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Application Potential of MCDM/MCDA Methods in Transport—Literature Review and Case Study

Author

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  • Elżbieta Broniewicz

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Białystok, Poland)

  • Karolina Ogrodnik

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Białystok, Poland)

Abstract

The paper’s priority aim is to review the scientific literature on multi-criteria analysis in the transport sector. The work is a continuation of research published in the previous works: Broniewicz, Ogrodnik, Multi-criteria analysis of transport infrastructure projects; and Broniewicz, Ogrodnik, A comparative evaluation of multi-criteria analysis methods for sustainable transport. This paper updates the literature review of the subject matter, considering scientific papers published between 2021 and 2024. Based on a literature review, the topic’s popularity under study was assessed, the most popular methods/groups of MCDM/MCDA methods applied to transportation decision-making problems were identified, and new research topics that emerged in recent years were also identified. The article also includes the case study—a multi-criteria analysis of a selected road investment in Poland. The project variant was selected using four different criteria weighting methods, and the obtained results were compared. The comparative analysis performed allowed for the assessment of the application potential of the selected MCDM/MCDA methods. Special attention was paid to the weighting methods. Based on the multi-criteria analysis, a comparable set of weights was obtained using the AHP and Fuzzy AHP methods, while different results were obtained using the CRITIC method characterized by an objective approach to weighting. The TOPSIS method was used for the final ranking of the variants of the selected real road investment. The results confirmed the ranking obtained from the official design documentation of the selected investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Elżbieta Broniewicz & Karolina Ogrodnik, 2025. "Application Potential of MCDM/MCDA Methods in Transport—Literature Review and Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-35, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7671-:d:1732522
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