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.     

Prioritized intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators

In some multi-attribute decision making problems, distorted conclusions will be generated due to the lack of considering various relationships among the attributes of decision making. In this paper, we investigate the prioritization relationship of attributes in multi-attribute decision making with intuitionistic fuzzy information (i.e., partial or all decision information, like attribute values and weights, etc., is represented by intuitionistic fuzzy values (IFVs)). Firstly, we develop a new method for comparing two IFVs, based on which the basic intuitionistic fuzzy operations satisfy monotonicities. In addition, we devise a method to derive the weights with intuitionistic fuzzy forms, which can indicate the importance degrees of the corresponding attributes. Then we develop a prioritized intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operator, which is motivated by the idea of the prioritized aggregation operators [R.R. Yager, Prioritized aggregation operators, International Journal of Approximate Reasoning 48 (2008) 263–274]. Furthermore, we propose an intuitionistic fuzzy basic unit monotonic (IF-BUM) function to transform the derived intuitionistic fuzzy weights into the normalized weights belonging to the unit interval. Finally, we develop a prioritized intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted averaging operator on the basis of the IF-BUM function and the transformed weights.     

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.     

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.     

Some interval-valued q-rung orthopair weighted averaging operators and their applications to multiple-attribute decision making

Q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs), initially proposed by Yager, are a new way to reflect uncertain information. The existing intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) and Pythagorean fuzzy sets are special cases of the q-ROFSs. However, due to insufficiency in available information, it is difficult for decision makers to exactly express the membership and nonmembership degrees by crisp numbers, and interval membership degree and interval nonmembership degree are good choices. In this paper, we propose the concept of interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (IVq-ROFS) based on the ideas of q-ROFSs and some operational laws of q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers (q-ROFNs). Then, some interval-valued q-rung orthopair weighted averaging operators are presented based on the given operational laws of q-ROFNs. Further, based on these operators, we develop a novel approach to solve multiple-attribute decision making (MADM) problems under interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy environment. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the application of the proposed method, and the sensitivity analysis is further carried out for the parameters.     

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.     

A new interval-valued knowledge measure for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets and application in decision making

In this paper, firstly we discuss some entropy measures for the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IvIFSs). Then we extend the knowledge measure for the intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) to propose a new interval-valued knowledge measure for the IvIFSs. Based on the proposed knowledge measure we construct a new interval-valued information entropy measure for IvIFSs, which is an extended notion of the entropy measures for IFSs. The proposed knowledge measure is defined as an interval of amounts of knowledge measured on an IvIFS, related to the uncertain information in terms of interval membership degree and interval non-membership degree. In comparison with other existing measures, it seems to be simpler and more intuitively appealing. Several illustrative examples are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method in handling with the increasing complexity of the decision making problems.     

基于TOPSIS 的区间直觉模糊数排序法

基于传统的逼近理想解排序法(TOPSIS) 思想, 运用区间直觉模糊数的欧氏距离, 给出区间直觉模糊数相对于最大区间直觉模糊数的贴近度公式, 并给出区间直觉模糊数贴近度所具有的优良性质, 这些性质表明贴近度作为排序指标是合理的. 通过与文献中有关区间直觉模糊数排序法的对比分析, 表明基于贴近度的排序方法具有更高的区分能力. 运用新的排序指标提出一种区间直觉模糊多属性决策方法, 并通过实例表明了所提出方法的有效性．

     

A risk attitudinal ranking method for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers based on novel attitudinal expected score and accuracy functions

This article investigates new score and accuracy functions for ranking interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs). The novelty of these functions is that they allow the comparison of IVIFNs by taking into account of the decision makers’ attitudinal character. The new attitudinal expected score and accuracy functions extend Xu and Chen's score and accuracy degree functions, and verify the following set of properties: (1) boundedness; (2) monotonicity; (3) commutativity; and (4) symmetry. These novel functions are used to propose a total order on the set of IVIFNs, and to develop an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute decision making selection process in which the final result depends on the decision maker's risk attitude. In addition, a ranking sensitivity analysis with respect to the risk attitude is provided.     

Study on the ranking problems in multiple attribute decision making based on interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers

This paper puts forward a new ranking method for multiple attribute decision‐making problems based on interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IIFS) theory. First, the composed ordered weighted arithmetic averaging operator and composed ordered weighted geometric averaging operator are extended to the IIFSs in which they are, respectively, named interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy composed ordered weighted arithmetic averaging (IIFCOWA) operator and interval‐valued intuitionistic composed ordered weighted geometric averaging (IIFCOWG) operator. Afterwards, to compare interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, we define the concepts of the maximum, the minimum, and ranking function. Some properties associated with the concepts are investigated. Using the IIFCOWA or IIFCOWG operator, we establish the detailed steps of ranking alternatives (or attributes) in multiple attribute decision making. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to show that the proposed ranking method is feasible in multiple attribute decision making.     

