Multiple attribute decision-making methods for the dynamic operator allocation problem

This study explores two multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) methods to solve a dynamic operator allocation problem. Both methods use an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine attribute weights a priori. The first method uses a technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The second method incorporates a fuzzy-based logic that uses linguistic variable representation, fuzzy operation, and fuzzy defuzzification. The TOPSIS uses deterministic performance ratings and attribute weights, whilst the fuzzy-based is a linguistic method. An applied case study drawn from existing literature is used to demonstrate and test findings. The proposed methods systematically evaluate alternative scenarios, with the result indicating promise for solving an operator allocation decision problem.     

A novel approach to determine cell formation,intracellular machine layout and cell layout in the CMS problem based on TOPSIS method

This paper deals with the cellular manufacturing system (CMS) that is based on group technology (GT) concepts. CMS is defined as identifying the similar parts that are processed on the same machines and then grouping them as a cell. The most proposed models for solving CMS problems are focused on cell formation and intracellular machine layout problem while cell layout is considered in few papers. In this paper we apply the multiple attribute decision making (MADM) concept and propose a two-stage method that leads to determine cell formation, intracellular machine layout and cell layout as three basic steps in the design of CMS. In this method, an initial solution is obtained from technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) and then this solution is improved. The results of the proposed method are compared with well-known approaches that are introduced in literature. These comparisons show that the proposed method offers good solutions for the CMS problem. The computational results are also reported.     

Integrating fuzzy DEMATEL and fuzzy hierarchical TOPSIS methods for truck selection

In the present paper, a novel fuzzy Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) model is proposed for modeling and solving truck selection problem of a land transportation company. As truck selection is a very crucial problem for the land transportation companies, a systematic and scientific approach is necessary for its solution. A systematic methodology is proposed in the present study by integrating “fuzzy DEMATEL” and “fuzzy hierarchical TOPSIS”. The proposed method makes use of fuzzy DEMATEL method for evaluating the weights of the criteria and hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS method for assessing the alternatives according to criteria. The steps of the method are described first then a case study is presented in the paper.     

Simulation-based evaluation of defuzzification-based approaches to fuzzy multiattribute decision making

This paper presents a simulation-based study to evaluate the performance of 12 defuzzification-based approaches for solving the general fuzzy multiattribute decision-making (MADM) problem requiring cardinal ranking of decision alternatives. These approaches are generated based on six defuzzification methods in conjunction with the simple additive weighting (SAW) method and the technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution method. The consistency and effectiveness of these approaches are examined in terms of four new objective performance measures, which are based on five evaluation indexes. The simulation result shows that the approaches, which are capable of using all the available information on fuzzy numbers effectively in the defuzzification process, produce more consistent ranking outcomes. In particular, the SAW method with the degree of dominance defuzzification is proved to be the overall best performed approach, which is followed by the SAW method with the area center defuzzification. These findings are of practical significance in real-world settings where the selection of the defuzzification-based approaches is required in solving the general fuzzy MADM problems under specific decision contexts.     

An extended compromise ratio method for fuzzy group multi-attribute decision making with SWOT analysis

The technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is a well-known multi-attribute decision making (MADM) method that is used to identify the most attractive alternative solution among a finite set of alternatives based on the simultaneous minimization of the distance from an ideal solution (IS) and the maximization of the distance from the nadir solution (NS). We propose an alternative compromise ratio method (CRM) using an efficient and powerful distance measure for solving the group MADM problems. In the proposed CRM, similar to TOPSIS, the chosen alternative should be simultaneously as close as possible to the IS and as far away as possible from the NS. The conventional MADM problems require well-defined and precise data; however, the values associated with the parameters in the real-world are often imprecise, vague, uncertain or incomplete. Fuzzy sets provide a powerful tool for dealing with the ambiguous data. We capture the decision makers’ (DMs’) judgments with linguistic variables and represent their importance weights with fuzzy sets. The fuzzy group MADM (FGMADM) method proposed in this study improves the usability of the CRM. We integrate the FGMADM method into a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis framework to show the applicability of the proposed method in a solar panel manufacturing firm in Canada.     

