Software for building and measuring the quality of composite indicators using ordered weighted averaging: So-called S-CI-OWA

Abstract

Composite indicators are one-dimensional measures that help decision-makers understand complex realities. Existing software builds composite indicators using different methods, also providing a measure of the stability of their structure. Considering this, it is possible to point out that there is a gap for software that provides more quality measures and composite indicators capable of guiding decision-makers on their usability. The software for building and measuring the quality of composite indicators using Ordered Weighted Averaging, so-called S-CI-OWA, fills this gap. The S-CI-OWA is based on Ordered Weighted Averaging, which assigns weights according to the input value, solving hierarchical evaluation problems considering the fuzzy nature of scoring, weighting, and aggregation operations. The S-CI-OWA offers three new features over existing software: one, versatility in driving composite indicator scores up or down; two, flexibility in defining this intensity of emphasis, allowing more positive or negative indicators (sub-indicators) to be highlighted in decision-making units; three a broader set of quality measures of composite indicators, notably: ranking uncertainty, ratio of atypical measurements, discriminating, explanatory and informational power.

Keywords

• Multidimensional phenomena
• Composite indicators
• Multicriteria methods
• Child well-being