Model

HIPRE - HIerarchical PREference analysis software is used for multiattribute (=multicriteria) decision analysis, where the decision problem is structured hierarchically from criteria to lower level subcriteria. The resulting model is called a value tree or a hierarchy of criteria and objectives depending on the tradition referred to. So HIPRE handles both multiattribute value trees and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) models as well as their combinations.

Elements of the value tree

The lowest level (=the rightmost) elements of the value tree are automatically handled as alternatives and they are coloured yellow. The other elements represent the overall goal and objectives or criteria and attributes (coloured cyan), depending on the tradition referred to. Different traditions use different names, but in practice there is no difference. When creating, connecting or moving the elements of the value tree, all kind of elements are handled in the same way without taking any notice on their functionality.

Creating a new element

To create a new element into the value tree, double-click on the corresponding place in the decision model area.

Activating an element

To activate an element, click the left mouse button on the element. To activate multiple elements hold down the SHIFT key and click on the each element you want to activate. Activated elements are of dark blue.

Changing the name of an element

To change the name of an element, activate the element and press ENTER.

Connecting elements

The hierarchical structure of the model is created by connecting the elements. To connect elements to a desired element, activate the elements you want to connect and click the right mouse button on the element to which you want the activated elements to be connected.

Disconnecting elements

To disconnect elements from desired element, activate elements you want to disconnect and click right mouse button on the element from which you want the activated elements to be disconnected.

Column activation/connection:

Activate all elements of a column by left-clicking the column name.

Make connections to all elements of a column by right-clicking the column name.

Select and double left click:

Opens priorities window.

Select and right click:

Opens web link.

Moving elements

To move an element, click left mouse button on element to be moved, drag element to the desired place while holding down the mouse button and drop element by releasing the mouse button.

Deleting elements

To delete elements, activate all elements you want to delete and press DELETE.

Weighting sub-elements

To open the weighting window, double-click on the corresponding element. Another way is to choose the weighting method in the Priorities-menu. See also Priorities -dialog.

Rating alternatives

To open the rating window, double-click on any alternative. Alternatives are coloured yellow. Another way is to choose Ratings... in the Priorities-menu. See also Ratings -dialog.

Element descriptions

To relate additional information to elements, choose Element descriptions in the Model -menu. Then opens the Element descriptions -dialog in which you can enter additional information for the elements.

Opening links

To open the WWW-page linked to the currently active element, click right mouse button on active element. See also WWW-links.

Undo and redo

To return to a previous state in the model, click Undo-button. To go back again, click Redo-button.

Each click will take you back one state, including any changes in the Priorities-dialog or Ratings-dialog.

Showing Descriptions

To show a description of the model or a chosen element, click either Open Model Description-button or Open Element Description-button under the Action-menu. The latter opens description of the active element.

The description-box can be moved around, enlarged, or deleted. By clicking the blue Edit-button on the box, the description can also be edited.

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