Combining expert judgment: On the performance of trimmed mean vote aggregation procedures in the presence of strategic voting

Analytic group decision techniques for selecting a subset of alternatives range between multicriteria decision analysis techniques such as multiattribute utility theory and the analytic hierarchy process to voting techniques where each member of the decision group submits a ranking of the alternatives, and these individual rankings are then aggregated into an overall ranking. The obvious advantage of voting is that it bypasses the rather intensive data generation requirements of multicriteria techniques. In this paper we compare the performance of trimmed mean rank-order aggregation procedures in the case where a subset of the individuals in the group charged with the decision vote strategically. We employ a Monte Carlo simulation experiment on a specific decision instance and find that trimmed mean aggregation compares favorably with other procedures.     

Prioritisation of an IT budget within a local authority

This paper describes the prioritisation of an IT budget within a department of a local authority. The decision problem is cast as a simple multiattribute evaluation but from two perspectives. First, as an exercise in group decision making. Here the emphasis is on a shared process wherein the object is to obtain consensus. The use of an explicit evaluation framework and the ability to interact with the evaluation data in real time via a simple spreadsheet model were found to improve the decision making. Second, the prioritisation is made analytically. The motivation is to determine the degree to which the rankings are the result of the structural characteristics of the projects themselves rather than of the differences in importance attached to the achievement of the goals represented by the project attributes. Three methods are used: Monte Carlo simulation of ranks, cluster analysis based on attributes and an approach based on entropy maximisation. It is found that in the case studied the structure inherent in the data is high and so the results of the analyses are robust. Finally, a procedure is suggested for the appropriate use of these analyses via a facilitator to aid prioritisation decisions.     

INSDECM—an interactive procedure for stochastic multicriteria decision problems

A new interactive technique for a discrete stochastic multiattribute decision making problem is proposed in this paper. It is assumed that performance probability distribution for each action on each attribute is known. Two concepts are combined in the procedure: stochastic dominance and interactive approach. The first one is employed for generating efficient actions and constructing rankings of actions with respect to attributes. The second concept is used when the communication between the DM and the model is conducted. It is assumed that decision maker’s restrictions are defined by specifying minimal or maximal values of scalar criteria measuring either expected outcome or variability of outcomes. As such restrictions are, in general, not consistent with stochastic dominance rules, we suggest verifying this consistency and asking the decision maker to redefine inconsistent restrictions.     

SIMULEX — a multiattribute DSS to solve rescheduling problems

Knowledge-based systems (KBS) can help to make simulation available to a large group of users. We want to exemplify this by describing a decision support system (DSS) for short term rescheduling in manufacturing called SIMULEX. It couples expert systems, simulation, and a multiattribute decision making (MADM) procedure to assist the production manager. After an introduction to simulation as a problem solving tool, the current problems in production control and the goals of the project are described. Then, the various components of SIMULEX are explained in some detail. Some results and a short outlook conclude the article.     

群决策中基于判断相似度的专家聚类及群体意见集结方法

针对大规模群决策问题,提出了一种基于专家意见相似度的群体判断信息逐步集结规划的方法。首先利用备选方案序关系向量的灰色关联度和夹角余弦构造两两专家判断信息的组合相似度;其次以判断相似度为标准,采用一种广度邻居搜索算法对专家进行聚类;然后以判断偏差最小为目标,构造非线性的约束规划模型对每一类专家意见进行集结,从而获得类内专家的集结信息;最后从专家数量最多的类别开始,依次对每类专家集结后的判断信息进行再次集结,从而获得最终的评判结果。该方法将大规模的复杂群决 策转化为低复杂度的多阶段专家信息集结问题,并保证了群体结果的一致性。算例分析验证了方法的可行性和有效性。     

Multiattribute utility analysis for policy selection and financing for the preservation of the forest

In this paper, we examine effective policies for financing and activities for the preservation of the forest on Mount Ryuoh in the city of Higashi-Hiroshima by multiattribute utility analysis. In multiattribute utility analysis, we deal with decision making problems with multiple attributes and select the most effective solution among several alternatives by deriving preference of the decision maker. Although in our decision making problem, the decision maker is a representative of a hypothetical nonprofit organization established for the preservation of the forest, the decision maker gives serious consideration to intentions of several groups of people receiving the benefit from the mountain, and then from this viewpoint, our problem can be interpreted as a group decision making problem.     

