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings The window shows the copied model with four objectives which have already been prioritized via pairwise comparisons. Notice that there are no alternatives in the Alternative pane. Next we will show you your Data Grid and how to move around it.
Resizing and Moving Around the Data Grid

! From the ModelView, select Go; then select Data Grid (see Figure 3). This model contains several global alternatives and no active alternatives.
Tip: Clicking the Data Grid tab from the ModelView will take you to the Data Grid. Or, use the Data Grid shortcut key shown on the Go menu. You can use the standard window keys to resize the grid as well as individual columns. Notice the TreeView pane to the right; if you click on an objective in the hierarchy you will move to the corresponding column in the Data Grid. You can use the arrow keys or the mouse to move around the grid. Note: If your TreeView pane is not visible, select View from the menu, then select TreeView pane to make it visible. When in the covering objectives data entry area, if the Autoadvance option is on (the default) you will notice a Down Arrow or a Right Arrow on the Data Grid button bar. The arrow button designates the direction of Autoadvance when entering data in the columns of the grid. Clicking on the button will change the direction.
102
Figure 3 Icecream Retail Selection Data Grid
Viewing the Totals Column

! To make the totals column of the grid visible, select View, Totals column. As we mentioned earlier, the value in the total column for each alternative contains the weighted sum of the values (priorities) for the alternative across all the covering objectives' columns. (If the elements in the decision hierarchy have not yet been prioritized, the weights, and hence the totals, will be zero.) The priorities in the total column shown in Figure 4 not only denote rank but also have interval and ratio meanings. For example, referring to Figure 4, the priority of Main Street High Rise is .527, while the priority of the Business District is .217. From this we can infer that the Main Street High Rise is more than twice as preferable as the Business District. To see a more meaningful view of the results of this model: ! ! Click any cell in the Total column Select Edit, Sort, Descending and the priorities for your alternatives will be sorted from highest to lowest.
103
Figure 4 Alternatives Sorted by Total Priority
Next we will show you how to enter a new alternative into the Data Grid; then we will show you how to rate the alternative.
Adding an Alternative to the Data Grid

For this part of the lesson, we will add one additional alternative to the Data Grid.
104
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings ! ! Click on the first vacant cell in the Alternative column. Type MyStore as one word, then click the cell below or move down using the keyboard down-arrow key.
To edit your alternative (for practice):

! ! Move to the cell, Mystore, and press F2, the windows standard editing key. Move the cursor to "S"; press the space bar once so that your alternative is typed as "My Store" (two words) and then click the cell below or press Enter.
Entering Ratings
There are several ways that Ratings can be entered either using the mouse or keyboard.
With the mouse:

! ! ! Move to Data Grid cell for the My Store Row and the Visibility Column. Notice how a Ratings scale appeared above the alternatives on the Data Grid when you moved to a cell in the Visibility column. Since we will be entering ratings for each cell in this row, make sure the Autoadvance arrow in the button bar is pointing to the right and not down. If it is pointing down, then click it once.
Tip: The Autoadvance to the next cell option is on by default. If you do not see an arrow pointing down or right on the button bar, turn on Autoadvance, by selecting Tools, Options, Calculation; then select Autoadvance. ! Click OK (the second element in the Ratings scale) and that rating will be entered for My Store with respect to Visibility.
105
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings Notice the word "OK" appears in the cell; the bar in the cell indicates the priority value associated with "OK". Tip: While at the Data Grid, clicking an objective in the TreeView selects that column in the Data Grid. If there are sub-objectives associated with that objective you will be positioned at the first sub-objective. To go to a sub-objective you must click on it in the hierarchy. ! For the Competition covering objective, select Intense. Suppose you change your mind and think that competition is somewhere between moderate and intense, say about .33. With the left mouse button depressed in the cell in the Competition column, drag the bar in the cell to a value of .33, creating a value between moderate and intense.
With the keyboard:

For the Customer Fit objective, try the following four ways of entering ratings into the cell: ! ! ! ! For Customer Fit, press 1, number representing the first rating intensity, "Lots", or Type a value between zero and one such as .345, (if you did this, the entry would be between few (.303) and some (.550), or Type 0 for a zero rating, or Clear a rating, by pressing Delete.
Move to Cost and press 2, the number corresponding an "average" rating. Typing with the keyboard is often the fastest way to enter ratings in the Data Grid.
Now that you have learned how to enter Ratings, we will next show you how to copy a formula from one covering objective to another.
106
Copying Formula Types

To practice copying a formula, such as a ratings scale, from one covering objective to another, do the following: ! ! ! ! ! ! Click the Formula Grid tab grid. . Figure 5 below shows a partial Formula
Click in the cell in the Type column of the Competitors row. Select Edit, Copy Formula Click in the Customer Fit row. Select Edit, Paste Formula. Compare your results with Figure 5; it shows the Data Grid before you copied a formula to Customer Fit. Click the Data Grid tab and go to the Customer Fit. This column will contain the copied formulas and data. Now, if desired, you can make entries for the alternatives with respect to the copied Ratings scale, Customer Fit. Remember to change the Autoadvance Right Arrow to point down to facilitate entering the ratings in this column and enter your ratings as you learned in Resizing and Moving Around the Data Grid.
Figure 5 Formula Grid before Copying
107
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings Next we will show you how to delete a formula type.
Deleting a Formula Type

! ! ! From the Data Grid, go to the Customer Fit column, right-click on the word Ratings; refer to Figure 4. From the pop-up menu showing all the formula types select None. Select OK to confirm the deletion.
Revert Command
The Revert command can be used to revert to a previous version of your model. For example, should you decide you do want to abandon what you just did, do the following: ! ! ! ! From the Data Grid select Edit, then Revert, or alternatively, click the Revert button. When the Revert to window is displayed double-click the desired entry; see Figure 6 below. In our example, click Original, and the model as originally loaded will be restored. Click Revert again; try another selection. Got the idea? Note: The "revert to" selections are deleted when a model is closed
108
Figure 6 Revert to Window
Now that you know how to enter alternatives, Ratings intensities, and copy and paste Ratings formulas, we will show you how to create Ratings scales.
Creating a Ratings Scale

! ! ! ! From the Data Grid select a cell in the Customer Fit column. From the menu bar select Formula Type; then select None to delete the existing formula. When the dialogue box appears saying "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK. From the menu bar select Formula Type then select Ratings to create a new Ratings scale.
Tip: Instead of using the menu bar, right-clicking in the cell above Customer Fit will display a drop down menu; then select Ratings. A new window will appear where you will create a new Ratings scale; see Figure 7. When you are positioned on a blank cell in the left column of this grid, a list of intensities defined elsewhere in the model will be displayed so you can, if you like,
109
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings drag one to the left column of the first vacant row. More typically, you will just type an intensity name. Now you will re-create the Customer Fit Ratings scale. ! ! ! Click in the first vacant Intensity Name column; then click some from the list on the right Move down to the next row, and click little from the list on the right Move down to the next row and type few
Figure 7 Ratings Scales Window
110
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings Tip: To change an intensity name, click on that intensity, then retype or press F2 to edit using standard editing procedures. To delete, move to the intensity name and press the Delete key. There are three intensities in this scale, each with a zero priority. For a more robust solution, all intensity scales should have at least 5 elements; we use three here for brevity. ! Click the Assess button. You will be taken to one of the three paired comparison modes (verbal, numerical, or graphical); if you like, you can switch modes by clicking on one of the tabs.
Next we explain how to make diagonal pairwise comparisons.
Diagonal Pairwise Comparisons

We will use the Graphical mode to make pairwise comparisons and will do so only for the cells on the lowest diagonal of the matrix. Pairwise comparing elements on the diagonal provides you with the minimum number of comparisons necessary to calculate priorities. (When you do this you have no inconsistency measure and priorities will not be as accurate as if you completed all the judgments, but it does save time and the result is still mathematically valid.) ! From the Graphical pairwise mode, select Tools, Options, Calculation. Notice that the Judgment Order box has three options, Next (described in Lesson 1), Randomize and Diagonal. ! ! If the Diagonal button is not selected, select Diagonal. Click Close. Figure 8 shows judgments that you will now make using the Graphical mode.
111
Figure 8 Sample Diagonal Graphical Pairwise Judgments
Drag the bars to (approximately) duplicate our entries. Did you notice that the Calculate button has turned from red, to yellow , after making two entries? When the calculate button is yellow this means not all judgments have been made, but enough have been made to derive priorities. If desired you could continue making all judgments; however, in this example:
Click the Calculate button to derive priorities for the scale.
112
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings ! After reviewing the displayed priorities (Figure 9), click the Priorities tab or press Enter to return to the Ratings definition window. The window now shows your derived priorities. Click Close to return to the Data Grid. ,
Figure 9 Ratings Scales Priorities Window
You should be at the Customer Fit column. The Ratings Intensities for this column, Some, Little, and Few, appear above the Alternatives section of the grid. Now use this scale to rate each alternative, following the directions described earlier in this lesson. For each alternative type:
113
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings ! ! Little, Little, Little, Some, Some, Some, Few Type your own Rating for My Store.
Next we show you how to modify an existing ratings scale.
Modifying an Existing Ratings Scale

We will modify the Ratings scale for competition as an example. ! Right-click the top row of the Competition Column and select Ratings. Next, you can either: 1. 2. Click Assess to revise your judgments made earlier using the paired comparison process; or rather than clicking the Assess button, Stay at the Ratings definition window and left-click and drag each intensity priority bar to the right or left. Figure 10 shows that we reversed the priority of the intensities by making Intense the highest, followed by moderate and little.
114
Figure 10 Intensities Derived by Dragging Bars
After making modifications, click Close to return to the Data Grid. The values for cells in this column will be updated based on the new priorities for the intensities. You will learn how to create and modify other formula types in Lesson 4. Next we will show you how to "extract" alternatives from the Data Grid. When extracted, these alternatives will be displayed in the Alternatives' Pane of the ModelView, and are then known as active alternatives.
115
Selecting Alternatives from the Data Grid to Include in the ModelView

Any number of alternatives can be made "active" and extracted from the data grid to appear in the Alternatives Pane of the Model View. This is done for either of two reasons. First, to perform sensitivity analyses, and second, to refine priorities by making pairwise comparisons, replacing the priorities derived by ratings or from data. You can select and extract as many alternatives as desired. However, since only 9 alternatives can be plotted in sensitivity analyses, we suggest you activate nine or fewer. You can then select another set of nine or fewer. Do the following to extract alternatives: ! ! ! From the Data Grid, right-click on each alternative to be extracted. Refer to Figure 11. From the menu, select Edit; then select Extract Selected to Hierarchy. When you are prompted to "Extract active alternatives?" click Yes. Then you will be taken to the ModelView showing the hierarchy and active alternatives.
116
Figure 11 Selecting Alternatives for Extraction
Now experiment with the extracted alternatives by doing sensitivity analyses and refining your alternatives' priorities by making paired comparisons. For additional information about either topic refer to Lesson 1.
117
To perform sensitivity analyses on extracted alternatives:

! ! Click the goal node. Select Sensitivity-Graphs; then select one of the five graphs such as Dynamic.
To derive refined priorities for the extracted alternatives by pairwise comparing:

! ! ! From the TreeView, click to one of the covering objectives in the TreeView such as Location. From the menu, select Assessment, Pairwise. Click Yes when prompted to remove the formula and derived priorities with pairwise comparisons. Switch to the graphical comparison mode and adjust any of the existing judgments that appear on the diagonal. Then add additional judgments as desired. Note: A judgment of 1" means that the two alternatives received the same rating; however, you might now think that one is a bit more or less preferable than the other.
Before proceeding to the next section: ! Select Edit, and then Revert to revert back to the model as it existed "Before Extracting Global Alternatives".
Entering an Ideal Alternative

An ideal alternative is a conceptual alternative that would receive the highest possible rating under each covering objective in the Data Grid. It is useful to prevent "rank reversal" (discussed extensively in the book Decision by Objectives) as well as to examine how far the real alternatives are from the Ideal. The latter is sometimes called a Gap Analysis. The "gaps" can be viewed in either the Total column of the
118
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 3 Data Grid and Ratings Data Grid or from the Performance Sensitivity Graph. To enter an Ideal alternative on the Data Grid: ! ! From the menu select Tools, Options, General Select Include the Ideal Alternative in Data Grid (Do not select the "Hide" option). Then the Ideal Alternative will be inserted in the grid as shown in Figure 11.
If you want to see the same information graphically, extract the ideal alternative and up to 8 other alternatives; follow the directions below. ! Select the Ideal and up to 8 other alternatives by right clicking their names. Note: If you right click on a selected alternative it will be deselected. ! ! Extract them to the ModelView's Alternatives' Pane by selecting Edit, Extract to Selected Hierarchy. Select Sensitivity-Graphs then select Performance.
119
Figure 12 Ideal Alternative Shown on Data Grid
Most of the commands learned in this lesson can also be applied to the other formula types to be explained in the next lesson.
120
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Other Data Grid Functions
Lesson 4 - Other Data Grid Functions

Overview
Lesson 4 shows you how to use the remaining four formula types: Step Function, Increasing Utility Curve, Decreasing Utility Curve, and Direct. In lesson 3 we showed you how to use the formula type of Ratings; much of what was learned in that lesson applies to the remaining formula types. Therefore, this lesson will only describe new functions. Note: Any combination of formula types can be used in the same model. While it is possible to pairwise compare the active alternatives with respect to certain covering objectives while at the same time defining formulas such as ratings, step functions, utility curves and extracting from the data grid, it is more common in practice to either make paired comparisons of the alternatives OR to use the data grid. Another common practice is to make judgments using the data grid and then extract alternatives to the hierarchy, refining judgments by making paired comparisons.
Step Function Overview

The Step Function is similar to Ratings in that it consists of a scale of prioritized intensities. However the Step Function automatically calculates the appropriate intensity for each alternative based on data entered in the Data Grid. Creating the Step Function is similar to creating a Ratings scale with the addition of specifying a lower data bound for each step. Like Ratings, once you have created a Step Function intensity scale, pairwise comparisons are made to derive priorities for the intensities, or, you can drag the bar in the priority column to derive priorities. For example, if the intensities were Low, Medium and High, we might want Low to be applied to each alternative for which the data value was less than 50, Medium between 50 and 199, and High if 200 or more. The data ranges are specified by Lower Bound values, in this case: 0 for Low, 50 for Medium, and 200 for high.
121
Creating a Step Formula from a Ratings Formula

