基于直觉语言集结算子的多准则决策方法

定义了直觉语言数及其运算法则、期望值、得分函数和精确函数以及直觉语言加权算术平均算子和加权几何平均算子.针对准则值为直觉语言数的多准则决策问题,提出了一种基于直觉语言集结算子的决策方法.该方法利用集结算子对准则进行集成,得到再方案的综合直觉语言数,通过比较各方案综合直觉语言数的得分函数值和精确函数值得到方案集的排序.实例分析表明了该方法的有效性和可行性.     

一种多准则纯语言群决策方法

针对权系数信息和方案的准则值为确定语言等级,或位于两个语言等级之间,甚至缺失的群决策问题,提出一种新的决策方法.该方法利用证据推理算法对准则权系数和方案值在准则下进行群体集成,采用二元语义对方案进行语言集结,并用方案与理想方案的二元语义间距离和群体集成信息等构建非线性规划模型,使用遗传算法求解优化模型,进而得到方案的排序.最后通过实例说明该方法的可行性和有效性.     

An extended outranking approach for multi-criteria decision-making problems with linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy numbers

Linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (LIFNs), characterized by a linguistic membership degree, linguistic non-membership degree, and linguistic indeterminacy degree, represent a helpful tool for depicting uncertain information under complex environments. This paper focuses on developing an innovative method to address multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems with LIFNs in which the weight information is completely unknown. First, the distance of LIFNs is defined with the aid of linguistic scale functions (LSFs). Second, some extended outranking relationships between each pair of LIFNs are proposed based on the elicitation of the classic relation models. Moreover, a ranking method is constructed to deal with MCDM problems according to the proposed outranking relationships of LIFNs. Finally, an illustrative example concerning coal mine safety evaluation is provided to demonstrate the proposed method, and its feasibility and validity are further verified by a sensitivity analysis and comparison with other existing methods.     

一种基于多粒度语言偏好矩阵的多属性群决策方法

针对决策专家以多粒度语言偏好矩阵形式给出偏好信息的多属性群决策问题,提出一种基于二元语义一致化的多属性群决策方法.首先,构建一个基本语言偏好集作为多粒度语言一致化的参考集合;然后,采用基于二元语义的一致化处理方法将不同粒度的语言偏好信息均统一转化为相同粒度的二元语义形式,再通过二元语义的相关集结算子,对各决策专家给出的偏好信息进行集结并进行方案优选,得到满意结果;最后,通过算例说明了该方法的有效性.     

区间二元语义Bonferroni集成算子及其决策应用

区间二元语义值是一种常用的不确定环境下决策信息表达形式。考虑到决策信息的交叉影响作用,定义了区间二元语义值的Bonferroni平均算子以及相应的加权形式,在此基础上,给出了组合形式的区间二元语义值的加权Bonferroni平均算子的概念,并研究了算子的幂等性、单调性等数学性质,给出了基于C-I2TLWBA算子区间二元语义值的集成模型和决策应用。实例表明了该模型具有较好的有效性。     

SICTQUAL: A fuzzy linguistic multi-criteria model to assess the quality of service in the ICT sector from the user perspective

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play an important role in the economic development, making it necessary to assess the quality of service perceived by consumers in this sector. The most effective quality assessment from the consumer perspective is still to be researched, yet the most common approach is oriented towards quantitative indicators. This study proposes to use a two-dimensional model that combines the widely accepted segmentation of ICTs with elements from the SERVQUAL quality model. This model, useful in multi-criteria decision-making situations, has been developed using the 2-tuple linguistic representation and fuzzy logic principles. This methodology prevents data loss during processing and provides relevant information through 16 indicators related to the quality of service. Besides, an expert-based mechanism is defined for the use of historical information extracted from completed surveys. As a practical case, this mechanism is applied to the historical information of a telecommunications company for assessing the quality of the service provided to its customers.     

