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Charting the managerial and theoretical evolutionary path of AHP using thematic and systematic review: a decadal (2012–2021) study

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Abstract

Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) has evolved since its inception and has contributed mainly to multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to solve complex problems. It is a widespread technique that uses group decision-making approach to solve problems in business operations, mathematics, and numerous other scientific fields. While its applications are numerous, a handful of researchers have studied the growth trajectory of AHP. Whilst these seminal works have discussed the evolution of AHP in different contexts and using contemporary techniques, we complement them by presenting and reflecting on the unchartered and pressing need of charting the managerial and theoretical evolution of AHP, over the last decade. We do this through a systematic and thematic review of the extant literature. This study uses the Scopus database to extract papers published between 2012 and 2021 in decision science with an overlap with operations research and information systems. The study follows Tranfield et al. (2003)’s guidelines to understand the past trends of AHP along three key dimensions and offers future directions. The study also showcases key trends using historiography and uses data visualization techniques to understand the use of AHP with other MCDM techniques.

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Pereira, V., Bamel, U. Charting the managerial and theoretical evolutionary path of AHP using thematic and systematic review: a decadal (2012–2021) study. Ann Oper Res 326, 635–651 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-022-04540-7

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