Analysis of a Non-Discriminating Criterion in Simple Additive Weighting Deep Hierarchy

In the current account, we present an analysis of a non-discriminating criterion under simple additive weighting synthesis, considering a deep decision hierarchy. A non-discriminating criterion describes a criterion where all decision alternatives under consideration perform equally. We question eliminating such a criterion from the decision hierarchy in search of simpler problem representation and computational efficiency. Yet, we prove such an approach may result in order misrepresentations between decision alternatives. This analysis is performed in the form of four research questions that relate to the detection of certain conditions under which such distortions in the order integrity of decision alternatives will occur, calculating the change in their final performances, distinguishing the alternatives whose performances are consistent, and examining the role of the normalization procedure adopted in averting such distortions when the non-discriminating criterion is ignored. Along these lines, this study provides clear inferences which are of interest to researchers and decision makers, using simple additive weighting and similar methods that rely on additive synthesis.