“…The analytical ER algorithm is then proposed 8 based on the recursive algorithm and Yen's combination rule, 9 in which only one step of calculation is to be conducted to generate the overall performance. Secondly, the ER approach has been applied to many real world decision making issues, for instance, motorcycle and car evaluation, 2,3,7 large engineering product evaluation, 10 general cargo ship design, 11 supplier selection in VMI alliance circumstance, 12 contractor selection, 13 safety analysis, 14,15 self assessment, 16,17,18 environmental impact assessment, 8 pipeline leak detection, 19 strategic R&D project assessment, 20 new product development, 21 bridge condition assessment, 22 consumer preference prediction, 23 and so on. Thirdly, on the implementation of the ER approach, a window-based and graphically designed decision support software package called intelligent decision system (IDS) is developed on the basis of the ER approach.…”