Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis on the Preference of Video Conferencing Platforms Using Integrated AHP-WASPAS Model

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we learn and work. Hybrid or online learning and remote working have become increasingly popular in the academic and professional fields. Video conferencing has emerged to substitute physical working and business travels while making distant learning possible. Video conferencing platforms allow participants to see each other and interact in real time to transfer knowledge, conduct discussions, and make decisions. However, in some cases, technical problems arise because of network latency, programming error, or overloaded server, which impact participants’ experience. Assessment on the preference of video conferencing platforms is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. This study proposes a MCDM framework with the integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) model to evaluate the preference of video conferencing platforms among university students in Perak, Malaysia. Based on the AHP-WASPAS model, reliability and stability as well as functionality of the video conferencing platform are the top influential criteria to the university students. According to this study, Microsoft Teams emerged as the most preferred video conferencing platform, followed by Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and Cisco Webex. The result of this study analyses the capabilities of the video conferencing platforms in relation to the requirements and expectations of university students for online teaching and learning. This study contributes by providing a reference to the universities with online programmes to better evaluate video conferencing platforms for distance learning and webinars. Besides that, video conferencing service providers can also make improvements based on the result of this study.