From the Samples models directory, open IcecreamSite; this model was used to demonstrate Ratings. We will use a copy of this model to illustrate how to create a Step formula from a Ratings formula. ! ! Select File, SaveAs. When prompted for the model name, type MyIcecreamSite-Cost; then click Save. Click the Data Grid tab. Click the Monthly Rental Cost column. Then right-click to display the drop-down list; then select Step. A dialogue box will appear "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK. Then the Step Scales window will appear; see Figure 1. It shows intensity names, step lower bounds and priorities. We will first illustrate converting an existing Ratings Formula to a Step Formula and then show how to define a Step Function formula from scratch.
! ! ! !
122
Figure 1 Step Function Scales Window
! !
From Step LB column starting with cheap, type the following lower bounds: 0, 1000, 2000, and 3000. If desired you could practice dragging the priority bars or select Assess to view previously made paired comparisons. Then click the priorities tab to return to the Step Function Definition window. Now click Close and return to the Data Grid. Type the rental cost for each store: 500, 999, 1100, 3005, 2500, 1000, and 3500.
! !
Now we will show you how to define a Step Function from scratch.
123
Steps to Create a Step Formula from Scratch

If you were creating a Step formula from the very beginning you would: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Select a covering objective column. Right-click to display the drop down list. Select Step. A dialogue box will appear "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK. Type an intensity name and low bound for each member of the scale. Negative numbers can be used. Then you would either drag priority bars to derive priorities or select Assess to pairwise compare the intensities. Lastly, you would enter data in the Data Grid for each alternative with respect to the covering objective's Step formula just defined. That's all there is to the Step Function. Next we will show you how to define and use utility curves.
Increasing or Decreasing Utility Curves Overview

Utility Curves, like the Step Function, translate data into priorities. Whereas the Step Function consists of discrete steps, a Utility Curve is continuous. Utility Curve formulas can be increasing or decreasing, linear or nonlinear, and when nonlinear, concave or convex. Before showing how to create a Utility Curve from scratch, we will look at some existing utility curve functions. From the ECSamples models directory, open Retirement Places Rated. (This model is based on information taken from Retirement Places Rated by David Savageau, Macmillian Travel (Simon & Schuster Macmillian Company) 1995.)
124
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Other Data Grid Functions Since we will be using this model for the remainder of this lesson make a copy of it as follows: ! ! ! ! Select File, SaveAs For the model name, type MyRetirement; click Save If desired review the paired comparisons made for the objectives and subobjectives by selecting Assessment, Pairwise. Click the Data Grid tab and familiarize yourself with the content.
This model (Figure 2) uses three different formula types: Ratings, Decreasing and Increasing Utility curves, as seen by looking at the top of each column in the Data Grid. All the curves in this model happen to be linear. Data has been entered for each alternative with respect to each covering objective.
125
Figure 2 Retirement Places Rated ModelView
Decreasing Utility Curves

From the Data Grid, let's look at the first covering objective of Money Matters/State Income Taxes. See Figure 3.
126
Figure 3 - Retirement Places Rated Data Grid
! !
Right-click State Income Taxes. When the menu appears select Decreasing. Figure 4 shows the decreasing curve. Notice the high and low values for the xaxis; they are 200 and 75 respectively. Observe that Linear is checked.
127
Figure 4 Decreasing Utility Curve
! ! !
Change the high x-axis to 250 and low x-axis value to 90. Click Apply to make this change permanent. Click Close to return to the Data Grid.
Notice that the Low and High Values, now displayed on your Data Grid changed; compare it to the Figure 3. Also observe that when you change the definition for a utility curve, the values and priority bars are recomputed automatically.
128
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Other Data Grid Functions ! ! Return to the Decreasing Utility Curve window by clicking on the Utility Curve tab. Drag a point on the straight line down and to the left. Notice that the linear box becomes unmarked; see Figure 5. ! ! ! To make this change permanent, click Apply. Click Close and view the changes to the priority bars on the Data Grid. Return to the Decreasing Utility Curve window and compare your curve with ours shown in Figure 5.
129
Figure 5 Decreasing Non-Linear Utility Curve
! !
To change this curve to an Increasing curve, select the Increase button. Click Close; this change (from a decreasing to an increasing curve) did not take place because you did not select Apply.
130
Steps to Create a Decreasing Utility Curve from Scratch

If you were creating a Decreasing formula from the very beginning you would: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Select a covering objective column. Right-click to display the drop down menu. Select the formula type, Decreasing. A dialogue box will appear "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK. Type high and low x-axis values for the curve. (Negative numbers can be used.) If the curve desired is not Linear drag the line down and to the left. Select Apply to make the changes permanent. Select Close to return to the Data Grid. Lastly, you would enter data (numbers) for each alternative with respect to the covering objective's Decreasing formula just defined.
Increasing Utility Curves

Now we will describe how to create an Increasing Utility curve. Look at the Home Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes covering objective that is defined with an Increasing Utility Curve. (We are not referring to the same named sub-objective of Money Matters). According to David Savageau, (author of Retirement Places Rated ) this objective is defined to have a score between 0 and 100 where higher numbers are preferred to lower numbers; no details of this scale were given in his book. To see how we entered the latter information in the model:
131
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Other Data Grid Functions ! In the TreeView pane to the right of the Data Grid, click the second Home Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes node. (If need be, expand the TreeView by dragging.)
The Data Grid will be positioned to this covering objective, Home Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes. ! Click the Information button covering objective. to view information entered about this
Increasing Utility curves operate in the same fashion as Decreasing. ! From the Home Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes column on the Data Grid, right-click and select Increasing. Figure 6 shows this portion of the Data Grid. Review the information shown on the graph as well as the information entered for the High and Low X-axis. If desired, experiment changing the low and high values. To make this curve non-linear and increasing, drag the line up and to the right. To make the changes permanent select Apply. Select Close to return to the Data Grid and compare the changes to the alternatives' priorities with respect to this covering objective.
! ! ! ! !
132
Figure 6 Major Objective of Home Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes
133
Steps to Create an Increasing Utility Curve from Scratch

If you were creating an Increasing formula from the very beginning you would: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Select a covering objective column Right-click to display the drop down menu Select the formula type, Increasing A dialogue box will appear "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK. Type high and low x-axis values for the curve. (Negative numbers can be used.) If the curve is not Linear, drag the line up and to the right. Select Apply to make the changes permanent. Select Close to return to the Data Grid. Now enter data (numbers) for each alternative with respect to the covering objective's Increasing Utility curve just defined.
Direct Formula
Use the Direct formula type to directly enter priorities (either specified from some source or perhaps derived in another model) in the range of 0 to 1. To show you how this works assume that we have priorities for the Movie Theatres in the area and that we wish to use this information rather than defining a Ratings scale. ! From the Data Grid, click the Movie theatres' node in the TreeView pane. If it is not shown, click Leisure Living, then click RMGB to display what is beneath these nodes. On the Data Grid, right-click the covering objective Movie theatres and select Direct.
134
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Other Data Grid Functions ! You will be told that the data will be removed (as it no longer applies). Select OK.
Now enter the respective priorities for each alternative retirement location. ! ! ! ! ! ! Click the first vacant cell under Movie theatres. Type .42 (that is a decimal number between 0 and 1) Move down and type 0 Move down and type 1 Move down and type .5 Click the next vacant cell and drag a bar to the right. Stop at the desired priority.
Formula Type None

Use None to remove a defined formula type and all data associated with it. ! ! ! From the Data Grid, right-click the desired covering objective Select None When prompted, "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK.
Must Constraints
Must Constraints are parameters upper and lower bounds that an alternative must conform to. You can define a Must Constraint for each covering objective. ! ! From the Data Grid, select View, Formulas/Must and then select Musts to turn on the display of the formulas types that are shown on the Data Grid. Move to a desired covering objective and enter either a lower and/or upper bound.
135
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Other Data Grid Functions ! Repeat this process for each covering objective that will be subject to must constraints. Note: If an alternative does not satisfy one of the must constraints the alternative is displayed in red with strikethrough. In addition, the value and/or priority for the covering objective(s) are displayed in red.
To redisplay the Formulas, select View, Formulas/Must and then select Formulas to display intensities or parameters, if applicable.
136
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities
Lesson 5 - Group Capabilities in Expert Choice

Overview
Expert Choice can be used by a team to enhance the quality of group decisions by bringing structure to the decision making process and by synthesizing different points of view. From earlier lessons we learned how to build a model define the goal, objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives related to the decision, organized in a hierarchy. Additionally, we learned about the features of the Data Grid and how to use and apply different formula types to alternatives' data. In this lesson we will learn about Expert Choice's group capabilities that help synthesize individual judgments to arrive at a group conclusion. First, we will show you how to create a group-enabled model. Second we discuss how the team-enabled version can be used. Third, we describe how to combine participants' judgments to reach a group conclusion. We will be referring to a Facilitator and Participants in the following discussion. The Facilitator builds the EC model and facilitates the group decision-making process or session. (Sometimes in practice, one person may act as the Facilitator in building the model and another person to facilitate the group interaction.) Individual members of the group or team will be referred to as Participants.
The Facilitator's Role

When Expert Choice is used in a group setting, someone must act as the facilitator. It may also be useful to have a second person act as a technographer who is responsible for operating the computer and other technology. Prior to the group session, the facilitator, and perhaps the meeting owner, might meet to build the model and enter participants' names, demographics, passwords and other information as applicable. Alternatively, the facilitator and group might build the model during a group session. The facilitator or technographer turns on the receiver and keypads; see Setting Up the Hardware. This can be done from either the computer or from the facilitator's
137
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities keypad. If the keypad is used the facilitator has the ability to move around the room and not be tied down to the computer. Any keypad can be set up as the facilitator keypad. For convenience we suggest number 1. When this is done this keypad can't be used to enter judgments. For more information about the facilitator keypad see page 152. Note: If the keypad hardware is not available, the facilitator can solicit votes orally and use the computer keyboard to enter participants votes one at a time. To keep the group focused on the same issues, the facilitator may automatically turn the keypads off whenever he/she advances to the next judgment. Prior to voting the facilitator will turn on the keypads. Other functions of the facilitator include calculating a set of group judgments; combining all participants' judgments and data to obtain a group result as well as displaying a synthesis; and performing sensitivity analyses. Lastly we discuss Expert Choice's data base format Access and SQL.
Facilitator vs. Participant Functions

What the facilitator can do.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Only the facilitator can create/modify a model's structure and enter/edit Information documents. Structuring, a model building technique, is available only for the facilitator. The Edit, Revert command, useful to revert to prior model states during a session, is available only for the facilitator. From the participant table, the facilitator enters participants and demographic information about each participant as well as optional passwords. The facilitator defines Data Grid formula types. The facilitator can also enter judgments and/or data to be combined with other participants' judgments and data.
138
What the participant can do.

1. 2. Participants can change their password. Participants can make judgments about the various facets of the decision problem including: a. making paired comparisons b. entering Ratings or data in the Data Grid, and c. creating notes explaining their judgments as well as other issues or concerns. 3. 4. Participants can use the Edit, Undo command during the current session to undo judgments or undo editing where appropriate. Participants can review their own decision model; perform a synthesis; display sensitivity graphs as well as review the contents of the Data Grid. All information can be printed. If permitted by the facilitator, participants can view and print one or more of the combined results.
5.
Creating a Group Model

You can use the group-enabled versions of Expert Choice to create and evaluate a group model either on a local area network, the World-Wide-Web, or with an audio response system using radio frequency keypads. This lesson discusses using the group features using all three modalities. Lesson 6 describes how to install models on a web-server and how to access models over a local area network or the WorldWide-Web. To create a group model, the facilitator (the model builder) first builds a decision model as described in previous lessons, and then adds participants as described below. We will use the Area model found in the Samples directory in illustrating how to group enable a model. ! Start Expert Choice
139
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities ! ! ! Select File, Open; then navigate to the samples models directory selecting Samples. Select the file Area.ahp Select File, SaveAs and type the filename, GroupArea (There is no need to append the suffix of .ahp.)
This simple model has only five objectives and no alternatives. There is an Information document for the Goal showing the different shapes that will be pairwise compared by individuals in the group. There is also an information document for the Circle node that contains the answers the actual relative areas of the shapes so the derived results of the group as well as for each individual participant can be compared to the actual results for the area validation exercise. (You need to scroll or page down to see the results because we don't want the participants to inadvertently see the results before the exercise is complete.)
Adding Participants to and Group Enabling your Group Model

Note: You must be logged on as the Facilitator to add participants to and group enable your model. ! To group enable your model, select Go, then Participants Table or click the Participants button on the toolbar in the ModelView. ! ! ! Select Edit, then select Group enable. This will add a COMBINED instance into the table. To add participants to the model, select Edit; then select Add N Participants. Enter the number of participants to add, e.g. 4.
140
To enter or change participants names

Click on a participant such as P2 and type a name. The facilitator can also enter his or her name by typing over the word facilitator.
Entering Demographic Information

Demographic information such as age, sex, password and keypad number can be entered as desired. Note: If a password is entered, it is encrypted. Passwords can also be entered or changed using the ModelView's Edit command. Now you have a group-enabled model with participants. ! Select File, Close to close the Participants Table and return to the ModelView.
Copying Judgments and/or Data when Adding New Participants

If desired, judgments and or data can be copied from the facilitator or another participant's instance of the model when adding new participants. This is done from the Participants Table by using the Edit, Copy to N New Participants command. Participants will be added just as with the Add N Participants command, but in addition, the judgments and/or data from the participant row currently selected will be copied to the new participants.
Deleting Participants
Deleting a participant deletes everything about that participant from the model; this includes all judgments, associated priorities and data related to that participant. Before doing this you might want to make a copy of your model for backup and historical purposes. (You may also want to do a File Save before deleting participants in case you might want to do an Edit Revert during the session). ! ! From the Participants Table, select the person to be deleted. Select Edit, then select Delete Participant and follow the prompts.
141
Things to Do Before Opening a Model for Group Use

Most, if not all, of these items will be performed by the facilitator. 1. The model should be built prior to placing the model on the server. Lesson 6 tells you how to put the model on a web server. Built means that objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives have been added to the model. If the Data Grid will be used then the covering objectives formulas must be defined and assessed. To save time, it is desirable to do the same for the keypad version (audio response system) but it is not necessary. 2. The model must be group-enabled with participants before using a model on the server. It is highly desirable to do the same for the keypad version but it is not necessary. The facilitator must determine if new participants (guests) on the network or web will be able to access an instance of the model. If the model will be used on a network, the facilitator must provide instructions to the group for model evaluation via email. In addition, the facilitator must email participants their user names and passwords if applicable. If nonpredefined participants are allowed, the guest will be provided instructions for using the model as well as a registering password. If the model will be used with keypads see the Hardware Appendix for installation and activating instructions. This section also has information about setting up the facilitators keypad and menus as well as setting other options such as the number of participants, waves, etc. It is recommended that you do this prior to conducting a group session.
3. 4.
Allowing New Participants to Open a Model without Having Been Pre-defined

