Year: 2026
Type: software-paper
Abstract: Cause-and-effect analysis is essential for understanding complex systems with interdependent factors and dynamic interactions. This analysis enables the identification of key drivers, feedback loops, and underlying structures that shape the behavior of a system. One of the well-known and established frameworks for modeling causal relationships in complex systems is the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Experts and decision-makers are the main input sources for DEMATEL. This underscores the need for an accessible, user-friendly software package that can collect, manage, and integrate their evaluations. To this end, a Python-based application has been developed to support cause-and-effect analysis using DEMATEL and its extensions based on triangular fuzzy set, grey interval numbers, and Z-numbers. The software offers various useful options based on in-depth analyses using different threshold identification techniques, cluster analysis, and automated interpretation of results via large language models.
Source: SoftwareX
Authors: Ali Torkayesh, Anahita Amiri, Sandra Venghaus
Institutions: Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University
Language: English
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
OpenAlex ID: W7224116060