Part II: Tutorials

[email protected]
[email protected]
www.expertchoice.com

Quick Start Guide and Tutorials Copyright 2000-2004 Expert Choice, Inc.,
Arlington, VA, USA
Software Copyright Expert Choice 1982-2004, Patents: 4,613,946;
5,995,728; 6,067,719; other patents pending. Expert Choice, Inc.,
Arlington, VA USA

Expert Choice Tutorials Table of Contents

About the Expert Choice Tutorials
Introduction to Expert Choice
Overview of Expert Choice Features
What Expert Choice is used for:
Installing Expert Choice
Starting Expert Choice

1
3
5
7
9
9

Conventions Used in the Tutorials

11

Lesson 1 - Building A Model

13

Building a Model Overview

13

Starting / Creating a New Model (File)

13

Adding (Entering) Objectives to the TreeView

15

Renaming Nodes and Deleting Nodes

15

Trash Can

16

Adding Sub-Objectives in the TreeView

16

Saving Your Model

16

Moving and Copying Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy

16

Reverting to an Older Version of your Model

17

Adding (Entering) Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane

17

Assessments / Pairwise Comparisons Overview

18

Changing the Paired Comparison Type

19

Making Verbal Judgments for the Objectives Overview

19

Inconsistency

22

Examining and Improving Inconsistency

23

Judgments for the Sub-objectives, Using the Graphical Mode

24

Comparing the Alternatives, Using the Numersical Mode

25

Once All Judgments are Made and Priorities are Derived

27

Redraw Commands

27

Making an Objective or Alternative Dormant in the Pairwise Comparison Matrix

28

Synthesis - Getting the Results

29

Synthesis Commands

30

Sensitivity Analyses - Graphs

31

Dynamic Sensitivity

32

Performance Sensitivity

33

Gradient Sensitivity Graph

35

Head-to-Head Graph

35

Two-Dimensional (2D Plot)

36

Lesson 2 - Structuring - Another Way to Build A Model

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Structuring Overview

39

Theoretical Foundation of Structuring

39

Building a Model Using Top-down Structuring - Affinity Diagramming

40

Adding / Entering Objectives

41

Clustering Ideas

42

Entering Alternatives

43

Viewing the Hierarchy

44

Grouping Nodes in the Hierarchy

44

Bottom-up Structuring using Pros ad Cons Building a Model Using Bottom-up Structuring

45

Entering Pros and Cons of the Alternatives

45

Viewing the All Pros and Cons List

47

Building the Hierarchy

47

Converting the Remaining Pros and Cons to Objectives

48

Information Documents and Notes

49

Object Linking and Embedding

50

Lesson 3 - Data Grid and Ratings

53

Data Grid Overview

53

Why Use the Data Grid?

54

When to Use Ratings

54

Resizing and Moving Around the Data Grid

56

Viewing the Totals Column

57

Adding an Alternative to the Data Grid

58

Entering Ratings

58

Copying Formula Types

60

Deleting a Formula Type

60

Revert Command

60

Creating a Ratings Scale

61

Diagonal Pairwise Comparisons

62

Modifying an Existing Ratings Scale

64

Selecting Alternatives from the Data Grid to Include in the ModelView

65

Entering an Ideal Alternative

67

Lesson 4 - Other Data Grid Functions

69

Other Data Grid Formula Types Overview

69

Step Function Overview

69

Creating a Step Formula from a Ratings Formula

69

Steps to Create a Step Formula from Scratch

70

Increasing or Decreasing Utility Curves Overview

71

Decreasing Utility Curves

73

Steps to Create a Decreasing Utility Curve from Scratch

75

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Increasing Utility Curves

76

Steps to Create an Increasing Utility Curve from Scratch

77

Direct Formula

78

Formula Type None

78

Must Constraints

78

Lesson 5 - User Defined Columns & Data Mapping

81

User Defined Columns and Mapping Overview

81

User Defined Columns

81

Mapping in the Data Grid to an External Database

82

Importing Data from an External Database

83

Exporting Data to an External Database

86

Lesson 6 - Group Capabilities

89

Group Expert Choice Overview

89

Facilitator vs. Participant Functions What the facilitator can do.

89

Creating a Group Model

90

Access and SQL Databases

90

Adding Participants to and Group Enabling your Group Model

91

Copying Judgments and/or Data when Adding New Participants

91

Deleting Participants

92

Group Decision Making Using Keypads

92

What the Facilitator Does

93

What the Participant Does

94

Using Keypads to Make Verbal Judgments

94

Using Keypads to Make Numerical Judgments

96

Group Decision Making Using a Network

98

Opening a Group Model on a Network

98

Group Decision Making Using a Network

99

Practice Opening a Group Model on a Network

103

When and How to Combine Judgments and Data in a Group Model

104

Combining Judgments and/or Data

105

Combining From the ModelView

107

Combining from the Data Grid

107

Combining from the Participants Window

107

Lesson 7 - Web Models and the Internet

109

Web Models and the Internet Overview

109

System Requirements:

109

Creating a Remote DSN Model for an Access Expert Choice Model

109

Creating a Remote DSN for a SQL Expert Choice Model

116

Accessing a Model over the Web

117
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Lesson 8 - Resource Aligner - Resource Allocation

119

Resource Allocation Terminology

119

Resource Aligner - Main Window

121

Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation Optimization (DARA)

123

Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation Example - Hawthorne Valley

123

Activity Level Resource Allocation Optimization

131

Activity Level Resource Allocation Example - Hotspots

132

Resource Aligner Menu Commands

137

Resource Aligner File Menu

137

Resource Aligner Custom Constraints Menu

137

Resource Aligner View Menu

138

Resource Aligner Go To Menu

138

Dependencies

139

Funding Pools

140

Groups

141

Colon Notation for Activity Level Resource Allocation

143

Risks

143

Increasing Budgets

144

Lesson 9 - About Reports and Output to Word & Excel

147

Reporting and Output to Word and Excel Overview

147

Printing and Report Functions

147

Input/Output to Word & Excel from the File Menu

148

Hierarchy to Word

148

Alternatives to Word

149

Importing (Input) from Word

149

Data Grid Information to Excel

150

Area Validation Exercise Appendix

153

Area Validation - Numerical

155

Validation Questions

156

Area Validation - Verbal

156

Results & Conclusion

157

Receiver and Keypad Appendix

159

Programming the Keypads

160

How the Hardware and Keypads are Activated

161

Selecting Keypad Options

161

Facilitator Keypad

162

Using Keypads Anonymously

163

Default Facilitator Menus

163

Common Keypad Troubleshooting Questions

165
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Expert Choice Glossary

167

Absolute Measurement

167

Active Alternatives

167

Active Participants

167

Activity Level Resource Allocation

167

Affinity Diagramming

167

Alternatives

167

Assessment

167

Autoadvance

168

Autoredraw

168

Base Case Maximum

168

Best Fit

168

Bottom Up Structuring

168

Budget Limit

168

Child Node

168

Cluster

168

ClusterView

169

Comparisons - Modes of

169

Complete Hierarchy

169

Covering Objective

169

Criterion / Criteria

169

Data Grid

169

Diagonal Pairwise

169

Distributive Synthesis

169

Feasible/Infeasible Solution

170

Formulas Grid

170

Formula Type

170

Gap Analysis

170

Geometric Average

170

Geometric Indicator

170

Geometric Variance

170

Global Alternatives

171

Global Priority

171

Goal Node

171

Grandchild

171

Graphical Comparison Mode

171

Hierarchy

171

Ideal Synthesis

171
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Ideal Synthesis and Resource Allocation

172

Incomplete Hierarchy

172

Inconsistency Ratio and Index

172

Information Document

173

Instensity Scales

173

Invert

173

Judgment

173

Judgment vs. Data

174

Local Priority

174

ModelView

174

Musts in the Data Grid

174

Node

174

Note

174

Numerical Comparison Mode

174

Objective

174

Optimal Solution

175

Pairwise Comparisons/Paired Comparisons

175

Parent Node

175

Plex

175

Priority

175

Pros and Cons - Structuring

175

Ratings

175

Redraw

175

Relative Measurement

176

Resource Allocation

176

Sensitivity Analysis

176

Sibling Node

176

Step Function

176

Structural Adjust

176

Structuring

177

Sub-objective (Sub-Criterion)

177

Synthesis

177

TreeView

177

Top Down Structuring (Affinity Diagramming)

177

Utility Curves

177

Verbal Comparison Mode

177

What-if

177

Index

179
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About the Expert Choice Tutorials

The purpose of the tutorials is to teach you how to use the major features of the Expert Choice
software. Consider the decision process involved in selecting a vendor for an IT project. When
an organization selects a vendor, they usually have several objectives they want to satisfy
before they will be happy with their selection. Examples of these objectives may be to maximize
performance and reliability, while minimizing cost. Additionally, some objectives may have subobjectives and sub sub-objectives. In the following tutorials you will learn how to use Expert
Choice to evaluate alternatives and measure their relative benefits to the decision-maker(s)
objectives.
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Lesson 1, Building a Model, will guide you through building a hierarchical model with
objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives, viewing the overall results (synthesis) and
performing sensitivity analyses.

Lesson 2, Structuring, illustrates other ways to build a model. With the top-down
approach, you cluster objectives and then add alternatives; this process is known as
Affinity Diagramming. With the bottom-up approach you convert alternatives' pros and
cons to objectives.

Lesson 3, the Data Grid, explains the grid and demonstrates Ratings, the first of several
different approaches for applying values to a model.

Lesson 4 continues to explain the remaining Data Grid approaches: Step Functions,
Utility Curves, and Entering Priorities Directly.

Lesson 5 explains how to define and use: user defined columns that are not part of the
objectives hierarchy; link data from external databases to Expert Choice; and import
data from Expert Choice to external databases.

Lesson 6 shows you how to group enable a model for use in a team setting using either a
local area network or the Internet.

Lesson 7, Web Models and the Internet, is a step-by-step guide that demonstrates how
to access models on a network.
In addition, Expert Choices Decision Portal (ECDP), a hosted service, enables you to
make your models available to your participants via the Internet. Then participants can
make judgments about objectives or alternatives in a model from any where and at time
using a browser and an Internet connection. This function is outside the scope of this
document; for more information contact Expert Choice.

Lesson 8, the resource allocation component, known as Resource Aligner, is a way to

select a combination of alternatives that maximize (optimize) the attainment of objectives
while not exceeding a specified budget.

Lesson 9 discusses how to produce reports and export information to Word and Excel.

The Area Validation Exercise Appendix shows you how Expert Choice converts
seemingly meaningless words into accurate ratio scale priorities.

The Keypad and Receiver Appendix explains how to use radio frequency reply system
with Expert Choice. This feature enables an organization to have a portable decision
room where many participants can evaluate a group model.

A Glossary of Expert Choice Terminology is presented in this section.

We recommend that you perform each lesson in order. Lesson 2, Structuring, can be
bypassed although it is highly recommended. You can perform the area validation exercise
after performing Lesson 1. Lessons 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 describe various functions of Expert
Choice. At the beginning of each section we reference models, if applicable, which are found
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in the sample models directory (ecsamples) that is usually stored under the root directory.
Lesson 7 and the Receiver and Hardware Appendix can be read as needed.
We also recommend that you use the Expert Choice Contents and Index found on the Help
Menu when using Expert Choice as this document contains information not presented here.

Introduction to Expert Choice

Expert Choice (EC) software is a multi-objective decision support tool based on the Analytic
Hierarchy Process (AHP), a mathematical theory first developed at the Wharton School of the
University of Pennsylvania by one of Expert Choice's founders, Thomas L. Saaty. The AHP is
a powerful and comprehensive methodology designed to facilitate sound decision making by
using both empirical data as well as subjective judgments of the decision-maker.
The AHP assists with the decision making process by providing decision-makers with a
structure to organize and evaluate the importance of various objectives and the preferences of
alternative solutions to a decision.
Following are the steps used in AHP and EC:
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Brainstorm and structure a decision as a hierarchical model

Set the type and mode of pairwise comparisons or data grid functions

Group enable the model

Import data to Expert Choice from external databases

Pairwise compare the objectives and sub-objectives for their importance in the
decision

If applicable, pairwise compare the alternatives for their preference with respect to the
objectives, or assess them using one of the following: ratings or step functions, utility
curves, or entering priorities directly

Synthesize to determine the best alternative

Perform sensitivity analysis

Export data to external databases.

To perform resource allocations using Expert Choices Resource Aligner to optimize

alternative projects subject to budgetary and other constraints

Expert Choice has a unique method of using pairwise comparisons to derive priorities that can
more accurately reflect your perceptions and values than any other way. Expert Choice
synthesizes or combines the priorities that you derive for each facet of your problem to obtain
the overall priorities of your alternatives. By performing "what-if" and sensitivity analyses, you
can quickly determine how a change in the importance of an objective would affect the
alternatives of choice.
If the results of your decision model differ from your intuition; you can modify the model and/or
judgments until the model incorporates your intuition. Then the model results will either change
to conform to your "gut" feeling, or your intuition will change based upon your modeling. In the
former case, you will not only have verified your "gut" feeling, but you will have a detailed
justification, if one is required. In the latter case, you will have learned something and avoided
a costly mistake.
Expert Choice provides for the synthesis of different peoples' judgments. Expert Choice is also
useful for forecasting, assessing risk and uncertainty, and deriving probability distributions.

Overview of Expert Choice Features

These are some of the features available in Expert Choice.
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User friendly displays that make decision model building straightforward and
simple
ModelView containing one of the following:

TreeView pane a hierarchy of objectives, plus the Alternatives and rich text
end-user documentation in the form of Information Documents

Affinity Diagramming pane a presentation of the decision hierarchy

(objectives, sub-objectives) that look much post-its with one node dropped
inside another, plus alternatives and information documents

Pros and Cons associated with a selected alternative, the alternatives and
information documents

TreeView with automatic expansion and collapsing of branches including:

Long objectives/names of the criteria to allow for in-depth explanations

Drag and drop manipulation of objectives and sub-objectives in the TreeView

or Affinity Diagramming

Unlimited Levels in Hierarchy build larger, more complex decision models

Information Documents easily accessible from most windows, enabling you to

import videos, sound or text or even run other programs

Notes another form of documentation, where each group participant can enter
their own comments related to the decision process

Data Grid Approaches

Ratings

Step Functions

Increasing and Decreasing Utility Curves

Direct Entry of Priorities

User Defied Columns

Data Conversion ability to rapidly convert large amounts of raw data from
existing databases to prioritized information to be used for decision-making

Resource Aligner ability to optimize resources and allocate funds (budgets) with
varying constraints, groups, funding pools and risks

Printing/Reporting easily exportable reports to Microsoft Word and Excel

Network capabilities for group decision-making including Expert Choices Decision

Portal using a browser

Reply System Receiver and Keypad capability for group decision making

Resource Allocation a way to select a combination of alternatives that maximize

(optimize) the attainment of objectives while not exceeding a specified budget
available as an Expert Choice add on.

Group Expert Choice

Expert Choice helps participants of a group define objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives
and then organize them into a structured hierarchical tree. Once participants compare and
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prioritize the relative importance of the decision objectives, Expert Choice is then used to
synthesize the group's judgments to arrive at a conclusion. Then the team can examine how
changing the priorities of any objective affects the outcome by manipulating one of four
dynamic sensitivity graphs. By keeping the participants focused on the problem, Expert Choice
contributes to more efficient use of meeting time.
About the Internet and Intranet Features
In addition to the features described above Expert Choice is a decision-support software tool
designed to help groups enhance the quality of their decisions by bringing structure to the
decision making process. It enables group members any place in the world to solve decisions
together through the Internet using their own network.
Expert Choices Decision Portal provides web capability and works as a virtual meeting place
allowing for each participant's input to be officially heard and included in the final decision. This
not only reinforces buy-in from all members but also saves on travel time and costs. For more
information about this feature contact Expert Choice.
About the Keypads
If Expert Choice is keypad enabled you can create a group decision room where members of
your team can brainstorm and answer questionnaires. Then the results can be structured into a
decision hierarchy. Using the electronic keypads, up to 150 people can make judgments about
the objectives or sub-objectives and alternatives of a decision problem. Like the Internet
version, the keypad version keeps the participants focused on the problem, while contributing
to more efficient use of meeting time.

What Expert Choice is used for:

Expert Choice is designed to help individuals and groups in the analysis, synthesis and
justification of complex decisions and evaluations. Thousands of businesses and government
agencies worldwide use Expert Choice for a variety of applications including:
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Resource Allocation

Source Selection

Human Resource Management

Employee Performance Evaluation

Salary Decisions

Formulating Marketing Strategy

Selecting Alternatives

Predicting Likely Outcomes

Analytical Planning

Facilitating Group Decision Making

Benefit/Cost Analysis

Engineering Design Evaluations

Production and Operations Management

Policy Formulation and Evaluation

Evaluating Acquisitions and Mergers

Supplier Evaluation

Credit Analysis

Customer Feedback

IT Portfolio Management

Product Pricing Decisions

Innovation Management

Installing Expert Choice

To install Expert Choice with Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 or higher, Windows 2000 and
Windows XP:
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Insert the CD into CD drive.

If the CD does not automatically start then from Windows:

1.

Select Start, and then select Run.

2.

Select Browse; then select the launch.exe file from your CD Rom
directory.

Follow the instructions on the screen. When prompted, enter your name,
company name and Expert Choice serial number.

Note: If you do not have a serial number or do not enter a valid serial number, then only the
trial version features will be enabled. Dependent upon your computer policies you may
need administrative privileges to install Expert Choice.

In this guide we use the words SELECT and CLICK interchangeably.

Starting Expert Choice

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From Windows click the Start button; then select Programs.

From the list select Expert Choice.

From the second list, select Expert Choice.

Alternatively, if an Expert Choice icon has been installed on your desk-top you can click the
icon.

Conventions Used in the Tutorials

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Window refers to one of several EC windows:

ModelView
Data Grid
Formulas Grid
Resource Aligner

Pane is a portion of a window. A window can have several panes that change as different
portions of Expert Choice are accessed.
Mouse Conventions
If you have a multiple-button mouse, the left mouse button is the primary mouse button, unless
you have configured it differently. Any procedure that requires you to click the secondary
button will say, "right-click."
Click

Items following the word "Click" will appear in bold typeface.

Select, then

Press the mouse button once on the menu bar item. Move the cursor to the
specified item within the sub-menu and press the mouse button again or
slide the cursor to the specified item and release the mouse button.
For example: Select File, then Open. Then move the mouse to the word
File on the menu bar and click once. Move the mouse to the word Open on
the drop-down menu and click once.

Drag

Press and hold the left-mouse button on the indicated item as you move the
mouse to the designated location, dragging the item with the mouse pointer,
and then release the mouse button on the desired destination.

Type

When you are required to enter data, we use the word "Type", followed by
what is to be entered in bold print; for example: Type Performance

Scroll Bars

Click and drag the arrows on a scroll bar, located at the right-side or bottom
of a window, to scroll within a window.

Using the Keyboard to Select a Menu Command

Special keys are in bold and should be pressed to perform an action include: Enter, Esc, F1,
Tab, Alt. For example, you can press Alt plus F to select the Files command from the menu
bar. This will drop the file menu down and you can then select the item you want by again
pressing one of the underlined keys.
Getting Help while using Expert Choice press Alt H or select Help from the menu. Context
sensitive help is available by pressing function key F1.
Hot Keys Most menu items have hot keys that are underlined and can be invoked by
pressing the Alt key in combination with the hot key. The hot keys may not be underlined in
Windows 2000 until the Alt key is pressed.
Shortcut keys exist for some, but not all of the menu commands. You can see the shortcuts
when a drop-down menu is selected using the keyboard or the mouse.

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Standard Editing Keys
Text can be edited using the same keys you would use for a typical word processor.
arrow keys

move the cursor horizontally and vertically through the

text

Delete

deletes character immediately to the right of the cursor

backspace key

deletes character immediately to the left of the cursor

Home

moves the cursor to the beginning of the line

End

moves the cursor to the end of the line

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Lesson 1 - Building A Model

Building a Model Overview
This lesson describes how to build an Expert Choice model. In this lesson you will learn how to
insert objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives into the decision model, make judgments
(paired comparisons), synthesize to get your results and view sensitivity analyses.
Building a hierarchy is as much an art as it is a science. Following are guidelines that you need
to keep in mind before beginning to build any model. By keeping these two simple guidelines in
mind, you will be able to model complex decisions correctly and efficiently.
Guideline 1: Try not to include more than nine elements in any cluster because experiments
have shown that it is cognitively challenging for human beings to deal with more than nine
factors at one time and this can result in less accurate priorities.
Guideline 2: Try to cluster elements so that they include elements that are "comparable", or do
not differ by orders of magnitude. In other words, try not to include items of very small
significance in the same cluster as items of greater significance. The purpose of a hierarchy is
to cluster the more important elements with each other and the less important elements with
each other.
Differentiating Between Objectives and Criteria
In practice, the words objectives and criteria are used interchangeably. An objective is
something that is sought after or aimed at, whereas, a criterion is a principle or a standard that
an idea or objective is judged by. When dealing with choice models, we will use the word
objectives rather than criteria because it better describes the purpose of the evaluation to
select the alternative that best meets an individuals or groups objectives.

Starting / Creating a New Model (File)

In this lesson we are going to build a new model. Figure 1 shows our ModelView window
consisting of three panes that contains our completed model. If you make the same judgments
that we suggest during this lesson then your model will look like this.

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______________________________________________________ Expert Choice Tutorials

Figure 1 Lesson One Sample Model

TreeView pane displays the hierarchical listing of the objectives and sub-objectives. This is
where you will enter the objectives and sub-objectives of your decision. Each element in the
TreeView is also referred to as a Node.
Alternatives pane displays the active alternatives. Alternatives can be added to your model
from this pane or from the Data Grid (the latter to be explained in Lesson 3).
Information document pane displays information about the highlighted objective or
alternative in either the TreeView or Alternatives pane.
To create a model
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Click the Windows Start key, select Programs; select Expert Choice program group
and then select Expert Choice.
Then a blank ModelView window consisting of three panes will appear with a Welcome
to Expert Choice dialogue box superimposed over the ModelView.

Tip: If you have already created an icon for Expert Choice on your desktop, you may
double click the icon to start.
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Using the Welcome to Expert Choice dialogue box, select Create new model and click
OK.
Note: To open a recently opened model, select Recent; then select a model from the
drop-down list or select Browse existing files.

Tip: If you don't want use the Welcome dialogue box, select Esc; then from the
ModelView, select File, then New.
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Expert Choice Tutorials_______________________________________________________

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A dialogue box will appear that prompts you to type a file name. Type Laptop; then click
Open.

Another dialogue box will appear prompting you to "Enter a description for your goal."
Type To purchase a laptop computer; then click OK.
Notice your model has no elements below the goal; this is indicated by the gray
rectangle next to your goal description. Now you will enter the objectives and subobjectives of your decision model.

Adding (Entering) Objectives to the TreeView

To enter your first objective:
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Select Edit, then Insert Child of Current Node, then a node will appear below the
Goal.

Type your first objective, Performance: a laptop that is fast and holds a lot of data,
then press Enter.
Notice that the gray rectangle next to the Goal changed to yellow after you have
entered the first objective; this means that there are items below the goal.

Tip: A quick way to insert an objective is to right-click on the Goal and select Insert
Child of Current Node from the drop down menu. Once you have entered an objective,
you may right-click on it and select Insert Sibling of Current Node to enter other
objectives on the same level.
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Type your second objective, Reliability: a laptop that is durable, then press Enter.
Notice when you add the second objective the yellow rectangle, to the left of the goal
node, now includes a red rectangle in its center; this means that the objectives below
the goal have not been assessed.

We will now continue entering in our objectives. Notice that we briefly define our objectives to
help clarify what we are trying to accomplish.
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Type your third objective, Customer Service: easily accessible Technical Support,
then Enter.

Type your fourth objective, Price: affordable with some bells and whistles; then
press Enter.

Press Enter to stop inserting children.

Renaming Nodes and Deleting Nodes

If you make mistakes while entering nodes or feel that you have added too many, move to the
node that you would like to either be renamed or deleted and do either of the following:
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Select Edit, then select Edit Node to rename a node, or

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Select Edit; then select Delete Node to delete a node.

Trash Can
Trash receives nodes that have been deleted from the model (Edit, Delete Node) or copied
using Edit, Copy Plex to Trash Can.
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From the ModelView, select View, Trash Can.

Once items are in the trash can they appear in a Trash window and can be dragged
and dropped back into the hierarchy by positioning the cursor over the node that will
receive them.

Adding Sub-Objectives in the TreeView

In this tutorial, we will enter sub-objectives for only one of the top-level objectives. In a "real"
decision model you might add sub-objectives for most top-level objectives. To illustrate how to
do this, we use our objective: Performance: a laptop that is fast and can hold a lot of data.
To enter the first sub-objective under an objective:
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Click the objective, Performance, and it will become highlighted.

Select Edit; then Insert Child of Current Node.

Type Speed; then press Enter.

To enter the second sub-objective:

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Type Size of Hard Drive; then press Enter.

Press Enter again to stop inserting children.

Saving Your Model

Since some of your model is stored in memory versus the database, it is important to
continuously save your model additions or modifications; to do so:
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Select File; then Save. Alternatively, you can click the save button on the button bar
or use the shortcut keys Ctrl S.

Tip: If you terminate your Expert Choice session now by selecting File, Exit you can
easily retrieve the most recently accessed models by selecting one of the entries in the
bottom portion of the File, Open menu dropdown list.

Moving and Copying Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy

You have the ability to re-order the nodes in the hierarchy any way you want. To move nodes
follow the steps below.
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Expert Choice Tutorials_______________________________________________________

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Press and hold the left mouse button while positioned on the node (objective) or its
description that you wish to move elsewhere in the hierarchy.

Drag that node over another node in the hierarchy where you would like it to appear,
until the receiving node is highlighted; then release the mouse. The node will become
the first child under the node on which it is dropped. During the move a white notepad
will be dragged from one portion of the hierarchy to another.

Tip: An easier way to move and copy nodes is to drag and drop with the RIGHT mouse
button. Then a list of options will appear; select one.
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If you want the nodes of a cluster to appear in alphabetical order, select the parent of
the cluster and then select Edit, Sort Cluster.

To rearrange nodes within a cluster, select each node within the cluster in reverse
order of the way you want them to appear in the cluster and drop each in turn on the
parent node of the cluster.

Copying Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy

Follow the same steps above except press the Shift key, then press and hold the left-mouse
button. Drag the node to the copy location, as you do this, a notepad will be displayed.
Copying a Group of Nodes in the TreeView / Hierarchy
Follow the same steps above except press the Control key, then press and hold the leftmouse button. Drag the node to the copy location, as you do this, a notepad will be displayed.
Then all the nodes below head of the dragged Plex will be copied below the destination node.

Reverting to an Older Version of your Model

We shall assume that you practiced moving and copying nodes in the hierarchy. To put them
back to their original order:
y

Select Edit, Revert.

From the displayed Revert to box, double-click on the option "after save". This will
restore your model to its form right after you executed the File, Save command in this
lesson. (Should you revert to the wrong option, select Edit, Revert again and choose
another option from the box.)
Note: Revert is only available during the current session or if there is an abnormal
termination due to causes such as power interruptions.

Adding (Entering) Alternatives in the Alternatives Pane

To enter the alternatives into your decision model, do the following:
y

Click the Add Alternative button

in the right corner of the Alternative pane.
Then a dialogue box will appear which prompts you to enter an "Alternative name".
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y

Type DaVinci, then click OK or press Enter.

Note: For legal reasons, we use the names of mathematicians in lieu of computer
manufacturers. You may wish to enter computer manufacturer names such as IBM,
Gateway, Apple, Dell, or Toshiba.

Repeat the above process to enter the remaining two alternatives, Galileo, and then
Turing.

You can also enter alternatives from the ModelView by:

y

Selecting Edit, then select Alternative. Now select Insert and proceed as described
above.

Tip: When you see the phrase "Click OK", you have the option of doing just that or
pressing the Enter key.

Now your model is complete.

y

Save it by selecting File, Save.

Next you will learn how to make judgments or pairwise comparisons about the objectives and
alternatives in your model.

Assessments / Pairwise Comparisons Overview

One of the major strengths of the AHP and Expert Choice is the use of pairwise comparisons
to derive accurate ratio scale priorities, as opposed to using traditional approaches of
"assigning weights" which can also be difficult to justify. Once your model is built, the next step
is to evaluate the elements by making pairwise comparisons. A pairwise comparison is the
process of comparing the relative importance, preference, or likelihood of two elements
(objectives) with respect to another element (the goal) in the level above. You will make
pairwise comparisons throughout this model to establish priorities.
There are three pairwise comparison assessment modes.
Verbal judgments
are used to compare factors using the words Equal, Moderate,
Strong, Very Strong, Extreme. Equal means the two items being compared are of equal
importance to you. Extreme means an order of magnitude about 9 or 10 to 1. Judgments
between these words, such as Moderate to Strong are also possible.
are made by adjusting the relative length of two bars until the
Graphical judgments
relative lengths of the bars represent how many times more important one element is than the
other.
Numerical judgments
are made using a nine-point scale, represent how many times one
element is more important than another.

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Changing the Paired Comparison Type
There are three different paired comparison types, importance, preference and likelihood.
Importance is most appropriate when comparing objectives or criteria. Preference is
appropriate when comparing alternatives with respect to their covering objective. Likelihood is
appropriate when comparing the likelihood of uncertain events or scenarios, as in risk analysis.
To change the comparison type:
y

Select Assessment, Set Mode and then select one of the three options in the type
section: Importance, Preference or Likelihood.

Making Verbal Judgments for the Objectives Overview

Since judgments about the relative importance of the objectives may depend on the
alternatives being considered, we recommend that judgments be made from the "bottom up",
that is first for the alternatives with respect to the sub-objectives, then for the sub-objectives
with respect to the objectives, and then for the objectives with respect to the goal. However,
for illustrative purposes, we will make judgments "top down" in this tutorial.
y

From the TreeView, click the Goal (until highlighted).