A note on the TOPSIS method in MADM problems with linguistic evaluations

The TOPSIS method, commonly known as the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solutions, is one of the most popular approaches used in multi-attribute decision making (MADM). The fundamental procedure of the traditional TOPSIS method is rather straightforward, the ranking position of an alternative depends on its relative closeness to the positive ideal solution and the negative ideal solution, respectively. In order to encompass uncertain and ambiguous decision elements, an extension of the original TOPSIS method has been coined. With the help of fuzzy sets based TOPSIS, an overwhelming trend of fuzzy decision making applications has been witnessed. In the present work, however, it is found that the extended fuzzy TOPSIS method is unable to distinguish all the different alternatives under linguistic environment. Moreover, the undistinguishable alternatives are countless in quantity, and they have formed specific patterns with respect to the parameters of TOPSIS methods. To dampen this ranking ambiguity, we designed a set of supplemental methods to construct a revised TOPSIS approach with linguistic evaluations. Correspondingly, the sufficiency of the revised TOPSIS method to guarantee total orders has been proven. Furthermore, a numerical example concerning the production line improvement of a manufacturing company is demonstrated to validate the feasibility and supremacy of the proposed method. Finally, a series of further discussions are performed to shed some lights on the impacts caused by the changes of the alternative quantity, the attribute quantity, and the type of linguistic term.     

Fuzzy LINMAP method for multiattribute decision making under fuzzy environments

The Linear Programming Technique for Multidimensional Analysis of Preference (LINMAP) developed by Srinivasan and Shocker [V. Srinivasan, A.D. Shocker, Linear programming techniques for multidimensional analysis of preference, Psychometrika 38 (1973) 337–342] is one of the existing well-known methods for multiattribute decision making (MADM) problems. However, the LINMAP only can deal with MADM problems in crisp environments. Fuzziness is inherent in decision data and decision making processes, and linguistic variables are well suited to assessing an alternative on qualitative attributes using fuzzy ratings. The aim of this paper is further extending the LINMAP method to develop a new methodology for solving MADM problems under fuzzy environments. In this methodology, linguistic variables are used to capture fuzziness in decision information and decision making processes by means of a fuzzy decision matrix. A new vertex method is proposed to calculate the distance between trapezium fuzzy number scores. Consistency and inconsistency indices are defined on the basis of preferences between alternatives given by the decision maker. Each alternative is assessed on the basis of its distance to a fuzzy positive ideal solution (FPIS) which is unknown. The FPIS and the weights of attributes are then estimated using a new linear programming model based upon the consistency and inconsistency indices defined. Finally, the distance of each alternative to the FPIS can be calculated to determine the ranking order of all alternatives. A numerical example is examined to demonstrate the implementation process of this methodology. Also it has been proved that the methodology proposed in this paper can deal with MADM problems under not only fuzzy environments but also crisp environments.     

The use of grey relational analysis in solving multiple attribute decision-making problems

There are many cases in daily life and in the workplace which pose a decision problem. Some of them involve picking the best from among multiple available alternatives. However, no single alternative works best for all performance attributes. This research proposes a multiple attribute decision making (MADM) method, grey relational analysis (GRA), for solving this kind of problem. Two cases, facility layout and dispatching rules selection problem, which have been analyzed by data envelopment analysis (DEA), were also analyzed using the GRA procedure, in order to illustrate the use of GRA. In the case of the facility layout problem, 18 alternative layouts and 6 performance attributes were considered. In the case of the problem of selecting dispatching rules, 9 alternatives dispatching rules and 7 performance attributes were considered. For the two cases examined, the results of comparisons show that GRA is efficient for solving MADM problem.     

