Importance of criteria weights in composite appraisal of transport projects – a robustness analysis

This paper presents a framework for estimating the robustness of appraisal of transport projects using composite appraisal methodology which makes use of both cost benefit analysis (CBA) and multi criteria analysis (MCA). The setting of criteria weights in MCA is often seen as the most subjective part of the analysis and is frequently a subject for discussion. The examined methodology makes use of importance order for setting the criteria weights; thereby only a ranking of the criteria after importance is required from the involved decision makers or stakeholders. In some cases the setting of criteria weights can make a big difference in the resulting assessment of alternatives. It is concluded that it is highly relevant to examine the criteria weights for estimating the robustness of the assessment.