The Application of Multi Attribute Decision Methods (MADM) on prioritizing Iranian fisheries research projects

The ultimate goal of an agriculture research system is on-time, correct and clear response to the problems and expectations of agriculture household and stakeholders. In this respect, though, due to variation and frequency of the problems and expectations and as well as many limitations such as financial deficit, short time and shortage in work force and equipments etc, the system cannot be thoroughly responsive. Therefore, the necessity for optimizing the system to response through prioritizing the research projects has been a major challenge before the responsible managers and authorities. In this paper, the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) has been introduced as a well known Multi Attribute Decision Methods (MADM) that combines qualitative and quantitative criteria for prioritizing the research projects of the Iranian Fisheries Research Organization. For implementation of the mentioned principles and methods of prioritizing the research projects have been studied and then by determining the final decision making criteria, the priority of the projects in the Institute have been determined by drawing decision hierarchy tree. Required data was gathered through pair wise comparison questionnaires filled by the experts and researchers. In the next step, Expert Choice software used to analyze and determine the priorities. Based on results criteria of research possibility, scientific development, economic development, and stability development with respective weight .377, .263, .187, and .173 are the most important criteria for the institute in the south area of Caspian Sea. Finally, according to the produced results, the priorities of the six studied research programs determined.