

    A   S H O R T  I N T R O D U C T I O N   T O    H I P R E  3 +    


       HIPRE 3+ is a decision support software product integrating   
    the two most well known easy to use decision analysis and 
    problem solving methods : 


             * AHP - The Analytic Hierarchy Process  

             * SMART - The Simple Multiattribute Rating Technique. 

     
       You can run both methods independently or combine them in one 
    model. If you need to learn more about these methods see the  
    literature listed at the end of this introduction.  
 
       HIPRE 3+ is designed  to be a powerful yet simple tool to  
    be used by the decision makers themselves.  HIPRE 3+ gives you  
    a visual and customizable graphical interface.  It makes the 
    structuring, priorization and analysis of complex issues an  
    easy and intuitive process. 



    H I P R E  3+   D E M O   D I S K E T T E 


       The demo version of HIPRE 3+ (hpdemo.exe) is restricted to run 
    models that have a maximum of three levels with three elements on each. 
    In the full version of HIPRE 3+ you can scroll the screen and 
    there can be up to 50 element locations on each of the 20 levels.The total
    number of elements is usually less than 20x50 =1000 as only
    the so called conventional memory available in your computer can be
    utilized.The demo version does not allow the saving of models.
    In general,the performance of the demo is equal to the full HIPRE 3+.
    However,the full distribution copy may even have some newer features added. 

    DEMO DISKETTE :

    The files on the demo diskette are: 

          ASKYN    EXE    (auxiliary file)
          CAR-AHP  MOD    HIPRE model file  using the basic AHP method
          CAR-AHPC MOD    HIPRE model file  using AHP with value conversion
          CAR-MIX  MOD    HIPRE model file  AHP + value function methods mixed
          CAR-SMRT MOD    HIPRE model file  using basic SMART method
          CAR-CON1 MOD    HIPRE model file  mixed model with value conversion 
          CAR-CON2 MOD    HIPRE model file  SMART + normalization conversion
          DSS-AHP  MOD    HIPRE model file
          DSS-SOFT MOD    HIPRE model file
          DSS-TAGS MOD    HIPRE model file  illustrates how to use tags
          ENERGY   MOD    HIPRE model file
          GO       BAT    (auxiliary file)
          HP       CNF    HIPRE setup file
          HPDEMO   EXE    HIPRE program file (demo version)
          SHOW     BAT    (auxiliary file)
          HPDEMO   MAC    HIPRE macro file for the selfrunning show
          MACRO    TXT    text file describing the macro features of HIPRE
          README   BAT    (auxiliary file)
          README   TXT    this file

       The auxiliary *.BAT and the ASKYN.EXE files are only used to simplify
     the running of the demo diskette. 

       We reserve all rights to the programs on this diskette. 



     I N Q U I R I E S


       For inquiries, please contact

          Prof. Raimo P. Hmlinen
          Systems Analysis Laboratory
          Helsinki University of Technology
          P.O.Box 1100
          FIN-02015 HUT
          FINLAND
          e-mail: raimo@hut.fi
          fax: +358-9-451 3096
          tel.: +358-9-451 3054



    H O W  T O   R U N   H I P R E 

 
    HARDWARE: 
 
       To run HIPRE 3+ you need a Hercules, EGA, or VGA graphics card. 
    Microsoft compatible mouse is optional but strongly recommended. 
 

    TO START: 
 
       To start the HIPRE 3+ demo type 'go' and <enter> after you have 
    finished reading this readme file.  You can also type the command 
    'hpdemo' to the DOS prompt 'A:>' when you have the demo disk in the
    A drive.

       Type 'show' to see a self-running macro presentation of HIPRE 3+
    and its main features.The possibility to record and play back sessions
    is a unique feature of HIPRE 3+. If you want to try this yourself read 
    the 'macro.txt' file for the instructions.
    
       You can also copy the entire demo disk into a HPDEMO directory on
    your hard disk and run HIPRE 3+ from there. Please pass the demo disk
    to your colleagues after copying. 
 
       From the opening screens of HIPRE 3+ you can continue to the main 
    window by pressing any key. To exit press [alt-X] in the main window. 
    
       Hipre 3+ is very easy to use and it was designed to be learnt hands 
    on. However, you may still want to go through the following information. 