Compromise ratio method for fuzzy multi-attribute group decision making

The aim of this paper is to develop a compromise ratio (CR) methodology for fuzzy multi-attribute group decision making (FMAGDM), which is an important part of decision support system. Owing to fuzziness being inherent in decision data and group decision making processes, the crisp values are inadequate to model real-life situations. In this paper, the weights of all attributes and the ratings of each alternative with respect to each attribute are described by linguistic terms which can be expressed in trapezoid fuzzy numbers. A fuzzy distance measure is developed to calculate difference between trapezoid fuzzy numbers. The compromise ratio method for FMAGDM is developed by introducing the ranking index based on the concept that the chosen alternative should be as close as possible to the ideal solution and as far away from the negative-ideal solution as possible simultaneously. The computation principle and procedure of the compromise ratio method are described in detail in this paper. Moreover the TOPSIS method which was developed for multi-attribute decision making (MADM) with crisp decision data is analyzed and extended to multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) under fuzzy environments. A comparative analysis of the compromise ratio method and the extended fuzzy TOPSIS method is illustrated with a numerical example, showing their similarity and some differences.     

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SUGAR PLANTS BY FUZZY TECHNIQUE FOR ORDER PERFORMANCE BY SIMILARITY TO IDEAL SOLUTION (TOPSIS)

This study presents the performance evaluation of sugar plants using the technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) under a fuzzy environment. First, the decision criteria used to evaluate the performances are determined, and then the data from financial statements are collected from sugar plants. Accordingly, the ratings of various alternatives under various criteria and the importance weights of various criteria are assessed by evaluators using linguistic terms. The data obtained are converted into a fuzzy triangular number system and then the fuzzy TOPSIS method is applied to make a final decision. According to the closeness coefficients, the sugar plants are ranked from strong to weak. A real case study involving eight evaluation criteria and nine sugar plants assessed by nine evaluators is provided to illustrate the proposed method. The results show that this method is an effective tool for evaluating investment risks based on the heuristic knowledge acquired from experts.     

Fuzzy AHP to determine the relative weights of evaluation criteria and Fuzzy TOPSIS to rank the alternatives

The aim of this study is to propose a Fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach (FMCDM) to evaluate the alternative options in respect to the user's preference orders. Two FMCDM methods are proposed for solving the MCDM problem: Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is applied to determine the relative weights of the evaluation criteria and the extension of the Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) is applied to rank the alternatives. Empirical results show that the proposed methods are viable approaches in solving the problem. When the performance ratings are vague and imprecise, this Fuzzy MCDM is a preferred solution.     

An extension of fuzzy TOPSIS for a group decision making with an application to tehran stock exchange

In financial markets, investors attempt to maximize their profits within a constructed portfolio with the aim of optimizing the tradeoffs between risk and return across the many stocks. This requires proper handling of conflicting factors, which can benefit from the domain of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM). However, the indexes and factors representing the stock performance are often imprecise or vague and this should be represented by linguistic terms characterized by fuzzy numbers. The aim of this research is to first develop three group MCDM methods, then use them for selecting undervalued stocks by dint of financial ratios and subjective judgments of experts. This study proposes three versions of fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution): conventional TOPSIS (C-TOPSIS), adjusted TOPSIS (A-TOPSIS) and modified TOPSIS (M-TOPSIS) where a new fuzzy distance measure, derived from the confidence level of the experts and fuzzy performance ratings have been included in the proposed methods. The practical aspects of the proposed methods are demonstrated through a case study in the Tehran stock exchange (TSE), which is timely given the need for investors to select undervalued stocks in untapped markets in the anticipation of easing economic sanctions from a change in recent government leadership.     