模糊多属性决策的三种结构元方法

将结构元理论引入到模糊多属性决策中,按照经典多属性决策的乐观型准则、悲观型准则和乐观-悲观结合型准则,对应地建立了基于模糊结构元理论的模糊乐观型、模糊悲观型、模糊乐观-悲观结合型决策方法。借助一个实例,本文运用这三种算法进行了决策,得出了和传统决策算法一致的结论。本文提出的算法不仅易于理解,而且计算的速度也远比传统算法要快,对于进一步研究模糊多属性决策问题有很好的参考作用。     

An Efficient Procedure for Differential Weighting of Committee Members' Subjective Estimates

For many problems, the judgements of individuals are critical data. This paper suggests how an aggregate judgement may be computed using differential weights for each judge. Basic data include proficiency rankings made by each judge for all judges. These are then used both to calculate a mean proficiency rank, and a weight based on divergence of each individual judge's rankings of all judges from the mean proficiency ranks.     

多属性群决策算法及一致性分析研究

在多属性群决策中 ,集结群体意见之前必须先对群体的决策数据进行一致性分析 ,以确保群体作出的决策符合客观实际 .提出了群决策的三种三维层次模型 ;用欧几里得距离 ( Euclidean Distance)表示个人决策中方案的评价值 ;然后设置一致性指标值α,作为群体数据一致性的判断依据 ;提出了满足一致性基础上的一种群决策方法 ;最后用实例说明了算法的使用步骤 .     

A fuzzy logic-based decision model to satisfy goals for successful product/service introduction

The Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence is applied to a multiattribute decision-making problem where the decision maker must determine which of several products/services have the best opportunity for success in a competitive marketplace. Multiattribute decisions are generally constrained by the uncertainty inherent in assessing the relative importance of each attribute element that is needed for success and the evaluation of the product/service to be introduced. The relative importance of each attribute element deemed necessary for success is assessed by the decision maker as a goal to be met. The evaluation of each product/service is addressed through expert opinion about the degree to which each element is contained in each product/service. Then the belief and plausibility that a product/service will satisfy the decision maker's goal are calculated. The decision to introduce a product or service depends on the evaluation of the anticipated loss from introduction of a product/service into a competitive market.     

考虑群体一致性的动态群体决策方法

为了求解一类包含多轮群体评价过程的动态群体决策问题，定义了个体效用波动和群体一致度的概念并分别建立了相应的计算指标，利用决策个体的效用波动指标提出了决策个体权重的修正方法，然后提出了一种基于群体一致度指标的加权算法，得到了各决策方案的群体效用评价。最后给出了计算实例。     

Interactive group decision-making procedure using weak strength of preference

In the paper, we present an interactive decision procedure for aggregating group members’ preferences which are specified in incomplete ways. A group consensus under incomplete information is not usually reached at a single step since less-specific preferences on attribute weights and performance scores make a clear selection of best alternative more difficult. To circumvent these difficulties, a measure, indicating the strength of preference between alternatives, is derived to help each of decision makers change his/her preference structure. To make preference changes based on the measure effective, we present a solution method to convert an intractable nonlinear programme into a linear one.     

Dealing with imprecise information in group multicriteria decisions: a methodology and a GDSS architecture

This paper outlines a distributed GDSS suitable to be used over the Internet, based on the VIP Analysis methodology and software. VIP Analysis incorporates complementary approaches to deal with the aggregation of multicriteria performances by means of an additive value function under imprecise information. This proposed GDSS intends to support a decision panel forming a democratic decision unit, whose members wish to reach a final decision in a choice problem, based on consensus or on some majority rule. Its purpose is not to impose an aggregated model from the individual ones. Rather, the GDSS is designed to reflect to each member the consequences of his/her inputs, confronting them with analogous reflections of the group members' inputs. We propose aggregation procedures to provide a reflection of the group's inputs to each of its members, and an architecture for a GDSS implementing these procedures.     

A consistency and consensus-based method to group decision making with interval linguistic preference relations

Preference relations are a powerful tool to address decision-making problems. In some situations, because of the complexity of decision-making problems and the inherent uncertainty, the decision makers cannot express their preferences by using numerical values. Interval linguistic preference relations, which are more reliable and informative for the decision-makers’ preferences, are a good choice to cope with this issue. Just as with the other types of preference relations, the consistency and consensus analysis is very importance to ensure the reasonable ranking order by using interval linguistic preference relations. Considering this situation, this paper introduces a consistency concept for interval linguistic preference relations. To measure the consistency of interval linguistic preference relations, a consistency measure is defined. Then, a consistency-based programming model is built, by which the consistent linguistic preference relations with respect to each object can be obtained. To cope with the inconsistency case, two models for deriving the adjusted consistent linguistic preference relations are constructed. Then, a consistency-based programming model to estimate the missing values is built. After that, we present a group consensus index and present some of its desirable properties. Furthermore, a group consensus-based model to determine the weights of the decision makers with respect to each object is established. Finally, an approach to group decision making with interval linguistic preference relations is developed, which is based on the consistency and consensus analysis. Meanwhile, the associated numerical examples are offered to illustrate the application of the procedure.     