Then from the menu, select Assessment, Pairwise, or simply click the Verbal tab.
The Verbal pairwise window will appear. Figure 2 shows what the Verbal comparison
window will look like if you make the judgments described below.

Figure 2 The Verbal Comparison Window

Tip: If you cannot see the lower portion of the window, enlarge it.

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Using the verbal comparison mode, you assess the relative importance of two elements at a
time using words from Equal to Extreme. You may also select "between" Equal, Moderate,
Strong, and Very Strong. You should use the word that most accurately represents your
feelings.
The upper portion of the Verbal Pairwise window shows two elements being compared with
respect to their parent. On the right side of the Verbal Pairwise screen is the verbal judgment
indicator. By clicking and dragging the indicator, either up or down, you can select the
judgment that best describes your feelings. The lower portion of the window shows numerical
representations of the verbal judgments; the current judgment is highlighted. Note for example,
a judgment of Strong, while represented by 5, does not necessarily mean that one element is 5
times another since the priorities are derived from the set of judgments, rather than one
judgment alone.
Now you will make judgments with respect to the objectives.
Now make your first judgment comparing Performance to Reliability with respect to your goal.
y

Click on Moderate, above the word "Equal" on the Verbal Judgment Indicator

We are saying that Performance is Moderately more important to you than the computer's
Reliability.
As you make your first comparison, by clicking Moderate, notice that a number representing
your verbal judgment is entered in the matrix and you are automatically taken to the next
paired comparison to be made. (In this lesson the Autoadvance option is on. It automatically
advances you to the next paired comparison. To learn about deactivation of this and other
default options see Tools, Options, Calculation and refer to Expert Choice Help Contents and
Index.)

Tip: In our example, the objective on the top is more important than the objective on the
bottom. If the objective on the bottom is more important than the top, select the word
from the lower portion of the scale.

Now make the remaining five judgments by referring to Table 1. When finished, read the
additional information about entering verbal judgments before proceeding.

Table 1 Remaining Verbal Judgments under the Goal: to purchase a laptop computer

At any time you may alter your judgments by clicking on whichever judgment box in the matrix
that you would like to change; then make your change using the verbal scale.
There are several ways judgments can be entered with the mouse when using the Verbal
comparison mode; for further information refer to context sensitive on-line help by pressing F1
from the Verbal comparison window.
One way to make Verbal judgments is to type the numerical representation of the judgment in
a matrix cell. If you want to enter a judgment between two words such as "Very Strong and
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Extreme" you would type 8. If you do this, 8 is merely a numerical representation of the
wording "Very Strong to Extreme". Refer to Table 2 Numerical Representations of Verbal
Judgments.

Table 2 Numerical Representations of Verbal Judgments

When the column element in the matrix (objective 2) is preferred to the row element (objective
1) first move to the matrix cell and then invert the judgment by pressing Alt I or clicking the
Invert button
y

After you enter your last judgment, a dialogue box will appear asking if you want to
"Record Judgments and Calculate".
o

Select No, and you will remain at the Verbal window where you may change
judgments. Once finished reviewing and/or changing your judgments, click
to record and calculate your priorities and display a
the Calculate button
graph of the results. See Figure 3.

If you had selected Yes, the priorities for the objectives would have been
calculated and you will be returned to the ModelView window without
displaying the priority graph.

Tip: When entering judgments, you may click the calculate button as long as it is
colored yellow or green. The calculate button will be: Red if not enough judgments are
made to calculate priorities; Green if all judgments have been made; or Yellow if you
have missing judgments but there are a sufficient number to calculate priorities.

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Figure 3 Priorities Window

Notice at the top portion of the Priorities window you have the option to:
y

Sort by Name sorts your objectives in alphabetical order.

Sort by Priority sorts your objectives in ascending order by priority.

Unsort leaves the objectives in the order in which they are shown in the TreeView.

If the Normalize box is checked the highest priority will be shown as a value of 1.000
while the other priorities will be displayed as a ratio with respect to the highest priority.

Before proceeding select File, Save to save your model.

Inconsistency
The inconsistency measure is useful for identifying possible errors in judgments as well as
actual inconsistencies in the judgments themselves; this is accessed from the "Priorities with
respect to" window.
Inconsistency measures the logical inconsistency of your judgments. For example, if you were
to say that A is more important than B and B is more important than C and then say that C is
more important than A you are not being consistent. A somewhat less inconsistent situation
would arise if you would say that A is 3 times more important than B, B is 2 times more
important than C, and that C is 8 times more important than A.
In general, the inconsistency ratio should be less than 0.1 or so to be considered reasonably
consistent. The "Priorities with respect to" window also shows how many missing judgments
are in the set of elements being compared.

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Examining and Improving Inconsistency
After judgments have been entered, you may also request suggestions for reducing
inconsistency. This can be done from any comparison mode.
To see how Expert Choice helps identify inconsistencies, do the following from the Verbal
comparison window:
y

Select Inconsistency, 1st from the menu to identify the most inconsistent judgment.

Select Inconsistency, Best Fit.

Figure 4 shows our Best Fit, where the judgment between Reliability and Customer Service
should be Equal as indicated by the Best Fit indicator of 1.0, located above the matrix. Notice
we entered a judgment of Moderate that is represented by 3. Your Best Fit might be different if
you did not make the same judgments. (You should only change an inconsistent judgment if
you feel that your initial comparison was in error and did not truly represent your feeling.)

Figure 4 Verbal Comparison Window Showing Best Fit to Reduce Inconsistency

Note: If the Best Fit is displayed in red then the column element of the matrix is preferred to the
row element. To enter an inverted element in the matrix, enter your judgment and if it is not
displayed in red then click the Invert button

You can also view the second, third etc., inconsistent judgment by selecting an option from the
Inconsistency menu. Then, if desired, you can alter the judgment.
Inconsistencies can also be suggested when you have missing judgments.
Tip: To view the "best fit" of any cell right-click in a selected matrix cell.

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Judgments for the Sub-objectives, Using the Graphical Mode
Now you will make judgments (paired comparisons) with respect to the sub-objectives below
Performance using the Graphical comparison mode.
If you made any changes to your model while you were learning how to use the Inconsistency
command you might be prompted to record your judgments. Since you were experimenting,
just select No.
y

Click the ModelView tab

Click the objective, Performance

Click the Graphical tab

The Graphical pairwise window will appear; refer to Figure 5 when you make your comparison.
In this example, there is only one judgment to be made. The Graphical mode operates by
clicking and dragging either comparison bar (the blue or red bar) either to the left or to the
right.

Tip: By dragging the top bar to the right you are saying that the element on top is more
important than the element on the bottom, in proportion to the relative lengths of the
bars. By dragging the bottom bar to the right you are saying that the element on the
bottom is more important than the element above. The numerical representation of the
judgment is entered into the cell matrix; if the number is in red it indicates that the
column element is preferred to the row element.

When done dragging a bar you are prompted "Record Judgments and Calculate?" If you select
Yes you are returned to the ModelView.
y

Select No.

Click the Calculate button to view the Priorities Graph

Click ModelView tab to return to the hierarchy.

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Figure 5 Graphical Comparison Window

Comparing the Alternatives, Using the Numerical Mode

Since we have now made comparisons for all the objectives and sub-objectives, it is time to
make pairwise comparisons with respect to each covering objective (lowest level objective/subobjective) and their alternatives. Now we will illustrate how to make numerical comparisons.
y
y

From the TreeView, click the sub-objective, Speed

Click the Numerical tab
A window will appear where you will compare your preference of the alternative
computers with respect to Speed. When finished, a dialogue box will appear, prompting
you to Record and Calculate Judgments. Figure 6 shows what we entered.

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Figure 6 Numerical Comparison Window

y

If you click on the number above the slider bar you will autoadvance to the next
paired comparison. Alternatively, you can drag the indicator bar to make the next
judgment. Then click the next empty cell in the matrix. (Refer to on-line help to see
other ways to enter judgments.)

After all comparisons have been made, you will be prompted to record your
judgments and return to the ModelView.

From the TreeView, select Hard Drive, the next sub-objective to be compared.

Select one of the modes of comparison of your choice by clicking on a tab Verbal,
Graphical or Numerical.

Make your own comparisons and return to the ModelView.

Tip: Remember to save your model often; then if you want to go back to an earlier
version you can use the Edit Revert command.
y

You can repeat the above steps until all remaining three comparisons are made, or
alternatively, you can:
o

Select Go, Next Unassesed (to advance to the next unevaluated set of
elements).

Select one of the modes of comparison of your choice - Verbal, Graphical or

Numerical.

Repeat the above process until all judgments have been made for both the
last two objectives.

Then return to the ModelView.

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Tip: You can tell when comparisons have been made with respect to a node, as the red
indicator in the yellow or gray rectangles of the TreeView will no longer be present.

Once All Judgments are Made and Priorities are Derived

Once priorities have been derived, the rectangles in the TreeView are replaced by Priority Fills;
they graphically portray the derived priorities (Figure 7). These fills indicate the amount of
importance of each objective or sub-objective. Figure 7 shows the derived priorities with
respect to Speed. To see the overall results, select the Goal.

Figure 7 Hierarchy Showing Priority Fills

You can also use the View command to switch between assessed indicators (yellow and gray
rectangles) and priority fills.
y

Before proceeding save your work. Select File, Save.

Redraw Commands
There are two redraw commands that are available when at the ModelView or Data Grid
windows (lessons 3 5 explain the Data Grid). Each command redraws the TreeView
(hierarchy) around the current node. Other redraw commands are found on the View Menu;
they expand and contract nodes and display only the first level of the hierarchy.
The redraw commands are useful when viewing large models; you can move to a node in the
hierarchy and view what is relevant without losing your position. When at the Data Grid you
can click a node in the hierarchy and you will automatically be positioned to its corresponding
covering objective on the grid. See lesson 3.
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Autoredraw
Autoredraw, the default option, automatically redraws the hierarchy about the current node.
When you move to a new node in the hierarchy, Autoredraw will automatically expand the
current node displaying its descendants while collapsing other branch nodes of the hierarchy.
(This feature uses Expert Choice's patent 4,613,946.) Autoredraw is represented on the button
bar

and is on when it is depressed.

Redraw
Redraw, is only available when Autoredraw is off. It manually redraws the hierarchy about the
current node and does not collapse other nodes. It is represented by

Tip: When at the ModelView's TreeView, depressing the first letter of a node name (or a
series of characters) will take you to that node.

Making an Objective or Alternative Dormant in the Pairwise Comparison Matrix

Before we tell you how to synthesize to obtain the results, we want to explain how to make an
element (objective or alternative) dormant so it can be excluded from being prioritized.
Alternatively, if an alternative has already been prioritized it can be excluded from the results.
From any pairwise comparison window:
y

Press Ctrl and click on an elements name (any objective or alternative located in the
rows of the matrix). The row for the element that you selected will be blocked. In
addition, any comparison made (or to be made) relating to that factor will also be
blocked. Figure 8 shows this.

Now press Ctrl and click on the dormant element to make it non-dormant; any
judgments previously made will be shown.

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Figure 8 An Example of a Dormant Objective

Synthesis - Getting the Results

A synthesis can be done for either the entire model or a portion of your model.
y

From the ModelView, select Synthesize, then With Respect to Goal. The synthesis
window will appear, showing the results (see Figure 9). Notice the Ideal and
Distributive buttons; in our example, the Ideal mode is selected. Each mode will be
explained.

Figure 9 Ideal Synthesis

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Ideal Synthesis
The Ideal synthesis mode assigns the full weight of each covering objective to the best
(highest priority) alternative for each covering objective. The other alternatives receive weights
under each covering objective proportionate to their priority relative to the best alternative
under each covering objective. The weights/priorities for all the alternatives are then
normalized so they sum to 1.0.
When using the ideal synthesis mode, the addition or removal of alternatives (that are not best
on any covering objective) will NOT impact the relative priorities (ratios or ranks) of other
alternatives. The ideal mode should be used when selecting one alternative from many and
when the priorities of the alternatives not selected are not of interest.
Distributive Synthesis
The Distributive mode distributes the weight of each covering objective to the alternatives in
direct proportion to the alternative priorities under each covering objective. When using the
distributive synthesis mode, the addition or removal of an alternative results in a re-adjustment
of the priorities of the other alternatives such that their ratios and ranks can change. The
distributive mode should be used when measuring under conditions of scarcity for example
when forecasting outcomes whose probabilities must add to 1, or when looking at elections
where votes cast for one candidate may alter the rank of another candidate.
Because each synthesis mode combines priorities differently, you will notice that each mode
may yield different, although normally very similar, results. For more information about the
synthesis modes see the main on-line Synthesis section, Selecting the Synthesis Type.

Synthesis Commands
There are two synthesis tabs Summary and Details.
Summary displays bar graphs of the alternatives' priorities with respect to the node from
which you performed the synthesis (in our example, the Goal). See Figure 9 above.
Details shows a grid of all the priorities and alternatives with respect to the goal or objective
selected. In our example, since we selected the Goal node, we show all objectives, subobjectives and alternatives; see Figure 10. Experiment with the other detail options and refer to
the on-line help for more information.

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Figure 10 Ideal Synthesis Details

Sensitivity Analyses - Graphs

Sensitivity analyses from the Goal node will show the sensitivity of the alternatives with respect
to all the objectives below the goal. It can also be performed from the nodes under the goal if
the model has more than three levels to show the sensitivity of the alternatives with respect to
an objective or sub-objective. When performing a sensitivity analysis you may vary the
priorities of the objectives and observe how the priorities of the alternatives would change.
There are five types of sensitivity analysis.
y

Dynamic

Performance

Gradient

Head to Head

Two-Dimensional (2D Plot)

You can open four types of sensitivity analyses at once or each one separately. Each graph
has its own unique menu commands and each sensitivity analysis can be compared to a
"what-if" analysis because the results are temporary. The remainder of this section explains
each graph.

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Dynamic Sensitivity
Dynamic Sensitivity analysis is used to dynamically change the priorities of the objectives to
determine how these changes affect the priorities of the alternative choices. By dragging the
objectives priorities back and forth in the left column, the priorities of the alternatives will
change in the right column. If a decision-maker thinks an objective might be more or less
important than originally indicated, the decision-maker can drag that objective's bar to the right
or left to increase or decrease the objectives priority and see the impact on alternatives.
Figure 11 shows a Dynamic Sensitivity graph.

Figure 11 Dynamic Sensitivity

y

From the TreeView, click the Goal

From the menu select Sensitivity-Graphs, then select Dynamic

Experiment changing the priorities of your objectives by clicking and dragging the objective
bars on the graph. Drag one objective bar back and forth and you will see the alternatives'
priorities change. Also try this for the remaining objectives. To see the original priorities, click
the Home button on the button bar

To view a dynamic sensitivity graph, Figure 12, showing the alternative's bars in multiple
sections:
y

Select Options, Components

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Figure 12 Dynamic Sensitivity with Component Option Selected

Sensitivity Command Bar

While viewing any sensitivity analysis, you can hold your mouse over each button under the
menu bar to show you what it represents. Each graph has different buttons as well as different
menus.
Note: You can have multiple graphs open at the same time. However, if desired, you can close
all graphs by clicking the X button.

Performance Sensitivity
To see the Performance Sensitivity graph:
y

Click the appropriate button on the Dynamic graph button bar. Alternatively, select
Sensitivity-Graphs from the ModelView; then select Performance.

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Figure 13 Performance Sensitivity

The Performance Sensitivity analysis, displayed in Figure 13, shows how the alternatives were
prioritized relative to other alternatives with respect to each objective as well as overall.
To see how the best computer compared to the second and third computers, read the overall
priority from the intersection of "right y-axis" and the overall priority for each alternative. In our
example, DaVinci is approximately .43, Galileo is approximately .34 and Turing is
approximately .24. Note the priorities for the alternatives sum to one.
To read each objective's priority (based on the decision-makers paired comparisons), use the
left y-axis. For example Performance is about .52 while Reliability is about .25. Customer
Service is about .14 and Price is about .10.
To read the alternative priorities with respect to each objective, read from the "right y-axis". In
our example, using Reliability, DaVinci has priority of approximately .90; while Galileo is about
.50 and Turing is approximately .26.
This graph is also dynamic, so you can temporarily alter the relationship between the
alternatives and their objectives.
y

Drag any one of the objective bars up or down.

Restore the original priorities by clicking the Home button

Select the Open Four button

from the Performance menu bar.

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Gradient Sensitivity Graph

Make the Gradient Sensitivity graph the active window by clicking the appropriate button; see
Figure 14. This graph shows the alternatives' priorities with respect to one objective at a time.
By clicking the menu command " X Axis", you have the ability to select which objective appears
on the x-axis. The red vertical line indicates the objective's priority (based on the decisionmakers paired comparisons). To indicate where an objective's priority changes drag the red
bar to either the left or right; this is shown as a blue dashed vertical line.

Figure 14 Gradient Sensitivity Graph

In this figure you can see that increasing the priority of Price from .09 to .36 changes the
choice of the alternative with respect to Price. When viewing a Gradient graph you are looking
for cross-over points of the alternatives.

Head-to-Head Graph
y

Make the Head-to-Head graph the active window

Figure 15 shows how two alternatives compared to one another against the objectives in a
decision. One alternative is listed on the left side of the graph and the other is listed on the
right. The alternative on the left is fixed while the alternative on the right can be varied, by
selecting a different tab on the graph. Down the middle of the graph are listed the objectives in
the decision. If the left-hand alternative is preferred to the right-hand alternative with respect to
an objective, a horizontal bar is displayed towards the left. If the right-hand alternative is better,
the horizontal bar will be on the right. If the two choices are equal, no bar is displayed. The
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overall result is displayed at the bottom of the graph and shows the overall percentage by
which one alternative is better than the other; this is the composite difference. The overall
priority can either be shown based on the objective weights (typical) or un-weighted.

Figure 15 Head to Head Graph

Two-Dimensional (2D Plot)

y

From the menu bar of the last graph viewed, click the Two-Dimensional (2D Plot)
button

This graph (Figure 16) shows the alternatives' priorities with respect to two objectives at a time.
By clicking the menu commands "X Axis" and "Y Axis" you have the ability to change the
objectives being displayed.
The area of the 2D plot is divided into quadrants. The most favorable alternatives with respect
to the objectives on the two axes will be shown in the upper right quadrant (the closer to the
upper right corner, the better the alternative). The least favorable alternatives will be shown in
the lower left quadrant (the closer to the lower left corner, the less favorable the alternative).
Alternatives located in the upper left and lower right quadrants indicate key tradeoffs where
there is conflict between the two selected objectives.

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Figure 16 2 Dimensional Plot

To close all the graphs:

y

Click the X button on the button bar.

Now save your model by selecting File, Save. Alternatively, click the save button from the
button bar or use the shortcut keys Ctrl S.

37

Lesson 2 - Structuring - Another Way to Build A Model

Structuring Overview
Expert Choices Structuring component is a freestyle, interactive technique for building a
model. Unlike the way we built our model in Lesson 1, you can think in terms of clustering
ideas that are a result of brainstorming, discussion, research and the solicitation of views and
ideas from others. There are two approaches to model building in Structuring.
Top-down structuring (Affinity Diagramming) is better suited for decisions of a strategic
nature where the objectives are better understood or known than the alternatives. Top-level
objectives are identified followed by the identification of sub-objectives.
Bottom-up structuring is best suited for situations where the alternatives are better understood
than the objectives. The pros and cons of the alternatives are used to help identify the
objectives that can then be clustered into groups.

Theoretical Foundation of Structuring

When using Structuring individually or with a group, top-down or bottom-up structuring
provides a framework whereby decision-makers use their knowledge of the problem to identify
and organize the factors (objectives and alternatives) of the decision.
With a group the facilitator tracks the discussion, entering objectives and alternatives, or pros
and cons of the alternatives. Then the facilitator clusters the concepts as the participants
direct.
These elements are then assembled into a hierarchical model consisting of objectives, subobjectives and alternatives.
Each alternative may have advantages (pros) and/or disadvantages (cons), sometimes
complicated by the fact that the pros of one alternative may be cons of another. Using
Structuring, decision-makers will list positive and negative aspects of each alternative in the
decision model.
The group of pros and cons is a pool of ideas that helps identify the important objectives that
need to be met in order to resolve the issue. Since objectives encompass these ideas, the
pros and cons will be used for creating the objectives. The conversion of pros and cons into
objectives means organizing the pros and cons of each of the alternatives in relation to your
main goal or objective. The pros and cons are evaluated for the alternatives and a list of
objectives is developed. Often, you will then continue to cluster the objectives into additional
levels of sub-objectives.
Structuring provides an intuitive interface to help you create a hierarchical decision model.
This interface includes the following familiar concepts for model building: pros and cons,
objectives, and sub-objectives. Pros and cons are translated into objectives and subobjectives. These are actually the same as criteria and sub-criteria. Generally in the Analytic
Hierarchy Process objectives are synonymous with criteria, and sub-objectives are
synonymous with sub-criteria.
You, the decision-maker, are the one who turns pros and cons into objectives. Thus, it is
important to remember that converting pros and cons to objectives is a matter of thinking about
which objective(s) the pros or cons point to. More specifically, using pros and cons to derive
objectives means you must re-conceptualize the pros and cons so that they are 1) described in
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value-neutral terms, rather than the positive and negative terms of pros and cons, and 2)
specified in a general form. Making this conversion is usually easier than it may appear. For
example, the pros and cons of being inexpensive or high priced in deciding which car to buy
would be generalized into the objective of saving money. Another way to think about
converting pros and cons into objectives is to consider how the pros and cons of an alternative
can serve as indicators of what you actually want, which can then be expressed as an
objective.
There are two Structuring approaches to model building, bottom-up and top-down. The terms
bottom-up and top-down are not based on AHP but Expert Choice users should not interpret
these terms rigidly for two reasons: 1) in bottom-up structuring, regardless of how hard you try
to stick with a strict bottom-up approach, you still have to start with some kind of goal in mind
and the goal is always represented by the top level of the decision model; and 2) with regard to
top-down modeling, Affinity Diagramming provides for a freestyle, interactive "brainstorming" of
the various aspects of your decision situation which is a natural, intuitive approach to building a
decision model, where identifying parts of the problem is a matter of inspiration, intuition and
common sense more often than a formal stepwise process, working from top to bottom.
Bottom-up structuring means that you are starting construction of your decision model with the
alternatives at the bottom and working "up" towards your goal. Top-down structuring (Affinity
Diagramming) means, essentially, that you are starting by listing and organizing your
objectives. The instructions for top-down structuring emphasize the freestyle interactive
approach to top-down structuring because 1) discussions of induction and deduction applied to
AHP model building are beyond the scope of this manual; and 2) if you know how to use formal
applications of inductive and deductive logic, it is straightforward to implement them in topdown structuring once you are skilled in using Expert Choice (if, for some reason, you think
you must). Emphasizing a freestyle, interactive approach to top-down structuring is the best
way to lead you into becoming skilled, efficient, and comfortable with the Structuring.

Building a Model Using Top-down Structuring - Affinity Diagramming

Top-down structuring or Affinity Diagramming provides a simple format for establishing
objectives and sub-objectives for evaluating alternatives.
y

Start Expert Choice.

From the Welcome dialogue box, select Structuring; alternatively, from the menu
select File, New.

In the dialogue box type the new file name, Vehicle; then click Open or press Enter to
continue.

Type the Goal Description To purchase the most preferred vehicle. The TreeView
pane now contains your goal.

If Affinity Diagramming button is not on the button bar

y

, you must turn on Structuring;

From the menu, select Tools, Options; then select the General tab.

In the Structuring box, select the Enable button; then select Close.

From the menu, select View; then select the Affinity Diagramming pane or just click
.

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Figure 1 shows the ModelView window that now consists of the Affinity Diagramming pane; it
replaced the Treeview pane used in Lesson 1. Additional buttons appear in the right corner,
over both the Affinity Diagramming and Alternatives panes.
y

Drag your mouse over each button to see what they do.

Figure 1 ModelView with ClusterView and Alternatives Panes

Adding / Entering Objectives

y
y

Click the Objective/ criterion/ group button, located in the Affinity Diagramming
pane.
When a dialogue box appears, type an objective; for this lesson, type Style.
A highlighted box will appear in the Affinity Diagramming pane containing your
objective. The red dot indicates where the next objective will be placed.

Tip: To position an existing objective drag it where desired. To position the placement
of a new objective, click anywhere in the Affinity Diagramming pane; drag a box with the
mouse. Next enter the objective.
Now use the list below to enter the remaining objectives, repeating the same process from
above.
Engine Performance
Safety
Price
Horsepower
Acceleration
Crash Test Score
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Braking Distance
Initial Cost
Resale Value
Note: When using the Structuring feature, it is not necessary to worry about whether a new
entry is an objective or a sub-objective as you will cluster them later.
y

If you cannot see the entire objectives name within a box select Tools, Options.

You should be at the View tab. Look at the second box in the tab.

Change the number of characters to 20.

Select Close. Now you see the entire objectives names; that is if you typed what we
suggested.

Editing Objectives
To edit an objective, double click on it.

Clustering Ideas
Once you are satisfied with the list, it is time to cluster your objectives by identifying those that
belong in the same cluster and then repositioning (dragging) the objectives into that cluster. An
objective that does not fit into any cluster may standalone. If you have several objectives that
do not fit into any existing cluster but belong to the same cluster, simply add another objective
into which these objectives can be clustered.
Follow the steps below to cluster the objectives entered in the Affinity Diagramming pane.
y

Click Engine Performance, the objective you want to move; it will become
highlighted.

Drag Engine Performance to the right of the list of objectives by pressing and holding
the left-mouse button. Release the mouse when done.

Click Horsepower, it will become highlighted.

Drag and position Horsepower over Engine Performance. Once positioned, release
the mouse button. Now Horsepower is clustered in the Engine Performance box.

Cluster the remaining objectives listed below, using the same steps just described. Refer to
Figure 2 below to see what our clusters look like.
y

Acceleration to Engine Performance

Crash Test Score and Braking Distance to Safety

Initial Cost and Resale Value to Price

Tip: Another way to enter an objective is to click anywhere in the Affinity Diagramming
pane and drag the mouse until a rectangular shaped box is drawn, simultaneously, a
dialogue box will appear, prompting you to enter your objective.

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Figure 2 Clustered Objectives in Vehicle Model

After clustering the objectives you are ready to enter alternatives; note Figure 2 shows the
alternatives that you will add.
Tip: You can also cluster objectives by dragging a box around one or more existing
objectives. When the mouse button is released, you will be prompted for the name of
the new clustering objective. (You may need to drag and arrange the objectives to an
empty portion of the screen before doing this.)

Entering Alternatives
Now that the objectives and sub-objectives are clustered it is time to enter alternatives.
y

Click the Add Alternative button

menu.

A dialogue box will appear prompting you to enter an "Alternative name"; type
Clydesdale. (Rather than use actual car names we use the names of horses; feel free
to use your preferred vehicle names.)

Repeat the Add Alternative process to enter the remaining two alternatives: Arabian
and Palomino.

, or select Edit, Insert Alternative from the

Tip: To enter an alternative, you can alternatively right-click in the alternatives pane and
then type an alternative name in the dialogue box.
y

Save what you have done by selecting File, Save.

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Now we will view the hierarchy.

Viewing the Hierarchy

y

To view the hierarchy, click the TreeView button

the menu. Figure 3 shows this.

or select View, TreeView from

Figure 3 Completed Model After Using Top-down Structuring

Note: You can drag/drop the objectives to change the order of the objectives in the hierarchy
as explained in "moving nodes in the hierarchy" in Lesson 1.
From this point on you would continue to evaluate your model by making paired comparisons
as described in Lesson 1, or you could evaluate your model based on what you will learn in
Lesson 3, using the Data Grid.
y

Before continuing, select File, Save.

Now we want to show you how to draw a box around several objectives to make a new toplevel objective.

Grouping Nodes in the Hierarchy

If you already have your hierarchy structured and wish to create a forgotten top-level objective
you can do the following:
y

From the ModelViews TreeView go to the Affinity Diagramming pane by clicking

Drag Style and Engine Performance close to each other.

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y

With the mouse drag and draw a box around them.

When prompted type an objective name such as Features.

Tip: To create one objective, just drag and draw with the mouse.

To delete what you just did:

y

Drag Style and Engine Performance from the group, Features.

Click Features, the empty group; then select Delete.

Bottom-up Structuring using Pros ad Cons Building a Model Using Bottom-up

Structuring
In Bottom-up structuring you start constructing your decision model with the alternatives. This
is a good approach when more is known about your alternatives of choice than your objectives.
To use our patented bottom-up structuring approach, you will first, enter alternatives; second,
enter the pros and cons of each alternative; and third, convert the pros or cons to objectives.
(To learn more about our patent, go to www.USPTO.gov and search on patent 5,995,728.)
y

Start Expert Choice and from the menu select File, New.

Type the file name, Vehicle2.

Type Goal Description: To purchase the most preferred vehicle.

Entering Alternatives
y

From the ModelView pane click the Add Alternative button

Enter your alternatives (Clydesdale, Arabian and Palomino), as described in the

previous section, Top-down structuring (Affinity Diagramming).

Entering Pros and Cons of the Alternatives

y

Alternatively, from
Click the Pros/Cons pane button over the TreeView pane.
the menu select View; then select Alternative Pros/Cons pane.

The Pros/Cons pane with three buttons will appear in the ModelView window. Figure 4 shows
our pros and cons for the highlighted alternative. Notice the highlighted alternative in the
Alternatives pane also appears as the title above the Pros/Cons pane.

