A subjective framework for seat comfort based on a heuristic multi criteria decision making technique and anthropometry

Consumer expectations for automobile seat comfort continue to rise. With this said, it is evident that the current automobile seat comfort development process, which is only sporadically successful, needs to change. In this context, there has been growing recognition of the need for establishing theoretical and methodological automobile seat comfort. On the other hand, seat producer need to know the costumer’s required comfort to produce based on their interests. The current research methodologies apply qualitative approaches due to anthropometric specifications. The most significant weakness of these approaches is the inexact extracted inferences. Despite the qualitative nature of the consumer’s preferences there are some methods to transform the qualitative parameters into numerical value which could help seat producer to improve or enhance their products. Nonetheless this approach would help the automobile manufacturer to provide their seats from the best producer regarding to the consumers idea. In this paper, a heuristic multi criteria decision making technique is applied to make consumers preferences in the numeric value. This Technique is combination of Analytical Hierarchy Procedure (AHP), Entropy method, and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). A case study is conducted to illustrate the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposed heuristic approach.     

Discriminative aggregation operators for multi criteria decision making

A general aggregation formalism for multi criteria decision making (MCDM) applications is presented. Using this formalism, we derive the existing aggregation operators, and also develop some new ones. The proposed general formalism is further extended to develop discriminative class of aggregation operators for aiding MCDM. The proposed discriminative aggregation operators are based on the consideration of the variability in the various evaluations of a criterion. Four families of discriminative aggregation operators are developed using the extended formalism. These operators and applied in a managerial real world case-study.     

Algorithms for fuzzy multi expert multi criteria decision making (ME-MCDM)

Inherent complexity and uncertainty in a business environment necessitate the participation of many experts in multi criteria decision making. However, participation of many experts makes the conflict aggregation process difficult. To handle this difficulty, we propose two algorithms namely possibility measure and averaging conflict aggregation. In possibility measure, we integrate the possibility theory of fuzzy logic with a maximal containment method that is designed based on the decision problem. Possibility measure algorithm for ME-MCDM involves computationally expensive multiple information processing steps. Therefore to test and compare this algorithm, averaging conflict aggregation algorithm is proposed that requires fewer mathematical information processing steps. Based on the proposed algorithms, a decision support system (DSS) is developed. We present a case study of supplier evaluation to compare both of the proposed algorithms with the help of developed DSS.     

A new multi criteria decision making approach for medical imaging systems considering risk factors

Effective and good quality imaging is important for medical decision-making and can reduce unnecessary costs and procedures. Therefore, decision making regarding any technology can present serious problems for healthcare centers with multi criteria decision making problems (MCDM). This paper is the first to develop the fuzzy axiomatic design with risk factors (RFAD) approach and to use it in multi attribute comparisons of medical imaging systems in a university hospital. Although most MCDM approaches in the literature treat risk factors as separate criteria, in real life every alternative has its own risks related to each criterion. The proposed approach integrates the risk factors in each criterion and calculates the information content to compare alternatives. This paper applies three different approaches to MCDM problems related to the selection of medical imaging systems for a university hospital.     

A heuristic technique for multi‐agent planning

The subject of multi‐agent planning has been of continuing concern in Distributed Artificial Intelligence (DAI). In this paper, we suggest an approach to multi‐agent planning that contains heuristic elements. Our method makes use of subgoals, and derived sub‐plans, to construct a global plan. Agents solve their individual sub‐plans, which are then merged into a global plan. The suggested approach reduces overall planning time and derives a plan that approximates the optimal global plan that would have been derived by a central planner, given those original subgoals. We explore three different scenarios. The first involves a group of agents with a common goal. The second considers how agents can interleave planning and execution when planning towards a common, though dynamic, goal. The third examines the case where agents, each with their own goal, can plan together to reach a state in consensus for the group. Finally, we consider how these approaches can be adapted to handle rational, manipulative agents. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A method for stochastic multiple criteria decision making based on dominance degrees

This paper proposes a method for solving the stochastic multiple criteria decision making (SMCDM) problem, where consequences of alternatives with respect to criteria are represented by random variables with probability distributions. Firstly, definitions and related analysis of dominance degree of one probability distribution over another are given. Then, by calculating the dominance degrees, the dominance degree matrix of alternative pairwise comparisons with respect to each criterion is built. Further, using PROMETHEE II method, an overall dominance degree matrix of alternative pairwise comparisons is constructed, and a net flow of each alternative is calculated. Based on the obtained net flows, a ranking of alternatives is determined. Finally, numerical examples for the three cases are given to illustrate the use of the proposed method.     

