Prediction, Projection and Forecasting: Applications of the Analytic Hierarchy Process in Economics, Finance, Politics, Games and Sports

ISBN-13: 9789401579544 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 254 str.

Thomas L. Saaty; Luis G. Vargas

Opis

We predict when we say in advance, foretell, or prophesy what is likely to happen in the future. We project when we calculate the numerical value associated with a future event. We forecast, a special kind of prediction, on data of past happenings to generate or cast data for future by relying happenings. Generally, one predicts (yes, no) a war, an earthquake or the outcome of a chess match, projects the value of the GNP or of unemployment, and forecasts the weather and, more scientifically, the economic trends. Prediction, projection, and forecasting must be constrained in time and space: when and where. Often the accuracy of a forecast is of interest along with how sensitive the outcome is to changes in the factors involved. Is there a basis for improving the wisdom we need to make correct and useful predictions? We believe there is, and that it can be cultivated by studying the approach given here along with the various examples. To the best of our knowledge, no other work has approached prediction in the scientific framework of hierarchies. Prediction is the synthesis of past and present in an attempt to foretell the future. In our view, creation is not the ultimate phenomenon of the world. Nature creates forms and so do we. The problem is to surmise the eventual purpose, impact, and use of creation. It is the synthesis or outcome of bringing together the results of creation that we need to predict.

Recenzje

' Academics interested in applications of AHP might also find this book an excellent reference. ' European Journal of Operational Research 61 1992

Spis treści

1 Knowing the Future.- 2 The Analytic Hierarchy Process: Planning and Risk.- 3 The Most Livable Cities and Employee Salary Raises.- 4 The Stock Market.- 5 Modeling Behavior in Competition: Chess.- 6 Family Size in Rural India.- 7 Political Candidacy and the Presidential Election.- 8 Oil Prices.- 9 Forecasting Foreign Exchange Rates: An Expert Judgment Approach.- 10 Games and Sports.- 11 Planning the Future of the Social Security System in the United States: An Example in Control.- 12 A New Macroeconomic Forecasting and Policy Evaluation Method: Another Example in Control.- Author Index.