The facilitator can set an option to allow new participants to open a model without having been pre-defined.
142
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities ! ! ! From the ModelView or Data Grid, select Tools; then select Options. Then select the Open tab. Select the desired option from the File Open Options box. o o One option requires no password from the user (new participant, no password required). Another option requires that a new user supply a password in order to REGISTER. (The participant can then enter his/her own password for subsequent access to the model.)
The facilitator can also specify options for copying judgments and/or data to the new participants. (See the Copy to Participant Options box.) These options include: None (dont copy any judgments or data); Hierarchy judgments and priorities only copied; Data grid entries only copied; or prompt the user. Now we will describe how to open and use a group model first using keypads and second using a network. Then we describe how to combine a group's results.
143
Opening a Group Model Using Keypads

1. 2. 3. The facilitator will start Expert Choice and select the model name. If you did not change the default facilitator name discussed earlier in this chapter, select OK. Otherwise, type your facilitator name; then select OK. If the model is password protected you will be required to enter the password.
Tip: When you open a model as the facilitator, you can switch to view a participants information in any of the following ways: (1) double click on a person in the Participants window; (2) use the Participant dropdown list from the ModelView window; or (3) select Go, Person and enter a number or double click a row.
What the Facilitator Does after a Model is Opened

1. If the combined instance is not displayed in the ModelView (look at the title bar) the facilitator must open the combined instance of the model by clicking on the Combined instance from the drop-down list. You will know when the combined instance is displayed as a magenta border will be displayed in the TreeView. Then if paired comparisons are to be made the facilitator will: a. Select Assessment; then select Pairwise Individual. If group comparisons have been previously made you will be returned to the original comparison mode. Or you can click any comparison tab from the ModelView's TreeView pane and then select Assessment, Pairwise Individual. From the Pairwise Individual Window select and display one of the individual comparison windows by selecting the Verbal, Numerical, or Graphical tab.
2.
b.
If the group will be entering Ratings or data values, the facilitator will: c. Go to the Data Grid. Select Assessment and then select Individual.
144
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities 3. 4. Now is the time to provide instruction and information about the first paired comparison to be made. Display either the Poll or Vote window. ! The Poll window shows which keypads voted. This visual will let the facilitator know who voted without any participants looking at the judgments/votes entered. The Vote window shows the actual judgment entered by each individual.
5. Turn on the keypads so each participant can enter a judgment (vote). Note: The facilitator may or may not turn the keypads off in between judgments. Tip: Turning the keypads off until voting helps the participants focus on discussion by not voting before discussion has ended. 6. 7. After the participants vote the facilitator moves to the next paired comparison to be made and repeats steps 4 6. When the comparison process is completed, the facilitator calculates each individuals priority as well as the group priority. The facilitator might also choose to configure one keypad as the Facilitator keypad; see page 152. This feature provides the facilitator with the mobility to walk around the room rather than being tied to the computer's keyboard. Also see Setting Up the Hardware appendix.
Group Decision Making Using the Keypads

After the facilitator has provided instruction to the participants and displayed the appropriate Expert Choice windows, participants can do the following: 1. From the ModelView individual participants can make judgments with respect to the objectives and alternatives using Verbal, Numerical or Graphical judgments. From the Data Grid individual participants can enter data for Step Functions or Utility curves, or make judgments about Ratings intensities with respect to the covering objectives.
2.
145
Each option is now explained.
Using Keypads to Make Verbal Judgments

! Press a number from 1-9 on the keypad to represent a numerical representation of a verbal Judgment. If the facilitator projects the verbal comparison window, use the scale at the bottom of the window to determine what button to press when making a judgment. Also refer to Table 2 Numerical Representation of Verbal Judgments on page 163 of this manual.
For example, if you feel the paired comparison is equal you would press one. If you felt the comparison was a magnitude of order in difference you would press 9. Remember you are not entering a number but are entering short-hand notation for the verbal comparison being made. Note: All keypad entries default to the first (left) factor being compared.
146
To the judgment, switching the dominance of the judgment, from the left to the right or vice versa, you must press * (the asterisk key) either before or after pressing the number that represents the verbal comparison. (To determine if you want to do this, look at the projected verbal comparison window.)
To clear a judgment, press the 10 key.
Using Keypads to Make Graphical Judgments

When making graphical judgments, you use the keypads to move the bars either to the left or right. Use the following figure to help do this.
For example, when making graphical judgments pressing the numbers 1 or 2 on the keypad causes the bar to move left or right in a large increment. Using 4 or 5 moves
147
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities the bars moderately, while 7 and 8 move the bars slightly. Lastly the * (the asterisk key) and the 10 key move the bars a tad. ! Each key press causes the bars to move either to the left or right. Data registration takes a second, so wait until you see the bars move before depressing another key. To invert the judgment, switching the dominance of the judgment, from either the left to the right or vice versa, you must press 6. (To determine if you want to do this, look at the projected comparison window.) To clear a judgment, press 9. To record the graphical judgment, you must press 3.
! !
Using Keypads to Make Numerical Judgments

! Press a number from 1-9 on the keypad to represent how many times one factor is more important or preferable than another.
148
For example, if you feel the paired comparison is equal you would press one. If you felt the comparison was 5 times more important you would press 5. Note: All keypad entries default to the first (left) factor being compared. ! To invert the judgment, switching the dominance of the judgment, from the left to the right or vice versa, you must press * (the asterisk key) either before or after pressing the number that represents the verbal comparison. (To determine if you want to do this, look at the projected comparison window.) ! To clear a judgment, press the 10 key.
Making Individual Judgments Using the Data Grid with Keypads

From the Data Grid window, the facilitator will project the display of each covering objective. The facilitator might also display information about the covering objective
149
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities or lead the group in a discussion about the covering objective. Then the group will enter a ratings or value. When all entries have been made, the facilitator will move to the next covering objective to be assessed. This process will be repeated for all covering objectives. Tip: The Autoadvance to the next cell option is on by default. If you do not see an arrow pointing down or right on the button bar of the Data Grid, turn on Autoadvance, by selecting Tools, Options, Calculation; then select Autoadvance.
Tip: While at the Data Grid, clicking an objective in the TreeView selects that column in the Data Grid. If there are sub-objectives associated with that objective you are be positioned to the first sub-objective. To go to a sub-objective you must click on it in the hierarchy.
Entering a Ratings with a Keypad

Once the facilitator has selected the covering objective to be rated from the Data Grid and has turned on the keypads, use your individual keypad to either: ! Press the number that represents the ratings intensity such as 2 for Very Good. Press * (asterisk) to enter a decimal point and then enter a number such as 345. To record the decimal value of .345, you must press *. The sequence of key presses is our example is *345*. ! ! To enter zero, press the ten (10) key. To clear a rating, press the asterisk key twice (**).
Entering a Step Value with a Keypad

Once the facilitator has selected the covering objective to be evaluated and turned on the keypads, use your individual keypad to either:
150
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities ! Press the number that represents the data value such as 25; then press *. The sequence of key presses is 25*. First press 0 (the 10 key); then press * and then press a number such as 672. To record the decimal value of .672, you must press *. The sequence of key presses in our example is 0*672*. To enter a decimal in the middle of the sequence, enter for example 56*3* will cause 56.3 to be entered. Note the facilitator must turn the decimal option on using the Options Keypad Decimals command on the Individual Input Window. ! To enter a negative value, press * for the minus sign, then either enter the number such as 675 and press * to record. The sequence of presses will be *675*. ! ! ! To enter 0.675.9 press 0 (the ten key) then * followed by 675* (for the decimal point) and lastly press 9 To enter zero, press the ten (10) key. To clear a value, press the asterisk key twice (**).
Each cell, if valued, is assigned a priority based on the bounds of the steps in the function.
Entering Data for a Utility Curve with the Keypad

Once the facilitator has selected the item to be valued using the Increasing Utility function and turned on the keypads, use your individual keypad to either: ! To enter an integer press the series of numbers, such as 765, then press * (asterisk)
151
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities ! Press 0 (the 10 key) to enter zero and press * to enter a decimal point. Then enter a number such as 345. To record the decimal value of .345, you must press *. The sequence of key presses in our example is 0*345*. To enter a decimal in the middle of the sequence, enter for example 56*3* will cause 56.3 to be entered. Note the facilitator must turn the decimal option on using the Options Keypad Decimals command on the Individual Input Window. To enter a negative value, press * then the number followed by *. If you want to enter 0.5 you would press *0 (the ten key) *5. To enter a zero, press the ten (10) key. To clear a utility curve value, press the asterisk key twice (**).
! !
! ! !
Entering a Priority with Keypads

Once the facilitator has selected the item that will be assigned a priority from 0. 1.0 and turned on the keypads, use your individual keypad to: ! Enter a priority in the range of zero to one (0 1.0). For example, press * (asterisk) to enter a decimal point and then enter a number such as 672. To record the decimal value of .672, you must press *. The sequence of key presses is our example is *672*. Turn to page 163 to learn when and how to combine a group's results. Then return here to learn about the facilitator keypad functions.
Facilitator Keypad
The facilitator keypad is used in conjunction with the facilitator menus to help the facilitator customize Expert Choice for his or her specific use by logically and conveniently grouping commands that will be frequently used with the facilitator keypad. Ten different menus can be defined. We have provided several default
152
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities menus that can be altered and restored at any time. The facilitator can modify our menus and create others. ! From any Individual Pairwise or Individual Data Grid window, select File, Facilitator Menus. The default menu will appear; you can select another by changing the Menu number in the window. Review the default menus and if desired print them. After becoming proficient with Expert Choice you may desire to change or create new menus. To name a menu or change the name of a menu, click the gray bar in the top center of the window and type the desired name. To add a command to a facilitator menu, move the cursor to the row where you want to add the command. Then select the desired command from the command box. Repeat this process as necessary. When finished editing the facilitator menus click OK to make the changes permanent. To select a facilitator menu to be used select File, Facilitator Menus, then select a number from the drop-down list. Click OK.
! !
Tip: Use the File Keypad Options command from any individual window to set the facilitator keypad before or after selecting a facilitator menu. Tip: Pressing 10 on the facilitator keypad will hide or show the current facilitator menu on the computer and/or projection device. Note: The menu does not have to be visible to perform an action.
153
Opening a Group Model on a Network or Internet

1. Prior to the session the model will have to be placed on your network or Internet. a. b. 2. 3. To install on your network contact your network administrator. For Internet model installation see Lesson 6 and contact your network administrator.
Make sure you are connected to your network. Start Expert Choice by selecting the windows Start key; then select Programs and select Expert Choice. Alternatively you can click the Expert Choice desktop icon. a. If you are using a network, select File, Open.
4.
b. If you are using the Web (Internet) select File Open Web Model or File, Open SQL Web Model. (This is dependent on your version only one option will be displayed.) 5. 6. Then type the path and name of the model (provided to you by the facilitator). When a dialogue box appears asking whether you are opening the model as a facilitator or participant follow the appropriate directions listed below. a. As the Facilitator: If you did not change the default facilitator name, select OK. Otherwise, type your facilitator name; then select OK. If a password has been previously assigned, you will be prompted to enter it. b. To open the model as a predefined participant: Type either the participant name or participant id number, referred to as PID. You will be prompted for a password if one has been previously assigned. (The facilitator will provide these items.)
154
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities c. To open the model as a guest (non-predefined participant): Type your name, and then type the registering password. (The facilitator will provide you with the registering password.) Then if desired, use the ModelView's Edit Password command to change your password to protect your instance of the model. Once a participant opens a group model, he/she is ready to make judgments for elements in the decision hierarchy or enter ratings or data for alternatives in the Data Grid. The facilitator will provide you with instruction on what portions of the model to evaluate.
Group Decision Making Using a Network or the Web

Whether the facilitator and participants are in the same or different buildings or using the World Wide Web they can participate in group decision making by working together at the same or even different times. Participants can make judgments about the objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives as described in Lesson 1; or they can, using the Data Grid, enter ratings or data for the alternatives as described in Lessons 3 and 4. The facilitator can request that participants do either or both of these for one part of the model at a time, or for the entire model. Once judgments and/or data have been entered, the facilitator can combine some or all of the judgments and/or data, for some or all of the participants. (Each participant will notify the facilitator with email, Net-Meeting or America On-lines Instant Messaging or a similar product that they have finished their assigned tasks.)
Participants' Paired Comparison Judgments

Participants can make paired comparisons in one of three ways (Verbal, Numerical, and Graphical) from the ModelView. You will be at the ModelView once you open your instance of the model. Each is now explained.
155
Making Verbal Judgments

The Verbal Comparisons window is divided into two sections. Verbal judgments are made in the top pane. Two elements are compared with respect to their parent. What makes Verbal comparison unique is that words are used to represent the magnitude of the scale. The slider bar on the right side of the pane is used to indicate which element is preferred and the strength of that preference is represented by a corresponding word. The two opposing sides of the scale represent each element being compared.
The comparison matrix is displayed in the lower pane. The numerical representations of the verbal judgments are displayed here as numbers from 1 to 9. If the row element (on the left) is preferred, then the judgment is displayed in black. If the column element is preferred, then the judgment is "inverted" and displayed in red. When enough judgments have been made to calculate priorities, they will also be displayed as bar graphs that overlay the row elements.
Judgments can be made any of the following ways:

! ! Drag the slider bar with the mouse. Click on a statement (i.e. Moderate, Strong) next to the bar (or between two statements).
156
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities ! Right-click on a statement to automatically advance to the next comparison. This is the fastest way!
To advance to the next judgment

Expert Choice is automatically configured to advance to the next judgment. You can change this with the Tools, Options, Calculation command. ! If Autoadvance is off, click on the cell in the comparison matrix that represents the next comparison to be made.
To invert a judgment (to select the other element in the comparison)

! Click the Invert icon to select the other side of the comparison scale.
To enter judgments directly in the comparison matrix

! Click on the cell representing the comparison you want to judge and type a number from 1 to 9; see the numerical representations of verbal judgments. When using this option it is highly recommended that you use the Numerical mode since you are probably saying that you prefer, for example, Apples to Oranges 3 times more with respect to Craving.
Making Numerical Judgments

The Numerical Comparison Window is divided into two sections. Numerical judgments are made in the top pane. Two elements are compared with respect to their parent using a numerical scale. The slider bar is used to indicate which judgment is preferred and the strength of that preference. The two opposing sides of the scale represent each element being compared.
157
The comparison matrix is displayed in the lower pane. The numerical equivalents of the judgments are displayed here as numbers from 1 to 9. If the row element (on the left) is preferred, then the judgment is displayed in black. If the column element is preferred, then the judgment is "inverted" and displayed in red. When enough judgments have been made to calculate priorities, they will also be displayed as bar graphs that overlay the row elements.

! ! ! Drag the slider bar with the mouse. Click on a number above the bar. Right-click on a number to automatically advance to the next comparison. This is the fastest way!

Expert Choice is automatically configured to advance to the next judgment. You can change this with the Tools, Options, Calculation command. ! If Autoadvance is off, click on the cell in the comparison matrix (in the lower pane of the window) that represents the next comparison to be made. Notice that as you make judgments, the numerical equivalents of your judgments will appear in the comparison matrix.
158
To invert a judgment (to select the other element in the comparison)

! Click the Invert icon to select the other side of the comparison scale.