An interval-valued 2-tuple linguistic group decision-making model based on the Choquet integral operator

The Choquet integral (IL) operator is an effective approach for handling interdependence among decision attributes in complex decision-making problems. However, the fuzzy measures of attributes and attribute sets required by IL are difficult to achieve directly, which limits the application of IL. This paper proposes a new method for determining fuzzy measures of attributes by extending Marichal's concept of entropy for fuzzy measure. To well represent the assessment information, interval-valued 2-tuple linguistic context is utilised to represent information. Then, we propose a Choquet integral operator in an interval-valued 2-tuple linguistic environment, which can effectively handle the correlation between attributes. In addition, we apply these methods to solve multi-attribute group decision-making problems. The feasibility and validity of the proposed operator is demonstrated by comparisons with other models in illustrative example part.     

A large group linguistic Z-DEMATEL approach for identifying key performance indicators in hospital performance management

In hospital management, performance measurement is of vital importance for improving healthcare service quality. The performance of a healthcare organization is often influenced by numerous indicators, and it is unrealistic to manage them all due to the restriction of resources. In addition, the performance measurement for improvement relates to the benefits of many departments, and it is necessary for large number of experts with different backgrounds to participate in the evaluation process of healthcare indicators. In response, this study develops a large group evaluation approach using linguistic Z-numbers and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to determine key performance indicators (KPIs) for hospital management. For this approach, the complex and uncertain interrelation evaluations among indicators are given by experts using linguistic Z-numbers. An extended DEMATEL method is proposed to determine KPIs based on the cause and effect relationships of performance indicators. Finally, a case study in a rehabilitation hospital is presented to illustrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed large group linguistic Z-DEMATEL approach. The results indicate that incidents/errors, accidents/adverse events, nosocomial infection, nursing technology pass rate, and length of stay are KPIs for the given application.     

Consistency and consensus models for group decision-making with uncertain 2-tuple linguistic preference relations

Due to the uncertainty of the decision environment and the lack of knowledge, decision-makers may use uncertain linguistic preference relations to express their preferences over alternatives and criteria. For group decision-making problems with preference relations, it is important to consider the individual consistency and the group consensus before aggregating the preference information. In this paper, consistency and consensus models for group decision-making with uncertain 2-tuple linguistic preference relations (U2TLPRs) are investigated. First of all, a formula which can construct a consistent U2TLPR from the original preference relation is presented. Based on the consistent preference relation, the individual consistency index for a U2TLPR is defined. An iterative algorithm is then developed to improve the individual consistency of a U2TLPR. To help decision-makers reach consensus in group decision-making under uncertain linguistic environment, the individual consensus and group consensus indices for group decision-making with U2TLPRs are defined. Based on the two indices, an algorithm for consensus reaching in group decision-making with U2TLPRs is also developed. Finally, two examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.     

Adaptive linguistic weighted aggregation operators for multi-criteria decision making

In this paper, we propose new aggregation operators for multi-criteria decision making under linguistic settings. The proposed operators are based on two sets of criteria weights. Besides the primary conventional criteria weights, we introduce a method to deduce secondary criteria weights from the criteria evaluations, which reflect the role of the different criteria in discriminating among the alternatives. The properties of the proposed operators are investigated. An approach for the application of the said operators in a group multi-criteria decision making problem is presented. Following the same, the proposed operators are applied in a case study on supplier selection. The empirical validation of the proposed operators is performed on a set of 12 real datasets.Note: All usages of he, him, his in the paper, also refer to she, and her.     

