Missing consequences in multiattribute utility theory

This paper addresses how to deal with decision alternatives with missing consequences in multicriteria decision-making problems. We propose disregarding the attributes for which a decision alternative provides no consequence by redistributing their respective weights throughout the objective hierarchy in favor of a straightforward idea: the assignation of the respective attribute range as a default value for missing consequences due to possible uncertainty about the decision alternative consequences. In both cases, decision alternatives are evaluated by means of an additive multi-attribute utility model. An illustrative example of the restoration of radionuclide contaminated aquatic ecosystems is shown.