A multiple criteria nominal classification method in a web-based platform: Demonstration in a case of recruitment for the Portuguese Army

CAT-SD (CATegorization by Similarity-Dissimilarity) is a recently developed method for handling nominal classification problems in the context of Multiple Criteria Decision Aiding (MCDA). This paper describes the design and implementation of this method, as well as an application dealing with a recruitment process in the Special Forces of the Portuguese Army. In addition, it proposes interaction protocols to elicit the preference parameters of the method to facilitate the construction of a decision model when the analyst guides the decision maker. CAT-SD has been implemented in DecSpace, a user-friendly on-line platform for supporting decision aiding processes using one or more MCDA methods. The study related to the Portuguese Army Special Forces recruitment presents and demonstrates how these protocols and a tool like DecSpace can facilitate the process of applying the method in real-world scenarios.