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.     

一种基于对象-语言值决策矩阵的模糊语言TOPSIS决策方法

模糊语言决策方法是决策领域的热点研究内容之一.比较现有模糊语言决策方法研究中广泛使用的决策矩阵,提出对象-语言值决策矩阵表示决策专家根据决策属性给出的评价语言信息,分析对象-语言值决策矩阵在区分明晰、部分未知及犹豫的模糊语言决策问题中的优势;借鉴经典TOPSIS决策方法及向量运算,给出基于对象-语言值决策矩阵的正负理想解确定方法以及备选对象与正负理想解的伪距离和贴近度计算方法,分析伪距离和贴近度的相关性质;基于2-元组语言表示模型,提出基于对象-语言值决策矩阵的模糊语言TOPSIS决策方法.通过实例分析,并与已有3种重要的模糊语言决策方法进行比较,比较结果说明所提出的决策方法可以克服已有决策方法的不足, 是一种可选的模糊语言决策方法.     

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 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.     

TOPSIS with belief structure for group belief multiple criteria decision making

The technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS)is one of the major techniques in dealing with multiple criteria decision making(MCDM)problems, and the belief structure(BS)model has been used successfully for uncertain MCDM with incompleteness, impreciseness or ignorance. In this paper, the TOPSIS method with BS model is proposed to solve group belief MCDM problems. Firstly, the group belief MCDM problem is structured as a belief decision matrix in which the judgments of each decision maker are described as BS models, and then the evidential reasoning approach is used for aggregating the multiple decision makers' judgments. Subsequently, the positive and negative ideal belief solutions are defined with the principle of TOPSIS. To measure the separation from ideal solutions, the concept and algorithm of belief distance measure are defined, which can be used for comparing the difference between BS models. Finally, the relative closeness and ranking index are calculated for ranking the alternatives. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed method.     

Possibilistic programming approach for fuzzy multidimensional analysis of preference in group decision making

Multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems are the most encountered problems in decision making. Fuzziness is inherent in decision making process and linguistic variables are well suited to assessing an alternative on qualitative attributes using fuzzy rating. A few techniques in MADM assess the weights of attributes based on preference information on alternatives. But they are not practical any more when the set of all paired comparison judgments from decision makers (DMs) on attributes are not crisp and also we have to deal with fuzzy decision matrix. This paper investigates the generation of a possibilistic model for multidimensional analysis of preference (LINMAP). The model assesses the fuzzy weights as well as locating the ideal solution with fuzzy decision making preference on attributes and fuzzy decision matrix. All of the information is assumed as triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs). This method is developed in group decision making environments and formulates the problem as a possibilistic programming with multiple objectives.     

TOPSIS with fuzzy belief structure for group belief multiple criteria decision making

TOPSIS is one of the major techniques in dealing with multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems, and Belief Structure (BS) model and Fuzzy BS model have been used successfully for uncertain MCDM with incompleteness, impreciseness or ignorance. In this paper, the TOPSIS method with Fuzzy BS model is proposed to solve Group Belief MCDM problems. Firstly, the Group Belief MCDM problem is structured as a fuzzy belief decision matrix in which the judgments of each decision maker are described as Fuzzy BS models, and then the Evidential Reasoning approach is used for aggregating the multiple decision makers’ judgments. Subsequently, the positive and negative ideal belief solutions are defined with the principle of TOPSIS. In order to measure the separation from the ideal belief solutions, the concept and algorithm of Belief Distance Measure are introduced to compare the difference between Fuzzy BS models. Using the Belief Distance Measure, the relative closeness and ranking index can be calculated for ranking the alternatives. A numerical example is finally given to illustrate the proposed method.     

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.     

Fuzzy heterogeneous multiattribute decision making method for outsourcing provider selection

One of the critical activities for outsourcing success is outsourcing provider selection, which may be regarded as a type of fuzzy heterogeneous multiattribute decision making (MADM) problems with fuzzy truth degrees and incomplete weight information. The aim of this paper is to develop a new fuzzy linear programming method for solving such MADM problems. In this method, the decision maker’s preferences are given through pair-wise alternatives’ comparisons with fuzzy truth degrees, which are expressed with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs). Real numbers, intervals, and TrFNs are used to express heterogeneous decision information. Giving the fuzzy positive and negative ideal solutions, we define TrFN-type fuzzy consistency and inconsistency indices based on the concept of the relative closeness degrees. The attribute weights are estimated through constructing a new fuzzy linear programming model, which is solved by using the developed fuzzy linear programming method with TrFNs. The relative closeness degrees of alternatives can be calculated to generate their ranking order. An example of the IT outsourcing provider selection problem is analyzed to demonstrate the implementation process and applicability of the method proposed in this paper.     

基于分式规划的区间直觉梯形模糊数多属性决策方法

针对属性值为区间梯形直觉模糊且属性权重为区间数的多属性决策问题,提出一种基于分式规划的决策方法.定义了区间梯形直觉模糊数的Hamming距离和Euclidean距离,采用优劣解距离法构建了相对贴近度的非线性分式规划模型,并通过Charnes and Cooper变换转化为线性规划模型求解,得到各方案相对贴近度的区间数,进而提出了决策方法.数值算例分析验证了所提出方法的有效性.     

