Novel Approach to Imprecise Assessment and Decision Environments (NAIADE)

NAIADE (Novel Approach to Imprecise Assessment and Decision Environments) is a new multi criteria evaluation method which performs the comparison of alternatives on the basis of a set of criteria. It allows the use of information with different types and degrees of uncertainty. The values assigned to the criteria for each alternative may be expressed in the form of crisp, stochastic, fuzzy numbers or linguistic expressions. NAIADE does not use traditional weighting of criteria, rather it applies a pairwise comparison technique, and generates a ranking of alternatives (e.g. problem formulation). NAIADE allows for two types of evaluations. The first is based on the score assigned to the criteria of each alternative using an impact matrix (alternatives vs. criteria). The second analyses conflict among the different interest groups and the possible formation of coalitions according to the proposed alternatives (equity matrix: linguistic evaluation of alternatives by each group). NAIADE is considered as an efficient technique in various managerial investigations and environmental studies and has been utilized frequently in recent years. Unfortunately, there is no report on this method in Iran; therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate and introduce the method in Iran. It is hoped that the method acts as a step towards elevating the awareness and knowledge in different levels of society, authorities, and executives as well as improving quality of the environment.