    USING THE MOUSE: 

      Point and click with the left mouse button on the buttons or elements 
    shown on the screen to select actions or elements. The functions listed 
    under the main window can be activated by the mouse too. The function of
    the right mouse button is the same as the ESC-key. It is used to close 
    windows. 


    USING THE KEYBOARD: 
 
       To activate a button use the key definitions shown shown on the 
    button title, or press the [alt] key together with the first capital 
    letter shown on the button title. For example, press the F2 key to 
    rename or create elements (the title on the button is 'Name F2'). 
    Or, press alt-E to open activate the 'sEtup'. Sometimes also the number
    keys 1-9 (e.g. in the pairwise comparisons) and letters  A,B,C .. are 
    used for the selection. 
 

    THE COMMAND STRUCTURE 

       At each stage of the analysis the available commands are selected 
    from the menus shown on top of the HIPRE screen.  The so called main 
    menu is on the top and the command menu is below it.  The main menu 
    lists the main command modes, namely FILE, MODEL, PRIORITIES, 
    ANALYSIS and SETUP.  The command menu contains different commands 
    for each of the main menu modes. 


    OPEN THE SETUP FIRST  
 
       The first thing to do when testing HIPRE 3+ is to define the type 
    of your printer.  Wrong printer settings can cause an abnormal program 
    termination if printing is attempted.  To select the printer open the 
    setup window by pressing the sEtup-button in the main menu (use the 
    mouse or press alt-E on the keyboard). 

      At the same time you can also choose the interface color set (often 
    black and white is best for monochrome laptops). There are also three 
    different language options for the interface.  
  
       Save the setup (click the Save button) so that the same settings will
    be valid when you will open HIPRE 3+ next time.  Exit the setup 
    window by pressing the right mouse button or the Esc-key. 
 

    SELECTION OF THE PRINTER 
							   
       To set the printer push the 'Printer' button in the setup window 
    and then select the printer from the list of printers shown. For 
    example, all postscript printers are selected by the 'Postscript' 
    option.  After this type LPT1 to the 'output' field (use backspace 
    to erase characters) or the name of another port to which your 
    printer is connected.  Note that color outputs on paper and 
    transparencies are also available. 

       You should select the 'no printer' option if you do not have one 
    on-line. You can print into a file by defining a file name in the output 
    field. Use different files for each picture.  To import a HIPRE 3+ 
    picture into a word processor select the pcx format from the list of
    printers and print into a *.PCX file. 


    PRINTING AND OUTPUTS

       At any point you can print the contents of the topmost window by 
    pressing F9. To print the full screen press [alt-F9]. Printing 
    graphics always takes some time so be patient. 

       The F10 (Text report) key will allow you to print a summary report 
    in text format to a file (select hp.out or another file name as the target)
    or to a printer (replace the file name by your printer port e.g. lpt1).Note
    that text format is always used in output, so if output is to the printer
    be sure that your printer can also handle plain text files (not all 
    postscript printers can do this). You will get the overall summary report 
    when F10 is pressed in the main window.

       Text reports from different windows can be combined to the same file 
    to include all the related details of the model. Text reports can be 
    used to export HIPRE results into spreadsheet programs.

 
    TO LOAD A MODEL 

       There are a number of demonstration models on the HIPRE 3+ diskette. 
    To load one of these first select FILE and then Load, or just 
    press F5 in the main window. After that you will be shown all the  
    models available in that directory.  Select a model from the list. 
    Use the mouse or arrow keys to point the model and the Load button 
    to load it. 
 

    SELECTING ELEMENTS AND ACTIONS 
 
       Models are displayed in the workspace in the main window.  Select 
    a desired action from the menus and select an element from the 
    model by pointing and clicking with the mouse or by using the 
    arrow keys on the keyboard. 

       Note that elements can only be selected after leaving the FILE mode.
    For example, to see the composite priorities under the goal 
    element first select ANALYSIS from the main menu and then select 
    the goal element of the hierarchy (usually the leftmost element). 
    Then select 'Composite priorities' from the command menu.  This 
    gives you a bar chart where composite priorities are visualized. 


    TO CREATE YOUR OWN MODELS 
 
      To create your own models use the functions available under the 
    MODEL mode: Use the Name button (F2) to create elements, Connect (F4) 
    to connect the elements into a hierarchy (value tree), and Move (F3) 
    to move the elements on the screen. 