! Click on the cell representing the comparison you want to judge and type a number from 1 to 9.
Making Graphical Judgments

The Graphical Comparison view is divided into two sections: Graphical judgments are made in the top pane. Two elements are compared with respect to their parent with bar graphs. The lengths of the bars indicate the relative dominance of the elements. If they are equal length, then the elements are equally important. If one bar is twice as long as the other, then it is twice as important. Relative dominance is also represented with a pie chart on the right side of the pane.
The comparison matrix is displayed in the lower pane. The numerical representations of the graphical judgments are displayed here as numbers. If the row element (on the left) is preferred, then the judgment is displayed in black. If the column element is preferred, then the judgment is "inverted" and displayed in red. When enough judgments have been made to calculate priorities, they will also be displayed as bar graphs that overlay the row elements.
159

! ! Drag either the blue or red bar with the mouse. Right-drag one of the bars to automatically advance to the next comparison.

Expert Choice is automatically configured to advance to the next judgment. You can change this with the Tools, Options, Calculation command. ! If Autoadvance is off, click on the cell in the comparison matrix (in the lower pane of the window) that represents the next comparison to be made. Notice that as you make judgments, the numerical representation of your graphical judgments will appear in the comparison matrix.
To invert a judgment (to select the other bar in the comparison)

! Click the Invert icon to select the other bar.

! Click on the cell in the matrix representing the comparison you want to judge and type a number from 1 to 99. When using this option it is highly recommended that you use the Numerical mode since you are probably saying that you prefer, for example, Apples to Oranges 3 times more with respect to Craving.
160
Entering a Ratings in the Data Grid

There are several ways that Ratings can be entered either using the mouse or keyboard.
With the mouse:

! Move to Data Grid cell. Notice how a scale appeared above the alternatives on the Data Grid when you moved to a cell. ! Click on a ratings intensity. (You can either click a ratings word located in the first row in the scale or a ratings number located in the second row in the scale). Then the ratings intensity will appear in the cell and you should move to the next cell to be evaluated. With the left mouse button depressed in the cell, drag the bar in the cell to a desired value. This function lets you create a ratings value between two discrete values.
With the keyboard:

! ! ! ! ! Type a number representing a rating number. Type a ratings word. Type a value between zero and one. Type 0 for a zero rating, or Clear a rating, by pressing Delete.
Entering a Value in the Data Grid

With the mouse:
! Move to Data Grid cell.
161
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities Notice how a scale appeared above the alternatives on the Data Grid when you moved to a cell. ! Drag a bar in the cell.
With the keyboard:

! ! Move to Data Grid cell. Type a value; you can refer to the scale that appears at the top of the Data Grid. Note: To type a value between zero and one dont forget to enter a decimal point. ! ! To enter zero type 0. Clear a value, by pressing Delete.
162
When to Combine Judgments and Data

Participants' judgments and data will automatically be updated to the combined instance when keypads are used. Participants can post their judgments and data during a group session on a network by using the Assessment, Post command. The facilitator should combine participants' judgments and data after a group session using a network especially if participants are working in a different place and time environment. Additionally the facilitator might want to combine certain participants to see a subset of the decision. The next section describes this.
Combining Judgments and/or Data

Judgments and/or data can be combined for a set of active participants. The facilitator determines who the active participants are by entering and applying an SQL (Structured Query Language) query from the Participants table. See the figure below. One way to do the above is to select and deselect who will participate by checking and un-checking the participating column in the table and then selecting the Combined button to invoke the selection. A second way is to select a predefined SQL query from the drop-list at the bottom of the Participants table and then select the Combined button. A third way is to define a new SQL query and then select the combined button. Additionally the facilitator can combine judgments and data from the ModelView or data from the Data Grid. When one of these choices is selected the active query defined in the Participants table will be used to combine the information, replacing what was previously in the combined instance. Now we explain some queries followed by the instructions to combine from the Participants table, ModelView or Data Grid.
163
Figure 1 Partial Sample Participants Window
Two pre-defined SQL queries, "all", and "participating" can be applied by clicking on command buttons located at the bottom of the Participants window. The SQL queries generated and applied for these command buttons are: All: Select * from People order by PID (Person ID) This query selects all participants in the model and includes those with and without checkmarks in the Participating column of the Participants table. Participating: Select * from People where Participating order by PID This query only selects those instances (participants) whose participating column is checked. Note: The Combined instance contains the results of the model and has both the combined and participating columns checked. The facilitator can enter and apply any valid SQL query to select the set of active participants. Some examples are as follows: Select * from People where age >=15 order by PID
164
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities Select * from People where age >=15 and Participating order by PID Select * from People where NOT Participating order by PID SQL queries can also be saved in the model (for later retrieval) using the Save button and then specifying a name to identify the query. Tip: It is suggested that the Facilitator examine the Participants table to ascertain that the desired set of participants are active before combining judgments and/or data. All participants entered into the database are initially considered active. If you want to make someone inactive, you must click on his or her participating column to remove the checkmark. Combining judgments and/or data can only be done by the facilitator. This process can be accomplished from one of three menus and windows. ! ! ! From the ModelView From the Data Grid From the Participants Window
Judgments, as well as data, for the active participants will be combined and placed in the "combined" section of the database with a PID of 1, and loaded into memory where the results can be reviewed, synthesized, or analyzed in sensitivity graphs. In addition, the Combined Column of the Participant table will be checked to prevent this combined model from being included in future combinations. In the newly copied combined model's Goal node, you may wish to include information about the active participants used to form the combination. Tip: The facilitator can combine different parts of a model with different sets of active participants. For example, people with expertise in one area might make judgments about one cluster of objectives in the decision hierarchy, while another group of people expert in another area might do the same for a different cluster. Still another group might enter ratings or data in all or parts of the data grid.
165
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities Tip: In the participant table, the judgments/values in "Combined" (PID = 1) can be copied and saved under a new participant name by using the Edit Copy to N Participants command, by specifying 1 for N and copying from the PID=1 row. After doing this, the new person name should be changed to something meaningful like "Combined for Civilians"; then checkmark the Combined column to designate that this is a combination.
Combining from the Participants Window

! ! Click the Combine Individuals button at the bottom of the Participants window. A dialogue box will appear asking you to select one of the following: o o o Judgments (in hierarchy only), Data only, or Both.
Combining From the ModelView

! ! ! Select Combined from the Participant drop-down list in the ModelView. Select Assessment; then select Combine Participants Judgments/Data. Select Entire Hierarchy (other options include Plex or Current node). A dialogue box will appear asking you to select: Judgments (in hierarchy) only, Data only, or Both ! Then select your option. Selecting judgments will combine active participants judgments in the combined instance of the model. You can determine active
166
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities judgments from the Participants table. Selecting Data will only combine the data for the active participants.
Combining from the Data Grid

When combining from the Data Grid, only data (not judgments) for the decision hierarchy are combined. ! Select Assessment, then Combine Data for and then select one of three options: o o o All Covering Objectives Covering Objectives of Selected Parent Plex (Click the parent node in the TreeView before choosing this option) Only Selected Covering Objective
167
Access and SQL Database

Our individual user and group versions of Expert Choice store your models in an Access database; these files have the extension of .AHP. Expert Choice Group can use either an Access or SQL database. To use SQL you must have both Microsoft Access 2000 and Microsoft SQL 7.0 installed on your computer. The SQL server will determine the file's naming convention and extension.
Upsizing from a Microsoft Access Database to a Microsoft SQL Database

1. Start MS Access. a. b. c. d. e. f. Select File | Open and navigate to the drive\path that contains the Expert Choice.ahp model. In the File name dialogue box, type *.AHP to view all AHP models. Select an Expert Choice model. This file is in Access 2000 format. Select Tools | Database Utilities | Upsizing Wizard. Select Create new database and click Next. In the next window: 1) Type the database server name or select one from the dropdown list; 2) Type the Login ID; (usually Administrator) 3) Type the Password; (usually sa) 4) Type the name of your new SQL Server database; and 5) Then click Next. Note: If an error message appears, click OK. When the dialogue box appears click Trusted Connection and continue.
168
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 5 Group Capabilities g. In the next window, when asked "Which tables do you want to export to SQL Server?" Click the >> button (the double angle brackets) to include all the database tables and click Next. h. i. j. 2. Since nothing needs to be changed on the next two windows, click Next twice. Now click Finish to complete upsizing to SQL 7.0. When this process is complete, the Upsizing Wizard Report will be displayed. Close Access.
Start Expert Choice. a. b. Select File | Open SQL Model. Type the database server name, username (Login Id) and Password given in step 1f.
Accessing and Viewing an Expert Choice SQL 7 Database

1. 2. 3. 4. First create an access Expert Choice model (.AHP) using the File, Open command. Upsize the database from Access to SQL 7 using Access' Upsizing Wizard as described above. Start SQL by Selecting Microsoft's Service Manager from the Window Programs group. Select Microsoft's SQL Enterprise Manager to view your database. a. Move down the tree structure from SQL Server Group to the name of the SQL file created. b. To edit this file use SQL commands. It is strongly recommended that you use Expert Choice to add or delete information from the database.
169
Executing an Expert Choice SQL Database

1. 2. 3. Start Expert Choice. Select File, Open a SQL Model; or to open a SQL web model, select File, Open a SQL Web Model. Then enter the following: a. b. c. d. e. The models location such as http://models.expertchoice.com SQL Server Name Model Name User ID and Password
The facilitator and participants should login with their assigned username and password, if applicable; then proceed as directed by the facilitator. For more information about SQL databases see Access and SQL Database
170
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 6 Web Models and the Internet
Lesson 6 - Web Models Accessible Over the Internet

Overview
Expert Choice's Web models allow members of a group in various parts of the world to simultaneously open the same model over the Internet to solve problems and make decisions. In this lesson you will learn how to enable Expert Choice's Web Model feature. We also describe how to put a model on an Intranet.
System Requirements
Internet Information Server (IIS) running on Windows NT 4.0, 2000 or XP, or Personal Web Server (PWS) running on Windows 95, 98 or Me (or equivalents). Expert Choice software should be installed on client computers for both the facilitator and participants. Note: Expert Choice software does not need to be installed on the web server.
Overview How Web Models and Expert Choice Work

1. The facilitator creates a group model as described in Lesson 5, either on the destination Web server, or on a client computer. If the model is created on the client's computer it must be uploaded to the server. To access the model on the server, the facilitator must create an ODBC System Data Source Name (DSN). The facilitator, using Expert Choice on his/her machine, can access the model via a Web connection and can add to or revise the model structure. This must be done when no participants are accessing the model. Note: The Edit Revert commands are, however, NOT available when editing a model via a Web connection. Participants using Expert Choice on their computers can access the model via a Web connection to make judgments, enter data, and examine their results.
2. 3.
4.
171
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 6 Web Models and the Internet 5. The Facilitator combines the groups' judgments and or data (for all or active participants) and makes the results available to the participants.
Setting Up a Model for Access Over the Internet or an Intranet

If you have questions about the following contact your system administrator.
Put an Expert Choice Model on the Server

You must create a new Expert Choice model or transfer a previously created model to the server computer. If you use an Intranet put the model on the shared drive and tell the participants the location of the model; for example, F:\models\ExpertChoiceModelName. Then continue reading on page 182. If you use the Internet follow the directions below to put a model on the Internet server.
Creating a new System Data Source Name

Contact your system administrator for the URL or IP address of the web server on which the model will be stored. We will use http://models.expertchoice.com as an example in the following discussion. When you have completed the steps outlined below, the Expert Choice model that is on the web server can be accessed if you have a copy of Expert Choice on your computer. From the web server computer, create a new System Data Source Name (DSN) that points to an Expert Choice model as follows: 1. 2. From the Start menu select Settings, then Control Panel. For Windows 95/98 or Me systems: Note: For Me systems you must first select the "View All Control Panel Options" and then follow the directions on the next line. Select ODBC32 Data Sources or ODBC DATA SOURCES (32bit).
172
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 6 Web Models and the Internet For NT systems: Select ODBC Data Source. For Windows 2000: Select Administrative Tools, Data Sources (ODBC). 3. Select the System DSN tab, see Figure 1.
Figure 1 ODBC Data Source Administrator
4.
Click the Add button ! ! From the list, select Microsoft Access Driver; see Figure 2. Click Finish
173
Figure 2 Create New Data Source
5.
Type a Data Source Name to designate the model to be accessed with Expert Choice; see Figure 3. Then click Select.
174
Figure 3 Entering a Data Source Name
6.
Now either navigate to or type the path/file name that contains the desired Expert Choice model. The path/file name must include the extension .ahp. Note: If desired you can type *.ahp to see a list of all Expert Choice models.
7.
Click OK to go back to ODBC Data Source Administrator; see Figure 4. Then click OK to complete the System DSN process.
175
Figure 4 ODBC Data Source Administrator
An additional step may be needed to host web models using a Windows XP machine. It is described below. 1. 2. 3. From the Windows Start menu select Run and type INETMGR. Double click on your local computer; double click on Web Sites. Right click on the Default Web Site and create a new virtual directory by selecting New | Virtual Directory. See the figure below.
176
Figure 5 Window showing Local Computer Name and Default Web Site
4.
When the Virtual Directory Creation Wizard appears click Next.
177
Figure 6 Virtual Directory Creation Wizard
5.
When prompted for the Virtual Directory Alias type MSADC and click Next.
178
Figure 7 Virtual Directory Alias
6.
When prompted for the Web Site Content Directory, type the MSADC system directory (usually at the location shown below) and click Next.
179
Figure 8 Web Site Content Directory
7.
Make sure the following access permissions are set as shown below and click Next.
180
Figure 9 Access Permissions
8.
Then click Finish to complete the web hosting process.
Now that the model is on the server, it can be accessed from Expert Choice that is installed on either the facilitator or participants' computers.
Accessing a Model over the Internet

Before following the directions below, the following information should be obtained from the system administrator by the facilitator and provided to each participant. ! ! ! The URL Location - IP address or hostname of the web server Group users will need the SQL server name if their database is SQL The DSN name
181
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 6 Web Models and the Internet ! ! The User name assigned to the database The Password for the user name.
In addition, the facilitator should provide each Participant with his/her Expert Choice model participant user name and password, if applicable. The facilitator should also provide directions to the participants for making judgments. 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect to the Internet and verify network connection to the web server. Start Expert Choice. Select File, then Open Web Model. Then a dialogue box will appear. In the Location (URL) field, type the IP address or hostname of the web server. For example: http://models.yourhostname.com or http://12.34.56.78
Step 5 is only for Group users using SQL. Others go to Step 6.

