Evaluation of Regional Development and Inequality Levels, Using Multi- Criteria Decision Making Models

To assess the levels of regional development and the amount of inequality grading the area, a quantitative method has been used. The purpose of research was to evaluate the level of development and grading the rural residences of Mazandaran Province. 40 development factors such as: infrastructural facilities, health, remedial, educational, cultural, economic and population. The Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model has been used and developed. The evaluation criterions of development of rural residences have been determined and then Delphi Method has been reviewed. To determine the proportional importance of criterions, the entropy method has been used and also to select the best option, the Topsis Method was applied. The results suggest that city of Sari got the First Rank and Fereidoonkenar City got the last in terms of development in the province. Cities of Noshahr, Amol, Babol and Tonekabon were placed in developed level and cities of Ghaemshahr, Behshahr, Chalus, Ramsar, Savadkoo, Noor and Babolsar were in developing level. Cities of Neka, Joybar, Mahmoodabad and Galoogah were in less level of development.