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Figure 4 The Pros/Cons for the First Alternative

Now you will enter pros and cons for the first alternative. If you would like to add pros and/or
cons for a different alternative simply click on another alternative to make it the current
alternative.
y

With Clydesdale selected, click the Add Pro button. A dialogue box will appear
labeled "Add Pro for Clydesdale"

Type High Engine Performance then click OK. If necessary, drag the pro under the
Pro button.

Tip: To align the entry of a future pro or con in the pane, click with the mouse where
you would like the pro or con to appear before selecting the appropriate button.
Now enter a con for the Clydesdale.
y

Select the Add Con button. When the dialogue box appears, type Very Expensive
and click OK
Notice that the cons are displayed in magenta while the pros are in blue.

Add another con, Not very safe

Add the following pros, repeating the same process just explained:

Stylish

Crash Test Score

Fast

Continue adding Pros and Cons for the remaining two alternatives; for brevity we will only enter
one pro and one con for each alternative.
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y

Click on the next alternative, Arabian. Add the pro, Affordable

Add the con, Slow Acceleration

Click on the last alternative, Palomino.

Add the pro, Fuel Economy

Add a con, Terrible Braking

Select File, Save to save your model before viewing a list of all your pros and cons.

Viewing the All Pros and Cons List

Now that you have entered your alternatives as well as their associated Pros and Cons, you
will look at the list of all Pros and Cons (Figure 5). Next you will convert the pros and cons on
the list to objectives using our patented process.
y

From the menu, select View; then select the All Pros/Cons pane. A faster way to see
this is to click the All Pros/Cons button

over the Alternatives pane.

Note: The Pros are in blue while the Cons are magenta.

Figure 5 Alternatives Pane Showing All Pros and Cons

Building the Hierarchy

Now you will start building a hierarchy by dragging and dropping (as well as redefining) a pro
or a con (from the All Pro/Cons pane) to the TreeView. Since order is not important, you can
start anywhere in the Pro/Con list.
Lets begin with the con, Very Expensive, which is associated with the Clydesdale.
y

Click Very Expensive.

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______________________________________________________ Expert Choice Tutorials

y
y

Drag and drop it on the Goal in the TreeView.

When prompted to re-define the con as an objective, type Low Cost; click OK.
The above process places the objective, Low Cost, below the Goal in the TreeView.
You should now be able to see the beginning of the formation of your hierarchy.

Notice how the con, Very Expensive, is now grayed out; this indicates that it was converted to
an objective. Gray can be removed from a pro or con by double clicking.

Tip: Since alternatives are evaluated based on their preference with respect to
objectives, the wording for cons must almost always be changed to state the objective
(or objectives) that the con points to. For example, expensive points to low cost as
an objective.

Looking at the list of pros and cons, you can see that some pros and cons could be repeated
more than once because they are associated with more than one alternative; if this is the case,
you would not need to convert repeats. Those pros and cons not used in the conversion
process will remain white.

Tip: On the other hand, a single pro or con may point to several objectives and can be
dragged and dropped numerous times. For example, a pro of size for a large car may
point to the following objectives: Comfort; Carrying capacity; Safety; Fuel Economy;
Ease of Parking, etc.

Converting the Remaining Pros and Cons to Objectives

Refer to Figure 6 and use it as a reference, practicing converting pros or cons to objectives or
sub-objectives.
This is what we did. First we dragged relevant pros and cons to the hierarchy redefining them.
When we were done we had a list of objectives. Second, we clicked the Affinity Diagramming
button

and started grouping our objectives. Third, we also added a few more objectives.

and dragged the objectives in reverse

Fourth, we returned to the TreeView by clicking
order of presentation to place them in the hierarchy as shown.
We could have added objectives directly in the TreeView by selecting Edit, Insert either Child
or Sibling of the current node. Then we could have dragged existing objectives beneath the
new objectives. Both choices produce the same results.
Expert Choice is a flexible decision support system designed to work the way you think.

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Figure 6 TreeView of Converted Pros and Cons

Once your hierarchy of objectives is complete, select the Alts/Children/InfoDocs button

located over the Alternatives pane. Then the Alternatives pane will replace the All Pros/Cons
pane.
Now you are ready to make paired comparisons as outlined in Lesson 1 or use the Data Grid
that you will learn in Lesson 3.
Before this lesson ends, we want to describe three more features that are available:
Information Documents and Notes and Object Linking and Embedding.

Information Documents and Notes

Information Documents, referenced briefly in Lesson 1, are displayed in the lower right-hand
side of the ModelView. They typically contain text, entered by you, or a facilitator in the group
enabled model, which may describe the goal, give additional information as to why particular
objectives or sub-objectives were selected, and tell us how paired comparisons were made.
Information Documents are rich text objects and can include files such as Microsoft Office Files
(Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access), as well as audio, pictures and video.
Information documents can be created for each objective, alternative, paired comparison in the
hierarchy or each Data Grid assessment.
y

From the Goal, click the Information button

blank document will appear.

Type your name.

To close, click the Information button.

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that appears on the button bar and a

______________________________________________________ Expert Choice Tutorials

Note: If an Information Document exists for the current (highlighted) node, the Information
button will appear as a colored newspaper.

When an information document is open you can drag other documents to it and/or create
shortcuts to other files or programs. Information documents can also be created and accessed
from other windows.
Notes
In addition to Information Documents, Notes can be entered for objectives in the hierarchy,
alternatives, individual paired comparisons, and Data Grid assessments as well as cells in the
Data Grid (discussed in Lesson 3). When working with group models, each participant can
enter their own notes to express their views, rationale, concerns and the like about the different
parts of the decision process.
y

To create a note from the current (highlighted) node, click the Note button.
Enter your comments and when done, click the Note button to close.

If a note exists for the current node, the bottom portion of the Note button will be colored
.
When a Note window is open, you can drag other documents to it and/or create shortcuts to
other files or programs. Like Information documents, Notes are available from other windows.
To learn more about these features, refer to Expert Choices Contents and Index.

Object Linking and Embedding

You can insert shortcuts (links) or embed files within any Expert Choice Information Document
or Note. This very powerful feature enables you to document the rationale of your decision
process as well as execute other programs.
The process to link or embed files is dependent on your operating system; with certain
operating systems you may only be able to embed. This is what we recommend.
1.

With an open Information Document or Note, position the cursor to the insertion point
within the Information Document or Note.

2.

With Windows Explorer navigate to the file to be linked or embedded.

a.

For Windows 2000 and other versions:

Drag a rich text file icon such as .xls, .ppt, or .doc from Windows Explorer into the
opened Information Document or Note. Then a link (shortcut) to the file will be
created. This saves space, but the file won't be available on other computers if the
.ahp model is copied.
If you want to "embed the object" (the file), select File, Insert from the Information
Document or Note menu. Next navigate to the file to be linked or embedded and
select it.

b.

For Windows 98 and earlier:

Drag the file into the Information Document or Note. Then the file will be embedded
in the Information Document or Note: Alternatively select File, Insert from the
Information Document or Note menu. Next navigate to the file to be embedded and
select it. Windows 98 only supports embedding.

Note: You can embed several documents or files in one Information Document or Note,
intermixed with text if desired.
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3.

Lastly close the Information Document or Note.

How to View or Execute the Linked and Embedded Documents

There are several ways to open and execute linked and embedded files.
Example One: How to Open an Embedded File.
1.

From an opened Information Document or Note, double-click on the embedded file to

make the Excel commands available within the Expert Choice window.

2.

Then Expert Choices file menu will disappear and it will be replaced by the embedded
program's menu, in this case Excel.

3.

Alter the embedded file using Excel.

4.

To close the embedded file and executing program, in this case, Excel, you must click
in the upper-right corner of the window or press Alt-Spacebar.

Example Two: Another Way to Open an Embedded File.

1.

Open an Information Document or Note and right-click on the embedded document.

2.

When a pop-up list appears, select Worksheet Object, Open. You will be taken to the
embedded program.
Now continue as described above.

Example Three: How to Open a Shortcut (link).

1.

From an opened or closed Information Document or an opened Note, double-click on the

shortcut (link).

2.

Then you will be taken to that program.

3.

To close the program click

4.

Then if need be close the Information Document or Note.

x in the upper-right corner of the window.

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Lesson 3 - Data Grid and Ratings

Data Grid Overview
The Data Grid contains data about the decision alternatives with respect to the decision
hierarchy covering objectives. The alternatives appear in the rows of the Data Grid while the
covering objectives appear in the columns; see Figure 1. Instead of deriving priorities for
alternatives through pairwise comparisons, as illustrated in Lesson 1, formulas can be defined
under any covering objective (column). Each covering objective's formula converts data about
the alternatives to values (priorities).
There are five different formula types that can be used in the Data Grid. This lesson discusses
how to use one of these formula types, called RATINGS. Lesson 4 discusses the remaining
formula types.
Alternatives that are added to a model from the Alternatives pane in the ModelView, as
described in Lesson 1 and 2, are known as active alternatives and are automatically added to
the Data Grid. Alternatives can also be added directly in the Data Grid. All the alternatives in
the Data Grid are referred to as global alternatives.
Active alternatives are checked in the grid; Figure 12 illustrates this. You can mark and unmark active alternatives and then extract them to the Alternatives pane to refine judgments or
perform sensitivity analyses. Extracting alternatives from the Data Grid will be explained later.
While alternatives appear in the second column of each row of the Data Grid the covering
objectives appear in the remaining column headers, while the ratings appear in the intersecting
cells underneath the column headers. The AID (Alternative Id) column shows the order in
which the alternatives were entered into the model. (AIDs can be turned off and on with the
Tools, Options, View command by selecting the appropriate button in Data and Formulas Grids
pane.)

Figure 1 Sample Data Grid

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The Data Grid also has "Total", "Cost" and user defined columns that can be made visible or
hidden with the View menu command. The value in the Total column for each alternative (see
Figure 1) contains the weighted sum of the values (priorities) for the alternative across all the
covering objectives columns.
Each cell in the body of the Data Grid contains (1) a bar representing the value of the
respective alternative (row element) with respect to the covering objective (column element)
and (2) the underlying data or value (you can ask to see either data or values).
The values in the Data Grid body cells are derived from the data based on one of five formula
types:
Ratings,
Increasing utility curve,
Decreasing utility curve,
Step function, and
Direct data entry.

Why Use the Data Grid?

Applications such as personnel evaluation, resource allocation and college admission
decisions, may involve a large number of alternatives. Making pairwise comparisons in a
model that has a large number of alternatives can be very time consuming, as you would have
to perform a large number of comparisons for the alternatives (up to n*(n-1)/2) with respect to
each covering objective. Instead of making pairwise comparisons for the alternatives the Data
Grid can be used.
The use of the Data Grid combines the power of the hierarchy and the pairwise comparison
process with the ability to evaluate hundreds or even thousands of alternatives. Pairwise
comparisons are still used to evaluate the elements in the hierarchy itself, but not for
evaluating the alternatives. Alternatives priorities are established relative to each covering
objective either by (1) using ratio scaled Rating intensities (explained below), or (2) using other
formulas that can be applied to data that can be optionally imported from corporate databases
which are external to Expert Choice (explained in Lesson 4).

When to Use Ratings

People often "rate" alternatives using words such as High, Medium and Low; or Excellent, Very
Good, Good, Fair and Poor. This is often the case for subjective aspects of an evaluation or
when there is no hard data. First we will show you how to do this and derive ratio scale
priorities using rating scales that are predefined in a sample model and then we will show you
how to define and prioritize your own rating scales. We will also show you how to:
y

Copy formulas,

Delete existing formulas,

Revert to a prior version of your model to undo a formula deletion,

Create a new formula, and

Modify an existing formula.

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We will start by using the model called Ice Cream Site.ahp that is found in the sample models
folder. Figure 2 shows the model.
y

Start Expert Choice as you normally would.

From the Welcome dialogue box select ECSamples; then navigate to and select Ice
Cream Site. ahp from the list. Alternatively, you can select File, Open and then
navigate to the ECSamples models folder (usually found in a root directory) and
select Ice Cream Site.ahp.
Note: Expert Choice files have the extension of ahp. If you are upgrading from an
earlier of Expert Choice your models will have to be converted.

Figure 2 Icecream ModelView

Since we will be explaining how to use Ratings by changing this model, we want you to make a
copy of the model first.
y

Select File, SaveAs and when the save model dialogue box appears:
a.

Click the Up One Level button for the Expert Choice folder

b.

Click the Create New Folder button and type a folder name, such as Models

c.

Type MyIcecreamSite and then click Save.

The original model will be closed and the new copy of the model will appear. The
filename of the new model also appears in the "Title" bar.

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The window shows the copied model with four objectives which have already
been prioritized via pairwise comparisons. Notice that there are no alternatives
in the Alternative pane.
Next we will show you the Data Grid and how to move around it.

Resizing and Moving Around the Data Grid

y

From the ModelView, select Go; then select Data Grid (see Figure 3). This model
contains several global alternatives and no active alternatives.

Tip: Clicking the Data Grid tab

from the ModelView will take you to the Data
Grid. Or, use the Data Grid shortcut key shown on the Go menu.

You can use the standard window keys to resize the grid as well as individual columns. Notice
the TreeView to the right; if you click on an objective in the hierarchy you will move to the
corresponding covering objective column in the Data Grid. You can use the arrow keys or the
mouse to move around the grid.
Note: If your TreeView pane is not visible, select View from the menu, then select TreeView
pane to make it visible.
When in the covering objectives data entry area, if the Autoadvance option is on (the default)
you will notice a Down Arrow
or a Right Arrow
on the Data Grid button bar. The
arrow button designates the direction of Autoadvance when entering data in the columns of the
grid. Clicking on the button will change the direction.

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Figure 3 Icecream Retail Selection Data Grid

Viewing the Totals Column

y

If the Total column is not visible, select View, Totals column.

As we mentioned earlier, the value in the total column for each alternative contains the
weighted sum of the values (priorities) for the alternative across all the covering objectives'
columns. (If the elements in the decision hierarchy have not yet been prioritized, the weights,
and hence the totals, will be zero.)
The priorities in the total column shown in Figure 4 not only denote rank but also have interval
and ratio meanings. For example, referring to Figure 4, the priority of Main Street High Rise is
.527, while the priority of the Business District is .217. From this we can infer that the Main
Street High Rise is more than twice as preferable as the Business District.
To see a more meaningful view of the results of this model:
y

Click any cell in the Total column

Select Edit, Sort, Descending and the priorities for your alternatives will be sorted
from highest to lowest.

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Figure 4 Alternatives Sorted by Total Priority

Next we will show you how to enter a new alternative into the Data Grid; then we will show you
how to rate the alternative.

Adding an Alternative to the Data Grid

For this part of the lesson, we will add one additional alternative to the Data Grid.
y

Click on the first vacant cell in the Alternative column.

Type MyStore as one word, then click the cell below or move down using the
keyboard down-arrow key.
Notice that the AID was automatically entered. You never enter AIDs as this is an
Expert Choice function.

To edit your alternative (for practice):

y

Move to the cell, Mystore, and double click on the alternative or press F2, the
windows standard editing key.

Move the cursor to "S"; press the space bar once so that your alternative is typed as
"My Store" (two words) and then click the cell below or press Enter.

Entering Ratings
There are several ways that Ratings can be entered either using the mouse or keyboard.
With the mouse:
y

Move to Data Grid cell for the My Store Row and the Visibility Column.
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Notice how a Ratings scale appeared above the alternatives on the Data Grid when
you moved to a cell in the Visibility column.
y

Since we will be entering ratings for each cell in this row, make sure the Autoadvance
arrow in the button bar is pointing to the right and not down. If it is pointing down, then
click on it once.

Tip: The Autoadvance to the next cell option is on by default. If you do not see an
arrow pointing down or right on the button bar, turn on Autoadvance, by selecting
Tools, Options, Calculation; then select Autoadvance.
y

Click OK (the second intensity in the Ratings scale), and that rating will be entered for
My Store with respect to Visibility.
Notice the word "OK" appears in the cell; the bar in the cell indicates the priority value
associated with "OK".

Tip: While at the Data Grid, clicking an objective in the TreeView selects that column in
the Data Grid. If there are sub-objectives associated with that objective you will be
positioned at the first sub-objective. To go to another sub-objective you must click on it
in the hierarchy.
y

For the Competition covering objective, select Intense.

Suppose you change your mind and think that competition is somewhere between
moderate and intense, say about .33. With the left mouse button depressed in the cell
in the Competition column, drag the bar in the cell to a value of .33, creating a value
between moderate and intense.

With the keyboard:

For the Customer Fit objective, try the following four ways of entering ratings into the cell:
y

For Customer Fit, press 1, number representing the first rating intensity, "Lots", or

Type a value between zero and one such as .345, (if you did this, the entry would be
between few (.303) and some (.550), or

Clear a rating, by pressing Delete.

Move to Cost and press 2, the number corresponding an "average" rating. Typing with
the keyboard is often the fastest way to enter ratings in the Data Grid.

Now save your changes by selecting File, Save.

Now that you have learned how to enter Ratings, we will next show you how to copy a formula
from one covering objective to another.

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Copying Formula Types

To practice copying a formula, such as a ratings scale, from one covering objective to another,
do the following:
y

Click the Formula Grid tab

Click in the cell in the Type column of the Competitors row.

Select Edit, Copy Formula

. Figure 5 below shows a partial Formula grid.

Click in the Customer Fit row.

Select Edit, Paste Formula. Compare your results with Figure 5; it shows the Data
Grid before you copied a formula to Customer Fit.

Click the Data Grid tab and go to the Customer Fit. This column will contain the
copied formulas.

Now, if desired, you can make entries for the alternatives with respect to the copied Ratings
scale, Customer Fit. Remember to change the Autoadvance Right Arrow to point down to
facilitate entering the ratings in this column and enter your ratings as you learned in Resizing
and Moving Around the Data Grid.

Figure 5 Formula Grid before Copying

Next we will show you how to delete a formula type.

Deleting a Formula Type

y

From the Data Grid, go to the Customer Fit column, right-click on the word Ratings;
refer to Figure 4.

From the pop-up menu showing all the formula types select None.

Select OK to confirm the deletion.

Revert Command
The Revert command can be used to revert to a previous version of your model. For example,
should you decide you do want to abandon what you just did, do the following:
y

From the Data Grid select Edit, then Revert, or alternatively, click the Revert
button

.
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y

When the Revert to window is displayed double-click the desired entry; see Figure
6 below. Your revert list may be different.

In our example, click Original, and the model as originally loaded will be restored.

Click Revert again; try another selection; we suggest After Save; this way your
alternative, My Store ,will be in the model as we proceed. Got the idea?
Note: The "revert to" selections are deleted when a model is closed

Figure 6 Revert to Window

Now that you know how to enter alternatives, Ratings intensities, and copy and paste Ratings
formulas, we will show you how to create Ratings scales.

Creating a Ratings Scale

y

From the Data Grid select a cell in the Customer Fit column.

From the menu bar select Formula Type; then select None to delete the existing
formula.

When the dialogue box appears saying "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?"
Click OK.

From the menu bar select Formula Type then select Ratings to create a new Ratings
scale.

Tip: Instead of using the menu bar, right-clicking in the cell above Customer Fit will
display a drop down menu; then select Ratings.

A new window will appear where you will create a new Ratings scale; see Figure 7 Now you
will re-create the Customer Fit Ratings scale.
y

Click in the first vacant Intensity Name column; then click some from the list on the
right

Move down to the next row, and click little from the list on the right

Move down to the next row and type few

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Figure 7 Ratings Scales Window

Tip: To change an intensity name, click on that intensity, then retype or press F2 (the
standard Windows key) to edit. To delete, move to the intensity name and press the
Delete key.

There are three intensities in this scale, each with a zero priority. For a more robust solution, all
intensity scales should have at least 5 elements; we use three here for brevity.
y

Click the Assess button.

You will be taken to the graphical pairwise mode; if you like, you can switch either the verbal or
numerical mode by clicking on one of the tabs.
Next we explain how to make diagonal pairwise comparisons.

Diagonal Pairwise Comparisons

We will use the Graphical mode to make pairwise comparisons and will do so only for the cells
on the lowest diagonal of the matrix. Pairwise comparing elements on the diagonal provides
you with the minimum number of comparisons necessary to calculate priorities. 50
5(When you do this you have no inconsistency measure and priorities will not be as accurate
as if you completed all the judgments, but it does save time and the result is still
mathematically valid.)
Note: Diagonal pairwise comparisons can also be made for objectives, sub-objectives and
alternatives.
y

From the Graphical pairwise mode, select Tools, Options, Calculation.

Notice that the Judgment Order box has three options, Next (described in Lesson 1),
Randomize and Diagonal.
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y

If the Diagonal button is not selected, select Diagonal.

Click Close.

Figures 8 and 9 show the judgments which you will make using the Graphical mode.
y

Drag the bars to (approximately) duplicate our entries.

Figure 8 First Sample Diagonal Graphical Pairwise Judgments

Figure 9 Second Sample Diagonal Graphical Pairwise Judgments

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Did you notice that the Calculate button has turned from red,
to yellow
, after making
two entries? When the calculate button is yellow this means not all judgments have been
made, but enough have been made to derive priorities. If desired you could continue making all
judgments; however, in this example:
y

Click the Calculate button to derive priorities for the scale.

, or press
After reviewing the displayed priorities, click the Priorities tab
Enter to return to the Ratings definition window. The window now shows your derived
priorities; see Figure 10.

Click Close to return to the Data Grid.

Figure 10 Ratings Scales Priorities Window

You should be at the Customer Fit column. The Ratings Intensities for this column, Some,
Little, and Few, appear above the Alternatives section of the grid. Now use this scale to rate
each alternative, following the directions described earlier in this lesson. For each alternative
type:
y

Little, Little, Little, Some, Some, Some, Few

Type your own Rating for My Store.

Next we show you how to modify an existing ratings scale.

Modifying an Existing Ratings Scale

We will modify the Ratings scale for competition as an example.
y

Right-click the top row of the Competition Column and select Ratings. Next, you can
either:
1.

Click Assess to revise your judgments made earlier using the paired comparison
process; or

2.

rather than clicking the Assess button, Stay at the Ratings definition window and
left-click and drag each intensity priority bar to the right or left. Figure 11
shows that we reversed the priority of the intensities by making Intense the
highest, followed by moderate and little.

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Figure 11 Intensities Derived by Dragging Bars

y

After making modifications, click Close to return to the Data Grid. The values for cells
in this column will be updated based on the new priorities for the intensities.

You will learn how to create and modify other formula types in Lesson 4.
Next we will show you how to "extract" alternatives from the Data Grid. When extracted, these
alternatives will be displayed in the Alternatives' Pane of the ModelView, and are then known
as active alternatives. Then you can perform sensitivity analyses on the extracted alternatives
or refine your judgments.

Selecting Alternatives from the Data Grid to Include in the ModelView

Any number of alternatives can be made "active" and extracted from the data grid to appear in
the Alternatives Pane of the Model View. This is done for either of two reasons. First, to
perform sensitivity analyses, and second, to refine priorities by making pairwise comparisons,
replacing the priorities derived by ratings or from data. You can select and extract as many
alternatives as desired. However, since only nine or so alternatives can be reasonable viewed
in sensitivity analyses, we suggest you activate nine or fewer. Then you can select and extract
another set of nine or fewer.
Do the following to extract alternatives:
y

From the Data Grid, right-click on each alternative to be extracted. Refer to Figure
12. If your model is different select a few alternatives for extraction.

From the menu, select Edit; then select Extract Selected to Hierarchy.

When you are prompted to "Extract active alternatives?" click Yes. Then you will be
taken to the ModelView showing the hierarchy and active alternatives.

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Figure 12 Selecting Alternatives for Extraction

Now experiment with the extracted alternatives by doing sensitivity analyses and refining your
alternatives' priorities by making paired comparisons. For additional information about either
topic refer to Lesson 1.
To perform sensitivity analyses on extracted alternatives:
y

Click the goal node.

Select Sensitivity-Graphs; then select one of the five graphs such as Dynamic.

To derive refined priorities for the extracted alternatives by pairwise comparing:

y

From the TreeView, click to one of the covering objectives in the TreeView such as
Location.

From the menu, select Assessment, Pairwise. Click Yes when prompted to remove
the formula and derived priorities with pairwise comparisons.

Switch to the graphical comparison mode and adjust any of the existing judgments
that appear on the diagonal. Then add additional judgments as desired.
Note: A judgment of "1" means that the two alternatives received the same rating;
however, you might now think that one is a bit more or less preferable than the other.

Before proceeding to the next section:

y

Select Edit, and then Revert to revert back to the model as it existed "Before
Extracting Global Alternatives".

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Entering an Ideal Alternative
An ideal alternative is a conceptual alternative that would receive the highest possible rating
"
under each covering objective in the Data Grid. It is useful to prevent "rank reversal
(discussed extensively in the book Decision by Objectives) as well as to examine how far the
real alternatives are from the Ideal. The latter is sometimes called a Gap Analysis. The "gaps"
can be viewed in either the Total column of the Data Grid or from the Performance Sensitivity
Graph.
To enter an Ideal alternative on the Data Grid:
y

From the menu select Tools, Options, General

Select Include the Ideal Alternative in Data Grid (Do not select the "Hide" option).
Then the Ideal Alternative will be inserted in the grid as shown in Figure 13.

If you want to see the same information graphically, extract the ideal alternative and up to 9
other alternatives; follow the directions below.
y

Select the Ideal and up to 8 other alternatives by right-clicking their names and a
checkmark will appear to the left of the alternative name.
Note: If you right-click on a selected alternative it will be deselected.

y
y

Extract them to the ModelView's Alternatives' Pane by selecting Edit, Extract to

Selected Hierarchy.
Select Sensitivity-Graphs then select Performance.
Note: The Ideal Alternative will be shown in this graph as the Hide option was not
selected.

Figure 13 Ideal Alternative Shown on Data Grid

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Also see Adding the Ideal Alternative to the Data Grid in Expert Choices Contents and Index.
Most of the commands learned in this lesson can also be applied to the other formula types to
be explained in the next lesson.

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Lesson 4 - Other Data Grid Functions

Other Data Grid Formula Types Overview
Lesson 4 shows you how to use the remaining four formula types: Step Function, Increasing
Utility Curve, Decreasing Utility Curve, and Direct. In lesson 3 we showed you how to use the
formula type of Ratings; much of what was learned in that lesson applies to the remaining
formula types. Therefore, this lesson will only describe new functions.
Note: Any combination of formula types can be used in the same model.
While it is possible to pairwise compare the active alternatives with respect to certain covering
objectives while at the same time defining formulas such as ratings, step functions, utility
curves and extracting from the data grid, it has been more common in practice in the past to
either make paired comparisons of the alternatives OR to use the data grid.
Another common practice is to make judgments using the data grid and then extract
alternatives to the hierarchy, refining judgments by making paired comparisons.
Now with the addition of our data mapping to external databases, discussed in Lesson 6, more
clients are developing mixed mode models that contain both compared comparisons of the
alternatives and formula types.

Step Function Overview

The Step Function is similar to Ratings in that it consists of a scale of prioritized intensities.
However the Step Function automatically calculates the appropriate intensity for each
alternative based on data entered in the Data Grid.
Creating the Step Function is similar to creating a Ratings scale with the addition of specifying
a lower data bound for each step. Like Ratings, once you have created a Step Function
intensity scale, pairwise comparisons are made to derive priorities for the intensities, or, you
can drag the bar in the priority column to derive priorities.
For example, if the intensities were Low, Medium and High, we might want Low to be applied
to each alternative for which the data value was less than 50, Medium between 50 and 199,
and High if 200 or more. The data ranges are specified by Lower Bound values, in this case: 0
for Low, 50 for Medium, and 200 for high.

Creating a Step Formula from a Ratings Formula

From the samples models directory, open IcecreamSite; this model was used to
demonstrate Ratings. We will use a copy of this model to illustrate how to create a Step
formula from a Ratings formula.

Tip: You can access the sample models by selecting Help Sample Models.
y

Select File, SaveAs.

When prompted for the model name, type MyIcecreamSite-Cost; then click Save.

Click the Data Grid tab.

Click the Monthly Rental Cost column.

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y

Then right-click to display the drop-down list; then select Step.

A dialogue box will appear "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click
OK.
Then the Step Scales window will appear; see Figure 1. It shows intensity names, step
lower bounds and priorities.

Figure 1 Step Function Scales Window

We will first illustrate converting an existing Ratings Formula to a Step Formula and then show
how to define a Step Function formula from scratch.
y

From Step LB column starting with cheap, type the following lower bounds: 0, 1000,
2000, and 3000.

If desired you could practice dragging the priority bars or select Assess to view
previously made paired comparisons. Then click the priorities tab
Step Function Definition window.

to return to the

Now click Close the window and return to the Data Grid.

Type the rental cost for each store: 500, 999, 1100, 3005, 2500, 1000, and 3500.

Now we will show you how to define a Step Function from scratch.

Steps to Create a Step Formula from Scratch

If you were creating a Step formula from the very beginning you would:
1.

Select a covering objective column.

2.

Right-click to display the drop down list.

3.

Select Step.
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4.

A dialogue box will appear "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK.

5.

Type an intensity name and low bound for each member of the scale. Negative
numbers can be used.

6.

Then you would either drag priority bars to derive priorities or select Assess to
pairwise compare the intensities.

7.

Lastly, you would enter data in the Data Grid for each alternative with respect to the
covering objective's Step formula just defined.

That's all there is to the Step Function. Next we will show you how to define and use utility
curves.

Increasing or Decreasing Utility Curves Overview

Utility Curves, like the Step Function, translate data into priorities. Whereas the Step Function
consists of discrete steps, a Utility Curve is continuous. Utility Curve formulas can be
increasing or decreasing, linear or nonlinear, and when nonlinear, concave or convex.
Before showing how to create a Utility Curve from scratch, we will look at some existing utility
curve functions using the Retirement Places Rated model that is based on information taken
from Retirement Places Rated by David Savageau, Macmillian Travel (Simon & Schuster
Macmillian Company) 1995.
Since we will be using this model for the remainder of this lesson make a copy of it as follows:
y

Select Help, Samples models directory and navigate to and select Retirement
Places Rated. Alternatively you can select File, Open, ECSamples, Retirement
Places Rated. ahp.