5. 6. In the SQL Server field, type the SQL server name. In the Model Name field, type the database name selected when upsizing. For example: samplemodel 7. 8. In the UserID field, type the user name assigned to ODBC connection or SQL database. In the Password Field, type password for username (in step 7 above). Now that you have permission to access the model over the Internet or Intranet you are ready to open your model.
Logging into a model on the Server

! The facilitator should login by clicking OK if the facilitator name has not been changed. If it has, then the facilitator must enter his or her assigned name. Then if applicable, the facilitator will be prompted to enter a password.
182
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 6 Web Models and the Internet ! Participants should login with their assigned participant username and password, if applicable. These are probably different names than those used in steps 7 and 8 above. Then proceed as directed by the facilitator.
183
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 7 Resource Allocation
Lesson 7 - Resource Allocation

Overview
Expert Choice's Resource Allocation module provides a way to select a combination of alternatives that maximize (optimize) the attainment of objectives while not exceeding a specified budget. Other constraints can also be specified. There are two forms of Resource Allocation Discrete and Activity Level. This feature is only available in the group versions of Expert Choice.
How to Perform Resource Allocation

The Resource Allocation module (RA) is accessed from the Tools | Resource Allocation menu in the Data Grid. This module extracts information from Expert Choice with group capability and formulates the spreadsheet that will be used to perform the resource allocation calculations. Before using RA you should have completed your model's evaluation. In addition you must enter costs for each alternative in the Data Grid's Cost column. (If the Cost column is not visible, use the View | Cost command). Once this is done you can invoke the optimization. Since decision-making is not static remember you and your group can always adjust your Expert Choice model and re-execute the optimization. You can also download the Resource Allocation chapter of Decision by Objectives published by World Scientific Publishing or available at http://www.expertchoice.com/dbo/ or http://mdm.gwu.edu/forman (where a TV Video and screen capture videos are also available). The following sections describe how to perform resource allocation.
184
Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation Optimization

We explain, by example, how to use and perform a discrete alternative resource allocation optimization. This module uses algorithms that are exceptionally fast, even for very large problems. 1. 2. 3. 4. Load the Hawthorne Valley model from the Expert Choice Samples directory. When prompted for a participant name, just press Enter. From Expert Choice the menu select Go | Data Grid. Select Tools | Resource Allocation. Expert Choice will formulate the optimization problem and you will be taken to an Excel spreadsheet where you can control the optimization process. Expert Choice determines if a discrete or activity level optimization should be performed based on the absence or presence of activity levels (To designate activity levels you must conform to the following convention; alternative name:activity level where a COLON is used to separate the alternative name from the activity level.) Since there are no activity levels in this model, a Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation will be performed and you will be taken to an Excel spreadsheet showing information that has been extracted from Expert Choice. The initial display shows a solution where every alternative is funded at the highest benefit level (note the 1s in Column B), and the total amount required to fund these levels below the red/orange cell in the Costs column.
5.
185
Figure 1 Initial Discrete Alternative Solution
6. 7. 8.
Type a budget limit in the red/orange cell and press Enter. In this example enter 50000. From the Excel Menu select Resource Allocation. From the drop down menu select Solve. The results show that all but two alternatives are funded and how much funding is expended.
186
Figure 2 Discrete Alternative Results
After viewing your result you can choose to Optimize for Increasing Budgets by selecting this option from the Resource Allocation menu. Next either accept the defaults for this function or change them; use the figure below as a reference.
187
Figure 3 Optimizing Options Window
! ! ! !
Minimum Cost uses the lowest cost activity/alternative for example, 1,000. The Minimum Difference of Costs uses the delta (change) to increase the budgeted amount, for example 100. User Specified The default value is 1000. You can enter any value in this cell. Approximate Number of Increments; the default is 25 and the recommended option. However you can enter a number from 0 to the maximum budget. The number of increments is used to display the next point on the Pareto curve.
You can Add Constraint Columns to the spreadsheet by selecting this option from the Resource Allocation menu. The figure below shows a new column that has been added and it also shows the results of the optimization based on the new entry.
188
Figure 4 Constraint Column Added Showing New Results
To add a constraint use the figure above and follow the instructions below: From the Resource Allocation menu select Add Constraint Column. 1. When prompted, type the number of columns to add, in this example type 1. New constraint columns will be added to the right of the Obj (objectives) and Costs columns. Next you must enter a title (text heading) for each new column. In this example add the heading labeled Sup Wks for supervisor weeks. Now enter the number of weeks required of the Supervisor for each alternative as shown in the figure below. Notice some rows do not require supervisor time. Suppose that only 4 weeks of supervisor time are available. Enter a 4 in the max row of this new constraint column; see the figure above. From the Resource Allocation menu, select Solve. If desired you can select increasing budgets. The results with the new constraint will be displayed. Note:
2. 3. 4. 5.
189
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 7 Resource Allocation The salmon color cells show the total cost and in this example the total supervisor hours. 6. When you are finished using the optimizer you will be given the opportunity to save your spreadsheet and then you will be returned to Expert Choice. We highly recommend that you rename this spreadsheet to preserve the audit trail.
Dependency Feature
Use the Dependency tab to specify dependencies between alternatives in the resource allocation. The dependency table for the Hawthorne model is shown below.
Figure 5 Dependency Table
To add a dependency from Excel, you can either click Resource Allocation | Add Dependency from the menu or from the Dependency table right-click in a cell (row, column or column, row) that will be dependent. We suggest the latter as it is only one keystroke! When the dependency options appear, click the option or type a D, M or X.
D - the row element depends upon the column element. The optimization assures that the row element is not funded unless the column element is funded. M - the row and the column are mutually dependent; both must be funded or neither
is funded.
190
X - the row and the column are mutually exclusive; funding one precludes funding
the other. Three sample dependency options for the Hawthorne model are shown below. The Dairy Chart Recorder and Solar Greenhouse are mutually exclusive. The Solar Greenhouse and Dairy Maintenance Work are mutually dependent. The Bulk Tank Frig depends on the Dairy Structure Work.
Figure 6 Sample Dependency Options
To delete a dependency, move to the cell (row, column or column, row) and press the Delete key. To clear the dependency table, from Excel select the Resource Allocation | Clear Dependency Table.
191
Activity Level Resource Allocation Optimization

We explain, by example, how to perform an activity level resource allocation optimization. 1. 2. 3. Load the Hotspots model from the Expert Choice Samples directory. When prompted for a participant name, just press Enter. From Expert Choice the menu select Go | Data Grid. Each alternative can have as many possible funding levels as desired each a separate row in the data grid. The (common) alternative name is followed by a COLON which is then followed by text describing the funding level for example, bare bones, status quo, and gold plate. To designate activity levels you must conform to the following convention; alternative name:activity level; for example Suitland Nuisance Abatement:3000. Review the names of the activities in the Data Grid and column one below. Note each alternative with an activity level has the same alternative name followed by a COLON and then the activity level. (If the alternatives column is not wide enough make it larger by dragging.) Each activity level is associated with a different cost. 4. The cost for each level is entered in the cost column corresponding to the row for the level. It is customary to enter the levels in either increasing or decreasing sequence. Typically (but not always), the total priority for levels with more funding will have a higher total overall contribution toward objectives; see the Total column. Select Tools | Resource Allocation. You will be taken to an Excel spreadsheet showing information that has been extracted from Expert Choice. Expert Choice will formulate the optimization as an Activity Level optimization if Activity Levels are defined as described above. The following figure shows the information extracted.
5.
192
Figure 7 Data Extracted from Expert Choice
6.
You will be asked "Must one level be funded for each activity?" Select Yes. (Select No if you do not want to allow any levels to be funded for one or more activities). The initial display shows a solution where every activity is funded (note the 1s in Column B), and the total amount required to fund every alternative below the red/orange cell in the Costs column. Type your Budget Limit, in this example type 75000 in the red cell. Then press Enter. From the Excel Menu, select Resource Allocation. From the drop down menu select Solve. The following figure shows the results.
7.
8. 9.
193
Figure 8 Results of Activity Level Optimization
After viewing your result you can choose to Optimize for Increasing Budgets by selecting this option from the Resource Allocation menu. You can add constraint columns to the spreadsheet by selecting this option from the Resource Allocation menu. The figure below shows a new column that has been added and it also shows the results of the optimization based on the new entry.
194
Figure 9 New Column/Constraint Added to an Activity Level Optimization
To add a constraint use the figure above and follow the instructions below: 1. 2. 3. From the Resource Allocation menu select Add Constraint Column. When prompted, type the number of columns to add, in this example type 1. Next you must enter a title (text heading) for each new column. In this example add the heading labeled Sup Wks for supervisor weeks.
195
Expert Choice Tutorials Lesson 7 Resource Allocation 4. Now enter the number of weeks required of the Supervisor for each activity as shown in the figure below. Note some columns can be blank; none are in this example. Suppose that only 5 weeks of Supervisor time are available. Enter a 5 in the max row of this new constraint column; see the figure above. From the Resource Allocation menu, select Solve. If desired you can select increasing budgets. The results with the new constraint will be displayed. Note: The salmon color cells show the total cost and in this example the total supervisor hours. When you are finished using the optimizer you will be given the opportunity to save your spreadsheet and then you will be returned to Expert Choice. We highly recommend that you rename this spreadsheet to preserve the audit trail.
5. 6.
7.
To learn about the Dependency Feature go to page 190.
196
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Area Validation Exercise
Appendix - Area Validation Exercise

Expert Choice provides decision-makers with the framework to derive ratio scale priorities or weights from experience, insight and intuition as well as from hard data. Expert Choice not only assists decision-makers in structuring complexity and exercising judgment, but also incorporates both objective and subjective factors used in the decision. One of the advantages of the Expert Choice pairwise comparison process is that weights, or priorities, are not arbitrarily assigned, but are derived from verbal, numerical or graphical judgments. We know this method for deriving priorities is reliable since it is based on a sound mathematical foundation. The AHP foundation has been proven through numerous validation studies. Refer to www.expertchoice.com for books and technical references. The following exercise demonstrates the validity of the results that Expert Choice derives by showing that your results, obtained by using subjective judgments, come close to known values. This exercise should take approximately 15 minutes of your time and is most worthwhile. It will help you actually visualize how Expert Choice assists decisionmakers in making more accurate decisions. The objective of the exercise is to make judgments on the relative sizes of the areas (Figure 1 - Area Example) in pairs to find the percentage that each shape contributes to the total area of the five figures. What do we mean by relative sizes? In the example below area B is twice as big as area A, area C is three times as big as area A. This is what is meant by relative size: how many times bigger one shape is than another. Measuring things in relative terms has a great advantage. The relative comparison is the same, no matter what scale is used: inches, centimeters or something else.
Figure 1 Relative Size Example
197
Notice that the ratio of these decimals are meaningful; the two squares are twice as big as the single square therefore, B/A = .333/.166 = 2. The three squares are three times as big as the single square: C/A = .500/.166 = 3. So when you compare how much bigger B is over A, you would use the number 2 from fundamental scale of Expert Choice.
Table 2 Fundamental Scale of Expert Choice
The numbers in the fundamental scale are absolute numbers and independent of the scale used. If you enter 2, you mean the larger shape is two times the smaller one. If area B is 2 times bigger than area A, it is always two times bigger, regardless of the units you use to measure the areas. The purpose of this validation example is to find the decimal proportion of each area in Figure 2 to the total area, using Expert Choice and your judgments. You will perform a series of pairwise relative comparisons, first using the numerical mode and then using the verbal mode. From your judgments Expert Choice will calculate the relative areas of the shapes. You can then validate the results by comparing how close they are to the actual measured areas. In the course of the validation exercise you will fill out information in Table 1. In column 1 you put your own estimate as described in step 1 below. In column 2 you will put results obtained from using the numerical comparison mode. In column 3 you will put results obtained using the verbal comparison mode. In column 4 you will write the actual results. ! ! Make a copy of Figure 2 and Table 1. Jot down your unaided estimate (expressed as a decimal) of the proportion each area is to the sum of the areas in Column A of Table 1. (To help you, assume you are allocating a total of $1.00 to the shapes according to the size of their respective areas.)
198
C D
Figure 2 - Shapes Used in Area Validation Exercise
Table 1 Area Validation Chart to List Judgments
After performing the validation exercise compare the accuracy of your unaided estimates with those that Expert Choice derived from your pairwise judgments.
199
Area Validation - Numerical

1. 2. 3. Start Expert Choice. Select File Open and navigate to the Expert Choice Samples directory that contains the Area model. Select Area to open the model. Select File SaveAs to save the model under another name such as MyAreaModel. This way the original model will be available should you want someone else to perform this exercise. Go to the Numerical Comparison window by selecting . Then the first two elements to be compared will be presented in the window. (There should be no judgments in the matrix that appears at the bottom of the screen. If judgments exist return to the ModelView and select Assessment, Erase Nodes for the Entire Plex. After erasing return to the Numerical Comparison window) Looking only at the two shapes being compared and using Figure 1 as an aid visually estimate the ratio of the larger to the smaller. Keep in mind that for the purpose of this area validation example, the comparative adjective "Importance" is analogous to bigger. For example, if you estimate that one area is 3 times larger than the other you would click the number on the side of the indicator bar for the larger area. (Alternatively, you could enter the judgment in the matrix below such as 4.5. If you do this, remember to select the invert icon if the column element is more important than the row element then the judgment will appear in red.) Keep in mind that you must select the dominant side of the numerical indicator when making judgments. 5. 6. 7. If you did not advance to the next judgment to be made, click the next vacant cell in the matrix at the bottom of the window. Then make the next judgment. Repeat this process until all judgments have been made. After the last judgment is made you will be asked if you want to record your judgments, select No. Now select the calculate icon to display your derived numerical priorities.
4.
8.
200
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Area Validation Exercise 9. Note: If your inconsistency is high (greater than 0.10) you might want to reevaluate your judgments as you probably made a clerical error. To do this, click the Numerical tab and adjust your judgments changing only what you are convinced is in error. For more information about inconsistency see Inconsistency in Lesson 1.
10. Enter these derived priorities in Column B of the Area Validation Table that you printed. 11. Return to the ModelView by clicking the ModelView tab .
Before continuing with the Verbal portion of this exercise we answer a few commonly asked questions about comparisons and judgments.
Validation Questions
Q: A: Why are we interested in validating verbal comparisons? Because almost every decision contains subjective or qualitative factors that do not readily lend themselves to numerical judgments. It is difficult to justify numerical judgments for the relative importance of clean air compared to clean water. To overcome this impasse, Expert Choice uses the words EQUAL, MODERATE, STRONG, VERY STRONG, and EXTREME. Words are often easier to justify than numbers. For example, if you say that given our current environment, cleaning up the air is 3 times more important than cleaning up the water, can you justify why it is exactly 3? Why not 2.5, or 4.0? But if you said, instead, that clean air is moderately more important than clean water, this can be justified with a variety of arguments, including, perhaps, some hard facts. Although verbal judgments are often easier to make and justify, how can we combine them and be assured of their validity? True, anyone can put arbitrary numbers behind words in a computer program and then add the numbers. But with Expert Choice the same fundamental numerical scale is used to derive ratio scale results for each group of comparisons, and these ratio scale numbers can be combined to give meaningful results.
Q: A:
201
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Area Validation Exercise Q: Even if the decision maker specifies numerical equivalencies for words, will he/she, or a group of his/her colleagues consistently remember the assignments accurately enough to insure that the results reflect their judgments? Will errors due to the use of imprecise words be a problem? Not with Expert Choice! Even if different individuals or a group attached different interpretations to the verbal scale, the results will still be accurate, as you will now see.
A:
Area Validation - Verbal

