?low $mathcal{S}$ ort: a flow-based sorting method with limiting or central profiles

摘要

Based on the ranking methodology of PROMETHEE, a new sorting method (?low $mathcal{S}$ ort) is proposed for assigning actions to completely ordered categories defined either by limiting profiles or by central profiles. The ?low $mathcal{S}$ ort assignment rules are based on the relative position of an action with respect to the reference profiles, in terms of the incoming, leaving, and/or net flows. For a better understanding of the issues involved, a graphical representation is given. An explicit relationship between the assignments obtained when working either with limiting or central profiles is formalized. Finally, an empirical comparison with Electre-Tri is made to compare the resulting assignments.