Application of the AHP in Choosing Project Manager

Abstract

This paper presents the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a potential decision making method for use in project manage- ment. The contractor prequali®cation problem is used as an example. A hierarchical structure is constructed for the prequali®cation criteria and the contractors wishing to prequalify for a project. By applying the AHP, the prequali®cation criteria can be prioritized and a descending-order list of contractors can be made in order to select the best contractors to perform the project. A sensitivity analysis can be performed to check the sensitivity of the ®nal decisions to minor changes in judgements. The paper presents group decision-making using the AHP. The AHP implementation steps will be simpli®ed by using the `Expert Choice' professional soft- ware that is available commercially and designed for implementing AHP. It is hoped that this will encourage the application of the AHP by project management professionals. 5 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd and IPMA. All rights reserved.