An AHP-Delphi Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model with Application to Environmental Decision-Making

Today, the advantage of biotechnology, especially from an environmental aspect, is undeniable compared to other technologies. Kimia Gharb Gostar Industries Company (KGGICO) - the largest producer of citric acid in the Middle East, is one of the companies that applies biotechnology. Citrogypsum is a by–product of citric acid production and is considered a valid residuum of this company. In this paper, acid citric production and condition of citrogypsum production in the company were introduced besides the definition of citrogypsum production and its applications around the world. Based on this information and the evaluation of present conditions regarding Iran’s demands for citrogypsum, the best priority was introduced, and strategy selection and proper programming emphasized for self-sufficiency. The Delphi technique was used to elicit expert opinions about the criteria for evaluating the usages. The criteria identified by the experts were profitability, capacity of production, the degree of investment, marketable, production ease, and time of production. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Expert Choice software were used to compare the alternatives based on the criteria derived from the Delphi process.