Select File, SaveAs

For the model name, type MyRetirement; click Save

If desired review the paired comparisons made for the objectives and sub-objectives
by selecting Assessment, Pairwise.

Click the Data Grid tab and familiarize yourself with the content.

This model (Figure 2) uses three different formula types: Ratings, Decreasing and Increasing
Utility curves, as seen by looking at the top of each column in the Data Grid. All the curves in
this model happen to be linear. Data has been entered for each alternative with respect to
each covering objective. (If this data was in a database it could have been imported into the
model using our Data Mapping capability discussed in Lesson 5.)

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Figure 2 Retirement Places Rated ModelView

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Decreasing Utility Curves
From the Data Grid, let's look at the first covering objective of Money Matters/State Income
Taxes see Figure 3.

Figure 3 Retirement Places Rated Data Grid

Right-click State Income Taxes.

When the menu appears select Decreasing.

Figure 4 shows the decreasing curve. Notice the high and low values for the x-axis;
they are 200 and 75 respectively. Observe that Linear is checked.

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Figure 4 Decreasing Utility Curve

y

Change the high x-axis to 250 and low x-axis value to 90.

Click Apply to make this change permanent.

Click Close to return to the Data Grid.

Notice that the Low and High Values, now displayed on your Data Grid changed; compare it to
Figure 3 above. Also observe that when you change the definition for a utility curve, the values
in the column remain the same but the priority bars are recomputed automatically. The
priorities may or may not change and this is dependent upon the new scale.
y

Return to the Decreasing Utility Curve window by clicking on the Utility Curve tab.

Drag a point on the straight line down and to the left.

Notice that the linear box becomes unmarked; see Figure 5.

To make this change permanent, click Apply

Click Close and view the changes to the priority bars on the Data Grid.

Return to the Decreasing Utility Curve window and compare your curve with ours
shown in Figure 5.

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Figure 5 Decreasing Non-Linear Utility Curve

y

To change this curve to an Increasing curve, select the Increase button.

Click Close; this change (from a decreasing to an increasing curve) did not take place
because you did not select Apply.

Steps to Create a Decreasing Utility Curve from Scratch

If you were creating a Decreasing formula from the very beginning you would:
1.

Select a covering objective column.

2.

Right-click to display the drop down menu.

3.

Select the formula type, Decreasing.

4.

A dialogue box will appear "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK.

5.

Type high and low x-axis values for the curve. (Negative numbers can be used.)

6.

If the curve desired is not Linear drag the line down and to the left.

7.

Select Apply to make the changes permanent.

8.

Select Close to return to the Data Grid.

9.

Lastly, you would enter data (numbers) for each alternative with respect to the
covering objective's Decreasing formula just defined. Alternatively, if data was
available it could have been imported; see Lesson 5.

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Increasing Utility Curves
Now we will describe how to create an Increasing Utility curve.
Look at the Home Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes covering objective that is defined
with an Increasing Utility Curve. (We are not referring to the same named sub-objective of
Money Matters). According to David Savageau, (author of Retirement Places Rated ) this
objective is defined to have a score between 0 and 100 where higher numbers are preferred to
lower numbers; no details of this scale were given in his book.
To see how we entered the latter information in the model:
y

In the TreeView pane to the right of the Data Grid, click the second Home Mortgage
Payment and Property Taxes node. (If need be, expand the TreeView by dragging.)
Then the Data Grid will be positioned to this covering objective.

Click the Information button

objective.

to view information entered about this covering

Increasing Utility curves operate in the same fashion as Decreasing.

y

From the Home Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes column on the Data Grid,
right-click and select Increasing. Figure 6 shows this portion of the Data Grid after the
change has been applied.
Notice that we moved the covering objective colums to the left so first column after the
Total column is Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes.

Review the information shown on the graph as well as the information entered for the
High and Low X-axis.

If desired, experiment changing the low and high values.

To make this curve non-linear and increasing, drag the line up and to the right.

To make the changes permanent select Apply.

Select Close to return to the Data Grid and compare the changes to the alternatives'
priorities with respect to this covering objective.

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Figure 6 Major Objective of Home Mortgage Payment and Property Taxes

Steps to Create an Increasing Utility Curve from Scratch

If you were creating an Increasing formula from the very beginning you would:
1.

Select a covering objective column

2.

Right-click to display the drop down menu

3.

Select the formula type, Increasing

4.

A dialogue box will appear "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK.

5.

Type high and low x-axis values for the curve. (Negative numbers can be used.)

6.

If the curve is not Linear, drag the line up and to the right.

7.

Select Apply to make the changes permanent.

8.

Select Close to return to the Data Grid.

9.

Now enter data (numbers) for each alternative with respect to the covering objective's
Increasing Utility curve just defined. Alternatively, the data if available could be
imported; see Lesson 5.

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Direct Formula
Use the Direct formula type to directly enter priorities (either specified from some source or
perhaps derived in another model) in the range of 0 to 1.
To show you how this works assume that we have priorities for the Movie Theatres in the area
and that we wish to use this information rather than defining a Ratings scale.
y

From the Data Grid, click the Movie theatres' node in the TreeView pane. If it is not
shown, click Leisure Living, then click RMGB to display what is beneath these nodes.

On the Data Grid, right-click the covering objective Movie theatres and select Direct.

You will be told that the data will be removed (as it no longer applies). Select OK.

Now enter the respective priorities for each alternative retirement location.
y

Click the first vacant cell under Movie theatres.

Type .42 (that is a decimal number between 0 and 1)

Move down and type 0

Move down and type 1

Move down and type .5

Click the next vacant cell and drag a bar to the right. Stop at the desired priority.

Now we will show you how to remove a formula type.

Formula Type None

Use None to remove a defined formula type and all data associated with it.
y

From the Data Grid, right-click the desired covering objective

Select None

When prompted, "This will replace any existing data. Proceed?" Click OK.

Must Constraints
Must Constraints are parameters upper and lower bounds that an alternative must conform
to. You can define a Must Constraint for each covering objective for which data is entered. In
other words you can not define must constraints for Ratings.
y

From the Data Grid, select View, Formulas/Must and then select Musts to turn on
the display of the formulas types that are shown on the Data Grid.

Move to a desired covering objective and enter either a lower and/or upper
bound.

Repeat this process for each covering objective that will be subject to must
constraints.
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Note: If an alternative does not satisfy one of the must constraints the alternative is
displayed in red with strikethrough. In addition, the value and/or priority for the
covering objective(s) are displayed in red.
y

To redisplay the Formulas, select View, Formulas/Must and then select Formulas
to display intensities or parameters, if applicable.

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Lesson 5 - User Defined Columns & Data Mapping

User Defined Columns and Mapping Overview
This lesson discusses how to define user defined columns in the Data Grid that are not part of
the objectives hierarchy. These columns are only for informational purposes and do not figure
into the Total column score of the Data Grid.
We also discuss how to map either a user defined columns or covering objective columns to
external databases. Then you can either import data to or export data from Expert Choice.
Note: All features discussed in the section pertain only to group enabled Expert Choice models.

User Defined Columns

This function is used to define a new column in the Data Grid that is not part of the objectives
hierarchy and is used for informational or other purposes outside of Expert Choice. For
example, information such as department name or project lead can be entered directly into the
user defined column and then exported to Excel, or, information could be mapped from an
external database and imported into Expert Choice.
A user defined column is accessed from the Data Grid by selecting Edit | Column. There are
five functions: Add, Delete, Rename, Move Right and Move Left. The latter two commands
move a user defined column to either the left or the right and they only appear if you have
more than one user defined column; you must first select the user defined column before
selecting Edit | Right or Left.
Note: All user defined columns appear to the right of the Total and Costs columns of the Data
Grid. Each participant can have different information in their user defined columns or the
information can be entered directly in the Combined instance by the facilitator as this
information will not be erased if and when the model is recombined.
To see how this works, open the sample Model Hawthorne Valley.
1.

From Expert Choice, select Help, Sample Models and navigate to

Hawthorne_Valley.ahp and press Enter to Open.

2.

Since this a group model, press Enter or select OK to open the model as the facilitator.

3.

Select File, Save As and type HawthorneUDC (for user defined column).

4.

From the Data Grid of the Combined Instance, select Edit, Column, Add and type
Dept. Then a user defined column will be added to each instance in the model.

5.

Now type Production for the Dairy Maintenance Work alternative and press Enter or
the down-arrow to advance to the next department cell. If you cant see what you
typed expand the cell by dragging in the header.

6.

Go to the Barn Electric Department user defined cell; type Maintenance and then press
Enter.
Note: There is no requirement that each user defined cell contain data.

7.

Select File, Save since we will use this model to show you how to map to an external
database in the next section.

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Mapping in the Data Grid to an External Database
This function is used to map Data Grid column(s) to external database(s). You can map
alternatives, costs, covering objectives and user defined columns. Before a covering objective
can be mapped a formula type must be defined. Once columns are mapped you can import
data from or export data to an external database.
Note: Pairwise comparisons cannot be mapped.
The following example uses Microsofts Northwind Trader database. To obtain a copy of this
file for Access 97 use the following URL
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e4c304c8-b91a-4603-846720215e441528&displaylang=en
To obtain a copy for Access 2000 or later, use
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c6661372-8dbe-422b-8676c632d66c529c&displaylang=en
Please follow the installation instructions on this site and put a copy of the Northwind Traders
database in C:\ecsamples\Nwind.mdb
Mapping the Alternative Name Column to an External Database
1.

Using the HawthorneUDC model created in the user defined mapping example, click on
any cell in the Alternative column in the Data Grid.

2.

Select Mapping | Add/Change Selected Column to External Source. (Alternatively,

right-click on the Heading of the Alternative Column and select the same command. You
could also click

on the Data Grid button bar.)

Note: If there are any security restrictions or passwords required to access an external
source, contact your system administrator.
3.

Specify the mapping information as follows:

a.

Identify the type of the database that you will map to. In this tutorial type or select
MS Access.

b.

Type or browse to the External Database to be mapped. In this tutorial map to

C:\ecsamples\Nwind.mdb.

c.

Type or select the Table Name that contains or will contain the alternatives. In our
example select Products from the Table Name drop-down list.

d.

Type or select the Field Name of the alternatives in the table. In our example select
ProductName.

e.

Type or select the Key Field that will be used to uniquely identify the alternatives in
this table; in our example select ProductId.

f.

Click OK to finish the mapping. Then a bridge button will appear in the alternative
column header. If this is the first mapped column in the grid then the Map Key
column will be displayed to the left of the alternative column.

Note: You can show or hide the Map Key column using the Data Grids View menu. The
Map Key is used by Expert Choice to associate an alternative with records in tables in
external databases.
4.

Select File, Save to save your model.

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Mapping Other Columns in the Data Grid
You can create mappings for other columns in Data Grid the same way. However, mappings
for covering objectives can only be made if there is a formula type defined for a covering
objective. See the Data Grid Overview for additional instructions about defining formula types.
Once a column is mapped you can import data from an external database into Expert Choices
Data Grid, or you can export data from Expert Choice to an external database.
Other mapping options include change or delete. First move to the column that will have its
mapping changed or deleted; second select Mapping from the menu or right-click on the map
button of the column and third select your option.
Now we will show you how to import alternatives using the Hawthorne Valley model that was
just mapped to the Northwind Traders database. Then we will show you how to export data
from Expert Choice.

Importing Data from an External Database

You can import data to the current instance in the Data Grid; this can be the facilitator, a
specific participant or the Combined instance. We recommend importing to the facilitator
instance or participant instance because importing to the Combined instance will result in a
future overwrite of data if and when you recombine the Combined instance.
Importing an existing subset of alternatives from an external database requires entries in the
Map Key column in the Expert Choice Data Grid to associate the records in the external
database with specific alternatives in the Data Grid. If there is no matching key in the Map Key
column of the Data Grid, then the records will either be ignored, or added as new alternatives
in the Data Grid, depending on whether or not the Add New Alternatives check box is selected
as an option when importing. The following scenarios are illustrative of different situations that
may arise when importing data from an external database; each is followed by an example.
Import Scenario I Importing Alternatives into a New Model from an External Database
1.

Construct a new model, entering in objectives and sub-objectives, but no alternatives.

2.

From the Data Grid, define a mapping for the Alternative column to an external database
table that contains a field for alternative names, and a field for a map key designator for
each alternative. See the map to external database section.

3.

From the Data Grid, select Mapping | Import Data for, or by right-clicking the bridge
button in the Alternative column header.

4.

Verify that the Add New Alternatives checkbox is checked.

5.

Select OK. Then alternatives and Map Key designators will be added to the Data Grid in
their respective columns.

Try the above scenario by building a new model, mapping to the Northwind database and then
importing alternatives.
1.

Start Expert Choice and create a new model, called Scenario1.

2.

Since this is an example press Enter when asked to enter a goal description.

3.

In the ModelView add 2 objectives called Increase Products Sold and Mitigate Risk by
using the Edit | Insert command.

4.

Go to the Data Grid.

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5.

Click
on the button bar to map the alternatives column to an external database and
follow steps 2-4 in the mapping to external database section.

6.

Right-click on

7.

Select Selected Column Only and checkmark Add New Alternatives. These items
should be selected as they are the defaults.

over the Alternative column and select Import Data for

8.

Select OK. Then all alternatives in the Product Name field will be imported.

9.

Select File| Save then close the model.

Import Scenario II Importing Additional Alternatives from an External Database

1.

Starting with a model containing objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives, follow the
steps from Scenario I above. New alternatives and their key designators will be added to
the existing set of alternatives in the Data Grid.

Using the HawthorneUDC model that has mapped alternatives column we show you how to
import additional alternatives from an external database.
1.

Open the HawthorneUDC model previously created in the User Defined Column section
and modified in Mapping in the Data Grid.

2.

Save the model as Scenario2, using the File | Save As command.

3.

From the Data Grid, from the participants drop-down select the either the Combined or
Facilitator instance.

4.

Right-click on

5.

Select Selected Column Only and checkmark Add New Alternatives. These items
should be selected as they are the defaults.

6.

Select OK. Then all alternatives in the Product Name field will be imported into the
Hawthorne Valley model with the existing alternatives.

7.

Select File| Save then close the model.

over the Alternative column and select Import Data for

Import Scenario III Importing Data for Existing Alternatives from an External Database
1.

Starting with a model containing objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives, create a data
mapping for a covering objective or user defined column to which data is to be imported
from an external database. If a map key does not exist for any of the alternatives for
which external data is to be imported, type the map key value in the map key column of
the Data Grid. (You will have to get this information from your database administrator.)

2.

From the Data Grid, select Mapping | Import Data for, or by right-clicking the bridge button
in the covering objective or user defined column header.

3.

Verify that the Add New Alternatives checkbox is NOT checked. (Otherwise, records in
the external database for which no corresponding map key exists in Expert Choice will be
added as new alternatives in the Data Grid.)

4.

Select OK.

The example below shows you how to import data for alternatives in an existing model.
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1.
2.

Start Expert Choice and select ImportScenario3 from Ecsamples directory.

Select File | Save As to save the model as Scenario3.
This model contains 2 objectives that have been pairwise compared graphically. From the
Data Grid you can see that the first covering objective has a formula type of Increasing
while Risk has been defined as Direct.

3.

From the Data Grid, review each mapping by selecting Mapping | Add Change Selected
Column to External Source.

4.

Select the first covering objective. Then select Mapping | Import Data for, or by rightclicking the bridge button in the covering objective or user defined column header.

5.

Verify that the Add New Alternatives checkbox is NOT checked. (Otherwise, records in the
external database for which no corresponding map key exists in Expert Choice will be
added as new alternatives in the Data Grid.)

6.

Select OK. Then data for the Increasing Products Sold should have been imported.
Note: Our database only contained the first four product ids associated with the Northwind
database used for the alternatives.

7.

Select File | Save to save your model.

Import Scenario IV Importing Data for More than one Covering Objectives and/or User
Defined Data.
1.

Follow the steps 1 -3 in Scenario III above and then select one of the Data Import Options
below.
y
y
y
y
y

2.

Everything imports all mapped columns in the Data Grid.

All mapped Model Columns imports all mapped covering objectives in the model.
Mapped Covering Objectives of Parent Plex imports all mapped covering objectives
of a Plex.
All Mapped User Defined Columns imports all mapped user defined columns.
Selected Column Only imports the current mapped column; you must select the
desired column first.

Select OK.

Using Scenario3 above we show you how to import data for more than one covering objective.
1.

Starting with Scenario 3 above select All mapped Model Columns.

2.

Verify that the Add New Alternatives checkbox is NOT checked. (Removing the check, will
only import records into the Data Grid that already contain map keys. If you fail to do this,
then records in the external database for which no corresponding map key exists in Expert
Choice will be added as new alternatives in the Data Grid.)

3.

Select OK.

4.

Select File | Save to save your model.

Scenario V Special Case Importing Only Some New Alternatives from an External
Database
1.

Identify those new alternatives to be added to Expert Choice and from the Data Grid add a
temporary name for each alternative such as A, B, C.

2.

In each Map Key Column add each alternatives Map Key.

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3.

Select Mapping | Import Data for, or by right-clicking the bridge button in the Alternative
column header.

4.

Verify that the Add New Alternatives checkbox is NOT checked. (Removing the check, will
only import records into the Data Grid that already contain map keys. If you fail to do this,
then records in the external database for which no corresponding map key exists in Expert
Choice will be added as new alternatives in the Data Grid.)

5.

Select OK and the alternative names associated with the map ids will be imported; then
save your model.

This scenario illustrates importing only some new alternatives from an external database.
1.

Start Expert Choice and select File | Open to open Scenario1.

2.

Select File | Save As to save the model as Scenario5.

3.

Go to the Data Grid and delete all the alternatives by selecting Edit | Data Clear All.

4.

Type either the alternative name or a temporary name in the first alternative column, in
this example type X.

5.

Move to the Map Key column and type 22. (When prompted about changing the Map Id,
select Yes.)

6.

Type another temporary alternative name, Y, in row 2 of the Data Grid.

7.

Move to the Map Key column and type 1.

8.

Select Mapping | Import Data for, or by right-clicking the bridge button in the Alternative
column header

9.

Verify that the Add New Alternatives checkbox is NOT checked. . (Removing the
check, will only import records into the Data Grid that already contain map keys. If you fail
to do this, then records in the external database for which no corresponding map key
exists in Expert Choice will be added as new alternatives in the Data Grid.)

10. Select OK and the alternative names associated with the map ids will be imported; then
save your model.

Exporting Data to an External Database

1.

The columns in the Data Grid must be mapped before exporting data. See Mapping in
the Data Grid to an External Database.

2.

Before exporting, contact the database administer involved to make sure you have
permission(s) to write to the external database(s).

3.

Backup the external database before proceeding.

4.

Determine what instance you want to export from; make it the current instance. This is
usually the Combined instance that contains the values of the entire group.

5.

Determine what fields you want to export and then select Mapping, Export Data for
and then select one of the options below.
y
y
y
y

Everything exports all mapped columns in the Data Grid.

All mapped Model Columns exports all mapped covering objectives in the model.
Mapped Covering Objectives of Parent Plex exports all mapped covering objectives
of a Plex.
All Mapped User Defined Columns exports all mapped user defined columns.
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y
y

Selected Column Only exports the current mapped column; you must select the
desired column first.
Add New Alternatives exports new alternatives from the external data base.

The following example illustrates how to export data to an external database.

1. Backup your external database. Contact your database administrator for directions.
2. Open Scenario3.
3. Use the current instance, if a group model we suggest that you used the Combined
instance as it will contain the groups results.
4. Lets assume you want to export all data, so select Mapping, Export Data for. Then
select Everything and the data in the mapped columns will be exported to the external
database (s).

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Lesson 6 - Group Capabilities

Group Enabling Expert Choice Overview
Expert Choice can be used by a team to enhance the quality of group decisions by bringing
structure to the decision making process and by synthesizing different points of view. From
earlier lessons we learned how to build a model define the goal, objectives, sub-objectives
and alternatives related to the decision, organized in a hierarchy. Additionally, we learned
about the features of the Data Grid and how to use and apply different formula types to
covering objectives and alternatives' data. We also learned about user defined columns and
how to map data from external databases to Expert Choice. In this lesson we will learn about
Expert Choice's group features that help synthesize individual judgments to arrive at a group
conclusion.
First, we will show you how to create a group enabled model. Second we discuss how the
group enabled models can be used. Third, we describe how to combine participants'
judgments to reach a group conclusion.
We will be referring to a Facilitator and Participants in this chapter. The Facilitator builds the
EC model and facilitates the group decision-making process or session. (Sometimes in
practice, one person may build the model and another person might facilitate the group
session.) Individual members of the group or team who evaluate the model will be referred to
as Participants.

Facilitator vs. Participant Functions What the facilitator can do.

1.

Only the facilitator can create/modify a model's structure and enter/edit Information
documents.

2.

Structuring, a model building technique, is available to the facilitator. It is especially

effective tool when all the members of a group are in the same place and can jointly
structure a model with the aid of a facilitator.

3.

From the participant table, the facilitator enters participants and demographic information
about each participant as well as optional passwords.

4.

The facilitator defines Data Grid formula types; sometimes with the groups assistance.

5.

The Edit, Revert command, useful to revert to prior model states during a session, is
available only for the facilitator.

6.

The facilitator will lead the group when making paired comparisons with respect to the
objectives and alternatives; and if applicable; will also assist the group when entering
Ratings or data values in the Data Grid.

7.

The facilitator can also enter judgments and/or data to be combined with other
participants' judgments and data. This is not recommended as we feel that facilitator
should facilitate a group session and not take part in the session as bias might be
perceived.

8.

The facilitator will combine judgments of some or all of the participants and show the
results to the group.

9.

The facilitator will show the group sensitivity analyses and discuss with the group if model
iteration is needed.

10. If iteration is needed the facilitator and the group will decide what portions of the model
will be reviewed and revised.
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What the participant can do.
1.

Participants can change their password.

2.

Participants can make judgments about the various facets of the decision problem
including:
a.

making paired comparisons

b.

entering Ratings or data in the Data Grid, and

c.

creating notes explaining their judgments as well as other issues or concerns, if

on a network.

3.

Participants can use the Edit, Undo command during the current session to undo
judgments or undo editing where appropriate.

4.

Participants can review their own decision model; perform a synthesis; display sensitivity
graphs as well as review the contents of the Data Grid. All information can be printed.

5.

If permitted by the facilitator, participants can view and print one or more of the combined
results and review group sensitivity analyses.

Note: Expert Choices Decision Portal Enables participants to enter judgments about a
decision model in a browser using the Internet.

Creating a Group Model

Use Expert Choice to create and evaluate a team model either on a local area network, the
Internet, or with an audio response system using radio frequency keypads. This lesson
discusses team features using all three modalities. Lesson 7 describes how to install models
on a server and how to access models over a local area network or the Internet.
To create a group model, the facilitator (the model builder) first builds a decision model as
described in previous lessons, and then adds participants as described below.
We will use the Area model found in the Samples directory in illustrating how to group enable a
model.
y

Start Expert Choice; press Cancel to close the Welcome Dialogue.

Select File, Open; then navigate to the samples models directory selecting
C:\ECSamples.

Select the file Area.ahp

Select File, SaveAs and type the filename, GroupArea. (There is no need to append
the suffix of .ahp.)

This simple model has only five objectives and no alternatives. There is an Information
document for the Goal showing the different shapes that will be pairwise compared by
individuals in the group. For more information about this model see the Area Validation
Appendix.

Access and SQL Databases

Expert Choice stores your models in an Access database; these files have the extension of
.AHP.
Group models of Expert Choice can also use SQL databases and this is controlled by your
license. To use SQL you must have both Microsoft Access 2000 or greater and Microsoft SQL
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7.0 or greater installed on your computer. The SQL server will determine the file's naming
convention and extension.
Note: Only one model is stored per database.
To convert an Access Database to SQL you would use the File |SQL| Save As command. You
can also create a New SQL model or Open and existing SQL model. You also have the ability
to save a SQL model as an Access model. For more information see on-line help; search on
SQL.

Adding Participants to and Group Enabling your Group Model

Note: You must be logged on as the Facilitator to group enable and add participants to your
model. This function is controlled by your license.
If desired follow along using the GroupArea model created earlier in this section.
y

To group enable your model, select Go, then Participants Table or click the
Participants button on the toolbar in the ModelView.

Select Edit, then select Group enable. This will add a COMBINED instance into the
table. This instance will hold the groups results.

To add participants to the model, select Edit; then select Add N Participants.

Enter the number of participants to add, e.g. 4.

Tip: To group enable a model and add participants at the same time select Edit, Add N
Participants.

To enter or change participants names:

Click on a participant such as P2 and type a name. The facilitator can also enter his or her
name by typing over the word Facilitator.
Entering Demographic Information
Demographic information such as organization, department, age, gender, password and
keypad number can be entered as desired. If a password is entered, it is encrypted.
Passwords can also be entered or changed using the ModelView's Edit command.
Note: You can add fields to the participants table for department, age and gender by selecting
Edit, Column, Add Column; see on-line help for more details.
Now you have a group enabled model with participants.
y

Select File, Close to close the Participants Table and return to the ModelView.

Copying Judgments and/or Data when Adding New Participants

If desired, judgments and/or data can be copied from the facilitator or another participant's
instance of the model when adding new participants.
This is done from the Participants Table by using the Edit, Copy to N New Participants
command. Participants will be added just as with the Add N Participants command, but in

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addition, the judgments and/or data from the participant row currently selected will be copied to
the new participants.

Deleting Participants
Deleting a participant deletes everything about that participant from the model; this includes all
judgments, associated priorities and data related to that participant. Before doing this you
might want to make a copy of your model for backup and historical purposes. (You may also
want to do a File, Save before deleting participants in case you might want to do an Edit,
Revert during the session.)
y

From the Participants Table, select the person to be deleted.

Select Edit, then select Delete Participant and follow the prompts.

Group Decision Making Using Keypads

Individual judgments can be entered into a group model in one of two ways:
1.

From the ModelView individual participants can make judgments with respect to the
objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives. This is done using the Assessment Pairwise
Individuals Command.

2.

From the Data Grid individual participants can enter data or Ratings for the alternatives
with respect to covering objectives. This is done using the Assessment Individuals
Command.

The Facilitator's Role

When Expert Choice is used in a group setting, someone must act as the facilitator. It may also
be useful to have a second person act as a technographer who is responsible for operating the
computer and other technology.
Prior to the group session, the facilitator, and perhaps the meeting owner, might meet to build
the model and enter participants' names, demographics, passwords and other information as
applicable. Alternatively, the facilitator and group might build the model during a group session.
The facilitator or technographer will open the group enabled model and explain what is in the
ModelView and Data Grid. Then he or she will explain what portions of the model the group will
evaluate. Next the facilitator will turn on the receiver and keypads; see Receiver and Keypad
Appendix for more information. This can be done from either the computer or from the
facilitator's keypad. If the keypad is used the facilitator has the ability to move around the room
and not be tied down to the computer. Any keypad can be set up as the facilitator keypad. For
convenience we suggest either the lowest keypad number 1 or the highest number such as
25. When this is done this keypad can't be used to enter judgments.
Note: If the keypad hardware is not available, the facilitator can solicit votes orally and use the
computer keyboard to enter participants votes one at a time.
To keep the group focused on the same issues, the facilitator may automatically turn the
keypads off whenever he/she advances to the next judgment. Prior to voting the facilitator will
turn on the keypads.
Other functions of the facilitator include calculating a set of group judgments; combining all
participants' judgments and data to obtain a group result as well as displaying a synthesis; and
performing sensitivity analyses.
Note: Expert Choices Decision Portal enables members of a group to enter judgments about a
decision model in a browser over the Internet.
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Next we outline what the facilitator and participants do.
What the Facilitator Does
The facilitator will display the appropriate Expert Choice windows and provide instruction to the
participants. Typically the facilitator will:
1.

The facilitator will start Expert Choice and select the model name to be opened.

2.

If you did not change the default facilitator name discussed earlier in this chapter, select
OK. Otherwise, type your facilitator name; then select OK.

3.

If the model is password protected you will be required to enter the password.

Tip: When you open a model as the facilitator, you can switch to view a participants
information in any of the following ways: (1) double click on a person in the Participants
window; (2) use the Participant drop-down list from the ModelView window; or (3) select
Go, Person and enter a number or double click a row.

4.

The facilitator must open the combined instance of the model by either clicking on the
Combined instance from the drop-down list, or typing the word, Combined, in the Open
Model dialogue box. You will know when the combined instance is displayed as an orange
border will be displayed around the TreeView.

5.

Then if paired comparisons are to be made the facilitator will:

a.

Select Assessment; then select Pairwise Individual. If group comparisons have

been previously made you will be returned to the original comparison mode. The
. Or you can click any
fastest way is to click the Individual button.
comparison tab from the ModelView's TreeView pane and then select
Assessment, Pairwise Individual.

b.

From the Pairwise Individual Window select and display one of the individual
comparison windows by selecting the Verbal, Numerical, or Graphical tab.

If the group will be entering Ratings or data values, the facilitator will:
c.

Go to the Data Grid. Select Assessment and then select Individual or select

6.

Now is the time to provide instruction and information about the first paired comparison to
be made.

7.

Display either the Poll or Vote window.

8.

a.

The Poll window shows which keypads voted. This visual will let the facilitator know
who voted without any participants looking at the judgments/votes entered.

b.

The Vote window shows the actual judgment entered by each individual.

Turn on the keypads so each participant can enter a judgment (vote).

Note: The facilitator may or may not turn the keypads off in between judgments.

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Tip: Turning the keypads off until voting helps the participants focus on discussion by
not voting before discussion has ended.

9.

