Software selection : a case study of the application of the analytical hierarchical process to the selection of a multimedia authoring system

This paper discusses the multimedia processing environment, the applicability of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in problem solving, and how AHP can be applied to the selection of multimedia authorizing systems (MAS) in a group decision environment. A MAS selection model is proposed to facilitate the group's decision making in the selection of MAS. Six software engineers, who are technically competent and experienced, participated in our study. They were trained to use AHP and then applied this technique to evaluate three MAS products for adoption decision. The results indicated that AHP offers chances for every participant to fully understand, discuss, and objectively evaluate all MAS products before identifying and selecting the most efficient MAS.