# OffshoringDSS: An Automated Tool of Application Maintenance Offshoring
## 4 Construction of Automated Tool
### AHP Technique for MCDM Model  
The present study introduces the AHP-based decision support system that accepts expert input and ranks the available models accordingly. Decision-making that uses multiple criteria is known as multi-criteria decision-making. The AHP technique has various applications in fields like engineering, economics and management, etc. It mainly comprises two subcategories, namely Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) and Multi-Objective Decision Making (MODM). The MADM has discrete elements and options or alternatives with limited numbers, while MODM includes continuous elements and unlimited alternatives. The two names, MADM and MCDM, are used interchangeably in the literature. MODM features continuous variables and limitless possibilities, whereas MADM has discrete elements and a limited number of options. Researchers have suggested a variety of MCDM approaches in recent years, including Elimination and Choice Expression Reality (ELECTER), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA), Gray Decision Making (GDM), AHP and Analytical Network Process (ANP) [37; 38; 39; 40]. [PERSON] introduced AHP in 1980, one of the most important MCDM techniques. It is considered a precise and accurate technique to rank and prioritize variables. It is easy to use and offers a flexible multi-criteria decision-making technique. A complex problem is represented using the hierarchical structure of AHP, which simplifies the problem by decomposing it into the sub-problems. AHP systematically arranges both elements, such as intangible and tangible elements, resulting in a structured and relatively simple, as well as easy, solution to multi-criteria problems. This method works in areas where risk and uncertainty are accompanied by intuition, logic and irrationality. The problem can involve significant social, economic, political and technical quantities as well as a range of objectives, criteria and options [41; 42; 43]. AHP is a popular tool for analyzing and structuring complicated decision-making problems. It is very beneficial for assessing complex multi-criteria choices that include subjective criteria. The AHP technique can assist decision makers in calculating the weight of each criterion through pairwise comparative assessments. The weighted scoring system also has significant flaws. First, the decision-makers need to select suitable scores for the factors and available alternatives. This will need tremendous effort on the part of the parties to establish consensus. Additionally, both the weights and the ratings indicate trade-offs between the performance levels of the available options [42; 44; 45]. In the decision making of multi-criteria problem, AHP is often used to assess the relative importance of a collection of activities. This technique makes it possible to combine intangible qualitative aspects with measurable quantitative decision criteria. The AHP method mainly consists of three principles: first, the structure of the model; second, the comparison of alternatives and criteria; and third, prioritization. The decision-maker first divides the problem into three or more hierarchical levels. As shown in Figure 4, the goal of decision is clearly expressed at the top level of hierarchy. Similarly, criteria and sub-criteria are provided in the hierarchy at the middle level. The bottom level represents the alternatives. The decision maker uses pairwise comparisons of criteria relative to the goal to generate ratio-scaled priorities that show the relative importance of the factors. Similarly, the decision maker develops ratio-scaled priorities of alternatives with respect to each criterion. Finally, the weights are merged to obtain the ranking of the sourcing alternatives and to choose the best model. The current study aims to determine the relative importance of factors and ranks the sourcing options accordingly.