A novel group decision making method with intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations for RFID technology selection

A more scientific decision making process for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology selection is important to increase success rate of RFID technology application. RFID technology selection can be formulated as a kind of group decision making (GDM) problem with intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations (IFPRs). This paper develops a novel method for solving such problems. First, A technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) based method is presented to rank intuitionistic fuzzy values (IFVs). To achieve higher group consensus as well as possible, we construct an intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming model to derive experts’ weights. Depending on the construction of membership and non-membership functions, the constructed intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming model is solved by three kinds of approaches: optimistic approach, pessimistic approach and mixed approach. Then to derive the ranking order of alternatives from the collective IFPR, we extend quantifier guided non-dominance degree (QGNDD) and quantifier guided dominance degree (QGDD) to intuitionistic fuzzy environment. A new two-phase ranking approach is designed to generate the ordering of alternatives based on QGNDD and QGDD. Thereby, the corresponding method is proposed for the GDM problems with IFPRs. Some generalizations on the constructed intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming model are further discussed. At length, the validity of the proposed method is illustrated with a real-world RFID technology selection example.     

基于TOPSIS的语言真值直觉模糊多属性决策

针对具有模糊语言值信息的多属性决策问题,结合传统的TOPSIS方法,提出了基于TOPSIS的语言真值直觉模糊多属性决策方法。在语言真值直觉模糊代数的基础上,用语言真值直觉模糊对来表达既有可比的又有不可比的模糊语言值信息,给出了语言真值直觉模糊对之间的归一化距离算法,并讨论了其相关性质。提出了语言真值直觉模糊正、负理想点,通过计算各方案属性值与正、负理想点之间的距离,得到各方案与理想点之间的相对贴近度,并根据相对贴近度的排序结果得到最优方案。实例说明该决策方法的合理性和有效性。     

Intuitionistic Fuzzy Hybrid Weighted Aggregation Operators

Intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) have attracted more and more scholars’ attention due to their powerfulness in expressing vagueness and uncertainty. In the course of decision making with IFSs, aggregation operators play a very important role since they can be used to synthesize multidimensional evaluation values represented as intuitionistic fuzzy values into collective values. This paper proposes a family of intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighted aggregation operators, such as the intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighted averaging operator, the intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighted geometric operator, the generalized intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighted averaging operator, and the generalized intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighted geometric operator. All these newly developed operators not only can weight both the arguments and their ordered positions simultaneously but also have some desirable properties, such as idempotency, boundedness, and monotonicity. To show the applications of our proposed intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighted aggregation operators, a simple schema for decision making with intuitionistic fuzzy information is developed. An example concerning the human resource management is given to illustrate the validity and applicability of the proposed method and also the hybrid weighted aggregation operators.     

Enhancing PROMETHEE method with intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets

The notion of intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets (IFSSs) provides an effective tool for solving multiple attribute decision making with intuitionistic fuzzy information. The most crucial issue in decision making based on IFSSs is how to derive the ranking of alternatives from the information quantified in terms of intuitionistic fuzzy values. In this study, we propose a new extension of the preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE), by taking advantage of IFSSs. In addition to presenting a myriad of new notions, such as intuitionistic fuzzy membership (or nonmembership) deviation matrices, intuitionistic fuzzy membership (or nonmembership) preference matrices, and aggregated intuitionistic fuzzy preference matrices, we put more emphasis on the construction of three distinct preference structures and related utility functions on the corresponding weakly ordered sets by considering the positive, negative, and net flows of the alternatives based on the aggregated intuitionistic fuzzy preference matrix. We present a new algorithm for solving multiple attribute decision-making problems with the extended PROMETHEE method based on IFSSs. Moreover, a benchmark problem concerning risk investment is investigated to give a comparative analysis and show the feasibility of our approach.     

Multicriteria fuzzy decision making based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets

In this paper, we present a new method for multicriteria fuzzy decision making based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets, where interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values are used to represent evaluating values of the decision-maker with respect to alternatives. First, we propose a new method for ranking interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values. Based on the proposed fuzzy ranking method of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values, we propose a new method for multicriteria fuzzy decision making. The proposed multicriteria fuzzy decision making method outperforms Ye’s method (2009) due to the fact that the proposed method can overcome the drawback of Ye’s method (2009), where the drawback of Ye’s method is that it can not distinguish the ranking order between alternatives in some situations. The proposed method provides us with a useful way for dealing with multicriteria fuzzy decision making problems based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets.     

