Fuzzy linear programming approach to multiattribute decision making with multiple types of attribute values and incomplete weight information

In the classical Linear Programming Technique for Multidimensional Analysis of Preference (LINMAP), the decision maker (DM) gives the pair-wise comparisons of alternatives with crisp truth degree 0 or 1. However, in the real world, DM is not sure enough in all comparisons and can express his/her opinion with some fuzzy truth degree. Thus, DM's preferences are given through pair-wise comparisons of alternatives with fuzzy truth degrees, which may be represented as trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs). Considered such fuzzy truth degrees, the aim of this paper is to develop a new fuzzy linear programming technique for solving multiattribute decision making (MADM) problems with multiple types of attribute values and incomplete weight information. In this method, TrFNs, real numbers, and intervals are used to represent the multiple types of decision information. The fuzzy consistency and inconsistency indices are defined as TrFNs due to the alternatives’ comparisons with fuzzy truth degrees. Hereby a new fuzzy linear programming model is constructed and solved by the possibility linear programming method with TrFNs developed in this paper. The fuzzy ideal solution (IS) and the attribute weights are then obtained. The distances of alternatives from the fuzzy IS can be calculated to determine their ranking order. The implementation process of the method proposed in this paper is illustrated with a strategy partner selection example. The comparison analyzes show that the method proposed in this paper generalizes the classical LINMAP, fuzzy LINMAP and possibility LINMAP.     

Interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy mathematical programming method for hybrid multi-criteria group decision making with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy truth degrees

As an important component of group decision making, the hybrid multi-criteria group decision making (MCGDM) is very complex and interesting in real applications. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) mathematical programming method for hybrid MCGDM considering alternative comparisons with hesitancy degrees. The subjective preference relations between alternatives given by each decision maker (DM) are formulated as an IVIF set (IVIFS). The IVIFSs, intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs), trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs), linguistic variables, intervals and real numbers are used to represent the multiple types of criteria values. The information of criteria weights is incomplete. The IVIFS-type consistency and inconsistency indices are defined through considering the fuzzy positive and negative ideal solutions simultaneously. To determine the criteria weights, we construct a novel bi-objective IVIF mathematical programming of minimizing the inconsistency index and meanwhile maximizing the consistency index, which is solved by the technically developed linear goal programming approach. The individual ranking order of alternatives furnished by each DM is subsequently obtained according to the comprehensive relative closeness degrees of alternatives to the fuzzy positive ideal solution. The collective ranking order of alternatives is derived through establishing a new multi-objective assignment model. A real example of critical infrastructure evaluation is provided to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of this method.     

Aggregating decision information into Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy numbers for heterogeneous multi-attribute group decision making

The aim of this paper is to propose a new aggregation method to solve heterogeneous MAGDM problem which involves real numbers, interval numbers, triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs), trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs), linguistic values and Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (AIFNs). Firstly, motivated by the relative closeness of technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), we propose a new general method for aggregating crisp values, TFNs, TrFNs and linguistic values into AIFNs. Thus all the group decision matrices for each alternative which involves heterogeneous information are transformed into an Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy decision matrix which only contains AIFNs. To determine the attribute weights, a multiple objective Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy programming model is constructed and solved by converting it into a linear program. Subsequently, comparison analyses demonstrate that the proposed aggregated technology can overcome the drawbacks of existing methods. An example about cloud computing service evaluation is given to verify the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method.     

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 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.     

DSS for 3PL provider selection in global supply chain: combining the multi-objective optimization model with experts’ opinions

To provide selections of logistics outsourcing providers in a global supply chain, this paper proposes a decision support system (DSS), based on fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) and preemptive fuzzy integer goal programming (PFIGP). For decision-makers, a suitable method for selecting third-party logistics (3PL) is critical under the trends of globalization and specialization. The proposed DSS for 3PL provider selection takes into consideration flexible resource and interactions among providers. When applying multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) to selection of 3PL providers, it is difficult for decision-makers to determine the feasible solution domain under limited resources, especially if the decision problems are NP-complete. Moreover, traditional mathematical programming does not incorporate experts’ evaluation of providers. This paper employs FANP to obtain experts’ scores of the providers, and then integrates the scores into PFIGP to facilitate selection of a 3PL provider with flexible resources. Finally, this paper uses genetic algorithms to solve the PFIGP. An illustrative example is also given to demonstrate such DSS. The test result shows that the degree of providers’ interaction affects the final weight of FANP.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

基于投影技术的三角模糊数型多属性决策方法研究

针对属性权重完全未知且属性值为三角模糊数的多属性决策问题.提出一种基于线性规划和模糊向量投影的决策方法.该方法基于加权属性值离差最大化建立一个线性规划模型,通过求解此模型得到属性的权重,计算各方案的加权属性值在模糊正理想点和负理想点上的投影,进而计算相对贴近度,并据此对方案进行排序,最后,通过算例说明了模型及方法的可行性和有效性.     

