Multiple criteria decision analysis under complex uncertainty: A Pearson-like correlation-based Pythagorean fuzzy compromise approach

The aim of this article is to develop a novel multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method using a Pearson-like correlation-based Pythagorean fuzzy (PF) compromise approach under complex uncertainty based on PF sets and interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy (IVPF) sets. Because of the complexity and ambiguity involved in real-life decision-making situations, this article utilizes the theory of Pythagorean fuzziness, which is characterized by flexible degrees of membership, nonmembership, and indeterminacy to describe uncertain information more comprehensively. PF and IVPF sets possess exceptional abilities to accurately reflect the uncertainty, fuzziness, and vagueness inherent in the decision information. However, manipulating PF and IVPF information is a complicated and difficult task for most decision makers. In this regard, this article extends the well-known and widely used concept of correlation coefficients to develop simple and effective compromise models for solving MCDA problems in PF and IVPF contexts. This article conducts an extended analysis of Pearson-like correlation coefficients for PF and IVPF sets separately and introduces new concepts of PF and IVPF correlation coefficients to furnish a solid basis for the proposed methodology. Furthermore, this article develops useful concepts of PF and IVPF correlation-based closeness coefficients to simultaneously measure the relative closeness to the positive-ideal PF/IVPF solutions and the relative remoteness from the negative-ideal PF/IVPF solutions. On the basis of the developed concepts, this article proposes a novel Pearson-like correlation-based PF/IVPF compromise approach to address uncertain MCDA problems involving PF/IVPF information and determine the ultimate priority orders among competing alternatives. Finally, this article provides an illustrative application about a financing decision of working capital management to verify the developed approach and demonstrate its feasibility and practicality.