MCDMDecision-makingWeightingMath steps

Z-Number Analytic Hierarchy Process

OriginatorMahammad Nuriyev (Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan)Year2020Sources1Related methods10

Z-AHP (Z-Number Analytic Hierarchy Process) is a weighting multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method introduced by Mahammad Nuriyev (Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan) in 2020. 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

Z-AHP outputs criterion importance weights (sum=1). Higher weight = more important. Pair with any alternative-ranking method (Z-TOPSIS, Z-PROMETHEE per Nuriyev's hybrid) that consumes a weight vector. For multi-level hierarchies, compute weights level-by-level and combine via Saaty's hierarchical aggregation.

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.
    Nuriyev, M. (2020). Z-numbers Based Hybrid MCDM Approach for Energy Resources Ranking and Selection. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy

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ScholarGate. (2026, June 2). Z-AHP. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/decision-making/z-ahp