MCDMDecision-makingRankingMath steps

Weighted Product Model

OriginatorMiller, D. W., Starr, M. K.Year1969Sources1Related methods11

WPM (Weighted Product Model) is a ranking multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method introduced by Miller, D. W., Starr, M. K. in 1969. 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

P(A_i) > 0 (all entries strictly positive). Higher P means better overall performance. WPM is non-compensatory across criteria in the sense that a zero on any criterion yields a zero total — it penalises extreme weakness more harshly than SAW.

Strengths & limitations

Strengths
  • 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.
Limitations
  • Assumes full compensation — a strong score on one criterion can offset a weak score on another.

Common pitfalls

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Sources

  1. 1.
    Miller, D. W., Starr, M. K. (1969). Executive Decisions and Operations Research. Prentice-Hall

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Cite this page

ScholarGate. (2026, June 2). WPM. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/decision-making/wpm