Abstract: A computer-implemented method provides for collecting votes on importances in an existing analytic network process (ANP) model, the ANP model having items which are influence linked. The votes to be collected are determined, wherein the votes are with respect to items in the ANP model, the items being influence linked, and wherein a vote represents an importance of two or more influence linked items. An item can be a control criteria, an element, or a cluster. Also, at least a portion of the votes are collected automatically or semi-automatically, including collecting votes on two or more pairs of items where the items are in the same cluster with respect to a different item that is in the same cluster or a different cluster, and collecting votes on items where the items are clusters or control criteria.