Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Evaluating SDGs’ Implementation on Higher Education Institutions: A Framework

This paper proposes a framework for evaluating the sustainability of higher education institutions (HEIs) using a combination of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and TOPSIS. This approach aims to align higher education institutions’ activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). It addresses shortcomings in existing evaluation systems, such as a lack of transparency and insufficient consideration of institutional diversity. The framework uses a comprehensive set of 34 indicators, divided into policy-based and data-driven categories, to measure alignment with all 17 SDGs. AHP is applied to determine the relative importance of each criterion, ensuring a balanced evaluation based on expert input. The TOPSIS method was then used to rank universities based on their proximity to an ideal performance level. The framework is noted for its flexibility, transparency, and ability to generate practical recommendations, although challenges such as reliance on expert judgment and data limitations are acknowledged.