Decision risk analysis for an interval TOPSIS method

TOPSIS is a multi-attribute decision making (MADM) technique for ranking and selection of a number of externally determined alternatives through distance measures. When the collected data for each criterion is interval and the risk attitude for a decision maker is unknown, we present a new TOPSIS method for normalizing the collected data and ranking the alternatives. The results show that the decision maker with different risk attitude ranks the different alternatives.     

On Method for Uncertain Multiple Attribute Decision Making Problems with Uncertain Multiplicative Preference Information on Alternatives

The uncertain multiple attribute decision making (UMADM) problems are investigated, in which the information about attribute weights is known partly and the attribute values take the form of interval numbers, and the decision maker (DM) has uncertain multiplicative preference information on alternatives. We make the decision information uniform by using a transformation formula, and then establish an objective-programming model. The attribute weights can be determined by solving the developed model. The concept of interval positive ideal point of alternatives (IPIPA) is introduced, and an approach based on IPIPA and projection to ranking alternatives is proposed. The method can avoid comparing and ranking interval numbers, and can reflect both the objective information and the DMs subjective preferences.     

一种属性信息不完全的TODIM决策方法

针对属性信息不完全的多属性决策问题,考虑到决策者具有参照依赖和损失规避行为,提出一种不完全信息的TODIM决策方法。首先,在考虑决策者参照依赖和损失规避行为的基础上,计算每个方案相对于其它方案关于每个属性的优势度;然后计算每个方案相对于其它所有方案的总体优势度;再以最大化所有方案的总体优势度作为目标函数,建立确定最优方案的优化模型。进一步,利用TODIM方法的思想,计算每个方案相对于其它所有方案的总体优势度,从而对方案进行排序。最后通过一个风险投资的算例验证该方法的可行性和有效性。     

Visualizing preferences on spheres for group decisions based on multiplicative preference relations

Decision makers’ choices are often influenced by visual background information. One of the difficulties in group decision is that decision makers may bias their judgment in order to increase the possibility of a preferred result. Hence, the method used to provide visual aids in helping decision making teams both to observe the background context and to perceive outliers is an important issue to consider. This study proposes an extended Decision Ball model to visualize a group’s decisions. By observing the Decision Balls, each decision maker can: see individual ranking as well as similarities between alternatives, identify the differences between individual judgments and the group’s collective opinion, observe the clusters of alternatives as well as clusters of decision makers, and discover outliers. Thus, this method can help decision makers make a more objective judgment.     

Performance evaluation: An integrated method using data envelopment analysis and fuzzy preference relations

In a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) context, the decision maker needs to provide his preferences over a set of decision alternatives and constructs a preference relation and then use the derived priority vector of the preference to rank various alternatives. This paper proposes an integrated approach to rate decision alternatives using data envelopment analysis and preference relations. This proposed approach includes three stages. First, pairwise efficiency scores are computed using two DEA models: the CCR model and the proposed cross-evaluation DEA model. Second, the pairwise efficiency scores are then utilized to construct the fuzzy preference relation and the consistent fuzzy preference relation. Third, by use of the row wise summation technique, we yield a priority vector, which is used for ranking decision-making units (DMUs). For the case of a single output and a single input, the preference relation can be directly obtained from the original sample data. The proposed approach is validated by two numerical examples.     

Multicriteria decision-making method using the Dice similarity measure based on the reduct intuitionistic fuzzy sets of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets

This paper proposes the concept of the reduct intuitionistic fuzzy sets of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs) with respect to adjustable weight vectors and the Dice similarity measure based on the reduct intuitionistic fuzzy sets to explore the effects of optimism, neutralism, and pessimism in decision making. Then a decision-making method with the pessimistic, optimistic, and neutral schemes desired by the decision maker is established by combining adjustable weight vectors and the Dice similarity measure for IVIFSs. The proposed decision-making method is more flexible and adjustable in practical problems and can determine the ranking order of alternatives and the optimal one(s), so that it can overcome the difficulty of the ranking order and decision making when there exist the same measure values of some alternatives in some cases. This adjustable feature can provide the decision maker with more selecting schemes and actionable results for the decision-making analysis. Finally, two illustrative examples are employed to show the feasibility of the proposed method in practical applications.     

Evaluation of rankings with regard to the possible number of agreements and conflicts

An interesting problem in group decision analysis is how many different agreements can occur, or conversely disagreements may exist, between two or more different rankings of a set of alternatives. In this paper it is assumed that a reference ranking has been established for the set of alternatives. This reference ranking may represent the ranking of a high authority decision maker or be just a virtual ranking to be used in determining the discrepancy between pairs of rankings. Then, the problem examined here is to evaluate the number of possible rankings when the ranking method is the number of agreements with some reference ranking. The analysis presented here illustrates that this problem is not trivial and moreover, its simple context conceals complexity in its depth. The purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation of the number of possible agreements in rankings given to a set of concepts, alternatives or ideas, by two or more decision makers. The number of possible agreements takes on the values 0, 1, 2,…, n − 2, or n when n concepts are compared. This paper develops a recursive closed form formula for calculating the frequencies for the various numbers of agreements.     

