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.
Read the full method
Sign in with a free account to read this section.
Method map
The neighbourhood of related methods — select a node to explore.
+288 more
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.
Sources
- Saaty, T. L. (1996). Decision Making with Dependence and Feedback: The Analytic Network Process. RWS Publications, Pittsburgh ISBN: 0-9620317-9-8
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 2). Analytic Network Process (AHP with feedback and interdependences). ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/decision-making/anp
Which method?
Set this method beside its closest kin and read them side by side — the library lays the books on the table; the choice is yours.
- AHPSORTDecision-making↔ compare
- APLOCODecision-making↔ compare
- ARASDecision-making↔ compare
- AROMANDecision-making↔ compare
- ARTASIDecision-making↔ compare
- COBRADecision-making↔ compare
- COCOSODecision-making↔ compare
- CODASDecision-making↔ compare