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.     

A comparison between Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS methods to supplier selection

Supplier selection has become a very critical activity to the performance of organizations and supply chains. Studies presented in the literature propose the use of the methods Fuzzy TOPSIS (Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and Fuzzy AHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) to aid the supplier selection decision process. However, there are no comparative studies of these two methods when applied to the problem of supplier selection. Thus, this paper presents a comparative analysis of these two methods in the context of supplier selection decision making. The comparison was made based on the factors: adequacy to changes of alternatives or criteria; agility in the decision process; computational complexity; adequacy to support group decision making; the number of alternative suppliers and criteria; and modeling of uncertainty. As an illustrative example, both methods were applied to the selection of suppliers of a company in the automotive production chain. In addition, computational tests were performed considering several scenarios of supplier selection. The results have shown that both methods are suitable for the problem of supplier selection, particularly to supporting group decision making and modeling of uncertainty. However, the comparative analysis has shown that the Fuzzy TOPSIS method is better suited to the problem of supplier selection in regard to changes of alternatives and criteria, agility and number of criteria and alternative suppliers. Thus, this comparative study contributes to helping researchers and practitioners to choose more effective approaches for supplier selection. Suggestions of further work are also proposed so as to make these methods more adequate to the problem of supplier selection.     

A new flexible and reliable IVF-TOPSIS method based on uncertainty risk reduction in decision making process

One of the challenging and famous types of MCDM (Multiple Criteria Decision Making) problems that includes both quantitative and qualitative criteria is Facility location selection problem. For the common fuzzy MCDM problems (Type-1 fuzzy MCDM problems), the ratings of alternatives with respect to the criteria or/and the values of criteria weights, are expressed by the common fuzzy numbers. However, in the majority of cases, determining the exact membership degree for each element of the fuzzy sets which are considered for the ratings of alternatives with respect to the criteria or/and the values of criteria weights as a number in interval [0,1], is difficult. In this situation, the ratings of alternatives with respect to the criteria or/and the values of criteria weights, are expressed by the IVFNs (Interval Valued Fuzzy Numbers) and thereby the IVF-MCDM (Interval Valued Fuzzy MCDM) methods should be used. In this paper, the authors propose an IVF-TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method based on uncertainty risk reduction in decision making process. By using this method, the reliability of the captured decisions in an IVF decision making problem is significantly increased. The proposed method is applied for solving a real application problem related to selecting a suitable location for digging some pits for municipal wet waste landfill in one of the largest cities in Iran. The proposed method is also compared with another IVF-TOPSIS method. As a result, the authors concluded that in addition to benefits such as simplicity and ease of use that exist in the previous IVF-TOPSIS methods, the proposed method has a significant reliability and flexibility and is practical for facility location selection problems and other IVF-MCDM problems.     

Development of an interval type-2 fuzzy sets based hierarchical MADM model by combining DEMATEL and TOPSIS

In this study, a new interval type-2 fuzzy multiple-attribute decision making model is developed by integrating Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). The proposed model utilizes hierarchical decomposition approach for reducing inherent complexity of the decision making problems. Additionally, interdependencies among problem attributes are taken into consideration by using interval type-2 fuzzy DEMATEL method. Finally, ranking orders of the alternatives are obtained by hierarchical interval type-2 fuzzy TOPSIS method. As there are several forms of interactions among criteria in real life settings, decision makers should be provided with the expert and intelligent systems which can overcome the preferential independence assumption. The proposed method is able to model causal dependencies by using interval type-2 trapezoidal fuzzy sets. The proposed method is implemented in a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)-based strategy selection problem.     

Healthcare Device Security Assessment through Computational Methodology

The current study discusses the different methods used to secure healthcare devices and proposes a quantitative framework to list them in order of significances. The study uses the Hesitant Fuzzy (HF), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrated with Fuzzy Technical for Order Preference by Similarities to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to classify the best alternatives to security techniques for healthcare devices to securing the devices. The technique is enlisted to rate the alternatives based on the degree of satisfaction of their weights. The ranks of the alternatives consequently decide the order of priority for the techniques. A1 was the most probable alternative of all the alternatives, according to the ranks of the alternatives acquired. This means that the security of A2 healthcare devices is the greatest of all the alternatives picked. A corroborative guide for the developers and the makers in quantitatively determining the security of healthcare devices to engineer efficacious devices will be the findings drawn up with the assistance of the proposed framework. The assessments performed using the proposed framework are systematic, precise, and definitive. Therefore, the results of the present empirical analysis are a stronger and accurate choice than the manual assessment of the device’s security.     