After the participants vote the facilitator moves to the next paired comparison to be made
and repeats steps 4 8.

10. When the comparison process is completed, the facilitator calculates each individuals
priority as well as the group priority.
The facilitator might also choose to configure one keypad as the Facilitator keypad. This
feature provides the facilitator with the mobility to walk around the room rather than being tied
to the computer's keyboard. Also see the Receiver and Keypad Appendix to learn how to use
the hardware.
Also see the sections on Combining Judgments and Data.

What the Participant Does

Using keypads, participants will either make paired comparisons from the ModelView to enter
judgments in a verbal, graphical or numerical format or they will use the Data Grid to enter
Ratings or Data Values. Each is now described.

Using Keypads to Make Verbal Judgments

y

Press a number from 1-9 on the keypad to represent a numerical representation of a

verbal Judgment. When the facilitator projects the verbal comparison window, use the
scale at the bottom of the window to determine what button to press when making a
judgment.

Figure 1 - Verbal Keypad Template

For example, if you feel the paired comparison is equal you would press one. If you felt
the comparison was a magnitude of order in difference you would press 9.
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Remember you are not entering a number but are entering short-hand notation for the
verbal comparison being made.
Note: All keypad entries default to the first (left) factor being compared.
y

To invert the judgment, switching the dominance of the judgment, from the left to the

right or vice versa, you must press (the asterisk key) either before or after pressing the
number that represents the verbal comparison. (To determine if you want to do this, look
at the projected verbal comparison window.)
y

To clear a judgment, press the 10 key.

Using Keypads to Make Graphical Judgments

When making graphical judgments, you use the keypads to move the bars either to the left or
right. Use the following figure to help do this.

Figure 2 - Graphical Keypad Template

For example, when making graphical judgments pressing the numbers 1 or 2 on the
keypad causes the bar to move left or right in a large increment. Using 4 or 5 moves the
bars moderately, while 7 and 8 move the bars slightly. Lastly the
and the 10 key move the bars a tad.

* (the asterisk key)

Each key press causes the bars to move either to the left or right. Data registration takes
a second, so wait until you see the bars move before depressing another key.

To invert the judgment, switching the dominance of the judgment, from either the left to
the right or vice versa, you must press 6. (To determine if you want to do this, look at the
projected comparison window.)

To clear a judgment, press 9.

To record the graphical judgment, you must press 3.

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Using Keypads to Make Numerical Judgments

y

Press a number from 1-9 on the keypad to represent how many times one factor is more
important or preferable than another.

Figure 3 - Numerical Keypad Template

For example, if you feel the paired comparison is equal you would press one. If you felt
the comparison was 5 times more important you would press 5.
Note: All keypad entries default to the first (left) factor being compared.
y

To invert the judgment, switching the dominance of the judgment, from the left to the

right or vice versa, you must press (the asterisk key) either before or after pressing the
number that represents the verbal comparison. (To determine if you want to do this, look
at the projected comparison window.)
y

To clear a judgment, press the 10 key.

Using the keypads to Enter Rating

Once the facilitator has selected the covering objective to be rated and has turned on the
keypads, use your individual keypad to either:
y

Press the number that represents the rating intensity such as 2 for Very Good.

Press

* (asterisk) to enter a decimal point and then enter a number such as 345. To
record the decimal value of .345, you must press *. The sequence of key presses is our

example is *345*.
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y

To enter zero, press the ten (10) key.

To clear a rating, press the asterisk key twice (**).

Using the keypads to Enter a Step Value

Once the facilitator has selected the covering objective to be evaluated and has turned on the
keypads, use your individual keypad to either:
y

Press the number that represents the data value such as 25; then press
sequence of key presses is 25*.

To enter zero, press the ten (10) key.

*. The

Before participants can enter numbers with decimals the facilitator must turn the
decimal option on using the Options Keypad Decimals command on the Individual
Input Window.

First press 0 (the 10 key); then press and then press a number such as 672. To
record the decimal value of .672, you must press *. The sequence of key presses in our
example is 0*672*. To enter a decimal in the middle of the sequence, enter for example
56*3* will cause 56.3 to be entered.

To enter a negative value, press

as 675 and press

* for the minus sign, then either enter the number such

* to record. The sequence of presses will be *675*.

To clear a value, press the asterisk key twice (**).

Each cell, if valued, is assigned a priority based on the bounds of the steps in the function.
Using the Keypads to Increasing or Decreasing Utility Curve
Once the facilitator has selected the item to be valued using the Increasing Utility function and
has turned on the keypads, use your individual keypad to either:
y

To enter an integer press the series of numbers, such as 765, then press

* (asterisk)

Before participants can enter numbers with decimals the facilitator must turn the
decimal option on using the Options Keypad Decimals command on the Individual
Input Window.

Press 0 (the 10 key) to enter zero and press to enter a decimal point. Then enter a
number such as 345. To record the decimal value of .345, you must press *. The
sequence of key presses in our example is 0*345*.

To enter a decimal in the middle of the sequence, enter for example 56*3* will cause
56.3 to be entered.

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To enter a negative value, press then the number followed by

0.5 you would press *0 (the ten key) *5.

To enter a zero, press the ten (10) key.

To clear a utility curve value, press the asterisk key twice (**).

*. If you want to enter

Using the Keypads to Enter a Priority

Once the facilitator has selected the item that will be assigned a priority from 0. 1.0 and turned
on the keypads, use your individual keypad to:
y

Enter a priority in the range of zero to one (0 1.0). For example, press * (asterisk) to
enter a decimal point and then enter a number such as 672. To record the decimal
value of .672, you must press *. The sequence of key presses is our example is *672*.

If you will not be using the network capability you can continue reading at When and How to
Combine Judgments and Data.

Group Decision Making Using a Network

Opening a Group Model on a Network
1.

Prior to the session the model will have to be placed on your network. See Things to Do
Before Opening a Model for Group Use.
a.

To install on your network contact your network administrator.

b.

For Internet model installation see Lesson 7 and contact your network
administrator.

2.

Make sure you are connected to your network.

3.

Start Expert Choice by selecting the windows Start key; then select Programs and
select Expert Choice. Alternatively you can click the Expert Choice desktop icon.

4.

If you are using an INTRANET network then

a.

select File, Open to open an Access Expert Choice model, or

b.

select File, SQL, Open SQL Model.

c.

If you are using the WEB (INTERNET) select File Open Web Model.

Note: The type of group enabled model is license controlled.

5.

Then type the path and name of the model (provided to you by the facilitator).

6.

When a dialogue box appears asking whether you are opening the model as a facilitator
or participant follow the appropriate directions listed below. (This assumes that these
privileges have been set prior to placing the model on the network.)
y

As the Facilitator:
If you did not change the default facilitator name, select OK. Otherwise, type
your facilitator name; then select OK.
If a password has been previously assigned, you will be prompted to enter it.

To open the model as a predefined participant:

Type either the participant name or participant id number, referred to as PID;
for example, 2 will open the PID = 2. You will be prompted for a password if one
has been previously assigned. (The facilitator will provide you with a participant
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name or number and password, if applicable.)
y

To open the model as a guest (non-predefined participant):

Type your name, and then type the registering password. (The facilitator will
provide you with the registering password.)
Then if desired, use the ModelView's Edit Password command to change your
password to protect your instance of the model.

Once a participant opens a group model, he/she is ready to make judgments for objectives and
sub-objectives in the decision hierarchy as well as the alternatives or enter ratings or data for
alternatives in the Data Grid. The facilitator will provide you with instruction on what portions of
the model to evaluate.

Group Decision Making Using a Network

Whether the facilitator and participants are in the same or different buildings or using the
Internet they can participate in group decision making by working together at the same or even
different times.
Participants can make judgments about the objectives, sub-objectives and alternatives as
described in Lesson 1; or they can, using the Data Grid, enter ratings or data for the
alternatives as described in Lessons 3 and 4. The facilitator can request that participants do
either or both of these for one part of the model at a time, or for the entire model.
Once judgments and/or data have been entered, the facilitator can combine some or all of the
judgments and/or data, for some or all of the participants. (Each participant will notify the
facilitator with email, Net-Meeting or America On-lines Instant Messaging or a similar product
that they have finished their assigned tasks.)
Participants' Paired Comparison Judgments are made from the ModelView. A participant
will be at this view once the model is opened. To make paired comparisons select on one of
the three tabs shown below. At times the facilitator will use the Assessment | Set Mode
command to set the type of judgment to be made, in which case participants will only see the
appropriate tab.

To Make Verbal Judgments select

The Verbal Comparisons window is divided into two sections.
Verbal judgments are made in the top pane. Two elements are compared with respect to their
parent. What makes Verbal comparison unique is that words are used to represent the
magnitude of the scale. The slider bar on the right side of the pane is used to indicate which
element is preferred and the strength of that preference is represented by a corresponding
word. The two opposing sides of the scale represent each element being compared.

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Figure 1 Verbal Scale

The comparison matrix is displayed in the lower pane. The numerical representations of the
verbal judgments are displayed here as numbers from 1 to 9. If the row element (on the left) is
preferred, then the judgment is displayed in black. If the column element is preferred, then the
judgment is "inverted" and displayed in red. When enough judgments have been made to
calculate priorities, they will also be displayed as bar graphs that overlay the row elements.
Judgments can be made any of the following ways:
y

Drag the slider bar with the mouse.

Click on a statement (i.e. Moderate, Strong) next to the bar (or between two
statements).

Right-click on a statement to automatically advance to the next comparison. This is

the fastest way!

To advance to the next judgment:

Expert Choice is automatically configured to advance to the next judgment. You can change
this with the Tools, Options, Calculation command.
y

If Autoadvance is off, click on the cell in the comparison matrix that represents the
next comparison to be made.

To invert a judgment (to select the other element in the comparison):

y

Click the Invert button

to select the other side of the comparison scale.

To enter judgments directly in the comparison matrix:

y

Click on the cell representing the comparison you want to judge and type a number
from 1 to 9; see the numerical representations of verbal judgments.
When using this option it is highly recommended that you use the Numerical mode
since you are probably saying that you prefer, for example, Apples to Oranges 3 times
more with respect to Craving.
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To Make Numerical Judgments select

The Numerical Comparison Window is divided into two sections.
Numerical judgments are made in the top pane. Two elements are compared with respect to
their parent using a numerical scale. The slider bar is used to indicate which judgment is
preferred and the strength of that preference. The two opposing sides of the scale represent
each element being compared.

Figure 2 Numerical Scale

The comparison matrix is displayed in the lower pane. The numerical equivalents of the
judgments are displayed here as numbers from 1 to 9. If the row element (on the left) is
preferred, then the judgment is displayed in black. If the column element is preferred, then the
judgment is "inverted" and displayed in red. When enough judgments have been made to
calculate priorities, they will also be displayed as bar graphs that overlay the row elements.
Judgments can be made any of the following ways:
y

Drag the slider bar with the mouse.

Click on a number above the bar.

Right-click on a number to automatically advance to the next comparison. This is the

fastest way!

To advance to the next judgment:

Expert Choice is automatically configured to advance to the next judgment. You can change
this with the Tools, Options, Calculation command.
y

If Autoadvance is off, click on the cell in the comparison matrix (in the lower pane of
the window) that represents the next comparison to be made.

Notice that as you make judgments, the numerical equivalents of your judgments will appear in
the comparison matrix.
To invert a judgment (to select the other element in the comparison):
y

Click the Invert button

to select the other side of the comparison scale.

To enter judgments directly in the comparison matrix:

y

Click on the cell representing the comparison you want to judge and type a number
from 1 to 9.

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To Make Graphical Judgments select
The Graphical Comparison view is divided into two sections:
Graphical judgments are made in the top pane. Two elements are compared with respect to
their parent with bar graphs. The lengths of the bars indicate the relative dominance of the
elements. If they are equal length, then the elements are equally important. If one bar is twice
as long as the other, then it is twice as important. Relative dominance is also represented with
a pie chart on the right side of the pane.

Figure 3 Graphical Scale Sample

The comparison matrix is displayed in the lower pane. The numerical representations of the
graphical judgments are displayed here as numbers. If the row element (on the left) is
preferred, then the judgment is displayed in black. If the column element is preferred, then the
judgment is "inverted" and displayed in red. When enough judgments have been made to
calculate priorities, they will also be displayed as bar graphs that overlay the row elements.
Judgments can be made any of the following ways:
y

Drag either the blue or red bar with the mouse.

Right-drag one of the bars to automatically advance to the next comparison.

To advance to the next judgment:

Expert Choice is automatically configured to advance to the next judgment. You can change
this with the Tools, Options, Calculation command.
y

If autoadvance is off, click on the cell in the comparison matrix (in the lower pane of
the window) that represents the next comparison to be made.

Notice that as you make judgments, the numerical representation of your graphical judgments
will appear in the comparison matrix.
To invert a judgment (to select the other bar in the comparison):
y

Click the Invert button to select the other bar.

To enter judgments directly in the comparison matrix:

y

Click on the cell in the matrix representing the comparison you want to judge and type
a number from 1 to 99.
When using this option it is highly recommended that you use the Numerical mode
since you are probably saying that you prefer, for example, Apples to Oranges 3 times
more with respect to Craving.
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Participants Ratings or other Data Grid values are entered from the Data Grid.
To enter a Rating:
y

Move to Data Grid cell.

Notice how a scale appeared above the alternatives on the Data Grid when you
moved to a cell.

Click on a ratings intensity. (You can either click a ratings word located in the first
row in the scale or a ratings number located in the second row in the scale). Then the
ratings intensity will appear in the cell and you should move to the next cell to be
evaluated.

With the left mouse button depressed in the cell, drag the bar in the cell to a desired
value. This function lets you create a ratings value between two discrete values.

Tip: The Autoadvance to the next cell option is on by default. If you do not see an
arrow pointing down or right on the button bar, turn on Autoadvance, by selecting
Tools, Options, Calculation; then select Autoadvance.

Tip: While at the Data Grid, clicking an objective in the TreeView selects that column in
the Data Grid. If there are sub-objectives associated with that objective you will be
positioned to the first sub-objective. To go to a sub-objective you must click on it in the
hierarchy.

To enter a Data Grid Value for a Utility Curve, Step Function or Direct Priority
y

Move to Data Grid cell.

Notice how a scale appeared above the alternatives on the Data Grid when you
moved to a cell.

Drag a bar in the cell or type a number. Then press Enter or use the arrow keys to
move to the next cell.

Practice Opening a Group Model on a Network

Lets assume:
1.

your network drive is F: and

2.

a directory or folder on the network was created to hold your model that is called,
MyNetworkModels on drive F.

3.

Also assume that you copied the GroupArea model created earlier from C:\Ecsamples
to MyNetwork Models.

Now adjust these assumptions for your computer. Once you have created a model in a folder
on a network drive, you will need to set permission for participants to access the model.
1.

Start Expert Choice using the Welcome Dialogue box or by selecting File, Open.

2.

Navigate to your network folder, MyNetwork Models.

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3.

Select GroupArea.

4.

When prompted to enter as the facilitator or participant name, press Enter to open as a
facilitator. (If you changed your facilitator name you would have to enter it.) Since a
password was not defined, you will not be prompted to enter one.

5.

Close the model, by selecting File, Close.

Now we will show you how to open at model with predefined participants.
1.

Select File, Open and select 1 for the first file from the dropdown list,GroupArea.

2.

When prompted to enter as the facilitator or participant, type 2 for participant id 2. If we

gave this person a name we could have entered the participants name. If a password
was assigned to this participant you would have been prompted to enter it.

3.

Now close the model.

Now we will show you how to enable the model to accept new users with or without a
registering password.
1.

Open the GroupArea model as the facilitator.

2.

Select Tools, Options, Open. Notice that the first radio button new participants not
permitted is selected.

3.

Change this selection to new participants permitted no password required.

Note the copy to options. None (the default) is checked which we will leave for this demo.
If "hierarchy judgments and priorities" was checked then judgments and priorities would
be copied from the facilitator instance of the model to the new participant. The same is
true for Data Grid entries. The prompt the user option lets the participant decide what
copy options to select.

4.

Select Close to close the File Open Permission window.

5.

Close the model, by selecting File, Close.

6.

Reopen the model as a new participant by selecting File, Open and select 1.

7.

Type your first name and press Enter.

8.

Then you will be prompted to type a password. If you do not want one press Enter.
Otherwise type a password; then you will be asked to retype the password for
confirmation. Then you should be taken to your new instance of the model.

9.

Select File, Close to close this instance of the mode and this demo.

To create a model that allows new participants instances with an authentication password you
would repeat steps 1 5 above but replace step 3 with the authentication option and type an
authentication password as required. When instructing a new participant access a model you
would give them the authentication password. They would logon using steps 6-7. After typing
their name; they would enter the authentication password. Then they would use step 8 above
to create a new password if desired.

When and How to Combine Judgments and Data in a Group Model

Participants' judgments and data will automatically be updated to the Combined instance when
keypads are used.

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Participants can post their judgments and data during a group session on a network by using
the Assessment, Post command. The facilitator should combine participants' judgments and
data after a group session using a network especially if participants are working in a different
place and time environment. The facilitator will use the File, Refresh command to do this.
Additionally the facilitator using either the keypad or network capability might want to combine
certain participants to see a subset of the decision. The next section describes this.

Combining Judgments and/or Data

Judgments and/or data can be combined for a set of active participants. The facilitator
determines who the active participants are by entering and applying an SQL (Structured Query
Language) query from the Participants window; see the figure below.
One way to do the above is to select and deselect who will participate by checking and unchecking the participating column in the table and then selecting the Combined button to
invoke the selection.
A second way is to select a predefined SQL query from the drop-list at the bottom of the
Participants table and then select the Combined button.
A third way is to define a new SQL query and then select the Combined button.
Additionally the facilitator can combine judgments and data from the ModelView or data from
the Data Grid. When one of these choices is selected the active query defined in the
Participants table will be used to combine the information, replacing what was previously in the
combined instance.
Now we explain some queries followed by the instructions to combine from the Participants
table, ModelView or Data Grid.

Figure 4 Sample Participants Window

Two pre-defined SQL queries, "all", and "participating" can be applied by clicking on command
buttons located at the bottom of the Participants window. The SQL queries generated and
applied for these command buttons are:
All: Select * from People order by PID (Person ID) This query selects all participants in the
model and includes those with and without checkmarks in the Participating column of the
Participants table.
Participating: Select * from People where Participating order by PID This query only selects
those instances (participants) whose participating column is checked.
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The facilitator can enter and apply any valid SQL query to select the set of active participants.
Some examples are as follows:
Select * from People where age >=15 order by PID (this assumes age is a defined column in
the Participants table.)
Select * from People where age >=15 and Participating order by PID
Select * from People where NOT Participating order by PID
SQL queries can also be saved in the model (for later retrieval) using the Save button at the
bottom of the window and then specifying a name to identify the query.

Tip: It is suggested that the Facilitator examine the Participants table to ascertain that
the desired set of participants are active before combining judgments and/or data.

All participants entered into the database are initially considered active. If you want to make
someone inactive, you must click on his or her participating column to remove the checkmark.
Note: The Combined instance contains the results of the model that is based on the SQL
query currently in affect.
Combining judgments and/or data can only be done by the facilitator. This process can be
accomplished from various menus and windows. Each is described below; to learn more about
this refer to Expert Choices main on-line help, Contents and Index.
What is Combined
Judgments, as well as data, for the active participants will be combined and placed in the
"combined" section of the database with a PID of 1, and loaded into memory where the results
can be reviewed, synthesized, or analyzed in sensitivity graphs. In addition, the Combined
Column of the Participant table will be checked so one will know it is a combined instance.
In the newly copied combined model's Goal node, you may wish to include information about
the active participants used to form the combination.

Tip: The facilitator can combine different parts of a model with different sets of active
participants. For example, people with expertise in one area might make judgments
about one cluster of objectives in the decision hierarchy, while another group of people
expert in another area might make judgments about a different cluster. Still another
group might enter ratings or data in all or parts of the data grid.

Tip: In the participant table, the judgments/values in "Combined" (PID = 1) can be

copied and saved under a new participant name by using the Edit Copy to N
Participants command, by specifying 1 for N and copying from the PID=1 row. After
doing this, the new person name should be changed to something meaningful like
"Combined for Civilians"; then checkmark the Combined column to designate that this
is a combination.

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Combining From the ModelView
y

Select Combined from the Participant drop-down list.

Select Assessment; then select Combine Participants Judgments/Data.

Select Entire Hierarchy (other options include Plex or Current node).

A dialogue box will appear asking you to select::
Judgments (in hierarchy) only,
Data only, or
Both

Selecting judgments will combine those participants judgments that are considered active;
active participants are based on the SQL query at the lower left-hand portion of the
Participants table. Selecting Data will only combine the data for the active participants.

Combining from the Data Grid

When combining from the Data Grid, only data (not judgments) for the decision hierarchy are
combined.
y

Select Assessment, then Combine Data for and then select one of three options:
All Covering Objectives
Covering Objectives of Selected Parent Plex (Click the parent node in the TreeView
before choosing this option)
Only Selected Covering Objective

Data is only combined for the active participants. You can determine active participants from
the Participants table by viewing the SQL query that is in affect at the lower left-hand portion of
the window.

Combining from the Participants Window

y
y

Click the Combine Individuals button at the bottom of the Participants window.
A dialogue box will appear asking you to select one of the following:
Judgments (in hierarchy only),
Data only, or
Both.

Judgments and Data will only be combined with respect to the active SQL query that is
displayed in the lower left-hand portion of the window.

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Lesson 7 - Web Models and the Internet

Web Models and the Internet Overview
Expert Choice's Web models allow members of a group in various parts of the world to
simultaneously open the same model over the Internet to solve problems and make decisions.
In this lesson you will learn how to enable Expert Choice's Internet feature.

System Requirements:
Internet Information Server (IIS) running on Windows XP, Windows NT 4.0 or Personal Web
Server (PWS) running on Windows NT Workstation, or Windows 98 (or equivalents).
Expert Choice software should be installed on client computers for both the facilitator and
participants. Note: Expert Choice software does not need to be installed on the web server.

Overview How Web Models, the Internet and Expert Choice Work
1.

The facilitator creates a group model either on the destination Web server, or on a client
computer. If the model is created on the client's computer it must be uploaded to the
server.

2.

To access the model on the server, the facilitator must create an ODBC System Data
Source Name (DSN).

3.

The facilitator, using Expert Choice on his/her machine, can access the model via a Web
connection and can add to or revise the model structure. This must be done when no
participants are accessing the model. Note: The Edit Revert commands are, however,
NOT available when editing a model via a Web connection.

4.

Participants using Expert Choice on their computers can access the model via a Web
connection to make judgments, enter data, and examine their results.

5.

The Facilitator combines the groups' judgments and or data (for all or active participants)
and makes the results available to the participants.

Creating a Remote DSN Model for an Access Expert Choice Model

If you have questions about the following contact your system administrator.
If you use an Intranet put the model on the shared drive and tell the participants the location of
the model; for example, F:\models\ExpertChoiceModelName. See the section, Accessing a
Model over the Web.
If you use the Internet follow the directions below to put the model on the Internet server.
Creating a System Data Source Name
Contact your system administrator for the URL or IP address of the web server on which the
model will be stored. We will use http://models.expertchoice.com as an example in the
following discussion. When you have completed the steps outlined below, the Expert Choice

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model that is on the web server can be accessed if you have a copy of Expert Choice on your
computer.
This section outlines how to create a System Data Source Name (DSN) that points to an
Expert Choice Access database model located on a web server (Internet). For SQL
Databases see Creating a Remote DSN for a SQL Model.
1.

You must create a new Access Database Expert Choice model or transfer a previously
created model to the server computer.

2.

From the Start menu select Settings, then Control Panel.

3.

For Windows 98 systems: Select ODBC32 Data Sources or ODBC DATA SOURCES
(32bit).
For NT systems: Select ODBC Data Source.
For Windows 2000: Select Administrative Tools, Data Sources (ODBC).

4.

Select the System DSN tab, see Figure 1.

Figure 1 ODBC Data Source Administrator

5.

Click the Add button

From the list, select Microsoft Access Driver; see Figure 2. Then click Finish.

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Figure 2 Create New Data Source

6.

Type a Data Source Name to name the model to be accessed with Expert Choice; see
Figure 3. Then click Select.

Figure 3 Entering a Data Source Name

7.

Now either navigate to or type the path/file name that contains the desired Expert
Choice model. The path/file name must include the extension .ahp.
Note: If desired you can type *.ahp to see a list of all Expert Choice models.

8.

Click OK to go back to ODBC Data Source Administrator; see Figure 4. Then click OK a
second time to complete the System DSN process.

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Figure 4 ODBC Data Source Administrator

An additional step may be needed to host web models using a Windows XP machine. It is
described below.
1.

Make sure Windows Personal Web Server is installed on your computer. If you do not
know if it is installed, contact your system administrator.

2.

Select the Window Start button | Setting | Control Panel | Administrative Tools and
double click on Internet Information Services button.
If the button doesnt exist or if you get a message stating that Information Services are
not available stop what you are doing and contact your system administrator.

3.

Double click on your local computer; double click on Web Sites.

4.

Right-click on the Default Web Site and create a new virtual directory by selecting New |
Virtual Directory. See the figure below.

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Figure 5 Window showing Local Computer Name and Default Web Site

5.

When the Virtual Directory Creation Wizard appears click Next.

Figure 6 Virtual Directory Creation Wizard

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6.

When prompted for the Virtual Directory Alias type MSADC and click Next.

Figure 7 Virtual Directory Alias

7.

When prompted for the Web Site Content Directory, type the MSADC system directory,
usually at C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\msadc (shown below) and click
Next. You might receive a message stating that execute and write are dangerous do
you want to do this? Select Yes.

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Figure 8 Web Site Content Directory

8.

Make sure the following access permissions are set as shown below and click Next.

Figure 9 Access Permissions

9.

Then click Finish to complete the web hosting process.

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Should you experience any difficulty setting up a DSN, read the following three items and
contact your database administrator.
Virtual Directory
A virtual directory called MSADC must exist on the root of each Web site. This virtual
directory must point to the \Program Files\Common Files\System\MSADC folder. The
permissions of this folder must be set to Execute (Including Script) (Internet
Information Server [IIS] 4.0) or Scripts and Executables (IIS 5.0). The MSADC virtual
directory must exist as a subdirectory of any Web site that uses RDS.
IP Exclusion
If a user's IP address is excluded from accessing the MSADC virtual directory, RDS
will not work for the site in his or her browser. Make sure that no IP exclusions exist for
the MSADC folder that will interfere with the site's use. This setting is configured in the
Properties of the MSADC folder on the Directory Security tab. Click Edit in the IP
Address and Domain Name Restrictions section. A dialog box will appear showing the
configuration of the site's IP restrictions. Unless there are specific restrictions that need
to be applied for the site, this should allow access to all IP addresses and should not
exclude any.
RDS handler Configuration
Starting with MDAC 2.1, the RDS Server. Data Factory by default requires that all data
access be routed through a handler file. Because of this, the RDS Server Data Factory
may not work if you have not configured this handler file. You can disable this feature
of the Data Factory, or you can configure and use a handler file. To disable the feature,
double-click the Handunsf.reg file located in C:\Program Files\Common
Files\System\MSADC and restart the Web server. This will modify the Registry for the
server to allow the RDS Server. Data Factory to work without a handler.
Now that the model has a DSN it can be accessed from the server that is on a network, using
Expert Choice which is installed on the facilitator and participants' computers.

Creating a Remote DSN for a SQL Expert Choice Model

To create a remote SQL DSN, follow the steps below:
1.

Make sure your SQL model is on SQL server that you have access to.

2.

From the Start menu select Settings, then Control Panel

3.

For Windows 98: Select ODBC32 Data Sources or ODBC DATA SOURCES (32bit)
For NT systems: Select ODBC Data Source
For Windows 2000 or XP: Select Administrative Tools, Data Sources (ODBC)

4.

Select the System DSN tab

5.

Click the Add button. From the list, select SQL Server.

6.

Type a name that will refer to the ODBC data source such as "car". If desired you can
type an optional description. Type a SQL Server that you have access to or select the
SQL Server from the list

7.

Click Finish.
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Now that the model has a DSN it can be accessed from the server that is on a network, using
Expert Choice which is installed on the facilitator and participants' computers.

Accessing a Model over the Web

Before following the directions below, the following information should be obtained from the
system administrator by the facilitator and provided to each participant.
y

The URL Location - IP address or hostname of the web server

SQL users will need the SQL server name

The DSN name

The User name assigned to the database

The Password for the user name.

In addition, the facilitator should provide each Participant with his/her Expert Choice model
participant user name and password, if applicable. The facilitator should also provide directions
to the participants for making judgments.
1.

Connect to the Internet or Intranet and verify network connection to the web server over
internet or intranet.

2.

Start Expert Choice.

3.

Select File, then Open Web Model. Then a dialogue box will appear.

4.

In the Location (URL) field, type the IP address or hostname of the web server.
For example: http://models.yourhostname.com or http://12.34.56.78

5.

In the Model Name (DSN) field, type the DSN name.

For example: samplemodel

6.

In the UserID field, type the username assigned to ODBC connection or SQL database.

7.

In the Password Field, type password for username (in step 6 above).

Now that you have permission to access the model over the Internet or Intranet you are ready to
open your model.
Logging into a model on the Server
y

The facilitator should login by clicking OK if the facilitator name has not been changed. If it
has, then the facilitator must enter his or her assigned name. Then if applicable, the
facilitator will be prompted to enter a password.

Participants should login with their assigned participant username and password, if
applicable. These are probably different names than those used in steps 7 and 8 above.
Then proceed as directed by the facilitator.

Tip: Participants can use lesions 1, 3 and 4 for directions.

