The analytic hierarchy process at Dar Al-Hekma, Saudi Arabia

I designed and implemented a multicriteria group-decision-making model based on the analytic hierarchy process to select the best candidates to send overseas to do graduate studies and eventually become teachers at the newly created Dar Al-Hekma women's college in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Thus, scientific application of an OR method has proved to be robust in a highly political environment. Users do not need to understand the sophisticated, albeit transparent, theory that underlies the methodology. The model is user friendly and relies on simple constructions that conform with what people actually do using logic and discussion to express their opinions in a collective effort to make a decision. Its outcome creates public trust in the management of the college.