An integrated fuzzy multi criteria group decision making approach for ERP system selection

This paper aims to ease group decision-making by using an integration of fuzzy AHP (analytic hierarchy process) and fuzzy TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) and its application to software selection of an electronic firm. Firstly, priority values of criteria in software selection problem have been determined by using fuzzy extension of AHP method. Fuzzy extension of AHP is suggested in this paper because of little computation time and much simpler than other fuzzy AHP procedures. Then, the result of the fuzzy TOPSIS model can be employed to define the most appropriate alternative with regard to this firm's goals in uncertain environment. Fuzzy numbers are presented in all phases in order to overcome any vagueness in decision making process. The final decision depends on the degree of importance of each decision maker so that wrong degree of importance causes the mistaken result. The researchers generally determine the degrees of importance of each decision maker according to special characteristics of each decision maker as subjectivity. In order to overcome this subjectivity in this paper, the judgments of decision makers are degraded to unique decision by using an attribute based aggregation technique. There is no study about software selection using integrated fuzzy AHP-fuzzy TOPSIS approach with group decision-making based on an attribute based aggregation technique. The results of the proposed approach and the other approaches are compared. Results indicate that our methodology allows decreasing the uncertainty and the information loss in group decision making and thus, ensures a robust solution to the firm.     

A framework for dynamic multiple-criteria decision making

The classic multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) model assumes that, when taking a decision, the decision maker has defined a fixed set of criteria and is presented with a clear picture of all available alternatives. The task then reduces to computing the score of each alternative, thus producing a ranking, and choosing the one that maximizes this value.However, most real-world decisions take place in a dynamic environment, where the final decision is only taken at the end of some exploratory process. Exploration of the problem is often beneficial, in that it may unveil previously unconsidered alternatives or criteria, as well as render some of them unnecessary.In this paper we introduce a flexible framework for dynamic MCDM, based on the classic model, that can be applied to any dynamic decision process and which is illustrated by means of a small helicopter landing example. In addition, we outline a number of possible applications in very diverse fields, to highlight its versatility.     

A method based on stochastic dominance degrees for stochastic multiple criteria decision making

In this paper, a novel method based on the stochastic dominance degree (SDD) is proposed to solve a discrete stochastic multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. Firstly, a concept of stochastic dominance degree is introduced to describe the degree that one alternative dominates another when the SD relation for each pair of alternatives is determined, and a computation formula of the SDD is given. Then, by calculating SDDs, the SDD matrix on pairwise comparisons of alternatives with respect to each criterion is built. Furthermore, the SDD matrices with respect to all the criteria are aggregated into an overall SDD matrix using the simple additive weighting method. Based on the overall SDD matrix, an approach based on the idea of the PROMETHEE-II is developed to obtain the ranking result of alternatives. Finally, two numerical examples are used to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Integrating simulation modelling and multi criteria decision making for customer focused scheduling in job shops

Today, customer centricity is an important strategy in business-to-business markets and manufacturing companies need decision support systems that provide adequate information for customer centric applications. This study proposes an integrated decision support system that combines simulation modelling and multi-criteria decision making. More specifically, job shop lot streaming problem is dealt with, and it is aimed to determine the best dispatching rules to schedule batches on machines. To this aim, three renowned performance-oriented criteria; (i) mean flow time, (ii) percentage of tardy orders, (iii) makespan and one customer-oriented criterion; (iv) mean percentage deviation from the customer expectations are considered. Effect of different classical and customer-oriented dispatching rules on these performance criteria are investigated. The performance criteria are weighted using analytical hierarchy process by considering the level of bottleneck resource utilization and customer importance weights. The results reveal that customer-oriented dispatching rules provide better outcomes in case of high level of bottleneck resource utilization and high fluctuation amongst the customer importance weights.     

基于模糊多准则决策的谈判模型

针对目前谈判支持系统中谈判模型存在的难以准确获知谈判人的偏好,以及利用偏好构造其效用函数的问题,应用模糊数学的方法,将谈判人的偏好和对目标值的评价用梯形模糊数表示,由此提出一种基于模糊多准则决策方法求解谈判问题的模型。通过示例分析计算,表明该模型能帮助谈判各方达成一个满意解。     

A simulation based multi-attribute group decision making technique with decision constraints

The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is a useful technique for solving Multi Attribute Group Decision Making (MAGDM) problems. In MAGDM, the performance scores of the alternatives and the weights of assessment attributes are mostly vague. Therefore, using of deterministic data throughout decision making process may lead to inaccurate results. In order to overcome inherent vagueness and uncertainty, various fuzzy MAGDM techniques were presented in the literature. However, these fuzzy MAGDM techniques are focused on expected and extreme values, which are sometimes insufficient for the precise determination of alternatives’ preference structure. In this paper, in order to eliminate the limitations of deterministic and fuzzy MAGDM methods, we present a probabilistic methodology, which is based on TOPSIS and Monte-Carlo simulation of triangular data. In addition to its straightforward application and thanks to its versatility, simulation enables decision makers to incorporate some decision constraints into decision-making process. Two illustrative examples are also given to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The method is also compared with a fuzzy TOPSIS technique from the literature.     