      You should note that in HIPRE 3+ the decision alternatives need to be 
    placed under and connected to all the lowest level criteria 
    ( = attributes).  This is a standard procedure in the AHP but it 
    is a less common tradition in the multiattribute value function 
    techniques. 

      You can add,move,disconnect and delete elements and alternatives 
    at any stage of the analysis.  The 'show missing' button under  
    the priorities mode will tell you which prioritizations are missing. 

      Remember that the demo version does not allow the saving of models. 


     ASSESSMENT OF PRIORITIES 

       Choosing the PRIORITIES mode lets you assess priorities of an 
    individual element by using one of the three different approaches:
    pairwise comparisons, direct weighting or value function.

      To define priorities in the AHP way use pairwise comparisons. 
    An unique feature of HIPRE is that the AHP comparison scale can be 
    customized in the setup window. This allows you to examine the 
    results using different comparison scales.

      For the SMART procedure use the Direct mode for the weighting of 
    the criteria (attributes) and the Value function mode to set the 
    value functions for the attributes.  

      It is possible to combine these approaches in any model, but often
    a special comparison mode is required to change the AHP priority score
    into a value score. See the Appendix at the end of this text for the 
    possible conversion modes. The conversions are model specific and are 
    activated in the setup. Default mode is 'No conversions'.

      The AHP comparison phrases can be changed in the setup to use another 
    language or to suit the type of comparisons you are dealing with.You can
    also modify the related numerical weight ratios.This allows you to avoid
    problems related to the original AHP scale.

       If you work with the value functions, (this corresponds to the   
    absolute measurement technique in the AHP) the performance of  
    the alternatives on the attributes (lowest level criteria) is 
    defined in either one of the two Rating windows. For example, if you
    have the attribute 'maximum speed' in a car selection model, then you
    should use the Rating window to assess the top speeds for the 
    alternatives. This data must be given under each attribute for each 
    alternative. The Rating window can be opened either on the level of 
    attributes or on the level of alternatives. 

       Value functions can only be defined for the lowest level criteria 
    (attributes). 

    
    EVALUATION OF RESULTS 

       The overall weights can be studied under the ANALYSIS mode. 
    HIPRE 3+ also lets you analyze the results for subhierarchies. 
    The active element will remain the goal in the analysis and it 
    is enhanced and shown on the analysis screens too. 

       Composite priorities shows the final synthesis of the priorities. 
    This window gives you the overall results in many different ways. 
    The presentation can be changed by changing the selection of the 
    bars and columns.  For example,you can see how different criteria 
    contribute to the overall performance of the alternatives.  Or you can 
    see what is the weighted performance of the alternatives under  
    different criteria. This is the most important summarizing window.  

       What-if analyses can be carried out in the sensitivity analysis 
    window.  It lets you see what effects the relative changes in the 
    criteria weights would have on the overall priorities of the  
    alternatives.  In the case of value functions the lowest level  
    sensitivity analysis shows the effects of the changes in the 
    performance (=ratings) of the alternatives.  

      The novel Priority plane option shows the relative location of 
    alternatives on a plane defined by different pairs of attribute 
    ratings and composite priorities.  Only those criteria (attributes) for
    which ratings have been entered are shown in this analysis mode.In the
    standard AHP you do not use ratings and thus this plane is of less
    value in AHP analyses. Priority plane is an easy way to eliminate 
    alternatives which do not meet your critical cutting levels on the 
    attributes. The plane can also be used to show the values and ranking 
    of alternatives on the value functions. 


    MISCELLANEOUS 

       The 'G' button is used to switch between numerical and graphical 
    representations. The 'S' button is used to select the elements shown
    in the analysis windows.

      Loading by using the F5 key is useful for group analysis as it opens 
    the new model (e.g.  other member's prioritizations) in the same window 
    which is currently active. 

      The model title is activated by [alt-O] or by clicking the mouse on it. 
     

 
    T H E   A R T   O F  D E C I S I O N  A N A L Y S I S  

 
       There are numerous books and articles about the principles and  
    applications of decision analysis methods.  A decision analysis process 
    can prove useful in many different ways.  Often the visual structuring  
    phase is the most important one as it creates a clear picture of the 
    problem.  The  quantitative  preference assessments also contribute to 
    improved problem understanding but they are essential when the results 
    are used to choose or rank the alternatives. 

