4.1. Problem setup and data
The problem is designed as a hierarchical structure of four levels:
First the goal of the decision problem, followed by the criteria,
subcriteria, and alternative levels. As shown in Fig. 2, to select an
optimal alternative, we considered six candidate missile systems
as decision variables (x1, x2, ..., x6) and evaluated them based on
three criteria and 19 subcriteria.
Each subcriterion, identified and structured in the previous stage,
has its own characteristic data about the candidate missile systems
(Table 2). The criteria and characteristic data were identified by the
research team on the basis of confidential materials on missile systems
and Ahn’s study (2003). Because of the confidentiality issue,
part of the data was arbitrary but meaningfully generated.
We also have target values, or goals, for each subcriterion that
should be achieved in the decision making process. Usually the
JCS and Armed Forces determine the target values in the form of
requirements for operational capability that describe the capabilities
demanded for successful operational performance