Final answer:
The multi-criteria analysis is only as effective as the quality and completeness of the data used. It's a valuable tool that yields broadly equivalent results across criteria and can include the uncertainty factor for robust decisions. The comparison method and criteria are vital for its effectiveness, highlighting the importance of a well-designed analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effectiveness of a multi-criteria analysis for carrier selection is only as good as the information you put in. While it can be a valuable tool for assessing various alternatives against a set of criteria, its reliability is contingent upon the quality and completeness of the data and criteria used in the analysis. Analyses by Brooke et al. (2008) have demonstrated that results can be broadly equivalent between different criteria, indicating that the tool's effectiveness is linked to the robustness of the criteria and the data. As noted by Akçakaya et al. (2000), the incorporation of uncertainty is an important aspect to consider, improving the robustness of the analysis. Furthermore, the method of comparison, though not frequently practiced, is significant, as the criteria are defined by the author and could vary from one analysis to another (Akçakaya et al. 2000; Brooke et al. 2008).