Application of Computer Supported Multi–criteria Decision Models in Agriculture

Hierarchical multi criteria decision models (MCDM) are a general decision support methodology aimed at the classification or evaluation of options that occur in a decision-making processes. Decision models are typically developed through decomposition of complex decision problems into smaller and less complex sub-problems; the result of such decomposition is a hierarchical structure that consists of attributes and utility functions. Basic concepts of MCDM together with two multi criteria modeling methodologies (expert system DEX-i and analytical hierarchical process with application of Expert Choice decision support software) are presented and discussed. In order to show how the explained methods can be applied to agricultural decision problems, two applications of MCDM (DEX-i and AHP) for organic spelt processing planning problem are presented in detail