Development and storage of interpretive structural models

In the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) process a group consensus process is involved for developing subjective pairwise relations among the elements of a complex system. A binary matrix model is used to develop a complete relational pattern using the pairwise relations specified by the group. A computer is used for storing and processing the supplied information using simple logical operations. In this correspondence, it is proposed that only the pairwise relations supplied by the group be stored. An algorithm for constructing the binary matrix model when needed is presented. The algorithm can also be easily used for deleting elements from the model and for making changes in the pairwise relations specified by the group during and/or after the ISM process. An example illustrating the use of the algorithm is presented.