The stratified multi-criteria decision-making method.

Highlights • This paper applies a recent concept, namely the concept of stratification. • The dynamicity of the decision environment when a decision is made is considered. • The method mimics the brain's decision making process and has the potential for future applications in artificial intelligence. • The method will be useful to researchers who are applying different MCDM methods. Abstract Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods generally require the decision maker to evaluate alternatives with respect to decision criteria and also to assign importance weightings to the criteria. Then, based on the assigned weightings, the best alternative can be selected. However, after a decision is made it often happens that the decision maker becomes doubtful whether the right weightings have been assigned to the criteria given that a variety of eventualities may occur in the near future. The main aim of this paper is to address this concern and improve the application of MCDM methods by addressing possible fluctuations in the criteria weightings. The recently proposed concept of stratification (CST) is used in conjunction with MCDM methods to stratify the decision environment. The method is then applied to a supplier selection problem. The stratified MCDM (SMCDM) approach is in its early stages only and requires further research to reach its maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]