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Lesson 8 - Resource Aligner - Resource Allocation

Expert Choice's Resource Aligner is a way to select the best combination of alternatives,
projects, vendors, and the like that maximize (optimize) the attainment of objectives while not
exceeding a specified budget. You can also specify other constraints such as time, people,
dependencies and the like. The optimization module contains a variety of forms that enable a
wide variety of constraints to be specified and utilizes algorithms that are exceptionally fast.
This feature can be purchased separately as an Expert Choice add-on.
Expert Choice's Resource Aligner is extremely flexible and can accommodate a wide variety of
circumstances. In order to facilitate understanding how it can be used, we will first describe
two basic forms of resource allocation Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation (DARA) and
Activity Level Resource Allocation (ALRA). A Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation
considers a set of alternatives, each of which may or may not be funded. An Activity Level
Resource Allocation considers a set of alternatives, each of which may be allocated funds at
one of a given number of possible funding levels. Hybrids of these two basic types of resource
allocation are possible as well as extensions involving different types of constraints.
The following discussion may require some knowledge contained in Resource Allocation
Terminology section and assumes the reader has a working knowledge of Expert Choice
how to create and evaluate models.
How to Perform Resource Allocation using EC Resource Aligner
Resource Aligner (RA) is accessed from the Tools | Resource Aligner menu in the Data Grid. It
can also be accessed from the DataGrids button bar
.This module extracts information
about all or a selected subset of alternatives from the Expert Choice Data Grid for evaluation in
the allocation of scarce resources (money, time, people, space, etc.).
Before using RA you should have derived priorities for the alternatives under consideration
assessing the objectives in the objectives hierarchy, and assessing the alternatives by making
either pairwise comparisons from the Expert Choice ModelView, or assessment in the Expert
Choice Data Grid, or a combination of the two. In addition you must enter costs for each
alternative in the Data Grid's Cost column. (If the Cost column is not visible, use the View |
Cost command). It is not uncommon to iterate once or twice through a sequence of evaluation
objectives, evaluating alternatives, specifying constraints, and optimizing to select the best
combination of alternatives.
Additional information about resource allocation can be found in the Resource Allocation
chapter of "Decision by Objectives" published by World Scientific Publishing or available at
http://www.expertchoice.com/dbo/ or http://mdm.gwu.edu/forman (where a TV Video and
screen capture videos are also available).

Resource Allocation Terminology

Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation: Considers a set of alternatives, each of which
may or may not be funded.

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Activity Level Resource Allocation: Considers a set of alternatives, each of which may be
allocated funds at one of a given number of possible funding levels.
Optimal Solution: The identification of a set of alternatives to be fully or partially funded such
that the total benefit is maximized (optimal) while none of the constraints are violated.
Benefit: The priority or benefit representing the relative contribution of each alternative toward
the objectives as defined and derived in the Expert Choice model; this is the numeric value
shown in the total column of the Data Grid.
Constraints: Constraints are conditions that must be satisfied in order to have a feasible
solution. Each and every specified constraint must be satisfied.
Budget Limit: A constraint representing the budget that is available.
Base Case Maximum: The maximum benefit achievable if the Budget Limit is at least large
enough to fund all of the alternatives and no other constraints are in effect.
Custom Constraints: General purpose constraints (to be discussed in detail later) can be
defined to represent a wide variety of limits such as limits on floor space, limits on full time
equivalents such as personnel, limits on time availability, etc. You can optionally specify a min
or max range; if either is specified then the optimization will try to solve for the range.
Special Purpose Constraints:
Dependencies represent dependencies between alternatives; there are 3 types of
dependencies.
A is dependent upon B
A and B are mutually dependent
A and B are mutually exclusive
Groups alternatives can be grouped such that one of the following constraints can be
specified for a group:
<=1 (LE1 Less than or equal to 1) at most one alternative in a group can be funded
=1 (EQ1 Equal to 1) one and only one alternative in a group must be funded
>=1 (GE1 Greater than or equal to 1) one or more alternatives in a group must be
funded
Funding Pools in addition to a limit on total budget, there may be limits to funds
available from specific funding pools.
Feasible/Infeasible: If it is possible to satisfy all constraints, optimization is said to be
feasible. Otherwise, it is said to be infeasible.

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Resource Aligner - Main Window
The Resource Aligner window contains all or the selected alternatives from the Data Grid,
their benefits (priorities) and costs. The Partial column is used to specify that an alternative
can be partially funded instead of funding it in its entirety; while the Must and Must Not
columns are used to specify that an alternative must or must not be funded.

Figure 1 Main Resource Aligner Window

The Funded column will display YES for alternatives that the optimization determines should
be funded in their entirety or a percentage, if the alternative can be partially funded. The total
cost to fund the alternatives identified in the optimal solution is shown in the Funded Cost box.
The benefit for the optimized solution (the sum of the benefits for the alternatives to be
funded) is shown in the Benefits box. Since the benefits can be normalized in a variety of
ways in the Data Grid, a relative benefit is also shown as a percentage of a Base Case
Maximum. The Base Case Maximum is the maximum benefit achievable if the Budget Limit
is at least large enough to fund all of the alternatives.
Note: Right-clicking in the Budget Limit provides you with the ability to either Clear the Budget
Limit or to set the Budget Limit to the Total Cost without Constraints.
It is possible to adjust the Base Case Maximum to discount the impact of one or more of the
constraint types. This is done by clicking Set Base Case and selecting one or more of the
following: Musts, Must Nots, Custom Constraints, Dependencies, Groups and Funding
Pools. Two examples that illustrate this are:

If an Activity Level Resource Allocation is performed, group constraints will preclude

funding alternatives at more than one level. If one considers funding all levels of all
alternatives in the base case, then it would never be possible to achieve 100% of the
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base case maximum, even if an unlimited amount of funds were available. By
selecting Set Base Case | Groups, the base case maximum is reduced because it is
computed with the group constraints in effect. This feature is particularly useful when
there are groups that preclude more than one alternative from being selected.

There may be agreement that one or more alternatives NOT be funded, under any
circumstances. If this were the case, and the base case maximum were calculated
without considering these MUST NOT constraints, then the maximum benefit
achievable with an unlimited amount of funding available could never be as large as
the base case because of the MUST NOT constraints. By selecting Set Base Case |
Must-Nots, the base case maximum is reduced because it is computed with the
must-not constraints in effect.

The Ignore options can be used to request that any of the constraints (or risk specifications)
be ignored in the optimization. This is convenient if it is desired to temporarily disable one or
more constraint types and see what effect it has on the solution. Note: If you check a
constraint type in both the Set Base Case, and in the Ignore options something that doesn't
really make sense to do then it is possible to achieve a Benefits Percentage greater than
100%.
In some cases, there may not be any feasible solution that is it may not be possible to satisfy
all of the constraints specified. Expert Choice will, of course, report that there is no feasible
solution when this condition arises. However, when this happens, there is no unique set of
constraints that lead to this condition. For example, you may have specified that at least one
alternative in each of five groups be funded, but the budget isn't large enough to fund these
alternatives. If the available budget constraint were relaxed by making more funding available,
then a feasible solution might be found. Alternatively, if the amount required to fund one or
more of the alternatives were decreased, or if the number of groups that had to have at least
one alternative funded were decreased, a feasible solution might be found. The number of
combinations of constraints that result in infeasibility can be quite large when we consider must
constraints, must-not constraints, custom constraints such as full time equivalents, floor space,
funding pools constraints, and so on.
Expert Choice provides a Feasibility Switch option to help in determining either when the
addition or change of a constraint causes a switch from a feasible specification to one that is
infeasible or vice versa. This switch, if selected will be green when there is a feasible solution
and red when there is no feasible solution, but more importantly, will signify when a switch
between the two states occurs. If for example, you add a constraint that makes what was a
feasible solution infeasible, you will know that this new constraint, in combination with whatever
constraints were previously specified, makes it impossible to solve all of the constraints.
Conversely, if you have an infeasible solution, you can investigate ignoring or changing
specific constraints in an effort to find a feasible solution.
Resource Aligner Menu Commands
Menu commands are described at the end of this section. We only discuss those that are
unique to the resource allocation process.

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Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation Optimization (DARA)
A Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation considers a set of alternatives, each of which may
or may not be funded.
1.

From Expert Choice menus select Go | Data Grid.

2.

If you are using a group model (with participants) select the Combined instance from the
drop-down list if it is not currently shown in the Data Grid.

3.

Select Tools | Resource Aligner to display the main resource allocation window or click
.
The Resource Aligner window contains all or a subset of alternatives from the Data Grid,
their benefits (priorities) and costs. (A subset of alternatives is achieved by right-clicking
on the desired alternatives in the Data Grid so they come checked and then selecting
Tools | Resource Aligner.)
The Partial column is used to specify that an alternative can be partially funded rather
than funding in its entirety or not funded at all; the Must and Must Not columns are used
to specify that an alternative must or must not be funded.
Since the initial budget limit is blank, no alternatives are funded; see the FUNDED
column.

4. Enter a budget limit in the budget limit box textbox.

5.

An optimal solution one that maximizes the benefits without exceeding the available
budget or violating any other constraints is obtained by pressing the Solve button.
However, if AutoSolve is checked, then a solution will be automatically sought whenever
any specification is changed, without having to press the Solve button. .
The solution details consist of:
a. Which alternatives are funded identified with a yellow background and entries in
the 'FUNDED' column
b. The total amount required to fund these alternatives shown in the Cost box in
the header.
c. The total benefit and relative total benefit from funding the selected alternatives

6.

Even though the budget may be 'fixed', it is usually informative to examine what would
happen if the budget started at 0 and gradually increased. Do this by selecting Go To |
Increasing Budgets and accept the defaults.

To learn by example see Hawthorne Valley.

To learn more about this window see Resource Aligner - Other Variables and Commands.

Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation Example - Hawthorne Valley

Use this process when you have a set of alternatives, each of which may or may not be
funded.
1.

Load the Hawthorne Valley model from the Expert Choice Samples directory. When
prompted for a participant name, press Enter.

2.

Make a copy of this model by selecting File | SaveAs

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3.

Since this is a group model, go to the Combined instance by selecting Combined from
the instance drop-down list.

4.

From Expert Choice the menu select Go | Data Grid.

5.

Select Tools | Resource Aligner.

Expert Choice will formulate the optimization problem and you will be taken to the main
resource allocation window where you can control the optimization process.
Note: Expert Choice determines if a discrete or activity level optimization should be
performed based on the absence or presence of activity levels also known as GROUPS.
There are no groups in the Hawthorne Valley example.
The initial display should not show a solution. If the model was previously used then a
solution will appear.

Figure 2 Initial Main Resource Aligner Window for Model Not Solved

6.

Type a budget limit of 30,000, in the budget limit box. All but three items have been
funded.
If the AutoSolve box is not checked, select File | Solve or press the Solve button to view
the results.
Note: If Autosovle is checked then every time any variable, constraint or value is changed
a new solution will be sought.

7.

Type a new budget limit of 50,000. The results now show that all but two alternatives are
funded. The Funded Cost box in the header shows how much funding is expended; this is
the sum of all the funded alternatives costs.
Note: If your model is not exactly like ours your results may be slightly different.

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Figure 3 Main Resource Aligner Window with $50,000 Budget

8.

Optimize for Increasing Budgets by selecting Go To | Increasing Budgets and accept the
defaults; then select Solve. The figure below shows our results. For more information
about this features select Increasing Budgets. When done close the window.

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Figure 4 Increasing Budgets

9.

From the main resource allocation menu select Custom Constraints | Add Constraint.

10. When prompted type the constraint name, Sup Wks for supervisor weeks.
The figure below shows the new constraint column and the results of the optimization
based the data entered. Use the figure and follow the instructions below.

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Figure 5 Model with Constraints

11. Enter the number of weeks required of the supervisor for each activity (alternative) as
shown in the figure. Notice some rows do not require supervisor time.
12. If you are following along and 2 decimal places are not shown in the custom constraint
column select View | Format | Constraint Cells and add a zero to the end of the format
that is displayed. Adding a zero will allow 2 decimals to be shown to the right of the
decimal place.
13. Suppose that only 4 weeks of supervisor time are available. Since this is your maximum
allowable value, type a 4 in the Max row of the new constraint column. If you had a
minimum requirement, it would be entered in the Min cell.
14. Since AutoSolve is checked, the new solution incorporates the constraint.
Note: The Actual cell displays the amount used.
15. To ignore this constraint from the solution, check the Ignore Custom Constraints box in
the header and review the new 'solution'.
16. To see all items defined in the optimization, select View | Model Specification. Ours is
shown below.

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Figure 6 Model Specification Window

17. Select View | Constraint Summary to see a summary of the Musts, Must Nots, Custom
Constraints, Dependencies, Groups, Funding Pools and Risks. You are told there are
none.
18. Remove the check from Ignore Custom Constraints.
19. Select View | Constraint Summary then close the window.
20. Now we will add Dependencies to our model; to do this select Go To | Dependencies.
21. Turn off the alternative id column by selecting View | Neither. Our Dependency Table is
shown below. It shows the Dairy Chart Recorder is dependent on Barn Electricity; the
Solar Greenhouse and Hot Water Heater are mutually dependent; while the Crating
System is mutually exclusive of the Dairy Structure Work. Steps 23 and 24 will show you
how to recreate our table.

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Figure 7 Dependency Window

22. Turn on the alternative ids by selecting View | Alternative Ids.

23. Now duplicate our dependencies by right-clicking in the desired cell and then select an
option from the list.
24. Close the dependency table.
25. Checkmark Set Base Case; see the figure below. Note the Base Case includes options.

Figure 8 Model Setting Base Case Options

26. Our model has both constraints and dependencies. We can tell this as included items are
shown in bold in the Ignore section of this window.
Assume we want the dependencies to be incorporated in the Base Case. Check
Dependencies in the Base Case Includes box. The figure below shows the changes to
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the Base Case Maximum and Percent. For more information see Resource Allocation
Terminology.

Figure 9 Model Setting Base to Include Dependencies

27. Now we will show you how to add Risks to this model. From the main resource allocation
window, select Go To | Risks.
28. Change the probability of success from 1 to value in the range of 0 1.0. See the figure
below where we illustrated this by changing the first three alternatives. Alternatively you
can enter the risk in the risk column. There is no requirement that each line item be
changed. View your results. To remove the probability of success either enter zero in the
Risks column or enter 1 in the probability of success column.

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Figure 10 Model with Risks

29. Upon return to the main resource allocation window the benefits box will be labeled 'E.
Benefits' if risks are defined. Should you checkmark Ignore Risks then the label will be
'Benefits'.
30. Select File | Close and return to Expert Choice's Data Grid. If desired save your changes.
Other resource allocation features will be discussed in the Activity Level Resource Allocation
example.

Activity Level Resource Allocation Optimization

Use this feature when one is considering funding groups of alternatives at various levels of
funding.
1.

From Expert Choice load your model from the desired directory.

2.

If you desire to back up your model, select File | Save As before proceeding.

3.

Select the desired 'instance', usually the Combined instance if a model is group
enabled.

4.

From Expert Choice the menu select Go | Data Grid.

5.

Select Tools | Resource Aligner.

6.

Since the initial budget limit is blank, no alternatives are funded; see the FUNDED
column.

7.

Enter a budget limit in the budget limit box.

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Note: If you right-click in the budget limit cell you can enter the maximum allowable
budget limit without any constraints.
8.

From the main Resource Aligner window select Go To | Groups.

When using our Resource Aligner groups of alternatives can be defined to assure that
one of the following three relationships exist among the alternatives in a group:
1)

At most one alternative in the group will be selected (that is no alternatives or

one alternative in the group will be selected)

2)

Exactly one alternative in the group will be selected

3)

At least one alternative in the group will be selected

9.

Select Add Group. Then type a group name and select one of three group types that
are listed above.

10.

Now add alternatives to the group in one of two ways.

11.

a.

Select an alternative; then from the Groups window select Alternative | Add
alternative to group; repeat as necessary.

b.

Select multiple alternatives by CTRL clicking; then press Shift | drag with
mouse to the desired group name and release the mouse.

When you are done defining groups and adding alternatives close the window and you
will see the results in the main Resource Aligner window.

An optimal solution is one that maximizes the benefits without exceeding the available budget
or violating any other constraints is obtained by pressing the Solve button. However, if
AutoSolve is checked, then a solution will be automatically sought whenever any specification
is changed, without having to press the Solve button. The solution details consist of:
a.

Which alternatives are funded identified with a yellow background and entries in
the 'FUNDED' column.

b.

The total amount required to fund these alternatives shown in the Cost box in the
header.

c.

The total benefit and relative total benefit from funding the selected alternatives.

To learn by example see Hotspots.

To learn more about this window see Resource Aligner - Other Variables and Commands.

Activity Level Resource Allocation Example - Hotspots

Use this feature when one is considering funding groups of alternatives at various levels of
funding.
1.

From Expert Choice select Help | Sample models and then select Hotspots.

2.

You may want to work with a copy of the Hotspots model by selecting File | Save As
before proceeding.

3.

From Expert Choice the menu select Go | Data Grid. Observe that there are eight
activities each of which has three possible levels of funding; you may need to expand the
alternative column to see this. In this example, we will need to assure that not more than
one level is funded for each activity.
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4.

Select Tools | Resource Aligner to go to the main resource allocation window.

5.

Initially, the budget limit is blank and therefore no alternatives are funded; see the
FUNDED column.

6.

Enter a budget limit of 75000 in the budget limit textbox.

7.

Since AutoSolve is checked, there is no need to press the Solve button. Observe the
solution details consisting of:
a.

Which alternatives are funded identified with a yellow background and entries
in the 'FUNDED' column.

b.

The total amount required to fund these alternatives shown in the Cost box in
the header.

c.

The total benefit and relative total benefit from funding the selected alternatives.

Figure 11 Hotspots Model without Groups Defined in Resource Aligner

Notice that more than one level from the same activity is funded for example, see Level
1 and Level 3 for Palmer Park Nuisance Abatement; this needs to be changed. To make
sure that no more than one level is funded for each activity we will define eight groups
each and specify that no more than one level can be funded from each group.
8.

Select Go To | Groups.
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9.

Select Group | Add Group. Using the figure below, name the first group Suitland
Nuisance and select LE1 (Less than or Equal to 1 meaning either no alternative or one
alternative in the group will be selected).

Figure 12 Hotspots Model with Groups Defined

10. Using the figure as an example, define the remaining seven groups similar fashion. When
you are done you will add alternatives to each group.
11. Select the first group, Suitland Nuisance.
12. While the Control key is depressed click the first three alternatives in the alternative
list. Select Alternative | Add alternative to group to add them to the Suitland Nuisance
group.
13. Repeat the process to add alternatives to the other groups, or, instead of using the
Alternative | Add command, drag/drop alternatives after they are selected by pressing the
Shift key and dragging and dropping the alternatives on the group name. For more
information see the Groups command.
14. Select File | Close to return to the main resource allocation window.
15. If AutoSolve is not on, select Solve to see the solution with eight groups defined.
Note: If your model is not exactly like ours your results may be slightly different.

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Figure 13 Hotspots Model Results with Group Constraint

Next we will show you how to add Funding Pools. Let us assume that there are two pools of
funds that can be used to fund the alternatives and let us assume that the second group can
only fund Environmental Designs.
16. From the main resource allocation window, select Go To | Funding Pools. The figure
below shows the two funding pools that we have defined, Prince Georges County and
Federal with Pool Limits of $25,000 and $50,000 respectively. The left-hand pane also
shows the amount from each pool that can be applied to each alternative. The right-hand
pane contains the optimal solution showing the amounts to allocate to each alternative
from each of the pools. To enter values move to the desired cell and enter the amount. To
learn about pasting funding pool values from Excel see the Funding Pools section.

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Figure 14 Hotspots Model Results with Funding Window

Add funding levels on your own using the figure above.

17. Next look at what the allocations would be as the total amount of funding available is
increased from 0 to whatever would be needed to fund as much as possible given the
constraints in effect. Go To | Increasing Budgets and select File | Solve. You will notice
that the maximum benefit achievable is only 30.33%, rather than 100% as might be
expected. This is because the base case maximum does not include considerations of
the group and funding pools constraints. This information is also available in the main
Resource Aligner window by setting base case to include them.
18. To take the group constraints and funding pools into account in the base case calculation
do the following:
a.

If the Increasing Budgets form is still open, select File | Close.

b.

The main resource allocation window shows the relative effectiveness (Benefit
to Base Case Maximum Benefit) is 30.33%. Now check the Set Base Case
box, and then check the Groups box in the Base Case Includes pane. Notice
that the relative effectiveness is now 63.62% since base case maximum has
decreased with the inclusion of the Groups constraints.

c.

Now include Funding Pools in the Set Base Case and the benefit will be
100%. (For more information about features such as Setting Base Case
conditions as well as ignoring constraints, see the Discrete Activity Resource
Allocation example, Hawthorne Valley.)

19. Return to Expert Choice's Data Grid and save your model.

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Resource Aligner Menu Commands
Resource Aligner File Menu
The File Menu commands are:

Solve solves the optimization when executed. If AutoSolve is checked then a solution
is sought whenever a variable or constraint is changed.

Reports generates either single or multiple resource allocation reports. Reports can
be exported to various programs including Word, Excel and PDF. For example, to export
to Word select RTF format and name the file with an extension of .doc. Also remember
designate the drive\path to contain the report.
Note: To change the formatting of a report go to each individual Resource Aligner
window and drag the columns and/or rows as desired; then select File | Print.

Print displays a preview of a report or multiple reports that can be printed.

Print Preview previews the item to be printed.

Close closes the optimization; then you can to save variables that have been added,
changed or deleted from the current optimization session to your Expert Choice model.

Resource Aligner Custom Constraints Menu

Add Constraint adds a custom constraint.

Remove constraint removes a constraint column and all its data from the form; first
move to the constraint to be removed. When you save the model the constraints will also
be removed from the database.

Rename Constraint use to rename or edit a previously defined constraint. Move to the
column first.

Remove All Constraints removes all the constraint columns.

To add a custom constraint use the figure above and follow the instructions below:
1.

From the menu select Custom Constraints | Add Constraint.

2.

When prompted type the constraint name.

3.

If applicable, type a constraint value for each alternative. Custom Constraints are not
required for every alternative.

4.

Type a minimum and/or a maximum constraint value. (If either is entered the optimization
will try to solve for the min and/or max range.)
Note: If you do not enter either a minimum or maximum value per constraint column the
constraint will be ignored by the optimization.

5.

If AutoSolve is checked in the Resource Aligner main window, then the best solution will
automatically be shown in yellow. If not, press the Solve button.

Copying and Pasting Values into Custom Constraints from Excel (or another source
document)
1.

Use the Windows Edit Copy command to copy the values to the clipboard (Ctrl C) from
the source document.

2.

Click the desired Funding Pool cell in Expert Choice's Resource Aligner.
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3.

Then press Ctrl V to paste the contents of the clipboard to the desired column.

Copying and Pasting Recurring Vales in Resource Aligner

1.

Enter in the first set of values in the desired cells.

2.

Select them by pressing Shift Click.

3.

Then press Ctrl V to paste.

Resource Aligner View Menu

Select Format to globally change the formatting of the Budget Limit and Cost boxes, and
the Costs (extracted from the Data Grid) and Funding Pools. For example to change from
1500 to $1,500 you would type $#,### when prompted.

Tip: Make sure your format footprint can accommodate the largest value. For example
$#,### will not accommodate $1, 000,000; the format needed is $#,###,###. If you do not
want to display the dollar sign or commas do not include them in the footprint.

Select Alternative IDs to display them in the Resource Allocation window.

Select Index to display them in the Resource Allocation window instead of the alternative
ids.

Select Neither hides either the alternative id or index in the window.

If there is a feasible solution then you will be able to:

Select Relevant Constraints in this Solution to see two lists of constraints that are
relevant and not relevant to the current solution.

If there is an infeasible solution then you will be able to:

Select Infeasibilities to display combinations of changes that can result in a feasible

solution.

Select Model Specification to see the all formulas defined in the optimization.

Select Constraint Summary to see a summary of the Musts, Must Nots, Constraints,
Dependencies, Groups, Funding Pools and Risks that are defined.

Select Total Costs without Constraints shows the total cost of all the alternatives
without any constraints. Total Costs without Constraints can also be imported into the
Resource Aligner main window by right-clicking in the Budget Limit box.

Resource Aligner Go To Menu

Use the Go To Menu to set constraints that can be saved in the Expert Choice model's
database, determine risks or view increasing budgets.

Dependencies
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Funding Pools

Groups

Risks

Increasing Budgets

Dependencies
Use this window to specify one of three dependencies between alternatives in the resource
allocation process.
Below is a Dependency Table for the Hawthorne Valley model that shows the Dairy Chart
Recorder is dependent on Barn Electricity; the Solar Greenhouse and Hot Water Heater are
mutually dependent; while the Crating System is mutually exclusive of the Dairy Structure
Work. If desired, load the model and try the directions below.

Figure 15 Dependency Window Example

D the row element depends upon the column element. The optimization assures that the row
element is not funded unless the column element is funded.
M the row and the column are mutually dependent; both must be funded or neither is funded.
X the row and the column are mutually exclusive; funding one precludes funding the other.
A dependency can be defined in one of two ways.

Right-click in the desired cell and then select an option from the list.
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Select OneClick from the Dependencies menu and select an option. Move to the desired
cell and click; then the option will be entered. To select the same option for another cell
just move to the cell and click.

To delete a dependency, move to the cell, right-click and select Clear. Alternatively you can
use the Clear menu command.
To clear the entire dependency table, press Clear from the menu then press Clear All.

Funding Pools
Use this feature to create pools of funds that will be used in the resource allocation
optimization as another constraint when selecting the optimal set of alternatives. The sample
window below contains the name of the alternatives and costs that were extracted from the
Data Grid. Notice the Pool Limit is grayed out in the extracted costs column as this field is not
used. The window below shows that we have defined two funding pools, Prince Georges and
Federal, with the respective limits of 25,000 and 50,000. The amount of funds entered for each
alternative is shown in the respective funding pool's cells. If an alternative is funded it is
highlighted. The functions are listed below.

Figure 16 Example of Funding Window

Add Funding Pool adds a funding pool to the resource allocation process.

Remove Funding Pool removes the selected funding pool.

Rename changes the funding pool name.

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Remove All Funding Pools removes all funding pools from the resource allocation
process.

Add Funding Pool

1.

Select Add Funding Pool and type the funding pool name.

2.

Enter the funding pool limit in the cell directly below the funding pool name. Repeat the
process to define another funding pool.

3.

Enter the amount of funds per alternative that can be allocated from each funding
pool. There is not requirement that every alternative be included.

4.

If AutoSolve is checked then the solution will automatically be calculated. If not, press File
| Solve.

Copying and Pasting Values into Funding Pools from Excel (or another source
document)
1.

Use the Windows Edit Copy command to copy the values to the clipboard (Ctrl C) from
the source document.

2.

Click the desired Funding Pool cell in Expert Choice's Resource Aligner.

3.

Then press Ctrl V to paste the contents of the clipboard to the desired column.

Copying and Pasting Recurring Vales in Resource Aligner

1.

Enter in the first set of values in the desired cells.

2.

Select them by pressing Shift Click.

3.

Then press Ctrl V to paste.

Groups
The Group window is accessed from the Resource Aligner Go To menu command and is used
to add or delete group constraints to be used in the optimization. When using our Resource
Aligner groups of alternatives can be defined to assure that one of the following three
relationships exist among the alternatives in a group:

At most one alternative in the group will be selected (that is no alternatives or one
alternative in the group will be selected)

Exactly one alternative in the group will be selected

At least one alternative in the group will be selected

The following figure, solely for illustrative purposes, shows that three groups have been
defined and in this example they named as the id legend described above. The Activity Level
Resource Allocation example, Hotspots, shows an actual example.

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Figure 17 Illustration of Different Types of Groups

Add Group is used to define a group and select one of three group types that are listed
below.
o

At most one alternative in the group can be selected.

Exactly one is selected.

One or more are selected

Remove group is used to remove a defined group and all of its members.

Edit group is used to change the group name and/or the group type.

Remove all groups is used to remove all groups and members.

Alternatives can be added to a group in one of two ways.

1.

Select an alternative; then from the Groups window select Alternative | Add alternative
to group; repeat as necessary

2.

Select multiple alternatives by CTRL clicking; then press Shift | drag with mouse to
the desired group name and release the mouse.

To remove an alternative from the group

Move to the alternative name within the group and select Alternative | Remove Alternative
From Group

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Colon Notation for Activity Level Resource Allocation
Activity Level Resource Allocation Optimization, discussed earlier, explains how to create
Groups to designate activities and levels within each activity. Basically a group is defined for
each activity (such as Marketing) and the alternatives from the data grid representing possible
levels of funding within each activity (such as Marketing Bare Bones, Marketing Status
Quo, and Marketing Gold Plate) assigned to their respective group. If you define alternative
levels in the data grid using colon notation such as the following, then Expert Choice will
automatically define groups for you:
Marketing: Gold Plate
Marketing: Status Quo
Marketing: Bare Bones
Production: Gold Plate
Production: Status Quo
Production: Bare Bones
Operations: Severe Cut
Operations: Moderate Cut
Operations: Status Quo
Operations: Moderate Increase
Operations: Significant Increase
etc.
The colon notation consists of a common prefix, followed by a colon, followed by a descriptor
for a level of funding.
It is customary to enter the levels in the data grid in either increasing or decreasing sequence.
Typically (but not always), the total priority for levels with more funding will have a higher total
overall contribution toward objectives; see the Total column of the Data Grid.
The first time the Expert Choice resource allocation module encounters alternatives/levels
defined using the colon notation, it will prompt to determine if at least one level must be
selected from each activity. The response to this prompt will determine whether the groups
that are automatically established will be "less than or equal to one LE1", or "equal to one
EQ1". After the groups are automatically defined, you can, of course, edit any group to change
its name, type, or components.
HotspotsWithColonNotation.ahp in ECsamples illustrates Colon Notation. If you open this
model first set your budget limit to $75,000 if not already set.

