A Novel Distribution-Based Weighting Approach for Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Problems: The Squared Chord Distance Method (SCDM)
Abstract
In multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems, most objective weighting methods focus either solely on internal variability (e.g., ENTROPY, SD, SVP, LOPCOW) or exclusively on external structural interactions (e.g., MEREC). Although CRITIC considers both aspects, it remains limited to linear relationships and parametric assumptions, such as normal distribution. This methodological gap significantly compromises decision quality, serving as the primary motivation for this study. In response, this research proposes the Squared Chord Distance Method (SCDM), a novel approach that simultaneously incorporates both internal and external structural divergence in a non-parametric framework. While internal variation is quantified through standard deviation, external distributional differences are captured using the Squared Chord Distance metric independent of correlation-based assumptions. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates the robustness of SCDM against weight perturbations; comparative evaluation confirms its alignment with widely accepted methods; and simulation results highlight its ability to generate balanced and stable weights. In this context, SCDM offers an original and methodologically sound contribution to the literature by embedding distributional distance analysis directly into the decision-making process.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
August 31, 2026
Submission Date
July 23, 2025
Acceptance Date
June 23, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 2