Application of an adapted MCDA using UCN's

Abstract

In this dissertation an adapted MCDA (Multiple-Criteria Decision Aid) evaluation processlmethod is presented. In this adapted process/method, evaluation techniques that are intended for the detailed evaluation of subsections of a system are used for evaluation from a higher point of view (a broader evaluation). Due to the assumptions made in MCDA it has a number of shortcomings (e.g. can only handle criteria that are certain). UCN's (Uncertain Criteria Networks) are used to make an adaptation on the MCDA method to enable the method to cope with some of its shortcomings (to handle certain and uncertain criteria). The techniques that are implemented in the MCDA method are NWS (Numerical Weighted Sum) and QWS (Qualitative Weighted Sum). The implementation of this evaluation process is focused specifically on the evaluation of the functionality of the field units, which can be used in a WebForce automation dispatching system of Telkom. The evaluation of three field units in three different classes (PDA, cell phone and laptop) is done as a case study. As a result of the sensitivity analyses that are conducted on the standard MCDA and the MCDA that are adapted with the UCN method, the PDA seems to be the best choice for a field unit for the new WebForce dispatching automation project. In summary, the value of the project can be divided into two aspects: The creation of an evaluation method (MCDA with UCN incorporated) that is able to cope with certain and uncertain criteria. The Telkom's WebForce task dispatching automation upgrade project was used as a case study for the application of the evaluation model. The evaluation is focused specifically on the field units that must be used in the new system, it is concluded that the PDA seems to be the best option for the Telkom case study.