An item's weighting concerns the priority of comparing the values of
two items or more on the same level relating to their higher level. The weight of an item
not only represents a position in all the related items, but also reflects the
relationship with other items. Therefore, the proper and correct weighting of items
directly influences the reality and quality of the assessment
The AHP method, which is the Analytic Hierarchy Process provided by
T.L. Saaty, USA(1980), is normally used for the development of weighting in an assessment
system. The principle is to establish a judgement matrix depending upon the hierarchical
structure of the self-assessment model. Each item must be compared with any other item on
the same level and which item is important between two items relating to the higher level.
Therefore, every item in the hierarchy of the self-assessment model can be weighted on a
certain intensity of importance. During the comparison, the scale of the intensity of
importance may be used in accordance with the AHP method (see table 1)
Table 1 Nine Level of Intensity of Importance
Intensity
of importance
Definition
Explanation
1
Equal
impotance
Two
activities contribute equally to the objective
3
Weak
importance over another
Experience
and judgment slightly favour one activity over another
5
Essential
or strong importance
Experience
and judgment strongly favour one activity over another
7
Very
strong or demonstrated importance
An
activity is favoured very strongly over another; its dominance demonstrated in practice
9
Absolute
importance
The
evidence favouring one activity over another is of the highest possible order or
affirmation
