Question

Why would removing cost from the criterion matrix be preferred over leaving it in when performing a analytic hierarchy process?

Answer 1

There are two ways of constructing the pair wise comparison in Analytic Hierarchy Process.

1. Comparing elements & which element has greater influence on the parent element?

2. Which element is influenced more by the parent element?

The attributes for evaluation are selected considering decision making on the identified problem and narrowing down the alternatives with satisfying requirements. A value is assigned to each attribute as threshold or limiting factor for its effect on the net outcome. So, removing cost from the criterion matrix or any other attribute may be preferred over leaving it in performing an analytical hierarchy process due to above mentioned reason.