Complex Proportional Assessment
COPRAS (Complex Proportional Assessment) is a ranking multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method introduced by Zavadskas, E. K., Kaklauskas, A. 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
N_i ∈ (0,100]. The best alternative always receives N=100%. All others are expressed as percentages of the best. Q_i accounts for both benefit performance (S₊) and cost burden (S₋) proportionally. COPRAS is sensitive to the scale of cost criteria values — large absolute cost values amplify the S₋ denominator effect.
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.
- Assumes full compensation — a strong score on one criterion can offset a weak score on another.
Common pitfalls
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Sources
- 1.Zavadskas, E. K., Kaklauskas, A. (1996). Determination of an Efficient Contractor by Using the New Method of Multicriteria Assessment. International Symposium for The Organization and Management of Construction. Shaping Theory and Practice. Vol. 2: Managing the Construction Project and Managing Risk. CIB W 65
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ScholarGate. (2026, June 2). COPRAS. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/decision-making/copras