Site selection in waste management by the VIKOR method using linguistic assessment

Site selection is an important issue in municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Selection of the appropriate solid waste site is an extensive evaluation process that requires consideration of multiple alternative solutions and evaluation criteria. In reality, it is easier for decision makers to express their judgments on the alternatives by using linguistic terms, and there usually exists uncertain and incomplete assessment information. Moreover, decision makers may have different risk attitudes in the siting process because of their different backgrounds and personalities. Therefore, an attitudinal-based interval 2-tuple linguistic VIKOR (ITL-VIKOR) method is proposed in this paper to select the best disposal site for MSW. The feasibility and practicability of the proposed method are further demonstrated through an example of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) combustion plant location. Results show that the new approach is more suitable and effective to handle the MSW site selection problems by considering the decision maker's attitudinal character and incorporating the uncertain and incomplete assessment information.     

A model for evaluating computer network security systems with 2-tuple linguistic information

With respect to comprehensive evaluation model for computer network security with linguistic information and incomplete weight information, a new comprehensive evaluation model is proposed. In the method, the 2-tuple linguistic representation developed in recent years is used to aggregate the linguistic assessment information. In order to get the weight vector of the attribute, we establish an optimization model based on the basic ideal of traditional TOPSIS, by which the attribute weights can be determined. Then, the optimal alternative(s) is determined by calculating the shortest distance from the 2-tuple linguistic positive ideal solution (TLPIS) and on the other side the farthest distance of the 2-tuple linguistic negative ideal solution (TLNIS). The method has exact characteristics in linguistic information processing. It avoided information distortion and losing which occurred formerly in linguistic information processing. Finally, a numerical example of the evaluation of network security systems is used to illustrate the use of the proposed method. The result shows the approach is simple, effective and easy to calculate.     

基于新型语言评估标度的二元语义改进模型

为了有效地求解基于语言评价信息的多属性决策问题,针对目前常用的二元语义分析方法中存在的标度转换问题,提出一种处理语言评价信息的新型复合标度(该标度综合了指数标度和-n～n标度的优点),建立了基于新型复合标度的二元语义改进模型.算例验证结果表明,新型复合标度为处理定性的语言评价信息提供了科学依据,所提出的改进模型可以有效提高决策结果的精度和可信度.     

考虑决策者心理行为的概率语义术语集多属性决策方法

概率语义术语集可以通过给语义赋予概率以表达不同程度偏好,采用概率语义术语集获取专家犹豫和不确定的评价信息。针对传统多属性决策中指标权重确定没有考虑指标间相互影响关系的问题,采用概率语义DEMATEL方法分析指标间的相互影响关系,其中采用二元语义将指标间关联关系概率语义术语集的得分函数转换为精确数值,得到指标的权重。考虑决策者的不同偏好和心理行为,采用改进的概率语义TODIM方法对决策对象进行排序。最后以某班轮公司的综合竞争力评估为例,验证了所提方法的有效性。     

Cloud decision model for selecting sustainable energy crop based on linguistic intuitionistic information

In recent years, sustainable energy crop has become an important energy development strategy topic in many countries. Selecting the most sustainable energy crop is a significant problem that must be addressed during any biofuel production process. The focus of this study is the development of an innovative multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to handle sustainable energy crop selection problems. Given that various uncertain data are encountered in the evaluation of sustainable energy crops, linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (LIFNs) are introduced to present the information necessary to the evaluation process. Processing qualitative concepts requires the effective support of reliable tools; then, a cloud model can be used to deal with linguistic intuitionistic information. First, LIFNs are converted and a novel concept of linguistic intuitionistic cloud (LIC) is proposed. The operations, score function and similarity measurement of the LICs are defined. Subsequently, the linguistic intuitionistic cloud density-prioritised weighted Heronian mean operator is developed, which served as the basis for the construction of an applicable MCDM model for sustainable energy crop selection. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the proposed method, and its feasibility and validity are further verified by comparing it with other existing methods.     

The power average operator for unbalanced linguistic term sets

In order to aggregate linguistic values of unbalanced linguistic term sets, this paper introduces the linguistic proportional 2-tuple power average operator, which can reflect the relationship among the aggregated values by considering the support for each value from others. Its advantage regarding other linguistic power average operators enables it to be used in such cases in which the linguistic term sets are not necessarily to be balanced, and the membership functions of the linguistic terms are utilized in the computational processes. In this operator, a linguistic proportional 2-tuple is represented by a normalized numerical representation. Some properties of the operator are discussed. A group decision making model based on the proposed operator is introduced. Finally an illustrative example is presented.     