1. 2. From the ModelView, save your numerical example by selecting File, Save. Select File, SaveAs and type MyAreaVerbal.
Now erase your numerical judgments and derived priorities. 1. 2. 3. From the Goal node, select Assessment. Select Erase Judgments for Entire Plex and when prompted select Yes. Go to the Verbal Comparison window by selecting . Then the first two elements to be compared will be presented in the window.
Before entering any verbal judgments, read the following: EQUAL, on the Verbal scale, means that neither alternative is more important than the other, (i.e., bigger in this example). EXTREME means an order of magnitude or more. Scientists define "an order of magnitude" to be about 10 to 1. For example, if you were to compare the size of the circle to the size of this letter "O", then the circle would be much more than an order of magnitude larger. Extreme does NOT mean the largest compared to the smallest (because the items being compared could all be about the same size). It means about 10 times more. You may select judgments between the words on the verbal scale. For example: between EQUAL and MODERATE, or between STRONG and VERY STRONG.
202
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Area Validation Exercise Keep in mind that you must select the dominant side of the verbal indicator when making judgments. Looking only at the two shapes being compared and using Figure 1 as an aid visually estimate the dominance of the larger to the smaller only using WORDS. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Now enter a verbal judgment by clicking on the word that represents your feelings. If you do not advance to the next comparison, click the next vacant cell in the matrix below. Repeat this process until all judgments have been made. When asked to calculate judgments, select No. Now click the calculate icon to calculate and display the derived priorities.
Note: If your inconsistency is high (greater than 0.10) you might want to reevaluate your judgments as you probably made a clerical error changing only what you are convinced is in error. To this, click the Verbal tab and adjust your judgments. For more information about inconsistency see Inconsistency in Lesson 1. 6. 7. Enter these priorities in Column C of Table 1 that you printed. Then click to return to the ModelView.
Results & Conclusion

Copy the actual relative areas shown below to Column D of Table 4 that you printed. A B C D E = = = = = .471 .050 .234 .149 .096
Now compare your results as follows:
203
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Area Validation Exercise 1. 2. First compare your unaided estimates (Column A to Column D). Are they as accurate? Next compare your pairwise numerical results (Column B) with the actual results (Column D). They should be very close, usually within 5% for every figure. Finally, check your pairwise verbal results (Column C) with the actual measurements (Column D).
3.
Pretty close? Probably amazingly close, given that they were derived from fuzzy words! Your pairwise verbal results are probably not quite as good as your pairwise numerical results because this is, after all, a numerical problem. But the accuracy should be close enough to convince you of the valuable results you can obtain from verbal comparisons. When you performed the validation experiment with the verbal comparison mode, you might have expected that your initial unaided estimates would be better than the priorities derived from your pairwise verbal judgments. Were your verbal pairwise results more accurate than your unaided estimates? If your results are typical of the many people who have already tried this and similar validation experiments, you will be surprised to find how accurate the priorities derived from your verbal judgments actually are!
Conclusion What does this show? That you can derive reliable results using judgments. When you estimated the relative areas of these shapes without using Expert Choice, your thought process probably included a scale of measure for each figure, perhaps in combination with a mathematical formula. The unit of measurement might be square inches, square centimeters, or perhaps your thumbnail. If you were to actually use a measuring device, for example a ruler, your results would (aside from measurement error) be perfect. However, you are able to derive relative measures almost as well using your judgments. Incidentally, direct measurement error is usually considerable, as you will find if you try it using a ruler and some geometric formulas. Often both Expert Choice methods, numerical and verbal, are better. Measurement error is often a factor when you are dealing with data, too. Your judgments may give you results that are closer to reality.
204
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Area Validation Exercise In solving this area problem using verbal judgments with Expert Choice, you did not use a scale. The significance of being able to derive priorities from pairwise judgments (verbal or numerical) is that accurate priorities can be derived for any aspect of a decision no matter whether it involves quantitative, qualitative, objective or subjective elements! If you can estimate physical quantities so well with Expert Choice, based only on your judgment, it is likely that you are also able to estimate priorities in situations that do not involve physical quantities for which no scale exists, such as market appeal, satisfaction, risks, and intangible benefits.
205
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Hardware and Keypads
Setting Up the Hardware Receiver, Keypads and Other Equipment

This section provides basic information for connecting and activating the hardware (receiver and keypads) used in Expert Choice Group. We use the Reply Cordless Response System. For detailed information consult the hardware documentation that accompanied your hardware.& The Radio Frequency Receiver and keypads are produced differently for different countries. You must specify the countries where you plan to use the receivers as the radio frequency bands differ by country. A schematic is packed with the hardware. Individual Wireless keypads come with the system. Each participant uses a keypad to enter judgments or values. A maximum of 250 keypads can be used with the system. Projector There are numerous high quality projection systems available today. It is important to test the software with the projector prior to a group session to ascertain that the screen resolution of the computer and projector are compatible and that the colors are displaying properly. In particular, check to see that the projector contrast is set so that gray colors are visible and are not washed out.
What You Need to Do Before Connecting the Receiver

1. 2. You will need one free serial port on your computer to connect the Reply Cordless Receiver. You will also need a video port if you use an LCD display panel, and a port for the mouse. The cable for an external modem can be removed to free-up one COM port. (Typically COM1 is configured for a mouse or an external modem; check your computers hardware instructions to add and configure additional serial ports.)
Connecting the Radio Frequency Receiver

1. Connect the RF receiver nine-pin female serial port labeled RS-232 (TO PC) to an available serial port usually located on the back of a computer and typically labeled COM. You must use the null modem cable that is supplied with your RF
206
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Hardware and Keypads receiver. If you have a 25 pin port on your computer you must obtain a DB9 to DB25 (i.e., 9 to 25 pin) adapter from a computer supply store. 2. The cable coming from the interior of your RF receiver plugs into the front of the RF receiver into the port labeled TX/RX DATA. This should already be connected for you when the equipment arrives. Plug the RF receiver into a 120 Volt electrical outlet. (At this time you may desire to plug in your projection device). Turn on the power. Once the unit receives power a red light will be displayed on the receiver. Note: You can turn on the receiver before or after starting Expert Choice Group.
3.
Programming the Keypads

Each keypad must be uniquely identified with its own internal number to enable Expert Choice Group to identify each participants input. These numbers are easy to program or change as explained below. You should make certain that your keypads are properly labeled and uniquely identified BEFORE conducting a group session. For example, if you have ten decision-makers in the meeting, you will need ten keypads numbered from 1 to 10 internally, with corresponding external labels. It is also possible to have, for example, 10 decision makers use 8 keypads by selecting the "wave" option in the software and have eight people in the first wave, and two in the second wave. The two in the second wave would use a neighbors keypad to make their judgments.
Determining the Current Internal Keypad Number

1. 2. Press and hold down the CLR key on the keypad until the LED display on the keypad flashes "C". This will take a few seconds. Release the CLR key. Then you should notice that three numbers flash consecutively on the LED display. If 0, then 1, then 5 appear, the keypad's internal number is 015, or 15. Internal numbers always have three digits.
To Change the Internal Keypad Number 1. Press and hold down the CLR key on the keypad until the LED display on the keypad flashes "C". This will take a few seconds.
207
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Hardware and Keypads 2. Release the CLR key. Then you should notice that three numbers flash consecutively on the LED display. If 0, then 1, then 5 appear, the keypad's internal number is 015, or 15. Internal numbers always have three digits. After the last number has flashed, enter the keypad number you desire. Keypad numbers must have 3 digits. Zeros are entered using the ten key. For example, if you want the internal number of the keypad to be number 5, press the ten key once for the first 0 then again for the second 0, then press the 5 key. To enter the internal number 10, press the ten key, then the 1 key, then the 0 key to enter 010. 4. 5. To check that the number you entered is correct repeat steps 1 and 2 above. Now that you have changed the keypad number dont forget to change the label.
3.
Programming the Keypad so the * Key Behaves as an Invert Key

The asterisk, *, on the keypad must be programmed so it can invert the order of a judgment when making paired comparisons. Check each keypad making sure that the LCD displays an "A" when the * is depressed. If this does not happened use the above steps to program the * substituting the code 931 for a keypad number.
Common Keypad Troubleshooting Questions

Problem: Solution: The keypads and receiver do not work. Deactivate programs such as the Palm Pilot Hot Sync that use the same Com port; then reboot and start Expert Choice.
Note: You can only have one instance of Expert Choice or Expert Choice's Questionnaire and Brainstorming module running at one time. Close one instance and reboot.
208
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Hardware and Keypads Problem: Solution: The invert key * isnt working. Make sure it is programmed as described above. Note: The invert key switches the dominance of a judgment from one factor to another. Keypad appears to be "haywire".. In the rare event that the keypad is not responding or appears to be sending signals improperly, press and hold the clear key while sequentially entering the three digits 981. This will reset the keypad to the factory setting. Note: If the keypad is dead, check the 9 volt battery. An indicator of E on the keypad could also signal a weak battery. Problem: There is a gap in the keypad number sequence or two or more decision-makers appear to be using the same keypad number. (You know the latter has happened when one decision announces that someone is erasing his/her judgments.) Check the keypad numbers and you will find a gap in the numbers or that one or more keypads have been set to the same number. Change the keypad numbers as described above. Message: Keypads not available. Make sure the receiver is connected to the computer and turned on. Then determine if your Com port is set correctly. See Selecting Keypad Options.
Problem: Solution:
Solution:
Problem: Solution:
How the Hardware and Keypads are Activated

Once the receiver is connected to the computer, you can turn on the Radio Receiver either before or after starting Expert Choice Group.
209
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Hardware and Keypads ! ! It is good practice to group-enable the model prior to the session. If you have not done this do it now. Then either select: o From the ModelView Assessment Pairwise Individual or o From the Data Grid Assess Individual. Then one of the two individual windows will appear. This is where the team will enter judgments or data using the keypads. ! From either individual window select File then select Keypad Options. Use this to designate the number of keypads used in the session and to select the facilitator keypad. It is a good idea to do this before the session starts. Now that the keypad options have been set, make sure the software can see the receiver. The status line at the bottom of the window should say Receiver. If not turn on the receiver by selecting File, Receiver; then select On. Turn on the keypads by selecting File, Keypads On/Off. Look at the status line: If the Keypads are on it should say Keypads; otherwise it will say mouse.
How the Keypads Are Used

! ! ! ! Use to make YES or NO responses; select from A, B, C, D or E, or 1 through 9 multiple choice questions in Questionnaire and Brainstorming. Use more importantly to enter paired comparisons from the ModelView; this includes dragging bars to make graphical judgments. Use to enter Ratings and other data values in the Data Grid. Designate a keypad as the Facilitator Keypad; this capability lets the facilitator move around the room and not be tied down to the keyboard. See Selecting Keypad Options.
210
Selecting Keypad Options

This window is used to set various keypad options. Use this window prior to each session. From this window you can set: ! ! ! ! Designate the maximum number of keypads that will be used in your session. Designate a Com port; the default is 1. You may need to reconfigure your system to use Com 2, 3 or 4. Designate a Facilitator keypad. Designate the number of waves that can be used with the keypads. The default is 1. If, for example, there are twelve participants and only eight keypads, you could set the number of Keypads to 8 and the Wave Number to 1. When the first eight participants have made judgments, four of the keypads will be passed to the next "wave" of participants (persons 9 12). Before they made their judgments, the facilitator would increase the wave number to 2. (This also requires that you change persons 9 12 to wave number 2 in the Participant Table.) ! Keypads off when you move If this box is checked the keypads will be turned off when you move to a new judgment to be made or a new cell in the Data Grid to be rated or valued. This feature permits the facilitator to control when judgments or data will be entered. Autokeypad If this box is checked then software will always attempt to turn on the keypads when a model is loaded. Anonymous If this box is checked then participants names, if entered are masked to person 1, person 2 etc. Future participants will also be masked. Templates button displays and prints the keypad templates as a participant aid. One template can be used when making verbal or numerical paired comparisons as well as entering Ratings or data values when at the Data Grid. The other template can be used when making graphical judgments.
! ! !
211
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Hardware and Keypads You can reach the Keypad Options window from any paired comparison window or the Data Grid. ! ! From ModelView select Assessment then select Pairwise. Then select Assessment Individual.
! !
From the Data Grid select Assessment. Then select Individual.
Then from either individual window select File Keypads Options. You will be taken to a window where you will enter the information just specified.
Tip: You may select any valid keypad number as the facilitator keypad; for simplicity we suggest using number 1. If you select this option many features can be accessed using this keypad rather than using the keyboard. Note: The facilitator keypad remains active (on) whenever the Receiver is on. (Should you use this option the facilitator keypad is not available for participant use.)
Using Keypads Anonymously

If this option is selected then Person 1, Person 2, etc. will appear in a window masking the actual participants names. This is by design so each participant can see what judgment/value or vote was entered when all judgments/values/votes are displayed. This may not be sufficient for some groups as people will be able to tell who is using what keypad. If this is the case, we suggest the following procedure: ! Prior to the session change the keypad label for each keypad from numbers to alphabetic characters. Mix up the characters; note for example, that keypad 2 is now Q while JJ is 7. Then pass out folded pieces of paper with each keypad telling the person what their person ID really is. (Of course, participants can always identify the internal
212
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Hardware and Keypads number of their keypad by pressing and holding down the CLR button, but if you tell them how to do this it might lead to them experimenting and changing the IDs themselves.) An even better way is to remove all keypad numbers. Pass out the keypads randomly. Then in the middle of the session (or when ever desired) have the participants switch keypads. This has two negatives no one will be able to determine if they entered their votes correctly and you will not be able to get accurate group demographics.
Default Facilitator Menus

Several facilitator menus for the ModelView's Assessment Pairwise Individuals
Window and the Data Grid's Assessment Individuals Window have been defined. These menus are used by the facilitator with his or her keypad. We show the first menu for each view.
Figure 1 ModelView's Assessment Pairwise Individuals Facilitator Menu
213
Figure 2 Data Grid's Assessment Individuals Facilitator Menu
214
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Expert Choice Terminology
Appendix of Expert Choice Terminology

