Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights
LMAW (Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights) is a ranking multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method introduced by Pamučar, D., Žižović, M., Biswas, S., Božanić, D. in 2021. 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
This section is available to Pro members. Upgrade to Pro
How it works
This section is available to Pro members. Upgrade to Pro
When to use it
Q_i ∈ [0, n] where n = number of criteria. Higher Q means better alternative. Q_i is the sum over criteria of the sigmoid-weighted ξ_ij ∈ (0, 2). Direction is handled in F1 via Pamucar 2021 Eq.(2): benefit standardisation (x+max)/max, cost standardisation (x+min)/x — both produce ϑ_ij > 1 with best alternative receiving largest ϑ. F1 → F2 (log-norm) → F3 (sigmoid weighting) → F4 (sum) is the canonical pipeline.
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.
- Assumes full compensation — a strong score on one criterion can offset a weak score on another.
Common pitfalls
This section is available to Pro members. Upgrade to Pro
Sources
- 1.Pamučar, D., Žižović, M., Biswas, S., Božanić, D. (2021). A new logarithm methodology of additive weights (LMAW) for multi-criteria decision-making: Application in logistics. Facta Universitatis, Series: Mechanical Engineering
You have read it. What now?
Cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 2). LMAW. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/decision-making/lmaw