How to Apply Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Sustainability Study

Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a powerful decision-making tool that can be used to evaluate and prioritize different options based on a set of criteria. In sustainability studies, AHP can be used to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of different alternatives. In this article, we will discuss how to apply AHP in sustainability studies, using a master thesis or research project as an example.

The first step in applying AHP in sustainability studies is to identify the problem or decision that needs to be made. This could be a decision about which alternative energy source to invest in, or how to prioritize different sustainability initiatives within an organization. Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to define the criteria that will be used to evaluate the different options. These criteria should be specific to the problem at hand and should reflect the goals of the decision-maker.

Next, the alternatives that will be evaluated should be identified. In a master thesis or research project, these alternatives might be different sustainable technologies or practices that are being considered for implementation. For example, in a study about sustainable transportation options, the alternatives might include electric buses, hybrid buses, and compressed natural gas buses.

Once the alternatives have been identified, the next step is to create a pairwise comparison matrix that compares each alternative to all of the others based on the defined criteria. This matrix is created by assigning a numerical value to each alternative, based on how well it meets each of the criteria. These values can be assigned using a scale, such as 1-9, where 1 indicates that the alternative is very poor with respect to the criterion and 9 indicates that it is very good.

After the pairwise comparison matrix has been created, the next step is to calculate the eigenvector for each alternative. This is done by taking the matrix, multiplying it by itself, and then repeating the process multiple times until the matrix converges. The eigenvector that is obtained represents the priority of each alternative, and can be used to determine which alternative is the best choice.

Finally, it is important to validate the results of the AHP analysis by reviewing the data and reasoning behind the priority, this can be done by experts or a group of experts, and make sure that the results align with the problem defined and the goals of the decision-maker. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis can be done to evaluate the robustness of the results by changing the criteria weights.

In conclusion, AHP is a powerful tool that can be used to evaluate and prioritize different options in sustainability studies. By defining the problem and criteria, identifying alternatives, creating a pairwise comparison matrix, calculating eigenvectors and validating the results, the AHP process can be used to make informed decisions that align with the goals of sustainability. As a master thesis or research project, AHP provide a structured and rigorous way to investigate and evaluate sustainability-related problem.

An example of a journal paper applying the AHP can be found here.

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