A method for discrete stochastic MADM problems based on the ideal and nadir solutions

Many real life decision making problems can be modeled as discrete stochastic multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problems. A novel method for discrete stochastic MADM problems is developed based on the ideal and nadir solutions as in the classical TOPSIS method. In a stochastic MADM problem, the evaluations of the alternatives with respect to the different attributes are represented by discrete stochastic variables. According to stochastic dominance rules, the probability distributions of the ideal and nadir variates, both are discrete stochastic variables, are defined and determined for a set of discrete stochastic variables. A metric is proposed to measure the distance between two discrete stochastic variables. The ideal solution is a vector of ideal variates and the nadir solution is a vector of nadir variates for the multiple attributes. As in the classical TOPSIS method, the relative closeness of an alternative is determined by its distances from the ideal and nadir solutions. The rankings of the alternatives are determined using the relative closeness. Examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Through the examples, several significant advantages of the proposed method over some existing methods are discussed.     

Decision-making and performance measurement models with applications to robot selection

Many advanced manufacturers use robots extensively to perform repetitious, difficult, and hazardous tasks with precision. Robots improve quality and productivity dramatically if deployed properly. The process of selecting the most suitable robot among many alternatives involves robots' performance in a number of key areas. Various quantitative methods have been proposed as an aid to selection decision on the choice of robots. This paper demonstrates the use of and compares some of the current multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) and performance measurement methods through a robots selection problem borrowed from Khouja (Khouja M. The use of data envelopment analysis for technology selection. Comput Ind Eng 1995;28:123–132). Particular emphasis is placed on a performance measurement procedure called operational competitiveness rating (OCRA) and an MADM tool called technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). A rank-correlation test shows that the methods considered produce similar rankings for the robots. The final selection is made on the basis of the rankings obtained by averaging the results of OCRA, TOPSIS, and a utility model.     

Novel distance and entropy definitions for linear Diophantine fuzzy sets and an extension of TOPSIS (LDF-TOPSIS)

The literature of multiple attribute decision making (MADM) is fruitful since there are various and successful applications of different fuzzy set extensions such as intuitionistic, Pythagorean and q-Rung orthopair fuzzy sets (IFS, PFS and q-ROFS). Besides their powerful aspects, some definitional limitations are known. In order to eradicate these boundaries regarding the definitions of membership and non-membership degrees, linear Diophantine fuzzy set (LDFS) concept has been recently emerged. By considering two parameters, LDFS extends the representation area of the previous fuzzy set definitions and provides more extensive human judgement coverage field. In this study, the first distance and entropy measures in the literature have been developed for LDFSs. Their axiomatic definitions are given, and the proofs are shown. Also, thanks to our extensive literature review, we became aware that there is no MADM extension dedicatedly proposed for LDFS. So, the first MADM method extension for LDFS environment has also been developed in this study. A very well-known MADM approach, TOPSIS, has been extended into LDFS environment for the first time in the literature. The applicability is shown in a healthcare management decision problem and the validity is checked and approved by comparing the alternative rankings LDF-TOPSIS and the aggregation operators that were obtained from the literature produced.     

A novel risk attitudinal ranking method for intuitionistic fuzzy values and application to MADM

The ranking of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) is very important for the intuitionistic fuzzy decision making. The aim of this paper is to propose a new risk attitudinal ranking method of IFSs and apply to multi-attribute decision making (MADM) with incomplete weight information. Motivated by technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), we utilize the closeness degree to characterize the amount of information according to the geometrical representation of an IFS. The area of triangle is calculated to measure the reliability of information. It is proved that the closeness degree and the triangle area just form an interval. Thereby, a new lexicographical method is proposed based on the intervals for ranking the intuitionistic fuzzy values (IFVs). Furthermore, considered the risk attitude of decision maker sufficiently, a novel risk attitudinal ranking measure is developed to rank the IFVs on the basis of the continuous ordered weighted average (C-OWA) operator and this interval. Through maximizing the closeness degrees of alternatives, we construct a multi-objective fractional programming model which is transformed into a linear program. Thus, the attribute weights are derived objectively by solving this linear program. Then, a new method is put forward for MADM with IFVs and incomplete weight information. Finally, an example analysis of a teacher selection is given to verify the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.     

