Scholarly record
MCDA METHODS FOR ERP SYSTEM SELECTION
Abstract
In this paper, we present a comparative review of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods used in the selection of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. ERP selection is inherently complex and involves multiple organizational and technical factors that must be evaluated simultaneously. MCDA methods provide a structured framework to support such decisions by handling diverse and sometimes conflicting evaluation criteria. Our study focuses on four widely recognized MCDA methods (AHP, ANP, TOPSIS, ELECTRE), analyzes their core logic, how they process multiple criteria and their ability to rank or filter ERP alternatives. Each method is evaluated based on four well-defined criteria: complexity of application, transparency of results, flexibility, practical relevance. Rather than applying these methods to a specific case study, we try to provide a side-by-side comparative framework that draws on the existing theoretical and applied research. The analysis is also supported by a comparative table and a methodological flowchart, which together enhance clarity, reproducibility and decision-making utility. By identifying the contextual strengths and limitations of each method, we want to assist practitioners to select the most appropriate tool for ERP system evaluation, based on their specific organizational constraints and decision environments.
Publication Impact Profile
Publication details
References15
Büyüközkan, G., & Çifçi, G. (2012). A combined fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS based strategic analysis of electronic service quality in healthcare industry. Expert Systems with Applications, 39(3). DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2011.08.061
Cao, B., Jin, Y., Ulutas, A., Topal, A., Stevic, ЕЅ., Karabasevic, D., & Sava, C. (2024). A new integrated rough multi-criteria decision-making model for enterprise resource planning software selection. PeerJ Computer Science, 10, e2096. DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.2096
Dey, P. K. (2010). Managing project risk using combined analytic hierarchy process and risk map. Applied Soft Computing Journal, 10(4). https://doi.org/ DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2010.03.010
Figueira, J., Greco, Salvatore., & Ehrogott, M. (2006). Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis: State of the Art Surveys. Springer-Verlag. https://doi.org/ https://doi. org/DOI: 10.1007/b100605
Govindan, K., & Jepsen, M. B. (2016). ELECTRE: A comprehensive literature review on methodologies and applications. In European Journal of Operational Research (Vol. 250, Issue 1). DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2015.07.019
Ishizaka, A., & Nemery, P. (2013). Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis: Methods and Software. In Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis: Methods and Software. DOI: 10.1002/9781118644898
Kahraman, C. (2008). Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making. Theory and Applications with Recent Developments. Springer. https://doi.org/https://doi. org/ DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-76813-7
Kumar, V., Maheshwari, B., & Kumar, U. (2003). An investigation of critical management issues in ERP implementation: emperical evidence from Canadian organizations. Technovation, 23(10), 793–807. DOI: 10.1016/S0166-4972(02)00015-9
Roy, B. (1991). The outranking approach and the foundations of electre methods. Theory and Decision, 31(1). DOI: 10.1007/BF00134132
Saaty, T. L. (1980). The Analytic Hierarchy Process: Planning, Priority Setting, Resources Allocation. McGraw-Hill International Book Co.
Saaty, T. L. (2001). The Analytic Network Process : Decision Making With Dependence and Feedback. Rws Pubns.
Vaidya, O. S., & Kumar, S. (2006). Analytic hierarchy process: An overview of applications. European Journal of Operational Research, 169(1). DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2004.04.028
Velasquez, M., & Hester, P. (2013). An analysis of multi-criteria decision making methods. International Journal of Operations Research, 10(2), 56–66.
Wei, C. C., Chien, C. F., & Wang, M. J. J. (2005). An AHP-based approach to ERP system selection. International Journal of Production Economics, 96(1). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2004.03.004
Zavadskas, E. K., Turskis, Z., & Kildiene, S. (2014). State of art surveys of overviews on MCDM/MADM methods. In Technological and Economic Development of Economy (Vol. 20, Issue 1). DOI: 10.3846/20294913.2014.892037
View or Download full articleAccess options
SWS access login
Login as SWS Scientific CommitteeLogin as SWS Scientific PartnerLogin as SWS AuthorAuthors and approved SWS contributors will read and export their own linked papers after identity matching by SWS profile, email and SGEM GlobalID.
For librarian assistance: [email protected]
Purchase Instant Access
- Article can be downloaded after successful payment.
- Article may be used according to SWS library access terms.
- Article cannot be redistributed.