Multiple Criteria Decision Making (Mcdm) Method For Maintaining Complex Technology

A computer program comprising instructions for causing a device to execute a method that comprises the steps of,

• (a) taking a set of options for replacing each of a plurality of components of a complex article,
• (b) identifying an optimum solution set from the set of possible replacement options of step (a) that best satisfies a plurality of criteria, the step of identifying an optimum solution set comprising the step of evaluating a plurality of potential solutions from the set of possible options defined in step (a) against the plurality of criteria, and
• (c) providing an output that lists the solution(s) contained in the optimum solution set identified in step (b), wherein the criteria values for potential solutions comprise probability functions and the step of evaluating a potential solution comprises the step of calculating a measure of effectiveness (MOE) of the potential solution from the probability function of each criterion value and at least one associated user function defining the acceptability of said criterion.

A method of solving a complex problem to satisfy a plurality of criteria, the method comprising the steps of;

• (i) taking a potential solution to the problem,
• (ii) assessing the potential solution to the problem against the plurality of criteria to derive criteria values, and
• (iii) calculating a measure of effectiveness (MOE) of said potential solution from said criteria values, wherein step (ii) comprises the use of probabilistic criteria values.

(canceled)