Multicriteria evaluation is discussed in this paper. The importance to such methods of establishing weights is stressed and it is argued that the ‘weighting problem’ is their Achilles heel. Moreover, this problem is not escaped by adopting a ‘conditional approach’ to the results of such methods. It is argued that judgment underlies all evaluation approaches and that judgment can only be rationally exercised if the information presented conveys meaning. Much multicriteria evaluation discussion focuses incorrectly on mere numerical manipulation. The focus of attention should instead be the production of measures which convey meaning to those who must exercise judgment.
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