Gestalt system of holistic graphics: New management support view of MCDM

The authors present a holistic system of unaggregated multidimensional ‘profiles’, avoiding the information-destroying reduction of multicriterion dimensionality to a single ‘number’. Visualization of system information is proposed through transforming numerical data into graphical images. This enhances human ability (and preference) to reason directly on the basis of a graphical Gestalt. The system is driven by attainable and non-attainable ideals, aspiration levels or referential structures and their purposeful redefinition under changing circumstances. Management support systems, of which any MCDM technology must be an integral part, both impose and reflect system-organizational requirements and conditions that should not be ignored by methodological developments or applications. Referential or aspirational structures are powerful strategic tools which enhance the flexibility, responsiveness and competitiveness of a modern enterprise.