       HIPRE 3+ can be used for widely different applications ranging from 
    engineering design and product selection to strategic analyses in complex 
    managerial and environmental problems as well as in medical decision 
    making. The growth of the practice of this increasingly important area 
    is not anymore limited by the lack of affordable general purpose 
    software. 

       The two basic methods included in HIPRE 3+ are both very easy and 
    widely used.  However,there is some rivalry between these approaches so
    you may not find their descriptions in the same books and materials. 

       The aim of HIPRE 3+ is to integrate these methods into a common 
    unified approach which will allow its users to take the best out of both. 
    The possibility of combining different approaches is unique to HIPRE 3+.
    Now you are independent to compare and decide yourself which approach
    is best for the particular problem you are working with. 

       You should always remember that the basic principle in decision 
    analytical weighting models is that the priority statements should
    reflect the relative value of changes from one alternative to another.
    It is not a process of eliciting absolute values for the attributes but
    we are looking for their relative importance in the particular decision 
    situation we have at hand and with respect to the set of alternatives we
    are dealing with.It is usually best to start working 'bottom up' so that
    the lowest level ratings and prioritizations are done first.This is 
    the easiest way of learning the ranges and value differences between the 
    alternatives.
     
       You should be familiar with the rank reversal issue related to the 
    AHP especially if the results of your AHP analyses are going to be used 
    in a normative way.  This phenomenon and the ways to avoid it are
    discussed extensively in the literature.  If you think that you need 
    to be concerned about it in your AHP application we suggest that you 
    use the value function techniques of HIPRE 3+ for the rating of the 
    alternatives on the lowest level criteria (or the value conversion ).
    This will always eliminate the rank reversal problem.
 

    SELECTED READINGS  

       The following books are easily available and they discuss recent 
    developments in the theories and give an extensive coverage of real 
    life applications and references.  There are also many other good books 
    and articles which cannot,however,be listed here. 

    The Analytic Hierarchy Process - Applications and Studies, 
    edited by B.L. Golden, E.A. Wasil, and P. Harker, Springer 1989. 
 
    Decision Analysis and Behavioural Research 
    by D. v. Winterfeldt and W. Edwards, Cambridge University Press,1986. 




    A P P E N D I X


    Decision analysis techniques available in Hipre 3+

    Abbreviations used for the HIPRE prioritization modes in the table:

    P = pairwise comparison 
    D = direct weighting
    V = value function
    R = rating

    Methods:                                    HIPRE selections:

                                    Prioritization modes     Conversions        
                                    Criteria  Lowest level

    The Analytic Hierarchy Process (1):

    basic AHP  (2)                   P           P
    AHP with value function conv.    P           P           AHP -> value
    hybrid: AHP+Direct   (2,3)       P and D (4) P and D (4)
    Absolute measurement  (5)        P           V + R

    Multiattribute value function techniques:

    basic SMART                       D           V + R
    hybrid: AHP-SMART                 P and D (4) V + R
    SMART with value normaliz.   (2)  D           V + R   value -> norm.value
    hybrid: AHP-SMART with normal.(2) P           V + R   value -> norm.value


    Direct weighting techniques:

    basic normalized Direct (2)        D          D         
    Direct with value function conv.   D          D         AHP -> value

    The following combinations should not to be used (6): 

    Any method with value functions    P          V + R and D 
    and Direct or pairwise mixed       P          V + R and D
    on the lowest level without the    D          V + R and P
    use of one of the conversions      D          V + R and D

    Remarks:

    1. You can change the verbal strength of preference expressions assigned
       to the ratios as well as the ratio scale itself.
    2. The possibility of the occurrence of the rank reversal phenomenon
       needs to be considered.
    3. The Direct mode allows you to avoid the limitation of the maximum 
       ratio of 9:1.
    4. You can use either pairwise or direct or both mixed.
    5. The so called Absolute measurement technique of AHP is essentially the
       same as  using value function techniques together with pairwise
       prioritizations on the upper level criteria.
    6. In these combinations the lowest level evaluations do not make sense
       because some of them are normalized and some of them are not.

 

                          - end of README.TXT -

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