Robust optimization analysis for multiple attribute decision making problems with imprecise information

This paper considers ranking decision alternatives under multiple attributes with imprecise information on both attribute weights and alternative ratings. It is demonstrated that regret results from the decision maker??s inadequate knowledge about the true scenario to occur. Potential optimality analysis is a traditional method to evaluate alternatives with imprecise information. The essence of this approach is to identify any alternative that outperforms the others in its best-case scenario. Our analysis shows that potential optimality analysis is optimistic in nature and may lead to a significant loss if an unfavorable scenario occurs. We suggest a robust optimization analysis approach that ranks alternatives in terms of their worst-case absolute or relative regret. A robust optimal alternative performs reasonably well in all scenarios and is shown to be desirable for a risk-concerned decision maker. Linear programming models are developed to check robust optimality.     

多属性决策的群排序方法研究

在多属性群决策中，决策的决策结果有两种表现形式，即决策方案的优先序和决策方案的排序权向量。本研究基于决策方案优先序的群排序方法，提出了加权偏差平方和最小化方法及基于测度函数的0-1规划方法。     

一种基于决策者风险态度的区间数多指标决策方法

针对具有区间数的多指标决策问题，提出了一种新的决策分析方法。该方法的思路是：首先通过引入决策的风险态度因子将区间数决策问题映射为传统的点值决策问题。然后给出了基于TOPSIS的方案排序方法，最后通过对风险态度因子的不同取值可进行方案排序的灵敏度分析。     

Aggregation of utility-based individual preferences for group decision-making

Multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) elicits an individual decision maker’s preferences for single attributes and develops a utility function by mathematics formulation to add up the preferences of the entire set of attributes when assessing alternatives. A common aggregation method of MAUT for group decisions is the simple additive weighting (SAW) method, which does not consider the different preferential levels and preferential ranks for individual decision makers’ assessments of alternatives in a decision group, and thus seems too intuitive in achieving the consensus and commitment for group decision aggregation. In this paper, the preferential differences denoting the preference degrees among different alternatives and preferential priorities denoting the favorite ranking of the alternatives for each decision maker are both considered and aggregated to construct the utility discriminative values for assessing alternatives in a decision group. A comparative analysis is performed to compare the proposed approach to the SAW model, and a satisfaction index is used to investigate the satisfaction levels of the final two resulting group decisions. In addition, a feedback interview is conducted to understand the subjective perceptions of decision makers while examining the results obtained from these two approaches for the second practical case. Both investigation results show that the proposed approach is able to achieve a more satisfying and agreeable group decision than that of the SAW method.     

考虑属性关联的C-TODIM决策方法

针对属性具有关联性的多属性决策问题,考虑到决策者具有参照依赖和损失规避行为,提出一种新的C-TODIM决策方法。依据经典TODIM决策方法,考虑决策者的参照依赖行为,计算每个方案相对于其它各个方案关于各属性的收益或损失值;再考虑到决策者的损失规避行为,集成属性关联情形下方案关于所有属性的收益或损失值,得到每个方案相对于其它各个方案的个体感知优势度;在此基础上,计算每个方案的总体感知优势度,并依据总体感知优势度的大小对方案进行排序。最后通过一个风险投资的算例验证该方法的可行性和有效性。     

Ranking generalized fuzzy numbers in fuzzy decision making based on the left and right transfer coefficients and areas

Although a number of recent studies have proposed ranking fuzzy numbers based on the deviation degree, most of them have exhibited several shortcomings associated with non-discriminative and counter-intuitive problems. In fact, none of the existing deviation degree methods has guaranteed consistencies between the ranking of fuzzy numbers and that of their images under all situations. They have also ignored decision maker’s attitude toward risk, which significantly influences final ranking result. To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, this study proposes a new approach for ranking fuzzy numbers that ensures full consideration for all information of fuzzy numbers. Accordingly, an overall ranking index is obtained by the integration of the information from the left and the right (LR) areas between fuzzy numbers, the centroid points of fuzzy numbers and the decision maker’s attitude toward risk. This new method is efficient for evaluating generalized fuzzy numbers and distinguishing symmetric fuzzy numbers. It also overcomes the shortcomings of the existing approaches based on deviation degree. Several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach. Lastly, a new fuzzy MCDM approach for generalized fuzzy numbers is proposed based on the proposed ranking approach and the concept of generalized fuzzy numbers. The proposed fuzzy MCDM approach does not require the normalization process and thus avoids the loss of information results from transforming generalized fuzzy numbers to normal form.     

