A cybernetic model for analytic network process

This paper provides a novel approach to the application of analytic network process (ANP) with regard to avoid the bottleneck problem in data collection through questionnaire surveys. A cybernetic model is firstly introduced to reflect all general targets and related processes so as to set up a generic framework of methodology for an efficient use of ANP. Under this framework, a novel questionnaire formatting approach, called Pair-Wiser, is then put forward for lean questionnaire design, data collection and process in order to solve bottleneck problem in data collection and significantly reduce the work load in answering questionnaires for complex decision making problems. A case study is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of using Pair-Wiser in ANP modeling. Both of the cybernetic model and Pair-Wiser approach are based on the author's research into ANP applications in the past seven years, and can effectively facilitate the adoption of ANP in real projects. © 2010 IEEE.