Risks
The Risks window can be accessed from the Go To menu. Initially the benefits and expected
benefits are the same the Ttotals column from the Data Grid in the Expert Choice model.
You can enter the probability of success between 0 and 1.0, in which case the risk will be
computed as its complement, or you can enter risks between 0 and 1.0 and the probability of
success will be computed. If any one or more alternatives has a probability of success < 1.0,
then the 'Benefits' in the main RA form will be changed to display 'Expected Benefits'.
The following figure shows the first several alternatives with risks that are not zero for
illustrative purposes. Note the benefits and expected benefits are no longer the same; the
expected benefit equals the benefits times the probability of success.

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Figure 18 Risk Illustration

Copying and Pasting Values into Risks or Probability of Success from Excel (or another
source document)
1.

Use the Windows Edit Copy command to copy the values to the clipboard (Ctrl C) from
the source document.

2.

Click the desired Funding Pool cell in Expert Choice's Resource Aligner.

3.

Then press Ctrl V to paste the contents of the clipboard to the desired column.

Copying and Pasting Recurring Vales in Resource Aligner

1.

Enter in the first set of values in the desired cells.

2.

Select them by pressing Shift Click.

3.

Then press Ctrl V to paste.

Increasing Budgets
1.

From the Resource Aligner Go To menu, select Increasing Budgets.

2.

If desired, check "Insure funded alternative remain funded as the budget increases". Use
this feature to prevent funded alternatives from being removed from the funding process
once it is funded.

3.

Accept the default radio button of 25 increments. If desired you can increase or decrease
the number of increments. Alternatively you can select one of the other options.
a.

4.

Specified Amount (where you can enter a value such as 1,000)

b.

Minimum Cost (starting at 1,000)

c.

Minimum Difference of Costs (starting at 100)

Select File | Solve to create a report.

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The middle section of the window shows two reports. Both display the budget amount, the
benefit expressed as a percentage based on the derived alternatives priorities from Expert
Choice and the cost to implement the budget. The report on the right lists the funded
alternatives for each budget in each column while the report on the left lists each alternative on
a separate line with the word funded in each budget column.
The lower portion of the window displays the Efficient Frontier graph; the y axis represents
percent and the x axis is the unit cost.

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Lesson 9 - About Reports and Output to Word & Excel

Reporting and Output to Word and Excel Overview
This section of the document describes:

Printing and reporting functions

Output to Word so one can edit node names, information documents and notes and then
re-import the information back into Expert Choice

Input (importing) from a Word document that was previously exported from Expert Choice
(the results of editing of node names, information documents and notes)

Exporting Data Grid information to Excel for reporting purposes.

Resource Allocation Reports are available from the Resource Aligner File Menu.

Should you map to or from an external database using Access or SQL you can generate
custom reports. See Lesson 5.

Printing and Report Functions

Printing can be initiated from the ModelView, Data or Formula grids by selecting one of three
File commands listed below. Resource Aligner has its own printing functions.
y

Print routes the current window to the printer or to a file.

Print Preview displays what will be printed or routed to a file.

You can move around the document with the mouse. Alternatively you can use buttons
or the keyboard.
The Zoom button on the menu is used to expand and contract the on-screen report;
alternatively, use the Home and the End keys to zoom in and out.
In addition to using the Next or Previous buttons on the menu, you can use the Page
Down or Page Up keys.
Use the Down and Up arrow keys in combination with either the SHIFT, ALT, and CTRL
keys to navigate around the document print preview. For example SHIFT down arrow will
scroll down the document.

Print Report can print more than one piece of information at a time.
Use this menu to select report to print or route to a file by selecting the options on the
desired tab.
For example, to print goal description, objectives, and the alternatives in the hierarchy,
select the ModelView tab and check the items desired.
To print other reports select the tab and then check the item(s) to be printed.
Alternatively, you can click the Select Defaults button to accept the current model print
options; this function selects multiple print options across many tabs. To see the
options in effect either click the Preview button to view the reports or tab to each report
option.
The Clear All button clears all reports selected.

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Input/Output to Word & Excel from the File Menu

Input/Output options to and from Word are available from the ModelViews File menu. Output
to Excel is available from the Data Grids File Menu. These features are available from either
the facilitator or combined instances of the model.

Hierarchy to and from Word

Alternatives to and from Word, and

Data Grid information for active alternatives and participants (instances) to

Excel

Nodes in the hierarchy, information documents and notes from the Expert Choice model can be
Output to Word. The purpose of the Output feature is to provide an editing capability in Word.
Once in Word, you can edit node names, information documents and notes and then import
your changes back into the Expert Choice model from which the export was invoked.
Note: When outputting to Word, you must include the option to include hidden IDs. (These IDs
are used to associate what is in Word with the appropriate nodes or alternatives in the Expert
Choice model during the Import (Input) process).
The purpose of the Input feature is to import the edited document back into the same Expert
Choice model.

Hierarchy to Word
This Output feature provides the ability to create a Microsoft Word document of the hierarchy,
information documents and notes with or without numbering. Once in Word you can edit the
document and then import the changes back into the same Expert Choice model. Both the
Hierarchy to Word and Number Hierarchy provide the capability to include or exclude:
Information documents, Notes of the current instance, Active Participants Notes as defined by
the SQL query in affect from the Participants table and Hidden Id's as well as borders around
each item.
Notes of the current instance means the notes of the instance that is shown in the window prior
to selecting Hierarchy to Word. This could be the combined, facilitator or specific participant.
Note: When outputting to Word, you must include the hidden IDs if you are going to Import
your changes back into the Expert Choice model. (These IDs are used to associate what is in
Word with the appropriate nodes, information documents or notes in the Expert Choice model
during the Import (Input) process).
Warning: It is a good idea to make a back up of your Expert Choice model prior to importing
your Word file back into Expert Choice. In addition Hidden IDs are required for importing back
into Expert Choice.
The purpose of the Input feature is to import the edited document back into the same Expert
Choice model.

Tip: If you want to delete an information document or note in Word replace all the
verbiage with "X". Then when you open the Expert Choice information document or
note delete "X and the information document or note will be deleted.
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The Number Hierarchy to Word scenario numbers all objectives and sub-objectives in the
hierarchy. For example:
1. Objective 1
1.1 Sub-objective
Sub-objective
2. Objective 2
To view the hidden Expert Choice styles directly in the Word document
1. From the Normal view of Word, select Tools | Options.
2. Click the View tab and select Hidden text in the Formatting marks section.
To view all the Expert Choice styles exported to Microsoft Word, in Word select Format |
Style.

Alternatives to Word
This feature provides the ability to create a Microsoft Word document of all alternatives in your
model or only those extracted to the ModelView. Once in Word you can edit the document and
import the changes back into the same Expert Choice model.
Warning: It is a good idea to make a back up of your Expert Choice model prior to importing
your Word file back into Expert Choice. In addition Hidden IDs are required for importing back
into Expert Choice.
The created Word file contains hidden Expert Choice formatting that shouldn't be changed if
you choose to import information back into Expert Choice as these styles are used to
differentiate the nodes in the hierarchy from information documents, notes and alternatives.
To view the hidden Expert Choice styles directly in the Word document
1. From the Normal view of Word, select Tools | Options.
2. Click the View tab and select Hidden text in the Formatting marks section.
To view all the Expert Choice styles exported to Microsoft Word, in Word select Format |
Style.

Importing (Input) from Word

Once you have edited node names, information documents and notes or alternatives using
Word you can input your modifications to the same Expert Choice model using either Hierarchy
from Word or Alternative from Word.
1.

Edit your exported Word document and close the file.

2.

Select File, Input from Word.

3.

Type the Word file name; alternatively, browse to locate the Word file name.

4.

Select either Input Hierarchy from Word Doc, or Input Alternatives from Word Doc.
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Data Grid Information to Excel

This group model feature provides the ability to create (output) a Microsoft Excel document that
contains information extracted from the Data Grid in one of several formats. Each document
will include the selected alternatives (those that are checked in the Data Grid) and those active
instances (participants) as defined by the active Participant's Table SQL query. In addition you
can create several Excel Pivot Tables. Please note Excel alphabetizes all entries in the pivot
table.
Data by Instance
This Excel document shows the selected alternatives by active instance (participant) and data
entered per covering objective for each alternative.
Values by Instance
This Excel document contains the selected alternatives by active instance (participant) and
values derived per alternative/participant for all covering objectives. Values are derived by
applying data to each formula associated with each covering objective.
Values by Instance to Excel Pivot Table
This Excel Pivot Table contains the selected alternatives by active instance (participant) and
values derived per alternative/participant for all covering objectives.
Priorities by Instance
This Excel document contains the selected alternatives per active instance (participant) with
respect to 2 objectives and the priority of the alternative.
Priorities by Instance to Excel Pivot Table
This document contains the selected alternatives per active instance (participant) with respect
to 2 objectives and the priority of the alternative.
Totals by Instance
This Excel document shows the selected alternatives by active instance (participant) and total
priority.
Totals by Instances to Excel Pivot Table
This pivot table contains the selected alternatives by active instance (participant) and total
priority.
Totals and Ranks by Instances to Excel Pivot Table
This report lists all active alternatives and active instances by totals. It also shows the Ranks of
Alternatives by Instance and the Ranks of Instances by Alternatives. A rank denotes order 1,
2, 3, etc.

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151

Area Validation Exercise Appendix

Expert Choice provides decision-makers with the framework to derive ratio scale priorities or
weights from experience, insight and intuition as well as from hard data. Expert Choice not
only assists decision-makers in structuring complexity and exercising judgment, but also
incorporates both objective and subjective factors used in the decision.
One of the advantages of the Expert Choice pairwise comparison process is that weights, or
priorities, are not arbitrarily assigned, but are derived from verbal, numerical or graphical
judgments. We know this method for deriving priorities is reliable since it is based on a sound
mathematical foundation. The AHP foundation has been proven through numerous validation
studies. Refer to www.expertchoice.com for books and technical references.
The following exercise demonstrates the validity of the results that Expert Choice derives by
showing that your results, obtained by using subjective judgments, come close to known
values.
This exercise should take approximately 15 minutes of your time and is most worthwhile. It will
help you actually visualize how Expert Choice assists decision-makers in making more
accurate decisions. The objective of the exercise is to make judgments on the relative sizes of
the areas (see Figure 1 below) in pairs to find the percentage that each shape contributes to
the total area of the five figures.

C
D

Figure 1 Shapes Used in Area Validation

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What do we mean by relative sizes? In the example below area B is twice as big as area A,
area C is three times as big as area A. This is what is meant by relative size: how many times
bigger one shape is than another. Measuring things in relative terms has a great advantage.
The relative comparison is the same, no matter what scale is used: inches, centimeters or
something else.

Table 1 Relative Size Illustration

Notice that the ratio of these decimals are meaningful; the two squares are twice as big as the
single square therefore, B/A = .333/.166 = 2. The three squares are three times as big as the
single square: C/A = .500/.166 = 3. So when you compare how much bigger B is over A, you
would use the number 2 from fundamental scale of Expert Choice.

Table 2 Fundamental Scale of Expert Choice

The numbers in the fundamental scale are absolute numbers and independent of the scale
used. If you enter 2, you mean the larger shape is two times the smaller one. If area B is 2
times bigger than area A, it is always two times bigger, regardless of the units you use to
measure the areas.
The purpose of this validation example is to find the decimal proportion of each area in Figure
1 to the total area, using Expert Choice and your judgments. You will perform a series of
pairwise relative comparisons, first using the numerical mode and then using the verbal mode.
From your judgments Expert Choice will calculate the relative areas of the shapes. You can
then validate the results by comparing how close they are to the actual measured areas.
In the course of the validation exercise you will fill out information in Table 3. In column 1 you
put your own estimate as described in step 1 below. In column 2 you will put results obtained
from using the numerical comparison mode of Expert Choice. In column 3 you will put results
obtained using the verbal comparison mode of Expert Choice. In column 4 you will write the
actual results.
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y

Print (or photo copy) a copy of Figure 1 and Table 3 by selecting this page from the
online tutorial; then press the Print button.

Jot down your unaided estimate (expressed as a decimal) of the proportion each area
is to the sum of the areas in Column A of Table 1. (To help you, assume you are
allocating a total of $1.00 to the shapes according to the size of their respective
areas.)
After performing the validation exercise compare the accuracy of your unaided
estimates with those that Expert Choice derived from your pairwise judgments.

Table 3 Area Validation Chart to List Your Judgments

Area Validation - Numerical

1.

Start Expert Choice.

2.

Select File Open and navigate to the Expert Choice Samples directory that contains the
Area model. Select Area to open the model.

3.

Select File SaveAs to save the model under another name such as MyAreaModel. This
way the original model will be available should you want someone else to perform this
exercise.

4.

Go to the Numerical Comparison window by selecting

. Then the first two elements to
be compared will be presented in the window. (There should be no judgments in the
matrix that appears at the bottom of the screen. If judgments exist return to the
ModelView and select Assessment, Erase Nodes for the Entire Plex. After erasing return
to the Numerical Comparison window)
Looking only at the two shapes being compared and using Figure 1 as an aid visually
estimate the ratio of the larger to the smaller. Keep in mind that for the purpose of this
area validation example, the comparative adjective "Importance" is analogous to bigger.
For example, if you estimate that one area is 3 times larger than the other you would click
the number on the side of the indicator bar for the larger area. (Alternatively, you could
enter the judgment in the matrix below such as 4.5. If you do this, remember to select the
if the column element is more important than the row element then the
invert button
judgment will appear in red.)
Keep in mind that you must select the dominant side of the numerical indicator when
making judgments.

5.

If you did not advance to the next judgment to be made, click the next vacant cell in the
matrix at the bottom of the window. Then make the next judgment.

6.

Repeat this process until all judgments have been made.

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7.

After the last judgment is made you will be asked if you want to record your judgments,
select No.

8.

Now select the calculate button

9.

Note: If your inconsistency is high (greater than 0.10) you might want to re-evaluate your
judgments as you probably made a clerical error. To do this, click the Numerical tab and
adjust your judgments changing only what you are convinced is in error. For more
information about inconsistency see Inconsistency in Lesson 1.

to display your derived numerical priorities.

10. Enter these derived priorities in Column B of the Area Validation Table that you printed.
11. Return to the ModelView by clicking the ModelView tab

Before continuing with the Verbal portion of this exercise we answer a few commonly asked
questions about comparisons and judgments.

Validation Questions
Q:

Why are we interested in validating verbal comparisons?

A: Because almost every decision contains subjective or qualitative factors that do not
readily lend themselves to numerical judgments. It is difficult to justify numerical judgments for
the relative importance of clean air compared to clean water. To overcome this impasse,
Expert Choice uses the words EQUAL, MODERATE, STRONG, VERY STRONG, and
EXTREME. Words are often easier to justify than numbers. For example, if you say that given
our current environment, cleaning up the air is 3 times more important than cleaning up the
water, can you justify why it is exactly 3? Why not 2.5, or 4.0? But if you said, instead, that
clean air is moderately more important than clean water, this can be justified with a variety of
arguments, including, perhaps, some hard facts.
Q: Although verbal judgments are often easier to make and justify, how can we
combine them and be assured of their validity?
A: True, anyone can put arbitrary numbers behind words in a computer program and then
add the numbers. But with Expert Choice the same fundamental numerical scale is used to
derive ratio scale results for each group of comparisons, and these ratio scale numbers can be
combined to give meaningful results.
Q: Even if the decision maker specifies numerical equivalencies for words, will
he/she, or a group of his/her colleagues consistently remember the assignments
accurately enough to insure that the results reflect their judgments? Will errors due to
the use of imprecise words be a problem?
A: Not with Expert Choice! Even if different individuals or a group attached different
interpretations to the verbal scale, the results will still be accurate, as you will now see.

Area Validation - Verbal

1.

From the ModelView, save your numerical example by selecting File, Save.

2.

Select File, SaveAs and type MyAreaVerbal.

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Now erase your numerical judgments and derived priorities.
1.

From the Goal node, select Assessment.

2.

Select Erase Judgments for Entire Plex and when prompted select Yes.

3.

Go to the Verbal Comparison window by selecting

compared will be presented in the window.

. Then the first two elements to be

Before entering any verbal judgments, read the following:

EQUAL, on the Verbal scale, means that neither alternative is more important than the other,
(i.e., bigger in this example).
EXTREME means an order of magnitude or more. Scientists define "an order of magnitude" to
be about 10 to 1. For example, if you were to compare the size of the circle to the size of this
letter "O", then the circle would be much more than an order of magnitude larger. Extreme does
NOT mean the largest compared to the smallest (because the items being compared could all
be about the same size). It means about 10 times more.
You may select judgments between the words on the verbal scale. For example: between
EQUAL and MODERATE, or between STRONG and VERY STRONG.
Keep in mind that you must select the dominant side of the verbal indicator when making
judgments.

Looking only at the two shapes being compared and using Figure 1 as an aid visually estimate
the dominance of the larger to the smaller only using WORDS.
1.

Now enter a verbal judgment by clicking on the word that represents your feelings.

2.

If you do not advance to the next comparison, click the next vacant cell in the matrix below.

3.

Repeat this process until all judgments have been made.

4.

When asked to calculate judgments, select No.

5.

Now click the calculate button

to calculate and display the derived priorities.

Note: If your inconsistency is high (greater than 0.10) you might want to re-evaluate your
judgments as you probably made a clerical error changing only what you are convinced is
in error. To this, click the Verbal tab and adjust your judgments. For more information about
inconsistency see Inconsistency in Lesson 1.
6.

Enter these priorities in Column C of Table 1 that you printed.

7.

Then click

to return to the ModelView.

Results & Conclusion

Copy the actual relative areas shown below to Column D of Table 4 that you printed.
A

.471

.050

.234

.149

.096
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Now compare your results as follows:
1.

First compare your unaided estimates (Column A to Column D). Are they as accurate?

2.

Next compare your pairwise numerical results (Column B) with the actual results (Column
D). They should be very close, usually within 5% for every figure.

3.

Finally, check your pairwise verbal results (Column C) with the actual measurements
(Column D).

Pretty close? Probably amazingly close, given that they were derived from fuzzy words! Your
pairwise verbal results are probably not quite as good as your pairwise numerical results
because this is, after all, a numerical problem. But the accuracy should be close enough to
convince you of the valuable results you can obtain from verbal comparisons.
When you performed the validation experiment with the verbal comparison mode, you might
have expected that your initial unaided estimates would be better than the priorities derived from
your pairwise verbal judgments. Were your verbal pairwise results more accurate than your
unaided estimates? If your results are typical of the many people who have already tried this
and similar validation experiments, you will be surprised to find how accurate the priorities
derived from your verbal judgments actually are!
Conclusion
What does this show? That you can derive reliable results using judgments.
When you estimated the relative areas of these shapes without using Expert Choice, your
thought process probably included a scale of measure for each figure, perhaps in combination
with a mathematical formula. The unit of measurement might be square inches, square
centimeters, or perhaps your thumbnail. If you were to actually use a measuring device, for
example a ruler, your results would (aside from measurement error) be perfect. However, you
are able to derive relative measures almost as well using your judgments.
Incidentally, direct measurement error is usually considerable, as you will find if you try it using a
ruler and some geometric formulas. Often both Expert Choice methods, numerical and verbal,
are better. Measurement error is often a factor when you are dealing with data, too. Your
judgments may give you results that are closer to reality.
In solving this area problem using verbal judgments with Expert Choice, you did not use a scale.
The significance of being able to derive priorities from pairwise judgments (verbal or numerical)
is that accurate priorities can be derived for any aspect of a decision no matter whether it
involves quantitative, qualitative, objective or subjective elements! If you can estimate physical
quantities so well with Expert Choice, based only on your judgment, it is likely that you are also
able to estimate priorities in situations that do not involve physical quantities for which no scale
exists, such as market appeal, satisfaction, risks, and intangible benefits.

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Receiver and Keypad Appendix

This section provides basic information for connecting and activating the hardware (receiver
and keypads) used in Expert Choice. We use the Reply Cordless Response System. For
detailed information consult the hardware documentation that accompanied your hardware.
The Radio Frequency Receiver and keypads are produced differently for different countries.
You must specify the countries where you plan to use the receivers as the radio frequency
bands differ by country. A schematic is packed with the hardware.
Individual Wireless keypads come with the system. Each participant uses a keypad to enter
judgments or values. A maximum of 250 keypads can be used with the system.
Projector
There are numerous high quality projection systems available today. It is important to test the
software with the projector prior to a group session to ascertain that the screen resolution of
the computer and projector are compatible and that the colors are displaying properly. In
particular, check to see that the projector contrast is set so that gray colors are visible and are
not washed out.
What You Need to Do Before Connecting the Receiver
1.

You will need one free serial port on your computer to connect the Reply Cordless
Receiver.

2.

You will also need a video port if you use an LCD display panel, and a port for the
mouse. The cable for an external modem can be removed to free-up one COM port.
(Typically COM1 is configured for a mouse or an external modem; check your
computers hardware instructions to add and configure additional serial ports.)

Connecting the Radio Frequency Receiver

1.

Connect the RF receiver nine-pin female serial port labeled RS-232 (TO PC) to an
available serial port usually located on the back of a computer and typically labeled COM.
You must use the null modem cable that is supplied with your RF receiver. If you have a
25 pin port on your computer you must obtain a DB9 to DB25 (i.e., 9 to 25 pin) adapter
from a computer supply store.

2.

The cable coming from the interior of your RF receiver plugs into the front of the RF
receiver into the port labeled TX/RX DATA. This should already be connected for you
when the equipment arrives.

3.

Plug the RF receiver into a 120 Volt electrical outlet. (At this time you may desire to plug
in your projection device). Turn on the power. Once the unit receives power a red light will
be displayed on the receiver.
Note: You can turn on the receiver before or after starting Group Expert Choice.

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Programming the Keypads
Each keypad must be uniquely identified with its own internal number to enable Expert Choice
to identify each participants input. These numbers are easy to program or change as
explained below.
You should make certain that your keypads are properly labeled and uniquely identified
BEFORE conducting a group session. For example, if you have ten decision-makers in the
meeting, you will need ten keypads numbered from 1 to 10 internally, with corresponding
external labels. It is also possible to have, for example, 10 decision makers use 8 keypads by
selecting the "wave" option in the software and have eight people in the first wave, and two in
the second wave. The two in the second wave would use a neighbors keypad to make their
judgments.
Determining the Current Internal Keypad Number
1.

Press and hold down the CLR key on the keypad until the LED display on the keypad
flashes "C". This will take a few seconds.

2.

Release the CLR key. Then you should notice that three numbers flash consecutively on
the LED display. If 0, then 1, then 5 appear, the keypad's internal number is 015, or 15.
Internal numbers always have three digits.

To Change the Internal Keypad Number

1.

Press and hold down the CLR key on the keypad until the LED display on the keypad
flashes "C". This will take a few seconds.

2.

Release the CLR key. Then you should notice that three numbers flash consecutively on
the LED display. If 0, then 1, then 5 appear, the keypad's internal number is 015, or 15.
Internal numbers always have three digits.

3.

After the last number has flashed, enter the keypad number you desire. Keypad numbers
must have 3 digits. Zeros are entered using the ten key.
For example, if you want the internal number of the keypad to be number 5, press the ten
key once for the first 0 then again for the second 0, then press the 5 key. To enter the
internal number 10, press the ten key, then the 1 key, then the 0 key to enter 010.

4.

To check that the number you entered is correct repeat steps 1 and 2 above.

5.

Now that you have changed the keypad number dont forget to change the label.

Programming the Keypad so the

* Key Behaves as an Invert Key

The asterisk, , on the keypad must be programmed so it can invert the order of a judgment
when making paired comparisons. Check each keypad making sure that the LCD displays an

"A" when the is depressed. If this does not happened use the above steps to program the
substituting the code 931 for a keypad number.

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How the Hardware and Keypads are Activated
Once the receiver is connected to the computer, you can turn on the Radio Receiver either
before or after starting Expert Choice.
Activating the Keypads
y

It is good practice to group enable the model prior to the session. If you have not done
this do it now.

Then either select:

o

From the ModelView Assessment Pairwise Individuals or

From the Data Grid Assess Individuals.

Then one of the two individual windows will appear. This is where the team will enter
judgments or data using the keypads.
y

From either individual window select File then select Keypad Options. Use this to
designate the number of keypads used in the session and to select the facilitator
keypad. It is a good idea to do this before the session starts.

Now that the keypad options have been set, make sure the software can see the
receiver. The status line at the bottom of the window should say Receiver. If not turn
on the receiver by selecting File, Receiver; then select On.

Turn on the keypads by selecting File, Keypads On/Off. Look at the status line: If the
Keypads are on it should say Keypads; otherwise it will say mouse.

How the Keypads Are Used

y

Use more importantly to enter paired comparisons from the ModelView; this includes
dragging bars to make graphical judgments.

Use to enter Ratings and other data values in the Data Grid.

Designate a keypad as the Facilitator Keypad; this capability lets the facilitator move
around the room and not be tied down to the keyboard. See Selecting Keypad
Options.

Selecting Keypad Options

This window is used to set various keypad options. Use this window prior to each session.
From this window you can set:
y

Designate the maximum number of keypads that will be used in your session.

Designate a Com port; the default is 1. You may need to reconfigure your system to
use Com 2, 3 or 4.

Designate a Facilitator keypad.

Designate the number of waves that can be used with the keypads. The default is 1.
If, for example, there are twelve participants and only eight keypads, you could set the
number of Keypads to 8 and the Wave Number to 1. When the first eight participants
have made judgments, four of the keypads will be passed to the next "wave" of
participants (persons 9 12). Before they made their judgments, the facilitator would

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increase the wave number to 2. (This also requires that you change persons 9 12 to
wave number 2 in the Participant Table.)
y

Keypads off when you move If this box is checked the keypads will be turned off
when you move to a new judgment to be made or a new cell in the Data Grid to be
rated or valued. This feature permits the facilitator to control when judgments or data
will be entered.

Autokeypad If this box is checked then software will always attempt to turn on the
keypads when a model is loaded.

Anonymous If this box is checked then participants names, if entered are masked to
person 1, person 2 etc. Future participants will also be masked.

Templates button displays and prints the keypad templates as a participant aid. One
template can be used when making verbal or numerical paired comparisons as well as
entering Ratings or data values when at the Data Grid. The other template can be
used when making graphical judgments.

You can reach the Keypad Options window from any paired comparison window or the Data
Grid.
y

From ModelView select Assessment then select Pairwise.

Then select Assessment Individual.

From the Data Grid select Assessment.

Then select Individual.

Then from either individual window select File Keypads Options. You will be taken to
a window where you will enter the information just specified.

Tip: You may select any valid keypad number as the facilitator keypad; for simplicity we
suggest using number 1. If you select this option many features can be accessed using
this keypad rather than using the keyboard. Note: The facilitator keypad remains active
(on) whenever the Receiver is on. (Should you use this option the facilitator keypad is
not available for participant use.)

Facilitator Keypad
The facilitator keypad is used in conjunction with the facilitator menus to help the facilitator
customize Expert Choice for his or her specific use by logically and conveniently grouping
commands that will be frequently used with the facilitator keypad. Ten different menus can be
defined. We have provided several default menus that can be altered and restored at any time.
The facilitator can modify our menus and create others.
y

From any Individual Pairwise or Individual Data Grid window, select File, Facilitator
Menus. The default menu will appear; you can select another by changing the Menu
number in the window.

Review the default menus and if desired print them. After becoming proficient with
Expert Choice you may desire to change or create new menus.
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y

To name a menu or change the name of a menu, click the gray bar in the top center of
the window and type the desired name.

To add a command to a facilitator menu, move the cursor to the row where you want
to add the command. Then select the desired command from the command box.
Repeat this process as necessary.

When finished editing the facilitator menus click OK to make the changes permanent.

To select a facilitator menu to be used select File, Facilitator Menus, then select a
number from the drop-down list. Click OK.

Tip: Use the File Keypad Options command from any individual window to set the
facilitator keypad before or after selecting a facilitator menu.

Tip: Pressing 10 on the facilitator keypad will hide or show the current facilitator menu
on the computer and/or projection device. Note: The menu does not have to be visible
to perform an action.

Using Keypads Anonymously

If this option is selected then Person 1, Person 2, etc. will appear in a window masking the
actual participants' names. This is by design so each participant can see what judgment/value
or vote was entered when all judgments/values/votes are displayed.
This may not be sufficient for some groups as people will be able to tell who is using what
keypad. If this is the case, we suggest the following procedure:
y

Prior to the session change the keypad label for each keypad from numbers to
alphabetic characters. Mix up the characters; note for example, that keypad 2 is now
Q while JJ is 7.

Then pass out folded pieces of paper with each keypad telling the person what their
person ID really is. (Of course, participants can always identify the internal number of
their keypad by pressing and holding down the CLR button, but if you tell them how to
do this it might lead to them experimenting and changing the IDs themselves.)

An even better way is to remove all keypad numbers. Pass out the keypads randomly. Then in
the middle of the session (or when ever desired) have the participants switch keypads. This
has two negatives no one will be able to determine if they entered their votes correctly and you
will not be able to get accurate group demographics.

Default Facilitator Menus

Several facilitator menus for the ModelView's Assessment Pairwise Individuals Window and
the Data Grid's Assessment Individuals Window have been defined. These menus can be
used by the facilitator with his or her keypad. We show the first menu for each view.

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Figure 1 ModelView Assessment Pairwise Individuals Facilitator Menu

Figure 2 Data Grid Assessment Pairwise Individuals Facilitator Menu

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Common Keypad Troubleshooting Questions
Problem:

The keypads and receiver do not work.

Solution:

Deactivate programs such as the Palm Pilot Hot Sync that use the same
Com port; then reboot and start Expert Choice.

* isnt working.

Problem:

The invert key

Solution:

Make sure it is programmed as described above. Note: The invert key

switches the dominance of a judgment from one factor to another.