多传感器信息融合的Vague集法

采用Vague集表达传感器的模糊测量信息,提出一种基于Vague集的多传感器信息融合方法,给出基于Vague集的模型描述,定义2个Vague集之间的距离,利用TOPSIS法,根据相对接近度给出信息融合的算法。该方法充分考虑了测量信息的隶属度与非隶属度两方面的不确定信息。仿真实例验证了算法的有效性。     

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.     

区间直觉模糊连续交叉熵及其多属性决策方法

在区间直觉模糊（IVIF）环境下,利用连续有序加权平均（COWA）算子定义了一种新的区间直觉模糊数间的交叉熵,即区间直觉模糊连续交叉熵。依据提出的区间直觉模糊连续交叉熵定义了直觉模糊数间的连续交叉熵距离。基于TOPSIS的思想得到备选方案与理想方案的加权距离,并且计算备选方案与理想方案的相对贴近度,依据相对贴近度选择最优方案。其中,针对属性权重信息不完全确定条件下的决策问题,提出了以区间直觉模糊连续交叉熵最大为准则的规划模型;针对属性权重信息完全未知的情况,根据交叉熵理论确定属性权重向量。实验结果验证了新的决策方法的可行性和有效性。     

区间直觉模糊信息下的双向投影决策模型

研究权重完全未知、评价信息为区间直觉模糊数的多准则决策问题. 考虑犹豫度影响, 给出备选方案与正理想方案、负理想方案形成的向量表达方式, 提出一种针对区间直觉模糊信息的向量投影测度方法; 构建基于方案投影总偏差最小的非线性规划准则权重确定模型; 给出基于方案投影的相对贴近度测算公式, 并以此对方案进行排序. 最后通过算例对比分析表明了所提出方法的有效性和可行性.

     

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

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

A novel hybrid MCDM approach based on fuzzy DEMATEL, fuzzy ANP and fuzzy TOPSIS to evaluate green suppliers

It is well known that “green” principles and strategies have become vital for companies as the public awareness increased against their environmental impacts. A company’s environmental performance is not only related to the company’s inner environmental efforts, but also it is affected by the suppliers’ environmental performance and image. For industries, environmentally responsible manufacturing, return flows, and related processes require green supply chain (GSC) and accompanying suppliers with environmental/green competencies. During recent years, how to determine suitable and green suppliers in the supply chain has become a key strategic consideration. Therefore this paper examines GSC management (GSCM) and GSCM capability dimensions to propose an evaluation framework for green suppliers. However, the nature of supplier selection is a complex multi-criteria problem including both quantitative and qualitative factors which may be in conflict and may also be uncertain. The identified components are integrated into a novel hybrid fuzzy multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) model combines the fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Model (DEMATEL), the Analytical Network Process (ANP), and Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) in a fuzzy context. A case study is proposed for green supplier evaluation in a specific company, namely Ford Otosan.     

基于区间直觉模糊数的双向投影决策模型

研究了权重不完全确定,评价信息为区间直觉模糊数的多属性决策问题。提出了方案与理想方案、临界方案形成的向量表达方式,建立了针对区间直觉模糊信息的向量投影测度方法;构建了基于Jaynes最大熵原理和方案公平竞争下的非线性规划属性权重确定模型;提出了基于理想方案与临界方案的贴近度测算公式,以此对方案进行排序。通过算例对比分析说明了该方法的有效性和可行性。     

基于前景理论的区间直觉模糊双向投影决策方法

针对准则权重不完全确定, 方案准则值为区间直觉模糊数的多准则决策问题, 提出一种基于前景理论的双向投影决策方法. 首先, 给出一个考虑犹豫度的区间记分函数; 其次, 以零点为参考点计算各准则下的综合前景值; 然后, 利用定义的方案和理想点以及临界点形成的向量表达方式, 建立双向投影测度方法, 构建并求解基于方案区间投影总偏差最小的非线性规划模型, 并结合最大熵原理获得准则权重; 接着, 利用所提出的基于两个方向区间贴近度公式对各方案进行排序; 最后, 通过算例验证了该方法的有效性和可行性.

