A multi-criteria approach for selection of simulation software products based on Matter Element method
Journal
Romanian Journal of Information Technology and Automatic Control
ISSN
1220-1758
Date Issued
2020-06-30
Author(s)
Rădulescu, Constanţa Zoie
DOI
10.33436/v30i2y202003
Abstract
Modeling and simulation are some of the most advanced and powerful tools for analyzing
operational performance in companies to support continuous adaptation to market needs. There is a wide
range of simulation software packages available on the market. They offer a large variety of applications,
have different prices and features and use different modeling approaches and strategies. This article develops
a approach based on a multi-criteria method that helps companies select the right simulation software, that
will improve the company's productivity. Because the problem of selecting a software product is a multicriteria decision problem with contradictory objectives, we shall use the extension theory and the MatterElement (ME) method for solving it. The ME method for several alternatives and a single level of the criteria
is presented in steps. The multi-criteria approach is applied for a case study connected with selection of
simulation software. Three alternatives are evaluated according to 17 criteria that are of interest to the
manager. The approach offers a structured way for describing the problem that takes into account the criteria related to the features of the simulation software. The weights associated with the criteria are chosen in such a way as to ensure a correct evaluation of the alternatives in order to achieve a set of objectives.
operational performance in companies to support continuous adaptation to market needs. There is a wide
range of simulation software packages available on the market. They offer a large variety of applications,
have different prices and features and use different modeling approaches and strategies. This article develops
a approach based on a multi-criteria method that helps companies select the right simulation software, that
will improve the company's productivity. Because the problem of selecting a software product is a multicriteria decision problem with contradictory objectives, we shall use the extension theory and the MatterElement (ME) method for solving it. The ME method for several alternatives and a single level of the criteria
is presented in steps. The multi-criteria approach is applied for a case study connected with selection of
simulation software. Three alternatives are evaluated according to 17 criteria that are of interest to the
manager. The approach offers a structured way for describing the problem that takes into account the criteria related to the features of the simulation software. The weights associated with the criteria are chosen in such a way as to ensure a correct evaluation of the alternatives in order to achieve a set of objectives.