Problem:

Keypad appears to be "haywire".

Solution:

In the rare event that the keypad is not responding or appears to be sending
signals improperly, press and hold the clear until it blinks; then sequentially
enter the three digits 981. This will reset the keypad to the factory setting.
Note: If the keypad is dead, check the 9 volt battery. An indicator of E on the
keypad could also signal a weak battery.

Problem:

There is a gap in the keypad number sequence or two or more decisionmakers appear to be using the same keypad number. (You know the latter
has happened when one person announces that someone is erasing his/her
judgments.)

Solution:

Check the keypad numbers and you will find a gap in the numbers or that
one or more keypads have been set to the same number. Change the
keypad numbers as described above.

Problem:

Message: Keypads not available.

Solution:

Make sure the receiver is connected to the computer and turned on. Then
determine if your Com port is set correctly. See Selecting Keypad Options.

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Absolute Measurement
Absolute measurement is used when the alternatives are compared against previously
established scales rather than relative to one another. See Relative Measurement.

Active Alternatives
Alternatives displayed in the ModelView's Alternatives pane are known as active alternatives.
They can only be inactivated but not deleted. See: Global Alternatives

Active Participants
Those team members who are participating in the decision-making process. 1) Active
participants have been selected as a result of invoking an SQL query from the participants
table. 2) The results of the query were applied to the combined instance of the database. This
process enables one to define many participants and have different participants make
judgments about various facets of the model.

Activity Level Resource Allocation

Activity Level Resource Allocation considers a set of alternatives, each of which may be
allocated funds at one of a given number of possible funding levels. While Discrete Alternative
Resource Allocation considers a set of alternatives, each of which may or may not be funded.

Affinity Diagramming
The process of creating, dragging and dropping objectives and sub-objectives in the Affinity
Diagramming module of Expert Choice that creates a hierarchy in the ModelView. Also see
Top Down Structuring

Alternatives
The alternatives are the options from which a choice is to be made. In a decision model the
alternatives can be evaluated in two ways:
Relative comparisons - alternatives are directly compared to one another using the pairwise
process.
Data Grid - alternatives are evaluated against a standard or scale that has been developed.
See Active Alternatives and Global Alternatives.

Assessment
Assessment involves making pairwise comparisons between objectives, sub-objectives, and
alternatives of the decision. These are all made relative to the node above.

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Autoadvance
Automatically advances to next judgment to be made.

Autoredraw
One of two TreeViews Redraw commands; it is the default. When you move to a node in the
hierarchy, the tree will automatically be redrawn about this node showing its descendants while
collapsing other portions of the hierarchy.

Base Case Maximum

Base Case Maximum is defined as the maximum benefit achievable if the Budget Limit is at
least large enough to fund all of the alternatives and no other constraints are in effect when
using the Resource Aligner.
You can select constraints to be included in the base case by using Set Base Case command;
when you do this you the base case will include items previously excluded such as groups or
constraints. You can also exclude items from the base case by selecting Ignore.

Best Fit
This command is used to examine inconsistency. It identifies the judgment that is the most
inconsistent and suggests what changes should be made to reduce inconsistency from a
mathematical perspective. As a decision-maker you must determine if this is logical and what
changes in judgment should be made versus what is recommended.

Bottom Up Structuring
A structuring process used to construct a model by first identifying alternatives; second
identifying pros and cons for the alternatives; third converting pros and cons to objectives and
sub-objectives. This approach is useful when more is known about the alternatives of choice
than the objectives. See Top Down Structuring (Affinity Diagramming).

Budget Limit
Budget Limit is an optimization constraint representing the budget that is available.

Child Node
A child node is a sub-objective of the node above it. The node above is also known as the
parent node.

Cluster
A cluster consists of a node and its peers.

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ClusterView
Now known as Affinity Diagramming, the ModelView's Affinity Diagramming pane is used to
enter and cluster objectives and sub-objectives into categories. Any structural changes made
in the Affinity Diagramming pane will be updated simultaneously in the ModelView's TreeView
pane.

Comparisons - Modes of
There are three ways to enter pairwise comparisons: verbally, numerically and graphically.

Complete Hierarchy
A complete hierarchy (model) has the same alternatives under each covering objective (lowest
level objective) in the hierarchy. This is the default. See Incomplete Hierarchy.

Covering Objective
A covering objective is defined as the lowest level sub-objectives in the hierarchy (TreeView).
In the Data Grid, the covering objectives are displayed as columns while the alternatives are
displayed in the rows.

Criterion / Criteria
A criterion is a principle or a standard that an element is judged by and is often represented as
a lowest level sub-objective. Throughout Expert Choice, the words criterion and objective are
used interchangeably. The plural of criterion is criteria.

Data Grid
The Data Grid lists all alternatives in the model. Alternatives can be selected for extraction to
the Alternatives pane of the ModelView. The Data Grid is also used to evaluate alternatives
with respect to each covering objective in the model using one of five different formulas:
Ratings, Step function, Increasing or Decreasing utility curves, and Direct entry of priorities.

Diagonal Pairwise
When making pairwise comparisons, one option is to make judgments on the diagonal of the
matrix. This feature uses the minimum number of comparisons necessary to calculate
priorities.
Diagonal Pairwise can also be used with the Data Grid to assess intensity scales that were
created with the formula types of Ratings or the Step function.

Distributive Synthesis
The Distributive mode, sometimes called a "closed system", distributes the weight of each
covering objective to the alternatives in direct proportion to the alternative priorities under each
covering objective.
When using the distributive synthesis mode, the addition or removal of an alternative results in
a re-adjustment of the alternatives of the other alternatives such that their ratios and ranks can
change. The distributive mode should be used when measuring under conditions of scarcity
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for example when forecasting outcomes whose probabilities must add to 1, or when looking at
elections where votes cast for one candidate may be at the expense of another.

Feasible/Infeasible Solution
If it is possible to satisfy all constraints, using our optimization module, Resource Aligner, the
solution is said to be feasible. Otherwise, it is said to be infeasible.

Formulas Grid
This grid displays the Data Grid's formulas per covering objective as well as its parameters.
Use this grid to copy and paste formulas from one objective to another.

Formula Type
Formulas for can be defined for Data Grid covering objectives. There are 5 types: Ratings,
Step Function, Increasing and Decreasing Utility Curves, and Direct Entry of Priorities.

Gap Analysis
By establishing the distance that every alternative ranks from the ideal alternative you can
perform a gap analysis; this can be viewed from the Data Grid. In addition, you can extract the
ideal alternative and up to eight other alternatives from the Data Grid to the Alternatives Pane
of the ModelView and then view the performance sensitivity graph for another form of gap
analysis.

Geometric Average
The geometric average, also known as the geometric mean, is a progression and is the nth
root of a product of n numbers. If you have two numbers 6 and 24, the geometric average is 12
(6x24=144 raised to the power). If you have three numbers, 1, 3, and 9, the geometric
1/3
average is 3 (27 ).
The Weighted Geometric Average is the product of each participants judgment raised to the
weight of the participant. For example, if there are three participants with weights as defined
in the participants table of .5, .25, and .25, and with judgments of 3, 2 and 4 respectively, then
the weighted geometric average would be: (3^.5) * (2^ .25) * (3 ^.25)

Geometric Indicator
The Geometric Indicator displayed from the Ratings Individual window shows the amount of
variance in a set of group judgments. The more inconsistent the judgments the higher the
indicator. See Geometric Variance.

Geometric Variance
1.

The geometric variance is calculated by taking the ratio of each judgment to geometric
mean.

2.

If the result for each judgment is < 1 invert the judgment.

3.

Multiple all judgments.

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4.

Raise the results to the nth root. For example if there are 4 judgments the nth root would
be 4. The result will range from 1 to 9 (or maximum of scale if using the graphical mode).

Mathematically the equation is: geomVariance = Log(result) / (Log(maxJudgment))

Global Alternatives
All alternatives displayed in the Data Grid are known as global alternatives. Only global
alternatives can be deleted from the model. If you want to include a subset of the global
alternatives in the ModelView's Alternative pane you must select and extract them. See: Active
Alternatives

Global Priority
The priority of each node relative to the Goal is called the global priority. The global priorities of
a node represent the portion of the parent's priority inherited by the child. The global priorities
of all the children equal the parent's global priority. The global priority of a child equals the local
priority of the child times the global priority of the parent. See Local Priority and Priority.

Goal Node
The goal node represents the problem to be solved and appears at the top of the hierarchy.

Grandchild
A grandchild node is a sub-sub-objective of two nodes above it.

Graphical Comparison Mode

When making assessments, you can use one of the three pairwise comparison modes. When
making graphical comparisons, comparisons for two elements are made by moving judgment
bars to the left or right. The upper portion of this window graphically displays the two elements
being compared with respect to the node above. The lower portion of the window shows the
numerical transformation of the graphical judgment.

Hierarchy
A hierarchy is a tree-like structure that is used to decompose a decision problem. It has a topdown flow, moving from general categories (objectives) to more specific ones (sub-objectives
and sub-sub-objectives).

Ideal Synthesis
An Ideal synthesis mode, sometimes called an "open system", assigns the full weight of each
covering objective to the best (highest priority) alternative for each covering objective. The
other alternatives receive weights under each covering objective proportionate to their priority
relative to the best alternative under each covering objective. The weights/priorities for all the
alternatives are then normalized so they sum to 1.0.
When using the ideal synthesis mode, the addition or removal of alternatives (that are not best
on any covering objective) will NOT impact the relative priorities (ratios or ranks) of other

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alternatives. The ideal mode should be used when selecting one alternative from many and
when the priorities of the alternatives not selected are not of interest.

Ideal Synthesis and Resource Allocation

Use the ideal synthesis when performing resource allocation because the value or
benefit (contribution of an alternative to the covering objectives) does not decrease when you
introduce another alternative. There is no scarcity in priority, but a scarcity of money. The
scarcity of money is accounted for by a constraint in the Resource Aligner's optimization.

Incomplete Hierarchy
An incomplete hierarchy (model) has different alternatives under each covering objective. To
convert a complete hierarchy model to an incomplete hierarchy you would first select File,
Convert to Incomplete Hierarchy; this will remove the alternatives that are displayed in the
Alternatives pane and place them below each covering objective in the TreeView. Second
delete any alternative that does not belong under each covering objective. See Complete
Hierarchy and Converting to an Incomplete Hierarchy.

Inconsistency Ratio and Index

A measure of inconsistency used in Expert Choice when making paired comparisons. An
inconsistency ratio is calculated for each set of judgments. Inconsistency follows the transitive
property, for example, if you were to say that A > B, and B > C, then say that C > A, you would
have been inconsistent.
Theoretical Information
The Inconsistency INDEX, not ratio, is calculated for each node (and its cluster of children),
and multiplied by the priority of the node, and summed over the entire model. A similar
calculation is done for the Inconsistency INDEX for random judgments. The Overall
Inconsistency Ratio is the ratio of these two weighted sums.
===========
It has been shown that for any matrix small perturbations in the entries imply similar perturbations
in the eigenvalues; thus the eigenvalue problem for the inconsistent case is:
A w = lambdamax w,
where lambdamax will be close to n (actually greater than or equal to n) and the other lambdas will
be close to zero. The estimates of the weights for the activities can be found by normalizing the
eigenvector corresponding to the largest eigenvalue in the above matrix equation.
The closer lambdamax is to n, the more consistent the judgments. Thus the difference, lambdamax n, can be used as a measure of inconsistency (this difference will be zero for perfect consistency).
Instead of using this difference directly, Saaty defined a consistency index as:
(lambdamax - n)/(n-1)
since it represents the average of the remaining eigenvalues.

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In order to derive an accurate interpretation of either the difference or the consistency index,
Saaty simulated random pairwise comparisons for matrices up to and including 9 factors,
calculating the consistency indices and arriving at an average consistency index for random
judgments for each size matrix. He then defined the consistency ratio as the ratio of the
consistency index for a particular set of judgments to the average consistency index for
random comparisons for a matrix of the same size. Forman later improved on the simulations
by increasing the simulations for matrices up to and including 15 factors, increasing the
number of simulations to improve the accuracy, and also performing simulations cases with
missing judgments. (Inconsistency ratios have not been computed for matrices larger than 15
x 15 since it is strongly recommended that clusters in AHP models be no larger than 7 plus or
minus 2 in size as discussed in Decision by Objectives section heading "Channel capacity and
short term memory".)
Since a set of perfectly consistent judgments produces a consistency index of 0, the consistency
ratio will also be zero. A consistency ratio of 1 indicates consistency akin to that which would be
achieved if judgments were made at random rather than intelligently. This ratio is called the
inconsistency ratio in Expert Choice, since the larger the value, the more inconsistent the
judgments.
Expert Choice also reports an Overall Inconsistency ratio, which is a weighted average of the
inconsistency ratios throughout a model. Note: Because inconsistency ratios have not been
calculated for matrices larger than 15 x 15, no Overall Inconsistency ratio will be reported for
models containing a cluster larger than this size.

Information Document
Used to enter information about the goal, a particular objective, sub-objective or alternative in
the hierarchy. When using a group model this feature is only available to the facilitator.

Instensity Scales
When using the Data Grid, Intensity Scales are used with either Ratings or the Step function to
measure data. These scales are often made up words such as Very Good, Good and Poor.
The scale is then pairwise compared deriving priorities by which the alternatives are then
compared.

Invert
This command switches the order of dominance between nodes in the pairwise comparison
process.

Judgment
Dictionary.com defines judgment as "The act or process of judging; the formation of an opinion
after consideration or deliberation." A judgment expresses the strength of importance,
preference or likelihood of one element over another with respect to the node above when
making a Pairwise comparison. Usually the judgments are made through a series of pairwise
comparisons, although judgments can also be made by entering priorities directly, using
Assessment, Direct which we do not recommend.
Judgments are also made from the Data Grid, by comparing each alternative with respect to
each covering objective's formula type of Ratings or Direct entry of priorities. See Judgments
vs. Data.
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Judgment vs. Data

We make judgments when making pairwise comparisons in the ModelView and Ratings and
Direct entry of Priorities in the Data Grid. In the Data Grid, we enter data for Step Functions
and Utility curves; this process converts data to values by applying the formulas of the
covering objectives to the data entered.

Local Priority
The local priority represents the percentage of the parent node's priority that is inherited by the
child. The local priorities of the children of a node also sum to one. See: Global Priorities and
Priority

ModelView
The main Expert Choice window shows one of the following: the TreeView (hierarchy of
objectives), alternatives and an Information Document for the current node; Affinity
Diagramming pane, or the Pros/Cons pane. When in Affinity Diagramming you can see all the
objectives and alternatives (top down structuring). When in the Pros/Cons pane you can see all
the pros and cons and the alternatives that they point to (bottom up structuring). For more
information see the Tutorial Structuring Lesson.

Musts in the Data Grid

An optionally specified covering objective data range that is user specified. Musts can be
defined for Utility curves, Step Functions and Direct entry of priorities.

Node
Nodes represent the elements of a decision. A node may represent the goal, an objective, a
sub-objective or an alternative.

Note
Each node of a model can have a corresponding note. The note may include detailed
information that isn't in the definition, such as the information that was considered for a
judgment. It is most useful when the group feature is enabled because each participant can
enter his/her own comments. Notes can also be defined for each cell in the Data Grid.

Numerical Comparison Mode

When making assessments, you can use one of the three pairwise comparison modes. The
Numerical Comparison Mode uses numbers (1-9) to compare two elements to the element
above. For example, we would say A is 3 times more important than B.

Objective
An objective is something that is sought or aimed at in a decision. The word, objective, is
sometimes interchangeably used with criterion or attribute. However it is Expert Choice's
position that an attribute will point to a criterion and a criterion will point to an objective.
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Optimal Solution
Optimal Solution, in a resource allocation, is the identification of a set of alternatives to be fully
or partially funded such that the total benefit is maximized (optimal) while none of the
constraints are violated.

Pairwise Comparisons/Paired Comparisons

One of the major strengths of AHP is the use of pairwise comparisons to derive accurate ratio
scale priorities, instead of using traditional approaches of assigning weights. This process
compares the relative importance, performance or likelihood of two elements with respect to
another element in the level above. A judgment is made as to which is more important and by
how much. Pairwise comparisons can be carried out throughout an Expert Choice model to
establish priorities. There are three modes for pairwise comparisons: numerical, verbal, and
graphical.

Parent Node
A parent node is any node in hierarchy that has children.

Plex
A Plex is defined to be the current node and all of its descendants.

Priority
The priority of a node is a numerical value represented as a percentage of one. It is derived
from pairwise comparisons with respect to the parent node. The local priorities of the children
of a node add up to one. The global priorities of a node represent the portion of the parent's
priority inherited by the child. The global priorities of the children also sum to the parent's
global priority. The global priority of a child equals the local priority of the child times the global
priority of the parent.

Pros and Cons - Structuring

See: Bottom Up Structuring.

Ratings
Ratings is a Data Grid method used to evaluate a large number of alternatives. Scales of
intensities are developed and prioritized; these measures are then used to judge each
alternative. Also see Intensity Scales.

Redraw
The two redraw commands redraw the hierarchy, in the TreeView, about the current
(highlighted) node showing its descendants.

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Autoredraw
, the default, will automatically redraw the hierarchy about the current
node when you move to it and collapse other portions of the hierarchy
Redraw
only works if Autoredraw is off. You must move to a node and double-click to
expand or collapse that portion of the hierarchy.
When at the ModelView's TreeView, depressing the first letter of a node name (or a series of
characters) will take you to that node. This feature is not available from the Data Grid's
TreeView.

Relative Measurement
In contrast to absolute measurement, relative measurement refers to the measurement of the
priorities of the objective, sub-objective and alternatives as determined by comparing elements
to each other. See Absolute Measurement.

Resource Allocation
Expert Choice's Resource Aligner is a way to select the best combination of alternatives,
projects, vendors, and the like that maximize (optimize) the attainment of objectives while not
exceeding a specified budget. You can also specify other constraints such as time, people,
dependencies and the like. The optimization module contains a variety of forms that enable a
wide variety of constraints to be specified and utilizes algorithms that are exceptionally fast.

Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity Analysis is used to investigate the sensitivity of the alternatives to changes in the
priorities of the objectives. There are five types of sensitivity analyses: Performance, Dynamic,
Gradient, 2-D plot, and Head-to-Head. Analyses can be performed from the Goal node or from
the current node in the hierarchy such as an objective.

Sibling Node
Nodes that appear at the same level in the model, relative to the parent node, are known as
siblings.

Step Function
The Step Function is one of five Data Grid Formula types and is similar to Ratings in that it
consists of a scale or prioritized intensities. However the Step function automatically calculates
the appropriate intensity for each alternative based on data entered in the Data Grid rather the
using a word from a scale. Also see: Intensity Scales.

Structural Adjust
When making paired comparisons, the Structure button is used to structurally adjust a set of
priorities based on the number of the current node's grandchildren. This feature should be
used when you wish to prevent the dilution of the global weight of a grandchild simply because
it has many siblings.
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Structuring
This feature of Expert Choice facilitates the hierarchy building process by: 1) clustering
objectives (Affinity Diagramming), or 2) defining alternatives and their associated pros and
cons and then converting them to objectives.

Sub-objective (Sub-Criterion)
A sub-objective is a lower level objective of a parent.

Synthesis
This process shows the overall solution by synthesizing (combining) all global priorities for
each alternative and then presents the results in graphic format. A synthesis can also be
performed for other nodes in the hierarchy; this is known as an intermediate synthesis.

TreeView
The term TreeView in this manual refers to an Expert Choice hierarchy containing objectives
and sub-objectives.

Top Down Structuring (Affinity Diagramming)

The model is built, from the top, starting with the most general objectives, then the more
specific (sub-objectives), and finally the alternatives of choice. See Bottom Up Structuring
(Pros/Cons of Alternatives).

Utility Curves
Two utility curves available from the Data Grid include either Increasing or Decreasing curves,)
Like the step function, utility curves translate data into priorities. Where as the step function
consists of discrete steps, a utility curve is continuous. In addition to being increasing or
decreasing, either type can be linear or nonlinear, and when nonlinear, concave or convex.

Verbal Comparison Mode

One of three paired comparison modes where you compare factors with respect to its parent
using words, such as: Equal, Moderate, Strong, Very Strong, and Extreme.

What-if
What-if analysis can be performed with the Sensitivity Analyses Graphs to determine how the
overall result would change if the priorities of the objectives were changed.

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Autoadvance

2
2D Plot

168

Autoredraw

36

27, 168

A
About the Expert Choice Tutorials

Base Case Maximum

Absolute Measurement

168

Best Fit

167

22, 168

Bottom up Structuring

168

Accessing a Model Over the Internet or

Intranet
117

Bottom Up Structuring (Affinity

Diagramming)

168

Accessing a Model over the Web

117

Budget Lilmit

168

Activating Hardware

161

Budget Limit

168

Activating Keypads

161

Active Alternatives

65, 167

Building a Model Using Bottom-up

Structuring

Active Participants

167

Access and SQL Database

90

Activity Level Resource Allocation

Activity Level Resource Allocation
Example - Hotspots
Activity Level Resource Allocation
Optimization
Adding Alternatives
Adding (Entering) Alternatives in the
Alternatives Pane

167

45

Building an Expert Choice Model

13

Building the Hierarchy

47

C
132
131

17
15

Adding / Entering Objectives

41

168

Cluster

168

Clustering Ideas

43

Adding (Entering) Objectives to the

TreeView

Child Node

Adding an Alternative to the Data Grid 58

39, 42

ClusterView

169

Colon Notation for Activity Level

Resource Allocation

141

Combining Judgments and or Data

105

Common Keypad Troubleshooting

Questions

165

Comparing the Alternatives Using the

Numerical Mode
25

Adding Participants to your Group Model.

91

Comparisons - Modes of

169

Adding Sub-Objectives in the TreeView

16

Complete Hierarchy

169

Affinity Diagramming

Conventions Used in this Quick-Start

Guide
11

167

All Pros and Cons List

47

Alternatives in Data Grid

58

Converting Pros and Cons to Objectives

48

Alternatives to Word

149

Copying Formula Types

Alternatives:

167

Area Validation - Verbal

156

Copying Judgments and/or Data when

Adding New Participants
91

Area Validation Numerical

156

Assessment

Covering Objective
Creating

167

Assessments / Pairwise Comparisons

Overview
18
179

60

169, 170
70, 75, 77

Decreasing Utlity Curve

75

Increasing Utility Curve

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Step function

70

Creating a Group Model

90

ecsamples

Creating a Group Model & Adding

Participants

90

Creating a Group Model / Group

Enabling

90

Creating a Ratings Scale

50

Entering a Rating

58

Entering Alternatives

43

Entering Alternatives in the Alternatives

Pane
17

61

Creating a Remote Access DSN Model

109
Creating a Remote DSN for a SQL
Expert Choice Model

1, 54

Embedded Documents

Entering an `Ideal' Alternative

67

Entering Objectives into the TreeView 15

Entering Objectives to the TreeView

15

Creating a Remote DSN for a SQL Model

116

Entering Pros and Cons of the

Alternatives

45

Creating a Remote DSN Model

Entering Sub-Objectives in the TreeView

16

116

109

Creating a Step Formula From a Ratings

Formula
69
Criterion / Criteria

Entering Verbal Judgments for the

Objectives

169

Exporting Data to an External Database

86

D
Data Grid

56

Resizing and Moving Around

56

Data Grid Information to Excel

150

Data Grid Overview

Data Grid:

19

Extracting Selected Alternatives from

Data Grid to ModelView
65
F
Facilitator Keypad

53

Decreasing Utility Curves

73

Default Facilitator Menus

163

162

Facilitator vs. Participant Functions

167, 169, 170, 175

Feasible/Infeasible Solution

89
170

Formula Grid

170

15

Formula Grid Menu

170

Deleting a Formula Type

60

Formula Type

Deleting Participants

92

Copying or Deleting

60

Dependencies

139

Formula Type None

78

Diagonal Pairwise

169

Formulas Grid

170

Formulas Grid Menu

170

Funding Pools

140

Delete Node

Diagonal Pairwise Comparisons

62

Direct

169

Direct Formula

78

Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation

Example - Hawthorne Valley
123
Discrete Alternative Resource Allocation
Optimization DARA
123
Distributive Synthesis

50

Dynamic Sensitivity

32

Gap Analysis

170

Geometric Average

170

Geometric Indicator

170

Geometric Variance

29, 169

Document Linking and Embedding

60, 170

167, 171

Global Priority

171, 175

Goal
180

170

Global Alternatives

171

Goal Node
Gradient Sensitivity Graph

171

Information Document

35

Information Documents

173
49
49

Grandchild

171

Information Documents and Notes

Graphical Comparison Mode

171

Installing Expert Choice

Instensity Scales

173

Group Decision Making Using a Network

or the Web
99

Intensity

175

Internet

109

Group Enabling a Model

91

Introduction to Expert Choice

Group Model

98

Invert

Opening

98

Grouping Nodes in the Hierarchy

44

Judgment

173

Judgment vs. Data

174

Group Decision Making

99

Groups

141

H
Head-to-Head Graph
Hierarchy:

Judgments for the Sub-objectives Using

the Graphical Mode
24

35

Hierarchy to Word

148

Linked Documents

168, 169, 171

How the Hardware and Keypads are

Activated
161

Local Priority

How to Activate Receiver and Keypads

161

How to Instsall Expert Choice 2000

Ideal Synthesis

29, 171

Importing Input from Word

Improving Inconsistency

149
172
169

Inconsistencies

168

Inconsistency

22

Inconsistency Ratio / Index

172

Increasing Budgets

144

Making Pairwise Comparisons

18

Making Verbal Judgments for the

Objectives Overview

19

Mapping in the Data Grid to an External

Database
82

22

incomplete judgments

28

Making an Ojbective or Alternative

Dormant in the Pairwise Comparison
Matrix
28

83

Incomplete Hierarchy

117

Making a Factor Dormant in the Pairwise

Comparison Matrix
28

Ideal Synthesis and Resource Allocation

172
Importing Data from an External
Database

174, 175

Making a Element Dormant in the

Pairwise Comparison Matrix

I
170

50

Logging into a Model on the Server

ideal alternative

3
173

ModelView

169

ModelViewe

174

ModelView's Alternatives

167

Modifying an Existing Ratings Scale

64

Moving and Copying Nodes in the

TreeView / Hierarchy

16

Increasing or Decreasing Utility Curves71

Moving nodes in the Hierarchy

16

Increasing or Decreasing Utility Curves

Overview
71

Moving Nodes in the TreeView

/Hierarchy

16

Increasing Utility Curves

Must Constraints shown on Data Grid 78

76
181

______________________________________________________ Expert Choice Tutorials

174

Reource Allocation

Node

174

Reporting and Output to Word and Excel

Overview
147

Note

174

Numerical Comparison Mode

174

Musts in the Data Grid

N

Resizing and Moving Around the Data

Grid
56
Resource Aligner - Main Window

O
Objecitve

176

121

Resource Aligner - Resource Allocation

119

174

Object Linking and Embedding

50

On a Network or the Web

99

Resource Aligner Custom Constraints

Menu
137

Opening a Group Model

98

Resource Aligner File Menu

137

Opening a Group Model on a Network 98

Resource Aligner Go To Menu

138

Optimal Solution

Resource Aligner View Menu

138

Resource Allocation

176

Resource Allocation Terminology

119

Results of area validation

157

175

Other Data Grid Formula Types

Overview

69

Overview of Expert Choice Features

Revert Command

60

Pairwise

169

Pairwise Comparisons/Paired
Comparisons

Reverting to an Older Version of your

Model
17

175

Risks

pairwise comparisons:

167, 169, 171

Parent Node

143

175

Sample Models

1, 54

Performance Sensitivity

33

Saving Your Model

Performance Sensitivity analysis

34

Selecting Alternatives from the Data Grid

to Include in the ModelView
65

Plex

175

16

Practice Opening a Group Model on a

Network
103

Selecting Keypad Options

161

Senstivity Analysis

176

Printing and Report Functions

Setting Up a Model over the Internet or

an Intranet
109, 116, 117

Priority Fills
Priority:
Programming the Keypads
Pros and Cons Stucturing

147
27

Sibling Node

171, 175
160

SQL database

175

SQL Queries

Ratings:
Redraw

90
105

Starting / Creating a New Model (File) 13

R
Ratings

176

Step Function

54, 58
169, 175

Step Function:

27, 175

Redraw Commands

27

Reduce Inconsistency

22

Relative Measurement

167, 176

69, 176

Step Function Overview

Steps to Create a Decreasing Utility
Curve from Scratch

69
169
75

Steps to Create a Step Formula from

Scratch
70

Renaming Nodes and Deleting Nodes 15

182

Steps to Create an Increasing Utility

Curve from Scratch
Structural Adjust

U
77
176

Upsizing from Access to SQL

90

User Defined Columns

81

Structuring

39, 177

Bottom-up

39

Using Keypads Anonymously

Top-down

39

Using the Data Grid

Structuring Overview

39

Utility Curves

User Defined Columns Overivew

81
163
53

169, 177

Strucutal Adjust

176

Strucutral Adjust

176

Validation Questions

156

Strucuturing

177

Verbal Comparison Mode

177

Sub-objective Sub-Criterion

177

Viewing a list of all the Pros and Cons 47

Sub-sub-objective

171

Viewing the Hierarchy

44

Synthesis

177

Viewing the Totals Column

57

Synthesis - Getting the Results

29

T
Team Expert Choice Overview

Web Models and the Internet

89

Welcome dialogue box

Theoretical Foundation of Structuring 39

Top Down Strucutring Affinity
Diagramming

57

Trash Can

16

TreeView
Two-Dimensional (2D Plot)

13

What Expert Choice is used for

177

Totals Column in Data Grid

109
7

What the Facilitator Does

93

What the Participant Does

94

What-if

177

When to Combine Judgments and Data

104

169, 177
36

When to Use Ratings

183

54