Multi-criteria Methods Using the Reference Points Approach

The TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method is a modification of the distance reference method developed by Hwang and Yoon (Multiple Attribute Decision Making. Number 186 in Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems. Springer, Berlin, 1981). It differs from the classical distance method by introducing an anti-pattern called the anti-ideal reference solution. The pattern is called the ideal reference solution. Between each decision variant and the ideal and anti-ideal solution, the distances are calculated, on the basis of which the value of the measure is determined.