Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method with absolute measurement in a qualitative selection problem

Abstract

This article aims to demonstrate the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method through a combination of relative and absolute measurement to treat a complex decision problem. The motivation for the use of this method came from the need of providing support to the Fluminense Federal Institute (IFF), a public institution that exercises teaching, research and extension activities, in the selection of several project propositions submitted to the research department. Such projects are submitted to an evaluation of different criteria which are mostly qualitative and difficult to measure. This is a case study in research area of the Fluminense Federal Institute, based on literature and document research and unstructured interviews. The application of the method allowed a more efficient evaluation process and generated a priority list of projects complying with the requirements for a scientific research project, to meet the institution's goals.