In this paper, the ranking of selected software packages for project management is performed. The aim is to rank project management software packages based on predefined criteria and to show that MCDM methods can yield varying results even when analyzing the same problem. This shows that MCDM can be a useful tool for simplifying the observed problem, but the final decision should be given by the decision-maker.
When making a decision using quantitative MCDM methods, it is necessary to know the criteria weights and input data that will be used for comparing alternatives. In this paper, AHP, CRITIC and CILOS methods for determining criteria weights and VIKOR, TOPSIS, COPRAS, SAW and GRA methods for alternative ranking will be used.
A brief literary review of the chosen methods will be presented, followed by a comparative analysis of the software packages. Finally, tabular and graphic representations of the alternative rankings obtained from the different methods are provided.
References
Akbar, S., Ahmad, I., Khan, R., Lopes, I. O., & Ullah, R. (2022). Multi-Skills Resource Constrained and Personality Traits Based Project Scheduling. IEEE Access, 10, 131419–131429. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2022.3229867
Akbar, S., Ullah, R., Khan, R., Asghar, I., Zubair, M., & Zheng, Z. (2023). A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Software Project Management Tool Selection. In Proceedings of the 2023 9th International Conference on Computer Technology Applications (pp. 184–191). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3605423.3605454
Al-Aomar, R. (2010). A combined AHP-ENTROPY method for deriving subjective and objective criteria weights. The International Journal of Industrial Engineering: Theory, Applications and Practice, 17(1), 12–24.
Ayan, B., Abacıoğlu, S., & Basilio, M. P. (2023). A Comprehensive Review of the Novel Weighting Methods for Multi-Criteria Decision-Making. Information, 14(5), 285. https://doi.org/10.3390/info14050285
Chakraborty, S. (2022). TOPSIS and Modified TOPSIS: A comparative analysis. Decision Analytics Journal, 2, 100021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dajour.2021.100021
Chakraborty, S., Chatterjee, P., & Protim Das, P. (2024). Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods in Manufacturing Environments: Models and Applications. United States of America: Apple Academic Press. .
Cicibas, H., Unal, O., & Demir, K. (2010). A Comparison of Project Management Software Tools (PMST). . International Conference on Software Engineering Research and Practice, SERP 2010, 560–565.
Diakoulaki, D., Mavrotas, G., & Papayannakis, L. (n.d.). Determining Objective Weights in Multiple Criteria Problems: The CRITIC method. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications, 22(7), 27. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-0548(94)00059-HG2
G2 – Business Software Reviews. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.g2.com/. (n.d.).
Software Advice. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.softwareadvice.com/. (n.d.). Software Advice.
Goodridge, W. S. (2016). Sensitivity Analysis Using Simple Additive Weighting Method. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications, 8(5), 27–33. https://doi.org/10.5815/ijisa.2016.05.04
Hwang, C.-L., & Yoon, K. (1981). Multiple Attribute Decision Making. In Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-48318-9
Ju-Long, D. (1982). Control problems of grey systems. Systems & Control Letters, 1(5), 288–294. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-6911(82)80025-x
KOKOÇ, M., & ERSÖZ, S. (2019). Comparison of AHP-TOPSIS and AHP-VIKOR Methods in Product Selection in terms of Inventory Management. Uluslararası Muhendislik Arastirma ve Gelistirme Dergisi, 11(1), 163–172. https://doi.org/10.29137/umagd.391359
Krishnan, A. R., Kasim, M. M., Hamid, R., & Ghazali, M. F. (2021). A Modified CRITIC Method to Estimate the Objective Weights of Decision Criteria. Symmetry, 13(6), 973. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13060973
Lee, J.-C., & Chen, C.-Y. (2021). Exploring the effects of team coordination and power distance on effective software process tailoring: a theoretical perspective. Information Technology & People, 35(3), 1009–1028. https://doi.org/10.1108/itp-02-2020-0063
Maccrimmon, K. (1968). Decisionmaking Among Multiple-Attribute Alternatives: A Survey and Consolidated Approach. California: The RAND Corporation.
Manole, M., & Avramescu, M. (2017). A Comparative Analysis of Agile Project Management Tools. . Economy Informatics, 17(1), 26–31.
Milin, D., Ćosić, I., Morača, S., & Tešić, Z. (2012). Primena softverskih alata za upravljanje projektima u Srbiji [Software Tools Application for Making Projects in Serbia]. . Inforteh-Jahorina, 829–832.
Milojević, D., Macuzic, I., Djordjevic, A., Savković, M., & Djapan, M. (2023). ). Comparative Analysis of Software Tools for Agile Project Management. 785–793.
Misra, S., & Ray, A. (2012). Comparative Study on Different Multi-Criteria Decision Making Tools in Software project selection scenario. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science, 3(4), 172–178.
