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A Scientometric Study on the Analytical Hierarchy Process with Emphasis on Urban Affairs Management

Peyman DAVARAZAR*1, 2, Fereydoon LOTFOLLAHI1
* Corresponding author
1 Oxford Cert Universal Academy, London, ENGLAND
2 University of Aveiro, Department of Environment and Planning, Aveiro, PORTUGAL
E-mail:
peyman.davarazar@ua.pt 
Pages: 97-112

Abstract. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is among the most widely used multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods that has been employed by researchers in various scientific areas all over the world to find the most appropriate solutions for complex and multi-variable problems. Despite the popularity of this method, there is no scientometric study on AHP applications in the literature. To fill this gap, the present study aims to present a scientometric analysis on the use of AHP for various applications, in general, and particularly for making the best decisions when dealing with urban management. Current scientific trends in this area were also identified and presented through an in-depth analysis of the findings regarding contributing countries, journals, and authors. In addition, the main keywords introduced to the field and the existing categories were explored and identified. Results demonstrated that out of the 37,000 scientific documents (including journal articles, proceedings, books, etc.) published so far on the employment of AHP in various fields, only 7% contributed to the urban affair management issues. China and Iran have the highest contributions in this field. Results also indicated that AHP has been efficiently combined with Geographic Information System (GIS) to address the scientific needs in this area. This paper also provides recommendations for the relevant future studies.

K e y w o r d s: Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), scientometric analysis, multi-criteria decision-making analysis