A two-phase algorithm for consensus building in AHP-group decision making

Group decision making through the AHP has received significant attention in contemporary research, the primary focus of which has been on the issues of consistency and consensus building. In this paper, we concentrate on the latter and present a two-phase algorithm based on the optimal clustering of decision makers (members of a group) into sub groups followed by consensus building both within sub groups and between sub groups. Two-dimensional Sammon’s mapping is proposed as a tool for generating an approximate visualization of sub groups identified in multidimensional vector space, while the consensus convergence model is suggested for reaching agreement amongst individuals in and between sub groups. As a given, all decision makers evaluate the same decision elements within the AHP framework and produce individual scores of these decision elements. The consensual scores are obtained through the iterative procedure and the final scores are declared as the group decision. The results of two selected numerical examples are compared with two sets of results: the results obtained by the commonly used geometric mean aggregation method and also the results obtained if the consensus convergence model is applied directly without the prior clustering of the decision makers. The comparisons indicated the expected differences among the aggregation schemes and the final group scores. The matrices of respect values in the consensus convergence model, obtained for cases when the decision makers are optimally clustered and when they are not, show that in the latter case the decision makers receive lower weights of respect from other members in the group. Various tests showed that our approach is efficient in cases when no clusters can be visually and undoubtedly identified, especially if the number of group members is high.     

A multiple criteria ranking procedure based on distance between partial preorders

In this paper, a multiple criteria ranking procedure based on distance between partial preorders is proposed. This method consists of two phases. In the first phase, the decision maker is asked to rank alternatives with a preorder (complete or partial) for each criterion and provide complete or partial linear information about the relative importance (weights) of the criteria. In the second phase, we introduce a distance procedure to aggregate the above individual rankings into a global ranking (a partial preorder). An algorithm for the aggregation procedure is proposed, followed by a numerical illustration.     

搜索引擎综合评价模型研究

首先给出了搜索引擎评价指标体系及计算公式 ,然后讨论了各指标权重的确定方法 ,在此基础上 ,利用多目标决策理论建立起搜索引擎综合评价数学模型 ,并通过具体实例说明了模型的使用     

On the maximum number of feasible ranking sequences in multi-criteria decision making problems

In many decision problems the focus is on ranking a set of m alternatives in terms of a number, say n, of decision criteria. Given are the performance values of the alternatives for each one of the criteria and the weights of importance of the criteria. This paper demonstrates that if one assumes that the criteria weights are changeable, then the number of all possible rankings may be significantly less than the upper limit of m!. As a matter of fact, this paper demonstrates that the number of possible rankings is a function of the number of alternatives and the number of criteria. These findings are important from a sensitivity analysis point of view or when a group decision making environment is considered.     

A Multicriteria Decision Model Application for Managing Group Decisions

This paper demonstrates how a multicriteria decision model (MCDM) using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) can overcome the difficulties arising from the complexity, subjectivity and lack of group consensus in the evaluation of advertising agency selection criteria. The model was applied to a publishing house reviewing their selection procedures, providing a list of prioritized values of agency criteria, which ultimately influence agency selection. It was discovered how the level of potential decision making influence, or power, affects the overall group priorities and rankings of criteria by comparing three computer simulations for allocating power amongst the group using Expert Choice Software. The findings suggested that dominant power may not always be critical in affecting group rankings. Any critical level of dominance was subsequently identified using sensitivity analysis. By encouraging reflection and revision, the technique has much potential for improving contributions amongst the group, and restraining critical levels of dominance.     

Multiple criteria group decision-making with generalized interval-valued fuzzy numbers based on signed distances and incomplete weights

Decision-making information provided by decision makers is often imprecise or uncertain, due to lack of data, time pressure, or the decision makers’ limited attention and information-processing capabilities. Interval-valued fuzzy sets are associated with greater imprecision and more ambiguity than are ordinary fuzzy sets. For these reasons, this paper presents a signed distance-based method for handling fuzzy multiple-criteria group decision-making problems in which individual assessments are provided as generalized interval-valued trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, and the information about criterion weights are not precisely but partially known. First, concerning the relative importance of decision makers and the group consensus of fuzzy opinions, all individual decision opinions were aggregated into group opinions using a hybrid average with weighted averaging and signed distance-based ordered weighted averaging operations. Next, considering a decision situation with incomplete weight information of criteria, an integrated programming model was developed to estimate criterion weights and to order the priorities of various alternatives based on signed distances. In addition, several deviation variables were introduced to mitigate the effect of inconsistent evaluations on the importance of criteria. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is illustrated by a numerical example of a multi-criteria supplier selection problem. Furthermore, a comparative analysis with other methods was conducted to validate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed methodology.