Analytic Network Process (AHP with feedback and interdependences)
ANP (Analytic Network Process (AHP with feedback and interdependences)) is a weight subjective multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method introduced by Saaty, T. L. in 1996. It turns a decision matrix of alternatives scored on multiple criteria into a structured, reproducible result.
Key highlights
- Follows a transparent, reproducible computational procedure that can be audited step by step.
- Handles multiple criteria of differing scales and units within a single decision matrix.
Intuition
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How it works
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When to use it
ANP extends AHP by allowing feedback loops and interdependences between criteria clusters. The supermatrix captures all pairwise influences; the limit supermatrix (W̄^∞) gives stable long-run priorities. ANP is much more complex than AHP — use only when criteria have genuine mutual influence (e.g. political feasibility influences technical performance and vice versa).
Strengths & limitations
- Follows a transparent, reproducible computational procedure that can be audited step by step.
- Handles multiple criteria of differing scales and units within a single decision matrix.
- May exhibit rank reversal when alternatives are added to or removed from the set.
Common pitfalls
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Sources
- 1.Saaty, T. L. (1996). Decision Making with Dependence and Feedback: The Analytic Network Process. RWS Publications, PittsburghISBN 0-9620317-9-8
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ScholarGate. (2026, June 2). ANP. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/decision-making/anp