A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model for firms competence evaluation

In this paper, we present a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to evaluate the competence of the firms. According to the competence-based theory reveals that firm competencies are recognized from exclusive and unique capabilities that each firm enjoy in marketplace and are tightly intertwined within different business functions throughout the company. Therefore, competence in the firm is a composite of various attributes. Among them many intangible and tangible attributes are difficult to measure. In order to overcome the issue, we invite fuzzy set theory into the measurement of performance. In this paper first we calculate the weight of each criterion through adaptive analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach (A³) method, and then we appraise the performance of firms via linguistic variables which are expressed as trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. In the next step we transform these fuzzy numbers into interval data by means of α-cut. Then considering different values for α we rank the firms through TOPSIS method with interval data. Since there are different ranks for different α values, we apply linear assignment method to obtain final rank for alternatives.     

A consensus reaching model for 2-tuple linguistic multiple attribute group decision making with incomplete weight information

The aim of this paper is to put forward a consensus reaching method for multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems with linguistic information, in which the weight information of experts and attributes is unknown. First, some basic concepts and operational laws of 2-tuple linguistic label are introduced. Then, a grey relational analysis method and a maximising deviation method are proposed to calculate the incomplete weight information of experts and attributes respectively. To eliminate the conflict in the group, a weight-updating model is employed to derive the weights of experts based on their contribution to the consensus reaching process. After conflict elimination, the final group preference can be obtained which will give the ranking of the alternatives. The model can effectively avoid information distortion which is occurred regularly in the linguistic information processing. Finally, an illustrative example is given to illustrate the application of the proposed method and comparative analysis with the existing methods are offered to show the advantages of the proposed method.     

Partitioned Bonferroni mean based on linguistic 2-tuple for dealing with multi-attribute group decision making

In this study, a multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problem is investigated, in which decision makers provide their preferences over alternatives by using linguistic 2-tuple. In the process of decision making, we introduce the idea of a specific structure in the attribute set. We assume that attributes are partitioned into several classes and members of intra-partition are interrelated while no interrelationship exists among inter partition. We emphasize the importance of having an aggregation operator, to capture the expressed inter-relationship structure among the attributes, which we will refer to as partition Bonferroni mean (PBM). We also investigate the behavior of the proposed PBM operator. Further to aggregate the given linguistic information to get overall performance value of each alternative in MAGDM, we analyze PBM operator in linguistic 2-tuple environment and develop three new linguistic aggregation operators: 2-tuple linguistic PBM (2TLPBM), weighted 2-tuple linguistic PBM (W2TLPBM) and linguistic weighted 2-tuple linguistic PBM (LW-2TLPBM). Based on the idea that total linguistic deviation between individual decision maker's opinions and group opinion should be minimized, we develop an approach to determine weight of the decision makers. Finally, a practical example is presented to illustrate the proposed method and comparison analysis demonstrates applicability of the proposed method.     

A distance-based group decision-making methodology for multi-person multi-criteria emergency decision support

In this paper, a distance-based group decision-making (GDM) methodology is proposed to solve unconventional multi-person multi-criteria emergency decision-making problems. In this model, some decision-makers are first identified to formulate a group decision-making framework. Then a standard multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) process is performed on specific decision-making problems and different decision results are obtained from different decision-makers. Finally, these different decision results are aggregated into a group consensus to support the final decision-making. For illustration and verification purposes, a numerical example and a practical unconventional emergency decision case are presented. Experimental results obtained demonstrate that the proposed distance-based multi-criteria GDM methodology can improve decision-making objectivity and emergency management effectiveness.