Absolute Measurement
Absolute measurement is used when the alternatives are compared against previously established scales rather than relative to one another. See Relative Measurement.
Active Alternatives
Alternatives displayed in the ModelView's Alternatives pane are known as active alternatives. They can only be inactivated but not deleted. See: Global Alternatives
Active Participants
Those team members who participate in the decision-making process. They have been selected as a result of an SQL query and then the selection was applied to the database. This feature enables one to define many participants and have different participants make judgments about various facets of the model.
Alternatives
The alternatives are the options from which a choice is to be made. In a decision model the alternatives can be evaluated in two ways: Relative comparisons - alternatives are directly compared to one another using the pairwise process. Data Grid - alternatives are evaluated against a standard or scale that has been developed. See Active Alternatives and Global Alternatives.
Assessment
Assessment involves making pairwise comparisons between objectives, subobjectives, and alternatives of the decision. These are all made relative to the node above.
Autoadvance
Automatically advances to next judgment to be made.
215
Autoredraw
One of two TreeViews Redraw commands; it is the default. When you move to a node in the hierarchy, the tree will automatically be redrawn about this node showing its descendants.
Best Fit
This command is used to examine inconsistency. It identifies the judgment that is the most inconsistent and suggests what changes should be made to reduce inconsistency from a mathematical perspective. As a decision-maker you must determine if this is logical and what changes in judgment should be made versus what is recommended.
Bottom-Up Structuring
A structuring process used to construct a model by first identifying alternatives; second identifying pros and cons for the alternatives; third converting pros and cons to objectives and sub-objectives. This approach is useful when more is known about the alternatives of choice than the objectives. See Top Down Structuring
Child Node
A child node is a sub-objective of the node above it.
Cluster
A cluster consists of a node and its peers.
ClusterView
The ModelView's ClusterView pane is used to enter and cluster objectives and subobjectives into categories. Any structural changes made in the ClusterView will be updated simultaneously in the ModelView's TreeView pane.
Comparisons - Modes of
There are three ways to enter pairwise comparisons: verbally, numerically and graphically.
Complete Hierarchy
A complete hierarchy (model) has the same alternatives under each covering objective (lowest level objective) in the hierarchy. This is the default. See Incomplete Hierarchy.
216
Covering Objective
A covering objective is defined as the lowest level sub-objectives in the hierarchy (TreeView). In the Data Grid, the covering objectives are displayed as columns while the alternatives are displayed in the rows.
Criterion / Criteria
A criterion is a principle or a standard that an element is judged by and is often represented as a lowest level sub-objective. Throughout Expert Choice, the words criterion and objective are used interchangeably. The plural of criterion is criteria.
Distributive Synthesis
The distributive mode distributes the priorities of each covering objective among all the alternatives, thereby dividing its global priorities proportionately to the priorities of the alternatives beneath it. This method is used when all alternatives matter.
Data Grid
The Data Grid lists all alternatives in the model. Alternatives can be selected for extraction to the Alternatives pane of the ModelView. The Data Grid is also used to evaluate alternatives with respect to each covering objective in the model using one of five different formulas: Ratings, Step function, Increasing or Decreasing utility curves, and Direct entry of priorities.
Diagonal Pairwise
When making pairwise comparisons, one option is to make judgments on the diagonal of the matrix. This feature uses the minimum number of comparisons necessary to calculate priorities. Diagonal Pairwise can also be used with the Data Grid to assess intensity scales that were created with the formula types of Ratings or the Step function.
Formulas Grid
This grid displays the Data Grid's formulas per covering objective as well as its parameters. Use this grid to copy and paste formulas from one objective to another.
Gap Analysis
By establishing the distance that every alternative ranks from the ideal alternative you can perform a gap analysis; this can be viewed from the Data Grid. In addition, you can extract the ideal alternative and up to eight other alternatives from the Data Grid to the Alternatives Pane of the ModelView and then view the performance sensitivity graph for another form of gap analyses.
217
Geometric Average
The geometric average is the nth root of a product of n numbers. If you have two numbers 6 and 24, the geometric average is 12 (6x24=144 raised to the power). If you have three numbers, 1, 3, and 9, the geometric average is 3 (271/3).
Geometric Indicator
The Geometric Indicator on the Data Grid shows the amount of variance in a set of group judgments. The more inconsistent the judgments the higher the indicator.
Global Alternatives
All alternatives displayed in the Data Grid are known as global alternatives. Only global alternatives can be deleted from the model. If you want to include a subset of the global alternatives in the ModelView's Alternative pane you must select and extract them. See: Active Alternatives
Global Priority
The priority of each node relative to the Goal is called the global priority. The global priorities of a node represent the portion of the parent's priority inherited by the child. The global priorities of all the children equal the parent's global priority. The global priority of a child equals the local priority of the child times the global priority of the parent. See Local Priority and Priority.
Goal Node
The goal node represents the problem to be solved and appears at the top of the hierarchy.
Grandchild
A grandchild node is a sub-sub-objective of two nodes above it.
Graphical Comparison Mode

When making assessments, you can use one of the three pairwise comparison modes. When making graphical comparisons, comparisons for two elements are made by moving judgment bars to the left or right. The upper portion of this window graphically displays the two elements being compared with respect to the node above. The lower portion of the window shows the numerical transformation of the graphical judgment.
218
Hierarchy
A hierarchy is a tree-like structure that is used to decompose a decision problem. It has a top-down flow, moving from general categories (objectives) to more specific ones (sub-objectives and sub-sub-objectives).
Incomplete Hierarchy
An incomplete hierarchy (model) has different alternatives under each covering objective. To convert a complete hierarchy model to an incomplete hierarchy you would first select File, Convert to Incomplete Hierarchy; this will remove the alternatives that are displayed in the Alternatives pane and place them below each covering objective in the TreeView. Second delete any alternative that does not belong under each covering objective. See Complete Hierarchy.
Inconsistency Ratio
A measure of inconsistency used in Expert Choice when making paired comparisons. An inconsistency ratio is calculated for each set of judgments. Inconsistency follows the transitive property, for example, if you were to say that A > B, and B > C, then say that C > A, you would have been inconsistent. Theoretical Information The Inconsistency INDEX, not ratio, is calculated for each node (and its cluster of children), and multiplied by the priority of the node, and summed over the entire model. A similar calculation is done for the Inconsistency INDEX for random judgments. The Overall Inconsistency Ratio is the ratio of these two weighted sums. It has been shown that for any matrix small perturbations in the entries imply similar perturbations in the eigenvalues; thus the eigenvalue problem for the inconsistent case is: A w = lambdamax w, where lambdamax will be close to n (actually greater than or equal to n) and the other lambdas will be close to zero. The estimates of the weights for the activities can be found by normalizing the eigenvector corresponding to the largest eigenvalue in the above matrix equation. The closer lambdamax is to n, the more consistent the judgments. Thus the difference, lambdamax - n, can be used as a measure of inconsistency (this difference will be zero for perfect consistency). Instead of using this difference directly, Saaty defined a consistency index as:
219
(lambdamax - n)/(n-1) since it represents the average of the remaining eigenvalues. In order to derive an accurate interpretation of either the difference or the consistency index, Saaty simulated a very large number of random pairwise comparisons for different size matrices, calculating the consistency indices and arriving at an average consistency index for random judgments for each size matrix. He then defined the consistency ratio as the ratio of the consistency index for a particular set of judgments to the average consistency index for random comparisons for a matrix of the same size. Since a set of perfectly consistent judgments produces a consistency index of 0, the consistency ratio will also be zero. A consistency ratio of 1 indicates consistency akin to that which would be achieved if judgments were made at random rather than intelligently. This ratio is called the inconsistency ratio in Expert Choice, since the larger the value, the more inconsistent the judgments.
Information Document
Used to enter information about the goal, a particular objective, sub-objective or alternative in the hierarchy. When using a group model this feature is only available to the facilitator.
Intensity Scales
When using the Data Grid, Intensity Scales are used with either Ratings or the Step function to measure data. These scales are often made up words such as Very Good, Good and Poor. The scale is then pairwise compared deriving priorities by which the alternatives are then compared.
Invert
This command switches the order of dominance between nodes in the pairwise comparison process.
Ideal Synthesis
The ideal mode of synthesis distributes the full priority of an objective to the alternative that ranks highest under that objective. The other alternatives are given a priority in proportion to each alternative and the highest alternative. Use the Ideal when you are only concerned about one alternative and the others will no longer be relevant.
220
Judgment
A judgment expresses the strength of importance, preference or likelihood of one element over another with respect to the node above. Usually the judgments are made through a series of pairwise comparisons, although judgments can also be made by entering priorities directly, using Assessment, Direct. Judgments are also made from the Data Grid, by comparing each alternative with respect to each covering objective's formula type.
Local Priority
The local priority represents the percentage of the parent node's priority that is inherited by the child. The local priorities of the children of a node also sum to one. See: Global Priorities and Priority
ModelView
The main Expert Choice window shows either the TreeView (hierarchy of objectives), alternatives and an Information Document for the current node, or the ClusterView. When in the ClusterView you can see all the objectives and alternatives (top down structuring) or all the pros and cons and the alternatives that they point to (bottom up structuring). For more information see the Tutorial Structuring Lesson.
Node
Nodes represent the elements of a decision. A node may represent the goal, an objective, a sub-objective or an alternative.
Note
Each node of a model can have a corresponding note. The note may include detailed information that isn't in the definition, such as the information that was considered for a judgment. It is most useful when the group feature is enabled because each participant can enter his/her own comments. Notes can also be defined for each cell in the Data Grid.
Numerical Comparison Mode

When making assessments, you can use one of the three pairwise comparison modes. The Numerical Comparison Mode uses numbers (1-9) to compare two elements to the element above. For example, we would say A is 3 times more important than B.
221
Objective
An objective is something that is sought or aimed at in a decision. The word, objective, is sometimes interchangeably used with criterion or attribute. However it is Expert Choice's position that an attribute will point to a criterion and a criterion will point to an objective.
Pairwise Comparisons / Paired Comparisons

One of the major strengths of AHP is the use of pairwise comparisons to derive accurate ratio scale priorities, instead of using traditional approaches of assigning weights. This process compares the relative importance, performance or likelihood of two elements with respect to another element in the level above. A judgment is made as to which is more important and by how much. Pairwise comparisons are carried out throughout an Expert Choice model to establish priorities. There are three modes for pairwise comparisons: numerical, verbal, and graphical.
Parent Node
A parent node is any node in hierarchy that has children.
Plex
A Plex is defined to be the current node and all of its descendants.
Priority
The priority of a node is a numerical value represented as a percentage of one. It is derived from pairwise comparisons with respect to the parent node. The local priorities of the children of a node add up to one. The global priorities of a node represent the portion of the parent's priority inherited by the child. The global priorities of the children also sum to the parent's global priority. The global priority of a child equals the local priority of the child times the global priority of the parent.
Redraw
The redraw commands redraw the hierarchy, in the TreeView, about the current (highlighted) node showing its descendants. Autoredraw, the default, will automatically redraw the hierarchy about the current node when you move to it; it is displayed on the button bar with the left-hand icon. Redraw only works if Autoredraw is off; it is shown on the button bar with the righthand icon. You must move to a node and double-click to expand or collapse that portion of the hierarchy.
222
Expert Choice Tutorials Appendix Expert Choice Terminology When at the ModelView's TreeView, depressing the first letter of a node name (or a series of characters) will take you to that node. This feature is not available from the Data Grid's TreeView.
Relative Measurement
In contrast to absolute measurement, relative measurement refers to the measurement of the priorities of the objective, sub-objective and alternatives as determined by comparing elements to each other. See Absolute Measurement.
Ratings
Ratings is a Data Grid method used to evaluate a large number of alternatives. Scales of intensities are developed and prioritized; these measures are then used to judge each alternative. Also see Intensity Scales.
Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity Analysis is used to investigate the sensitivity of the alternatives to changes in the priorities of the objectives. There are five types of sensitivity analyses: Performance, Dynamic, Gradient, 2D plot, and Head-to-Head. Analyses can be performed from the Goal node or from the current node in the hierarchy such as an objective.
Sibling Node
Nodes that appear at the same level in the model, relative to the parent node, are known as siblings.
Step Function
The Step Function is one of five Data Grid Formula types and is similar to Ratings in that it consists of a scale or prioritized intensities. However the Step function automatically calculates the appropriate intensity for each alternative based on data entered in the Data Grid rather the using a word from a scale. Also see: Intensity Scales.
Structural Adjust
When making paired comparisons, the Structure button is used to structurally adjust a set of priorities based on the number of the current node's grandchildren. This feature should be used when you wish to prevent the dilution of the global weight of a grandchild simply because it has many siblings.
223
Structuring
This feature of Expert Choice facilitates the hierarchy building process by: 1) clustering objectives, or 2) defining alternatives and their associated pros and cons and then converting them to objectives.
Sub-Objective (Sub-Criterion)
A sub-objective is a lower level objective of a parent.
Synthesis
This process shows the overall solution by synthesizing (combining) all global priorities for each alternative and then presents the results in graphic format. A synthesis can also be performed for other nodes in the hierarchy; this is known as an intermediate synthesis.
TreeView
The term TreeView in this manual refers to an Expert Choice hierarchy containing objectives and sub-objectives.
Top Down Structuring

The model is built, from the top, starting with the most general objectives, then the more specific (sub-objectives), and finally the alternatives of choice. See Bottom Up Structuring.
Utility Curves
Two utility curves available from the Data Grid include either Increasing or Decreasing curves,) Like the step function, utility curves translate data into priorities. Where as the step function consists of discrete steps, a utility curve is continuous. In addition to being increasing or decreasing, either type can be linear or nonlinear, and when nonlinear, concave or convex.
Verbal Comparison Mode