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.     

A fuzzy decision support system for digital camera selection based on user preferences

Mobile phones have been the most rapidly spreading development in the field of communication and information technologies over the past decades. Nowadays, digital cameras have taken their place. The wide product range in the market, each with numerous heterogeneous technical attributes, complicates the selection of the most convenient camera for end-users. The aim of this work is to provide end-users with a decision support framework for selecting the best digital camera according to their preferences. End-users and photography experts use subjective assessments when determining their requirements and making their evaluations. The proposed decision support tool is built on the basis of fuzzy set theory. The imprecision of the subjective assessments are transformed to fuzzy triangular numbers. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy compromise programming methodologies are applied in order to determine the relative weights of sub-criteria and criteria and to rank the digital camera alternatives, respectively.     

An interactive method for dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute group decision making

This paper investigates the dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute group decision making (DIF-MAGDM) problems, in which all the attribute values provided by multiple decision makers (DMs) at different periods take the form of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs), and develops an interactive method to solve the DIF-MAGDM problems. The developed method first aggregates the individual intuitionistic fuzzy decision matrices at different periods into an individual collective intuitionistic fuzzy decision matrix for each decision maker by using the dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging (DIFWA) operator, and then employs intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS method to calculate the individual relative closeness coefficient of each alternative for each decision maker and obtain the individual ranking of alternatives. After doing so, the method utilizes the hybrid weighted averaging (HWA) operator to aggregate all the individual relative closeness coefficients into the collective relative closeness coefficient of each alternative and obtain the aggregate ranking of alternatives, by which the optimal alternative can be selected. In addition, the spearman correlation coefficient for both the aggregate ranking and individual ranking of alternatives is calculated to measure the consensus level of the group preferences. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the developed 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 method for multiple attribute decision-making with the fuzzy preference relation on alternatives

This paper investigates the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problem with preference information on alternatives. A new method is proposed to solve the MADM problem, where the decision maker (DM) gives his/her preference on alternatives in a fuzzy relation. To reflect the DM's subjective preference information, a linear goal programming model is constructed to determine the weight vector of attributes and then to rank the alternatives. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the use of the proposed method.     

Linear programming method for multiattribute group decision making using IF sets

The purpose of this paper is to develop a linear programming methodology for solving multiattribute group decision making problems using intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) sets. In this methodology, IF sets are constructed to capture fuzziness in decision information and decision making process. The group consistency and inconsistency indices are defined on the basis of pairwise comparison preference relations on alternatives given by the decision makers. An IF positive ideal solution (IFPIS) and weights which are unknown a priori are estimated using a new auxiliary linear programming model, which minimizes the group inconsistency index under some constraints. The distances of alternatives from the IFPIS are calculated to determine their ranking order. Moreover, some properties of the auxiliary linear programming model and other generalizations or specializations are discussed in detail. Validity and applicability of the proposed methodology are illustrated with the extended air-fighter selection problem and the doctoral student selection problem.     

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.     

Non-linear programming method for multi-criteria decision making problems under interval neutrosophic set environment

Interval neutrosophic sets (INSs) capturing the uncertainties by characterizing into the intervals of the truth, the indeterminacy, and the falsity membership degrees, is a more flexible way to explore the decision-making applications. In this paper, we develop a nonlinear programming (NP) model based on the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), to solve decision-making problems in which criterion values and their importance are given in the form of interval neutrosophic numbers (INNs). Based on the concept of closeness coefficient, we firstly construct a pair of the nonlinear fractional programming model and then transform it into the linear programming model. Furthermore, to determine the ranking of considered alternatives, likelihood-based comparison relations are constructed. Finally, an illustrative example demonstrates the applicability of the proposed method for dealing with decision making problems with incomplete knowledge.     

A fully fuzzy best–worst multi attribute decision making method with triangular fuzzy number: A case study of maintenance assessment in the hospitals

This paper introduces the best–worst method to solve multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems in the fuzzy environment. In the proposed method, there is no need to do all the possible pairwise comparisons. In other words, only reference comparisons should be done. Reference comparisons consist of assessing the relative fuzzy preference of the best criterion (alternative) over others and all the criteria (alternatives) over the worst one. Afterward, a fully fuzzy linear mathematical model will be formulated and solved to determine the weight of the criteria. The same action will be performed to find the score of alternatives. This method has some interesting and valuable characteristics: (a) less required data for pairwise comparison, (b) high ability to provide a reliable solution, (c) it is an autonomous method along with its high capability to accompany another method. To evaluate the performance, it is compared with another fuzzy MADM method in an example. Furthermore, we apply this method for the maintenance evaluation of hospitals in Bojnord. The computational study confirms the high efficiency and satisfactory performance of the method, and results are validated by a low consistency ratio. Furthermore, the suggested methodology outperforms fuzzy AHP and well verified in the test instance.