ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we present the case of a decision support system development for a real-life decision problem: the selection of a water management investment project. Water utility management companies are facing several challenges: aging utility networks, growth of population and populated areas and rising environmental standards, and thus require a methodological, decision analysis-based approach to modernization and growth of water supply networks. The research methods used within the presented case study include design science as the research framework, and Multi-Criteria Decision Methodology (MCDM) as the main artefact development methodology.
First, we present several diverse MCDMs and select a pair of suitable methodologies with quantitative and qualitative criteria value functions to be integrated into a hybrid MCDM-based decision model (HMCDM). In the next part of the chapter, we present the research case with focus on the decision problem, followed by the description of methodology used to implement the selected HMCDM in a decision model. In comparison of the MCDMs, we examine the differences in decision model results, model complexity, and model transparency related to the selection of individual MCDMs used to construct the decision model. Furthermore, we present several recommendations for the use of MCDMs in management decision support scenarios.
