A Weighted Subjective Skyline Approach for World University Ranking Systems

Abstract

Multicriteria ranking has been the center of Multicriteria decision making (MCDM) for a long time, which usually assumes a simple structure of criteria and the objective values of evaluations. In this study, we develop a new multicriteria ranking approach that considers people's subjective attitudes on objective rankings and accommodates a hierarchical structure of criteria. Our new approach, called weighted subjective skyline ranking (WSSR), can capture people's tastes (or bias) under a hierarchy of multicriteria. As a unique behavioral feature, this WSSR accounts for the diminishing sensitivity of people. We can quantitatively characterize the influence of people's subjective attitudes in processing multicriteria ranking. We consider the world university ranking as a practical scenario of implementation through this study. Interestingly, using the WSSR uncovers essentials and bias in prevailing world university ranking systems. This study provides a deeper understanding of the influence of the human factor on multicriteria ranking.