基于云模型的不确定性大群体多属性决策方法

针对传统不确定性大群体多属性决策方法中只考虑决策信息的模糊性,没有考虑信息的随机性这一问题,提出了一种基于云模型的多属性决策方法,从而用于解决由多个小群体组成的不确定性大群体决策问题。首先将不确定语言评价值转化为一维正态云;其次采用决策者主观确定和一致性分析相结合的方法确定针对不同决策对象的小群体权重,进而生成综合云;然后提出了一种改进的云相似度算法作为云模型距离的度量,通过比较各方案综合云与最优云的相似度对方案排序。最后通过实例验证了所提方法的可行性和有效性。     

A new multiple criteria decision making method based on intuitionistic fuzzy information

The risk attitude of a decision maker is considered in the decision process. Inspired by mean-variance type utility functions in the financial risk management, a new class of decision functions are defined based on the weighted score function and the weighted accuracy function in the intuitionistic fuzzy setting. By choosing a suitable parameter value, the decision maker’s risk attitude can be flexibly reflected by our decision function. The new method can be applied for both the exactly known and partly known criteria weight situations. For the latter case, it is only necessary to solve one linear programming problem. The developed models and algorithms are then extended to multiple criteria decision making problems with the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy information. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the practicality, flexibility and efficiency of our new algorithms.     

Logistics tool selection with two-phase fuzzy multi criteria decision making: A case study for personal digital assistant selection

Efficient logistics and supply chain management are enabled through the use of efficient information technologies (IT). The mobile logistics tools represent the IT interface in the supply chain. This paper aims to aid decision makers to identify the most appropriate mobile logistics tools and to achieve this aim, several evaluation criteria are identified to evaluate logistics tools, and a fuzzy axiomatic design (FAD) based group decision-making method is adopted to perform the evaluation in two phases. In the first phase of pre-assessment, alternatives that cannot meet basic requirements and the defined threshold are eliminated. In the second phase of selection, the remaining alternatives are more meticulously evaluated. Criteria weights are determined using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and another fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, namely fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), is applied in the second phase to compare the outcome of FAD. A case study is provided in order to demonstrate the potential of the proposed methodology. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) with integrated barcode scanner that are available in the Turkish market are evaluated.     

The decision systems group: creating a framework for decision making.

The Decision Systems Group is pursuing a vision in which every available medical resource can be brought together at the point of need. The DSG focuses on the components and tools in specific areas as well as on the models, approaches, and infrastructure that make this type of integration possible. Its academic mission is to train individuals with dual expertise: those who understand and appreciate the issues involved in developing and validating a method or technique, plus the issues of deployment, operation, and interaction in practical environments. Ultimately, the application of this vision can only serve to enhance the current level of healthcare.     

Multidimensional appraisal of customer relationship management: integrating balanced scorecard and multi criteria decision making approaches

This paper presents a comprehensive integrative framework for measuring the performance of customer relationship management (CRM) system based on a detailed empirical study of 32 Iranian internet service provider (ISP) firms. At first, by an extensive literature review and experts who have real practical experiences in the field of CRM, appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) based on four perspectives of balanced scorecard have been extracted. Then, due to the interdependency and feedback among these KPIs, multiple criteria decision making techniques are used to evaluate CRM performance. Specifically, this study first applies the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory approach to determine the interrelated relationships among criteria, and to find the crucial central and influential factors. Then, the analytical network process method is used to obtain the criterion weights. Finally, according to these previous results, the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution method is adopted to analyze the CRM performance of 32 Iranian ISP firms. The results of this study illustrated that learning and growth is the most crucial influential perspective and it would influence on the other perspectives much more. Furthermore, indicators including organization capital, human capital, customer retention process, customer perceived value, and customer expansion process play an essential role in succeeding of CRM. The results of this study can provide a comprehensive insight for managers into discerning how and through which mechanisms CRM can create merits for the organizations.     

基于云发生算法的犹豫语言多准则决策方法

犹豫语言集比传统语言变量能更好地表示不确定决策信息,但因其具有非均匀和离散的特点,使用时难以找到对应的解析词运算规则和比较方法。对此,利用云模型的云滴生成算法,通过数值模拟方法解决犹豫语言信息的运算与比较问题,提出了相应的多准则决策方法,并通过算例分析了其有效性。     

考虑准则依赖的风险型多准则决策新方法

为有效应对风险型多准则决策过程中准则依赖的问题,针对现有文献中完全理性和有限理性决策两种视角下准则独立假设的不足,应用DEMATEL方法分析决策准则之间的相互影响关系,得到准则依赖情境下的综合重要性权重,进而以备选方案状态均值为参照点,从前景理论出发,求解风险状态下备选方案的综合前景价值,作为决策依据。案例应用结果表明,所提方法在实践中是切实可行的。