An approach for multiple attribute group decision making problems with interval-valued intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers

This article proposes an approach to resolve multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems with interval-valued intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (IVITFNs). We first introduce the cut set of IVITFNs and investigate the attitudinal score and accuracy expected functions for IVITFNs. Their novelty is that they allow the comparison of IVITFNs by taking into accounting of the experts’ risk attitude. Based on these expected functions, a ranking method for IVITFNs is proposed and a ranking sensitivity analysis method with respect to the risk attitude is developed. To aggregate the information with IVITFNs, we study the desirable properties of the interval-valued intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy weighted geometric (IVITFWG) operator, the interval-valued intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (IVITFOWG) operator, and the interval-valued intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy hybrid geometric (IVITFHG) operator. It is worth noting that the aggregated value by using these operators is also an interval-valued intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy value. Then, based on these expected functions and aggregating operators, an approach is proposed to solve MAGDM problems in which the attribute values take the form of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and the expert weights take the form of real numbers. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.     

Multiattribute decision making based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values

In this paper, we present a new multiattribute decision making method based on the proposed interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted average operator and the proposed fuzzy ranking method for intuitionistic fuzzy values. First, we briefly review the concepts of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets and the Karnik–Mendel algorithms. Then, we propose the intuitionistic fuzzy weighted average operator and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted average operator, based on the traditional weighted average method and the Karnik–Mendel algorithms. Then, we propose a fuzzy ranking method for intuitionistic fuzzy values based on likelihood-based comparison relations between intervals. Finally, we present a new multiattribute decision making method based on the proposed interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted average operator and the proposed fuzzy ranking method for intuitionistic fuzzy values. The proposed method provides us with a useful way for multiattribute decision making based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values.     

Information fusion for intuitionistic fuzzy decision making: An overview

Intuitionistic fuzzy decision making is to find the suitable method for ranking alternatives based on the provided intuitionistic fuzzy information or some related attributes. To date, many studies have focused on intuitionistic fuzzy decision making problems and various decision making methodologies and approaches have been proposed. To provide a clear perspective on the information fusion for intuitionistic fuzzy decision making, this paper presents an overview on the existing intuitionistic fuzzy decision making theories and methods from the perspective of information fusion, involving the determination of attribute weights, the aggregation of intuitionistic fuzzy information and the ranking of alternatives. Some potential challenges in future research are meanwhile pointed out. In addition, we provide a survey of recent applications of the discussed theories and methods in various fields.     

Shapley divergence measures with VIKOR method for multi-attribute decision-making problems

Uncertainty is the most usual problem in decision making, for which intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) considered as appropriate means allowing numerous feasible degree of an element to a set. In this paper, we mention first dilemma of the existing divergence measures for IFSs. Next, we propose new divergence and entropy measures for IFSs and compare with the existing measures. To facilitate the interactive or interdependent features among elements in a set, new Shapley-weighted divergence measures for IFSs are developed via the eminent Shapley function, which can be perceived as generalization of the allied weighted divergence measures. Furthermore, we develop Shapley-weighted divergence measures based VIKOR method, which is stimulated by conventional VIKOR method. The proposed method is more adaptable and sinuous for correlative decision-making problems, which is used to determine the ranking order of alternatives and find the optimal one(s), so that it is surmounted the difficulty of the decision makers. To demonstrate the validity of the proposed method, numerical examples related to pattern recognition and multi-criteria decision making are presented, which displays the advantages and feasibility.

     

Incomplete interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations

The aim of this paper is to investigate decision making problems with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference information, in which the preferences provided by the decision maker over alternatives are incomplete or uncertain. We define some new preference relations, including additive consistent incomplete interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation, multiplicative consistent incomplete interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation and acceptable incomplete interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation. Based on the arithmetic average and the geometric mean, respectively, we give two procedures for extending the acceptable incomplete interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations to the complete interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations. Then, by using the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy averaging operator or the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy geometric operator, an approach is given to decision making based on the incomplete interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation, and the developed approach is applied to a practical problem. It is worth pointing out that if the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation is reduced to the real-valued intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation, then all the above results are also reduced to the counterparts, which can be applied to solve the decision making problems with incomplete intuitionistic fuzzy preference information.