criterion, to the different evaluations provided by different

![0_image_0.png](0_image_0.png) sources.

Reliability of each source is assessed using the classical

![0_image_2.png](0_image_2.png)

discounting factor (αs) proposed in the DST or **DSmT**
frameworks. Then, fusion of this discounted bba's is done using different fusion rules. The **P CR**6 rule [6], [7], [15] is recommended to prevent aberrant decisions in case of highly conflicting evaluations of a criterion (figure 14).

ER−**MCDA** methodology produces a comparative decision

![0_image_1.png](0_image_1.png)

profile in which decision classes (elements of the frame of discernment) can be compared one to each other using DST or **DSmT** to fit in the best possible way to their nature (figure 16).

The second step consists in the fusion of the bba's corresponding to each criterion and resulting from the first step of fusion (figure 13). In this second step, each criterion is considered as a source which is discounted according its importance in the decision process as proposed by [3] (figure 15).

Results of fusion have to be interpreted to decide which is the sensitivity level that will be chosen (NoS, LS, MS
or HS) according either to the maximum of basic belief assignments, credibility (pessimistic decision), plausibility (optimistic decision) or pignistic probability (compromise). The

## Iv. Conclusion-Discussion

The ER−**MCDA** methodology allows to make a decision based on multiple and more or less important criteria on which more or less reliable sources provide imperfect and uncertain evaluations. A simplified decision sorting problem based on a snow-avalanche risk management problem shows how the use of multi-criteria decision analysis principles and information fusion can be used to characterize and take information quality or imperfection into account for decision purposes. In regard with its aggregation principles and possible "rank reversals",
AHP is as much critized than it is widely used [14].

Anyway, it remains an easy understandable method that can be