     

An integrated fuzzy synthetic evaluation approach for supplier selection based on analytic network process

In order to ensure the uninterrupted supply of items, the suppliers’ performance needs to be evaluated periodically. The evaluation process typically consists of identifying the attributes and criteria relevant to the decision, and measuring the performance of a supplier by considering the relevant criteria. But the evaluation process is complex. Linguistic assessment of suppliers may be carried out based on several criteria. Much of the data are difficult to obtain and ambiguous or vague to interpret. Nonetheless, a rational process of evaluation must exist to select the most appropriate suppliers. This paper develops a supplier evaluation approach based on the analytic network process (ANP) and fuzzy synthetic evaluation under a fuzzy environment. The importance weights of various criteria are considered as linguistic variables. These linguistic ratings can be expressed in triangular fuzzy numbers by using the fuzzy extent analysis. Fuzzy synthetic evaluation is used to select a supplier alternative and the Fuzzy ANP (FANP) method is applied to calculate the importance of the criteria weights. Then an integrated FANP and fuzzy synthetic evaluation methodology is proposed for evaluating and selecting the most suitable suppliers. A hypothetical example is presented and the results indicated that the combination of ANP and fuzzy synthetic evaluation provided useful tool to select the optimal supplier.     

Optimal location selection for an international distribution center by using a new hybrid method

The selection of a location for an international distribution center (IDC) is a most important decision for international logistics managers owing to the need to consider various criteria that involve a complex decision process in which multiple requirements and uncertain conditions have to be taken into consideration simultaneously. Moreover, the criteria often exist simultaneously as independent and dependent characteristics when the problems of location selection have become very complex. A new hybrid method combining the concepts of fuzzy DEMATEL and a new method of fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) in a fuzzy environment is proposed to solve the problems of IDC location selection. In this paper, the fuzzy DEMATEL is proposed to arrange a suitable structure between criteria, and the analytic hierarchy/network process (AHP/ANP) is used to construct weights of all criteria. The linguistic terms characterized by triangular fuzzy numbers are used to denote the evaluation values of all alternatives versus various criteria. Finally, the aggregation fuzzy assessments of different alternatives are ranked to determine the best selection. Furthermore, this paper uses an empirical case for optimal location selection for an IDC in Pacific Asia to illustrate the proposed method, and the results show that the method is an effective means for tackling fuzzy MCDM problems.     

A research on the cutting database system based on machining features and TOPSIS

Cutting parameters play a significant role in machining processes. The traditional cutting database usually neither include all information about part machining nor provide the best alternative of cutting parameters automatically when several alternatives meet the requirements for retrieval. The paper presents a cutting database system based on machining features and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for selecting the best alternative of cutting parameters. Following the object-oriented idea, machining features are organized by part feature, geometric information, material information, precision information and manufacturing resources information, which is very convenient for the database to store and manage the necessary machining information. The multiple criteria decision making matrix D is constructed by spindle speed, feed rate, cutting depth and cutting width. And the best alternative of cutting parameters is selected according to the closeness coefficient by TOPSIS. In addition, a prototype system based on Web browsing mode has been developed. Finally, an example is used to validate that the proposed system is feasible and effective.     

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.     

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 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.     

Approximate TOPSIS for vessel selection under uncertain environment

The selection of appropriate vessels to carry out shipping activities is crucial for many maritime stakeholders including charterers, shipowners, brokers, surveyors and safety engineers. The task is essentially a process of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) under uncertainty requiring analysts to derive rational decisions from ambiguous and incomplete data contained in different quantitative and qualitative forms. Fuzzy Techniques for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) have been well documented in the literature and commonly used in the process of group decision-making under fuzzy environment. While showing the attractiveness in dealing with ambiguous estimates, they have been criticised to be incapable of modelling incompleteness encountered in decision analysis. This paper therefore uses the concept of degrees of belief to develop a novel approximate interval TOPSIS approach for overcoming some of the drawbacks of classical fuzzy TOPSIS methods and facilitating the development of reliable vessel selection models under uncertain environment.