  We present the Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis Methods Selection Software
(MCDA-MSS). This decision support system helps analysts answering a recurring
question in decision science: Which is the most suitable Multiple Criteria
Decision Analysis method (or a subset of MCDA methods) that should be used for
a given Decision-Making Problem (DMP)?. The MCDA-MSS includes guidance to lead
decision-making processes and choose among an extensive collection (over 200)
of MCDA methods. These are assessed according to an original comprehensive set
of problem characteristics. The accounted features concern problem formulation,
preference elicitation and types of preference information, desired features of
a preference model, and construction of the decision recommendation. The
applicability of the MCDA-MSS has been tested on several case studies. The
MCDA-MSS includes the capabilities of (i) covering from very simple to very
complex DMPs, (ii) offering recommendations for DMPs that do not match any
method from the collection, (iii) helping analysts prioritize efforts for
reducing gaps in the description of the DMPs, and (iv) unveiling methodological
mistakes that occur in the selection of the methods. A community-wide
initiative involving experts in MCDA methodology, analysts using these methods,
and decision-makers receiving decision recommendations will contribute to
expansion of the MCDA-MSS.
