A process-based model for priority convergence in multi-period group decision-making

Over the past three decades substantial research has been dedicated to the task of providing theoretical models for group decision processes. Unfortunately, many models remain grounded in single-period decision contexts. The current work investigates an extremely basic process approach to multi-criteria multi-period group decision-making. The time-series model considered incorporates factors relating to member influence over aggregated group decisions, the effect of past priorities on subsequent priorities and the cognizance/acceptance of performance optimizing task-criteria priorities over otherwise non-ideal ones. Quantitative values relating to criteria priorities are elicited for each period through paired comparisons. Empirical analysis of collected group task data is done through a three-stage evaluation of the model's performance. Results suggest that the time-series approach is consistent in evaluating changes in criteria priorities over time. The model can provide a strong auxiliary tool for multi-period extensions of existing approaches to decision support analysis.