One of three paired comparison modes where you compare factors with respect to its parent using words, such as: Equal, Moderate, Strong, Very Strong, and Extreme.
What-if
What- if analysis can be performed with the Sensitivity Analyses Graphs to determine how the overall result would change if the priorities of the objectives were changed.
224
Expert Choice Tutorials Index
Index
2
2D Plot ..................................................................................... 74, 223
A
About the Expert Choice Tutorials ................................................... 33 Absolute Measurement .......................................................... 215, 223 Access and SQL Database............................................................ 168 Accessing a Model Over the Internet or Intranet ........................... 181 Acitivity Level Resource Allocation ................................................ 185 Activating Hardware ....................................................................... 209 Activating Keypads......................................................................... 209 Active Alternatives............................................................ 26, 116, 215 Active Participants.......................................................................... 215 Adding Alternatives ......................................................................... 83 Adding / Entering Objectives............................................................ 79 Adding Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane................................... 50 Adding an Alternative to the Data Grid .......................................... 104 Adding Objectives to the TreeView.................................................. 46 Adding Participants to your Group Model. ..................................... 140 Adding Sub-Objectives in the TreeView .......................................... 47 Advanced Optimization & Activity Level Resource Allocation ....... 192 Advanced Optimization & Discrete Activity Resource Allocation... 185 All Pros and Cons List...................................................................... 88 Allowing New Participants to Open a Model Without Having Been Pre-defined..................................................................................... 142 Alternatives ............................................................................ 215, 221 Alternatives in Data Grid ................................................................ 104 Alternatives pane ............................................................................... 7 Area Model Validation Questions................................................... 201 Area Validation - Verbal ................................................................. 202 Area Validation Exercise ................................................................ 197 Area Validation Numerical ............................................................. 200 Assessment............................................................................ 215, 221 Assessment Menu Commands .............................................. 157, 159 Assessments / Pairwise Comparisons Overview............................. 51 Autoadvance .................................................................................. 215 Autoredraw....................................................................... 64, 216, 222
225
B
Best Fit................................................................................57, 58, 216 Bottom-up Structuring...............................................................85, 216 Build the Model by Entering Objectives in the TreeView ..................8 Building an Expert Choice Model .....................................................43 Building the Hierarchy ......................................................................89
C
Calculated Priorities..........................................................................11 Child Node ......................................................................................216 Cluster ............................................................................................216 Clustering Ideas..........................................................................76, 80 ClusterView.............................................................................216, 221 Combining from the Data Grid........................................................167 Combining Judgments and or Data ................................................163 Combining Judgments for the Group from the Data Grid...............167 Combining Judgments for the Group from the ModelView ............166 Combining Judgments for the Group from the Participants Window ........................................................................................................166 Common Keypad Troubleshooting Questions................................208 Comparisons - Modes of ................................................................216 Complete Hierarchy........................................................................216 Conventions Used in the Tutorials....................................................40 Converting Pros and Cons to Objectives .........................................90 Converting to an Incomplete Hierarchy ..........................................219 Copying Formula Types .................................................................107 Copying judgments and/or data when adding new Participants ....141 Covering Objective .........................................................................217 Create a New Model...........................................................................5 Create a Ratings Model....................................................................19 Creating a Group Model .................................................................139 Creating a Group Model & Adding Participants..............................139 Creating a Ratings Scale................................................................109 Creating a Step Formula From a Ratings Formula ........................122 Creating Decreasing Utility Curve ..................................................131 Creating Increasing Utility Curve ....................................................134 Criterion ..........................................................................................222 Criterion / Criteria............................................................................217
D
Data Grid ..................................................25, 102, 215, 217, 221, 223
226
Expert Choice Tutorials Index Data Grid Overview.......................................................................... 97 Decreasing Utility Curves............................................................... 126 Default Facilitator Menus ............................................................... 213 Defining a Ratings Formula and Ratings Intensities........................ 20 Deleting a Formula Type................................................................ 108 Deleting Nodes................................................................................. 47 Deleting Participants ...................................................................... 141 Dependency Feature...................................................................... 190 Diagonal Pairwise Comparisons .................................................... 111 Differentiating Between Objectives and Criteria .............................. 43 Direct .............................................................................................. 217 Direct Formula................................................................................ 134 Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation....................................... 185 Distributive Synthesis............................................................... 66, 217 Document Linking and Embedding .................................................. 93 Dynamic Sensitivity ...................................................... 68, 69, 70, 223 Dynamic Sensitivity Analysis ........................................................... 16
E
Ecsamples................................................................................ 28, 100 Embedded Documents..................................................................... 94 Enter the Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane ................................. 8 Entering a priority with keypads ..................................................... 152 Entering a Rating ........................................................................... 105 Entering a Ratings.......................................................................... 161 Entering a Ratings with a Keypad.................................................. 150 Entering a Step Value .................................................................... 161 Entering a Step Value with a Keypad ............................................ 150 Entering a Value in the Data Grid .................................................. 161 Entering Alternatives ........................................................................ 83 Entering Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane................................. 50 Entering an `Ideal' Alternative ........................................................ 118 Entering Data for a Utility Curve with the Keypad.......................... 151 Entering Objectives to the TreeView................................................ 46 Entering Pros and Cons of the Alternatives ..................................... 86 Entering Sub-Objectives in the TreeView ........................................ 47 Entering Verbal Judgments for the Objectives ................................ 52 Examining Active Alternatives Priorities........................................... 27 Excel's Pivot Table.......................................................................... 14 Expert Choice Group Overview ..................................................... 137 Extracting Selected Alternatives from Data Grid to ModelView..... 116
227
F
Facilitator Keypad ...................................................................152, 153 Facilitator vs. Participant Functions................................................138 Facilitator's Role .............................................................................137 Figure 1 - Area Example.................................................................199 Formula Type -Copying or Deleting................................................107 Formula Type None ........................................................................135 Formulas Grid .................................................................................217 Fundamental Scale of Expert Choice.....................................198, 199
G
Gap Analysis...................................................................................217 Geometric Average.........................................................................218 Geometric Indicator ........................................................................218 Getting the Results ...........................................................................65 Global Alternatives............................................................26, 215, 218 Global Priority .........................................................................218, 222 Global versus Active Alternatives .....................................................26 Goal ........................................................................................218, 221 Goal Node.......................................................................................218 Gradient Sensitivity...................................................................72, 223 Gradient Sensitivity Analysis ............................................................16 Grandchild ......................................................................................218 Graphical Making Graphical Judgments .....................................159 Graphical Comparison Mode..........................................................218 Graphical Judgments........................................................................59 Group Decision Making Using a Network or the Web ....................155 Group Enabling a Model.........................................................139, 140 Group Model ...................................................................................155 Group models opening ................................................................154 Grouping Nodes in the Hierarchy .....................................................84
H
Head-to-Head ...........................................................................16, 223 Head-to-Head Graph ........................................................................73 Hierarchy ........................................................216, 217, 218, 219, 224 Hierarchy building ...........................................................................224 How to Activate Receiver and Keypads .........................................209
I
ideal alternative...............................................................................217
228
Expert Choice Tutorials Index Ideal Synthesis................................................................... 66, 67, 220 Improving Inconsistency................................................................... 57 Incomplete Hierarchy ..................................................................... 219 Inconsistencies............................................................................... 216 Inconsistency ............................................................................. 57, 58 Inconsistency INDEX ..................................................................... 219 Inconsistency Ratio ........................................................................ 219 Increasing or Decreasing Utility Curves......................................... 124 Increasing Utility Curves ................................................................ 132 Information Document pane............................................................... 7 Information Documents .............................................. 92, 93, 220, 221 Information Documents and Notes .................................................. 92 Installing Expert Choice ................................................................... 39 Installing Expert Choice ..................................................................... 3 Intensity.......................................................................................... 223 Intensity Scales .............................................................................. 220 Internet - Models on the Internet.................................................... 171 Introduction to Expert Choice........................................................... 35 Inverting Judgments...........55, 58, 147, 148, 149, 156, 157, 159, 208 inverting pairwise comparisons...................................................... 220
J
Judgment ....................................................................................... 221
L
Linked Documents ........................................................................... 93 Local Priority .......................................................................... 221, 222 Logging into a Model on the Server ............................................... 182
M
Make Verbal Judgments ................................................................ 146 Making a Factor Dormant in the Pairwise Comparison Matrix......... 64 Making Graphical Judgments ........................................................ 159 Making Grapical Judments Using Keypads ................................... 147 Making Individual Judgments Using the Data Grid With Keypads 149 Making Judgments for the Objectives.............................................. 13 Making Numerical & Graphical Judgments for the Alternatives....... 12 Making Numerical Judgments........................................................ 157 Making Numerical Judments Using Keypads ................................ 148 Making Paired Comparisons.......................................................... 223 Making Pairwise Comparisons......................................................... 51
229
Expert Choice Tutorials Index Making Pairwsie Comparisons ...........................................................9 Making Verbal Judgments ..............................................................156 Making Verbal Judgments for the Alternatives...................................9 Making Verbal Judgments for the Objectives Overview...................52 Making Verbal Judments Using the Keypads.................................146 ModelView ......................................................................6, 7, 216, 221 ModelView's Alternatives................................................................215 Modifying an Existing Ratings Scale ..............................................114 Moving and Copying Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy.................48 Moving Nodes in the TreeView /Hierarchy .......................................48 Must Constraints shown on Data Grid............................................135
N
Node ...............................................................................................221 Notes ........................................................................................92, 221 Numerical - Making Judgments ......................................................157 Numerical Comparison Mode .........................................................221 Numerical Comparisons ...................................................................60 Numerical Representations of Verbal Judgments ............................55
O
Object Linking and Embedding.........................................................93 Objective.........................................................................221, 222, 224 Opening a Group Model .................................................................154 Opening a Group Model Using Keypads........................................144 Opening a Team (Group) Model.....................................................142 Optimization....................................................184, 185, 188, 190, 192 Other Data Grid Formula Types Overview .....................................121 Overview of Expert Choice Features................................................36
P
Paired Comparisons .......................................................................224 Pairwise Comparisons........................... 215, 216, 217, 218, 220, 221 Pairwise Comparisons / Paired Comparisons - Making Paired Comparisons...................................................................................222 Parent Node....................................................................................222 Participants .....................................................................................221 Performance Sensitivity............................................................71, 223 Performance Sensitivity Analysis .....................................................16 Plex.................................................................................................222 Prioritizing Rating Intensities ............................................................22
230
Expert Choice Tutorials Index Priority ............................................................................ 218, 221, 222 Priority Fills................................................................................. 62, 63 Programming the asterisk * key .................................................... 208 Programming the Keypads ............................................................ 207
R
Rating Alternatives with Rating Intensities....................................... 23 Ratings ................................................... 101, 105, 106, 217, 220, 223 Ratings - When to Use Ratings........................................................ 99 Ratings Approach Overview ............................................................ 18 Ratings Model .................................................................................. 19 Ratings Model Create ...................................................................... 19 Receiver and Keypad Hardware Overview .................................... 206 Redraw ............................................................................... 63, 64, 222 Redraw Commands ......................................................................... 63 Reduce Inconsistency ...................................................................... 57 Relative Measurement ........................................................... 215, 223 Renaming Nodes ............................................................................. 47 Resizing and Moving Around the Data Grid .................................. 102 Resource Allocation ....................................................................... 184 Results of area validation............................................................... 203 Revert......................................................................................... 49, 50 Revert Command ........................................................................... 108 Reverting to an Older Version of your Model................................... 49
S
Sample Models .................................................................. 28, 34, 100 Saving Your Model........................................................................... 48 Selecting Alternatives from the Data Grid to Include in the ModelView...................................................................................... 116 Selecting Keypad Options.............................................................. 211 Sensitivity Analyses Graphs .................................................... 68, 224 Sensitivity Analysis................................................................... 16, 223 Setting Up a Model for use on an Internet or Intranet.................... 172 Sibling Node................................................................................... 223 SQL All Query ........................................................................................ 164 SQL database ................................................................................ 168 SQL Databases...................................................................... 168, 170 SQL Particiapting Query ................................................................ 164 SQL Queries .................................................................................. 163 Starting / Creating a New Model (File)............................................. 44
231
Expert Choice Tutorials Index Starting Expert Choice......................................................................40 Starting Expert Choice........................................................................4 Step Function..........................................................121, 217, 220, 223 Step Function Overview .................................................................121 Steps to Create a Decreasing Utility Curve from Scratch ..............131 Steps to Create a Step Formula from Scratch ...............................124 Steps to Create an Increasing Utility Curve from Scratch..............134 Structural Adjust .............................................................................223 Structured Query Language ...........................................................163 Structuring ..........................................................................77, 78, 224 Theoretical Foundation.....................................................................76 Structuring Overview ........................................................................76 Sub-Objective .................................................................................221 Sub-Objective (Sub-Criterion) ........................................................224 Sub-sub-objective ...........................................................................218 Synthesis ........................................................................................224 Synthesis - Getting the Results ........................................................65 Synthesize to Get Results ................................................................14
T
Table 1 - Area Validation ................................................................199 Theoretical Foundation of Structuring ..............................................76 Things to Check Before Opening a Team (Group) Model..............142 Top-down Structuring ...............................................................78, 224 Totals Column in Data Grid ............................................................103 Trash Can .........................................................................................47 TreeView.........................................................................216, 221, 224 TreeView pane....................................................................................6 Two Dimensional Plot.................................................................16, 17 Two-Dimensional (2D Plot)...............................................................74
U
Understanding the Ratings Intensities Just Entered ........................25 Upsizing from Access to SQL.........................................................168 Using Keypads Anonymously.........................................................212 Using Keypads to Make Graphical Judgments ......................146, 147 Using Keypads to Make Numerical Judgments..............................148 Using Keypads to Make Verbal Judgments ...................................146 Utility Curves...........................................................................217, 224
232
V
Verbal Comparison Mode .............................................................. 224 Verbal judgments ........................................................................... 156 Viewing the Hierarchy ...................................................................... 83 Viewing the Totals Column ............................................................ 103
W
Web Models and the Internet......................................................... 171 Welcome dialogue box..................................................................... 45 What Expert Choice is used for ....................................................... 38 What the Facilitator Does............................................................... 144 What to do next? .............................................................................. 28 What-if ............................................................................................ 224 When to Combine Judgments and Data ........................................ 163
233
234

Part I: Quick Start Guide Part II: Tutorials

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Part I: Quick Start Guide Part II: Tutorials

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Advanced Decision Support Software for the Millennium

Part I: Quick Start Guide Part II: Tutorials

Mary Ann Selly

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Part I: Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Introduction / Installing / Starting Expert Choice

Installing Expert Choice

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Starting Expert Choice

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Building An Expert Choice Model

Figure 1 Welcome Dialogue Box

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Figure 2 Sample Vacation Model

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Build the Model by Entering Objectives in the TreeView

Enter the Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane

Making Judgments / Pairwise Comparisons

Making Verbal Judgments for the Alternatives

Figure 3 The Verbal Comparison Window

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Figure 4 Derived Priorities of the Alternatives with Respect to Activities

Making Numerical & Graphical Judgments for the Alternatives

Making Judgments for the Objectives

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Viewing Your Results - Synthesizing

Figure 6 Synthesis Window

Ideal and Distributive Synthesis Modes

Figure 7 Sensitivity Graphs: Performance, Gradient, Dynamic and Head to Head

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Figure 8 Two Dimensional Plot

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

The Ratings Approach

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Create a Ratings Model

Figure 9 Data Grid

Defining a Ratings Formula and Ratings Intensities

Defining Rating Intensities

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Figure 10 Activities Intensities Definition Window

Now type one intensity name per row.

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Prioritizing Ratings Intensities

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Figure 11 Ratings Intensities Priorities for Activities

Rating Alternatives with Ratings Intensities

Figure 12 Sample Ratings Intensities Shown on Data Grid

Understanding the Ratings Intensities Just Entered

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Global versus Active Alternatives

To Make an Alternative Active

To Make an Active Alternative Inactive

Examining Active Alternatives Priorities

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Figure 13 Each Covering Objective has an Ideal Alternative

Expert Choice Quick Start Guide

Expert Choice Tutorials

Part II: EXPERT CHOICE TUTORIALS

Expert Choice Tutorials

Expert Choice Tutorials Introduction

About the Expert Choice Tutorials