Triangular fuzzy decision-theoretic rough sets

Based on decision-theoretic rough sets (DTRS), we augment the existing model by introducing into the granular values. More specifically, we generalize a concept of the precise value of loss function to triangular fuzzy decision-theoretic rough sets (TFDTRS). Firstly, ranking the expected loss with triangular fuzzy number is analyzed. In light of Bayesian decision procedure, we calculate three thresholds and derive decision rules. The relationship between the values of the thresholds and the risk attitude index of decision maker presented in the ranking function is analyzed. With the aid of multiple attribute group decision making, we design an algorithm to determine the values of losses used in TFDTRS. It is achieved with the use of particle swarm optimization. Our study provides a solution in the aspect of determining the value of loss function of DTRS and extends its range of applications. Finally, an example is presented to elaborate on the performance of the TFDTRS model.     

一个基于不确定动态几何加权平均算子的多属性决策方法

针对决策过程中,方案属性信息的不确定性且信息是分多个阶段给出的,给出了一个不确定多阶段信息集结算子,不确定动态几何加权平均(UDWGA)算子.该算子可以将决策者在多个阶段给出的区间型信息进行集结.给出了基于此算子的不确定多属性决策方法,最后的实例说明方法的有效性和合理性.     

Extension of the LINMAP for multiattribute decision making under Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy environment

The aim of this article is further extending the linear programming techniques for multidimensional analysis of preference (LINMAP) to develop a new methodology for solving multiattribute decision making (MADM) problems under Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) environments. The LINMAP only can deal with MADM problems in crisp environments. However, fuzziness is inherent in decision data and decision making processes. In this methodology, Atanassov’s IF sets are used to describe fuzziness in decision information and decision making processes by means of an Atanassov’s IF decision matrix. A Euclidean distance is proposed to measure the difference between Atanassov’s IF sets. Consistency and inconsistency indices are defined on the basis of preferences between alternatives given by the decision maker. Each alternative is assessed on the basis of its distance to an Atanassov’s IF positive ideal solution (IFPIS) which is unknown a prior. The Atanassov’s IFPIS and the weights of attributes are then estimated using a new linear programming model based upon the consistency and inconsistency indices defined. Finally, the distance of each alternative to the Atanassov’s IFPIS can be calculated to determine the ranking order of all alternatives. A numerical example is examined to demonstrate the implementation process of this methodology. Also it has been proved that the methodology proposed in this article can deal with MADM problems under not only Atanassov’s IF environments but also both fuzzy and crisp environments.     

Extension of VIKOR method for decision making problem with interval numbers

The VIKOR method was developed for multi-criteria optimization of complex systems. It determines the compromise ranking list and the compromise solution obtained with the initial (given) weights. This method focuses on ranking and selecting from a set of alternatives in the presence of conflicting criteria. It introduces the multi-criteria ranking index based on the particular measure of “closeness” to the “ideal” solution. The aim of this paper is to extend the VIKOR method for decision making problems with interval number. The extended VIKOR method’s ranking is obtained through comparison of interval numbers and for doing the comparisons between intervals, we introduce α as optimism level of decision maker. Finally, a numerical example illustrates and clarifies the main results developed in this paper.     

直觉模糊熵与加权决策算法

直觉模糊熵是直觉模糊集理论中的一个重要概念,反映了直觉模糊集的模糊程度和不确定程度.首先给出一种新的直觉模糊熵,并运用到多属性直觉模糊决策问题中.决策时根据直觉模糊熵计算属性权重,再综合决策者的偏好对各属性权重进行修正,然后使用直觉模糊集结算子和得分函数对方案进行排序,从而获得最优方案.     

Strong reciprocity and strong consistency in pairwise comparison matrix with fuzzy elements

The decision making problem considered in this paper is to rank n alternatives from the best to the worst, using the information given by the decision maker in the form of an \(n\times n\) pairwise comparison matrix. Here, we deal with pairwise comparison matrices with fuzzy elements. Fuzzy elements of the pairwise comparison matrix are applied whenever the decision maker is not sure about the value of his/her evaluation of the relative importance of elements in question. We investigate pairwise comparison matrices with elements from abelian linearly ordered group (alo-group) over a real interval. The concept of reciprocity and consistency of pairwise comparison matrices with fuzzy elements have been already studied in the literature. Here, we define stronger concepts, namely the strong reciprocity and strong consistency of pairwise comparison matrices with fuzzy intervals as the matrix elements (PCF matrices), derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for strong reciprocity and strong consistency and investigate their properties as well as some consequences to the problem of ranking the alternatives.     

A simulation-based test of stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis using achievement functions

Stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis using achievement functions (SMAA-A) is a preference model for discrete-choice decision making that inverts the traditional goal programming process by asking what combinations of aspirations are necessary to make each alternative the preferred one, rather than what alternative is preferred given a set of aspirations. In this paper, we test the ability of the model to discern good-performing alternatives from poorly-performing ones using a simulation study. Simulation results show that a suitably detailed construction of the acceptability index is particularly important, and that the resulting model can be fruitfully applied in the selection of a shortlist of alternatives from a larger set with only very limited decision maker involvement.