Analytic Hierarchy Process An Overview

Methodology The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) –How AHP Structures Decision Problems Overall Goal Criteria Alternatives –Facilitates Decision Analysis Measures the Extent to Which Each Alternative Achieves Each of the Criteria Determine the Relative Importance of the Criteria in Meeting the Goal

Analytic Hierarchy Process Complex Decisions  Conflicting Multiple Objectives  Differing Perspectives The Recommendations Offered by Decision Analysis Should Not be Blindly Accepted.

Methodology 1. Determine the Weights of the Alternatives for Each Criterion 2.Determine the Priorities or Weights of the Criteria in Achieving the Goal 3.Determine the Overall Weight of Each Alternative in Achieving the Goal. This is Accomplished by Combining the Results of the First Two Stages and is Called Synthesis

The Analytical Hierarchy Process Using Expert Choice Expert Choice is a decision-making software program that utilizes AHP Certain Criteria are chosen based on relevant importance and personal preference Example: What is the Best Car to Buy?

Expert Choice

Pairwise Comparison

Volvo Wins!

Web Portal Project

The Portal Group Faculty Advisors –Robert Nydick –Stephen Andriole Expert Advisors –Timothy Ay –Steve Fugale Criteria Group –TJ Czyzewski –Anne Kanouff –Dom Pinelli –Mike Rogers Alternative Groups –Pat Beirne –Katie D’Angelo –Jack Dertadian –Peter Earle –Dan Farino –Pat Gaffney –Wade Hardie –Pete Hamm –Chris Klenk –Dan Massamini –Travis McMenimon –Caitlin Moore –Sean Ryan –Matt Savini

What is the Problem? A new technological revolution –Is it good for the University? One-stop access to the University –Connect each individual with his/her information from several systems (Novasis, Webmail, WebCT, WildCard, News, Calendars) Attract prospective students

Topics to be Covered What is a portal? Goal Criteria Alternatives The Results Sensitivity Analysis

What is a portal? A portal is a web based interface that combines information and content from a variety of sources into a single view. It also allows for user personalization.

What is a portal?

Benchmarking Peer –University of Richmond –Drexel University –Lehigh University –Boston College –Bucknell University Pure Technology –Wake Forest University – Carnegie Mellon University – Dartmouth College –University of Delaware

Benchmarking Peer –Boston College – “Agora” Oracle –Drexel University – “DrexelOne Mobile” Microsoft.NET –Lehigh University SCT Pure Technology –Wake Forest – “WIN” IRISLink (SRN) –University of Delaware – “UD&me” UPortal –Carnegie Mellon – “Digital Dashboard” WebISO

Topics to be Covered What is a portal? Goal Criteria Alternatives The Results Sensitivity Analysis

Goal The ideal portal product that best first the current and future requirements and needs of the University

Topics to be Covered What is a portal? Goal Criteria Alternatives The Results Sensitivity Analysis

Topics to be Covered What is a portal? Goal Criteria Alternatives Results Sensitivity Analysis

Original Alternatives

Oracle Application Server Alternative 1

Good Scalability Secure Architecture Lots of Supporting Applications Work with Portal AS Easy to Customize Good Integration & Interoperability with Other Applications & Architectures … Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Developed By JA-SIG Java In Administration Special Interest Groups Java 2 Implementation (J2EE) Focused on the requirements of higher education institutions “FREE” Pure Open Source Support – UNICON Inc. Alternative 2

Sun Java System Portal Server Alternative 3

Portal Server Web Browsers Personalization Portable Devices Discounted Price Scalability Instant Messaging Portlets Alternative 3

Comparison Matrix OracleSUNUportal Open Source Proprietary Cost$ $ $$ $ IM Own Content Mgt SSO Scalability 3 rd Party Portlets All Alternatives

Topics to be Covered What is a portal? Goal Criteria Alternatives The Results Sensitivity Analysis

The Results 33.8% 33.3% 32.8%

Topics to be Covered What is a portal? Goal Criteria Alternatives The Results Sensitivity Analysis

Architecture changed from 34.5% to 25% –UPortal is ranked first Cost changed from 27.2% to 31.9% –UPortal is ranked first Security changed from 19.3% to 37.9% –SUN is ranked first Vendor Stability –Only changes slightly rankings when the weight approaches zero Features – no change

Questions ?