Mitrović, Z., Obradović, V., & Mihić, M. (2011). Uporedna analiza softvera za upravljanje projektima [Comparative Analysis of Project Management Softwares]. VIII Skup Privrednika i Naučnika SPIN.
Nikolić, M., Radovanović, L., Desnica, E., & Pekez, J. (2010). Primena metode VIKOR za izbor strategije održavanja. Tehnička Dijagnostika, 9(4), 25–32.
Ok, E. (2025). Comparative Analysis of AHP and Other Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods in Investment Project Evaluation.
Opricovic, S. (1998). Multicriteria optimization of civil engineering systems. Belgrade: Faculty of civil engineering. Belgrade: Faculty of Civil Engineering. .
Opricovic, S., & Tzeng, G.-H. (2004). Compromise solution by MCDM methods: A comparative analysis of VIKOR and TOPSIS. European Journal of Operational Research, 156(2), 445–455. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0377-2217(03)00020-1
Opricovic, S., & Tzeng, G.-H. (2007). Extended VIKOR method in comparison with outranking methods. European Journal of Operational Research, 178(2), 514–529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2006.01.020
Özcan, S., & Çelik, A. K. (2021). A comparison of TOPSIS, grey relational analysis and COPRAS methods for machine selection problem in the food industry of Turkey. International Journal of Production Management and Engineering, 9(2), 81. https://doi.org/10.4995/ijpme.2021.14734
Paradowski, B., Shekhovtsov, A., Bączkiewicz, A., Kizielewicz, B., & Sałabun, W. (2021). Similarity Analysis of Methods for Objective Determination of Weights in Multi-Criteria Decision Support Systems. Symmetry, 13(10), 1874. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13101874
Patil, A., Walke, G., & Gawkhare, M. (2019). Grey relation analysis methodology and its application. Research Review International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 4(2), 409–411. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2578088
Podvezko, V. (2011). The Comparative Analysis of MCDA Methods SAW and COPRAS. Engineering Economics, 22(2), 134-146. https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.22.2.310
Popović, G., Stanujkić, D., & Stojanović, S. (2012). Investment project selection by applying COPRAS method and imprecise data. Serbian Journal of Management, 7(2), 257–269. https://doi.org/10.5937/sjm7-2268
Radulescu, C. Z., & Radulescu, M. (2024). A Hybrid Group Multi-Criteria Approach Based on SAW, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and COPRAS Methods for Complex IoT Selection Problems. Electronics, 13(4), 789. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13040789
Saaty, R. W. (1987). The analytic hierarchy process—what it is and how it is used. Mathematical Modelling, 9(3–5), 161–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/0270-0255(87)90473-8
Saaty, T. (1980). The Analytic Hierarchy Process -Planning, Priority Setting, Resource Allocation. United States of America: McGraw-Hill Inc. .
Saaty, T. L. (1990). How to make a decision: The analytic hierarchy process. European Journal of Operational Research, 48(1), 9–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/0377-2217(90)90057-i
Sari, F. (2018). Comparison of TOPSIS and VIKOR multi criteria decision analysis techniques. Selçuk Üniversitesi Mühendislik, Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi, 6, 825–831. https://doi.org/10.15317/Scitech.201
Taherdoost, H. (2023). Analysis of Simple Additive Weighting Method (SAW) as a MultiAttribute Decision-Making Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide. Journal of Management Science & Engineering Research, 6(1), 21–24. https://doi.org/10.30564/jmser.v6i1.5400
Taherdoost, H., & Mohebi, A. (2024). A Comprehensive Guide to the COPRAS method for Multi-Criteria Decision Making. Journal of Management Science & Engineering Research, 7(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.30564/jmser.v7i2.6280
Ustinovichius, L. (2007). Methods of determining objective, subjective and integrated weights of attributes. International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 8(5–6), 540–554.
Vaidya, O. S., & Kumar, S. (2006). Analytic hierarchy process: An overview of applications. European Journal of Operational Research, 169(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2004.04.028
Zavadskas, E. K., & Podvezko, V. (2016). Integrated Determination of Objective Criteria Weights in MCDM. International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making, 15(02), 267–283. https://doi.org/10.1142/s0219622016500036
Zavadskas, E., Kaklauskas, A., & Šarka, V. (1994). The new method of multicriteria complex proportional assessment of projects. Vilnus Techical University Institute of Technological and Ecomic Development (ITED), 3, 131–139.
Žižović, M., Miljković, B., & Marinković, D. (2020). Objective methods for determining criteria weight coefficients: A modification of the CRITIC method. Decision-Making: Applications in Management and Engineering, 3(2), 149–161. https://doi.org/10.31181/dmame2003149