Papers

Synthesis of complex criteria decision making: a case towards a consensus agreement for a Middle East conflict resolution

Author(s)
H. J. Zoffer
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
University of Pittsburgh
United States
Asma Bahurmoz
King Abdulaziz University
Saudi Arabia
Mohammed K. Hamid
Millersville University
United States
Marcel Minutolo
University of Pittsburgh
United States

Publication date: Sep, 2008

Journal: Group Decision and Negotiation
Vol.: 17- Issue: 5- Pages: 363-385

Abstract: The title of this paper reflects both the process and the outcome of the current undertaking. Frustrated with the current state of the Middle East but encouraged by earlier attempts at modeling complex problems, the authors participated in a panel discussion assembled to address the conflict and propose a possible road-map to peace. However, the participants of this project did not come to a single course of action that will result in peace in the Middle East but did reach a consensus agreement about a resolution that needs to be managed. This paper explores the process, the outcome and the factors that influence the decision as well as potential pitfalls. The Analytic Network Process (ANP), a well known multicriteria decision making approach, applied frequently in recent years to examine conflicts around the world, is used in this analysis. It provides a framework for synthesizing judgments on the diverse aspects of the problem represented in the structure of the decision. It pieces together these judgments in a holistic and logical way.

Keywords: Analytic Network Process, ANP, Middle East, Multi-criteria decision, Conflict resolution, Israeli-Palestinian conflict

URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10726-008-9104-3