Development of a fuzzy decision support framework for complex multi‐attribute decision problems: A case study for the selection of skilful basketball players

The selection of skilful players is a complicated process due to the problem criteria consisting of both qualitative and quantitative attributes as well as vague linguistic terms. This study seeks to develop a decision support framework for the selection of candidates eligible to become basketball players through the use of a fuzzy multi‐attribute decision making (MADM) algorithm. The proposed model is based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. The model was employed in the Youth and Sports Center of Mugla, Turkey, with the participation of seven junior basketball players aged between 7 and 14. In the present study, physical fitness measurement values and observation values of technical skills were utilized. FAHP was used to determine the weights of the criteria and the observation values of technical skills by decision makers. Physical fitness measurement values were converted to fuzzy values by using a fuzzy set approach. Subsequently, the overall ranking of the candidate players was determined by the TOPSIS method. Results were compared with human experts’ opinions. It is observed that the developed model is more reliable to be used in decision making. The model architecture and experimental results along with illustrative examples are further demonstrated in the study.     

A mathematical programming approach to multi-attribute decision making with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy assessment information

This article proposes an approach to handle multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problems under the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy environment, in which both assessments of alternatives on attributes (hereafter, referred to as attribute values) and attribute weights are provided as interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs). The notion of relative closeness is extended to interval values to accommodate IVIFN decision data, and fractional programming models are developed based on the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to determine a relative closeness interval where attribute weights are independently determined for each alternative. By employing a series of optimization models, a quadratic program is established for obtaining a unified attribute weight vector, whereby the individual IVIFN attribute values are aggregated into relative closeness intervals to the ideal solution for final ranking. An illustrative supplier selection problem is employed to demonstrate how to apply the proposed procedure.     

A multiple attributes decision making method using individual and collaborative attribute data in a fuzzy environment

Although multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems with both individual attribute data of a single alternative and collaborative attribute data of pairwise alternatives exist in the real world, they have seldom been a focus of research. This paper proposes a MADM method using individual and collaborative attribute data in a fuzzy environment, in which experts use linguistic variables to express their opinions. In the method, first, the evaluation matrix of individual attributes date and the judgment matrix of collaborative attributes data are constructed. Then, the central dominance of one alternative outranking other all alternatives is defined for aggregating the collaborative data. From this, an integrated decision matrix incorporating individual and collaborative attribute data is constructed. Further, based on an extended TOPSIS, the fuzzy positive-ideal solution (FPIS) and the fuzzy negative-ideal solution (FNIS) are determined, and the relative closeness of each alternative to the FPIS and FNIS is calculated to determine the ranking order of all alternatives. Finally, two examples are used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method.     

An analytical solution to fuzzy TOPSIS and its application in personnel selection for knowledge-intensive enterprise

Personnel selection is a critical enterprise strategic problem in knowledge-intensive enterprise. Fuzzy number which can be described as triangular (trapezoid) fuzzy number is an adequate way to assess the evaluation and weights for the alternatives. In that case, fuzzy TOPSIS, as a classic fuzzy multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods, has been applied in personnel selection problems. Currently, all the researches on this topic either apply crisp relative closeness but causing information loss, or employ fuzzy relative closeness estimate but with complicated computation to rank the alternatives. In this paper, based on Karnik–Mendel (KM) algorithm, we propose an analytical solution to fuzzy TOPSIS method. Some properties are discussed, and the computation procedure for the proposed analytical solution is given as well. Compared with the existing TOPSIS method for personnel selection problem, it obtains accurate fuzzy relative closeness instead of the crisp point or approximate fuzzy relative closeness estimate. It can both avoid information loss and keep computational efficiency in some extent. Moreover, the global picture of fuzzy relative closeness provides a way to further discuss the inner properties of fuzzy TOPSIS method. Detailed comparisons with approximate fuzzy relative closeness method are provided in personnel selection application.