FLM-TOPSIS: The fuzzy linguistic multiset TOPSIS method and its application in linguistic decision making

Linguistic decision making is an important subject in decision making, many interesting and important linguistic decision making methods have been proposed, in which, alternatives-criteria decision matrix are uniformly used to express linguistic assessments of alternatives provided by decision makers with respect to criteria. Alternatives-criteria decision matrixes have some limitations when we use them to distinguish distinct, partial unknown or hesitant linguistic decision making or carry out linguistic decision making in the huge amounts of decision information and alternatives. In this paper, we propose alternatives-linguistic terms decision matrix to represent linguistic assessments of alternatives, analyze advantages of the decision matrix in representing linguistic assessments and distinguishing distinct, partial unknown or hesitant linguistic decision making. To simple and fast fuse alternatives-linguistic terms decision matrixes, we further provide linguistic multiset or fuzzy linguistic multiset to represent linguistic assessments in alternatives-linguistic terms decision matrixes, analyze the function properties of the fuzzy linguistic multiset. Motivated by fuzzy multiset and the TOPSIS method, we develop the fuzzy linguistic multiset TOPSIS method for linguistic decision making, the method is mainly consisted of transformation, aggregation and exploitation phases. In transformation phase, linguistic assessments of alternatives are transformed into fuzzy linguistic multisets by using alternatives-linguistic terms decision matrixes. In aggregation phase, we use Union, Intersection and Sum operations of multisets to obtain the positive and negative ideal solutions of linguistic decision making, which are different with the positive and negative ideal solutions of the traditional TOPSIS method, in addition, we provide a pseudo-distance between two fuzzy linguistic multisets to fast fuse linguistic assessments of alternatives. In exploitation phase, we define a new closeness degree of alternative by using pseudo-distances between the alternative and the positive and negative ideal solutions, which can be used to obtain the set of most satisfying alternatives. We also design an algorithm to carry out linguistic decision making based on the proposed method. In cases study, we use two practical examples to illustrate the practicality of the proposed method and compare it with the symbolic aggregation-based method, the hesitant fuzzy linguistic TOPSIS method, the hesitant fuzzy linguistic VIKOR method and the probabilistic linguistic term sets TOPSIS method, results indicate that alternatives-linguistic terms decision matrix and fuzzy linguistic multiset are alternative, useful and flexible tools for linguistic decision method and the fuzzy linguistic multiset TOPSIS method is suitable to deal with partial unknown or hesitant linguistic decision making.     

Multiple-attribute decision making methods for plant layout design problem

The layout design problem is a strategic issue and has a significant impact on the efficiency of a manufacturing system. Much of the existing layout design literature that uses a surrogate function for flow distance or for simplified objectives may be entrapped into local optimum; and subsequently lead to a poor layout design due to the multiple-attribute decision making (MADM) nature of a layout design decision. The present study explores the use of MADM approaches in solving a layout design problem. The proposed methodology is illustrated through a practical application from an IC packaging company. Two methods are proposed in solving the case study problem: Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and fuzzy TOPSIS. Empirical results showed that the proposed methods are viable approaches in solving a layout design problem. TOPSIS is a viable approach for the case study problem and is suitable for precise value performance ratings. When the performance ratings are vague and imprecise, the fuzzy TOPSIS is a preferred solution method.     

基于直觉模糊云模型的TOPSIS多属性决策方法

针对属性值为直觉模糊数的多属性决策问题,提出了一种基于直觉模糊云模型的TOPSIS多属性决策方法。首先,利用直觉模糊云对备选方案的各个属性值进行描述,计算其数字特征——期望、熵和超熵;然后,构造各数字特征的决策矩阵,获得其对应的正、负理想解;最后,计算各数字特征与正、负理想解间的距离,进而获得综合贴近度,对备选方案进行排序,获得最优决策结果,并通过具体数值实例验证方法的合理性和有效性。     

多属性决策支持向量机模型与算法

分析了多属性决策问题．提出了基于支持向量机的多属性决策方法。首先分析了多属性决策支持向量机方法的机理；其次建立了多属性决策支持向量机方法的价值函数决策模型和方案序关系决策模型，用以训练支持向量机；再次提出了基于支持向量回归和分类的多属性决策支持向量机实现算法；最后给出了一个算例。     

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.     

Extension of TOPSIS to determine weight of decision maker for group decision making problems with uncertain information

In traditional TOPSIS method, the ideal solutions for alternatives are expressed in vectors. An important step in the process of group decision making is to determine the relative importance of each decision maker. In this paper, the weights of decision makers derived from individual decision are determined by using an extended TOPSIS method with interval numbers. The ideal decisions for all individual decisions are expressed in matrices. The positive ideal decision is the intersection of all individual decisions; the negative ideal decision is the union of all individual decisions. Comparisons with other methods are also made. A numerical example is examined to show the potential applications of the proposed method.     

A new distance measure for interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets and its application to group decision making problems with incomplete weights information

The aim of this study is to introduce a novel generalized distance measure for interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets and to illustrate the applicability of the proposed distance measure to group decision making problems. Firstly, a generalized distance measure is proposed along with proofs satisfying its axioms. Then, a comparison between the proposed distance measure and well-known distance measures is performed in terms of counter-intuitive cases. Subsequently, the extension of TOPSIS method, in which the proposed distance measure is used to calculate separation measures, to an interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) environment is demonstrated to solve multi-criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problems using optimal criteria weights determined with linear programming model based on the concept of maximizing relative closeness coefficient. Finally, two illustrative examples are provided for proof-of-concept purposes and to demonstrate benefits of using the proposed distance measure over the existing ones in IVIF TOPSIS method for MCGDM problems.     

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.