An adjustable approach to fuzzy soft set based decision making

Molodtsov’s soft set theory was originally proposed as a general mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. Recently, decision making based on (fuzzy) soft sets has found paramount importance. This paper aims to give deeper insights into decision making based on fuzzy soft sets. We discuss the validity of the Roy-Maji method and show its true limitations. We point out that the choice value designed for the crisp case is no longer fit to solve decision making problems involving fuzzy soft sets. By means of level soft sets, we present an adjustable approach to fuzzy soft set based decision making and give some illustrative examples. Moreover, the weighted fuzzy soft set is introduced and its application to decision making is also investigated.     

Chance constrained programming models for refinery short-term crude oil scheduling problem

The main objective of this work is to put forward chance constrained mixed-integer nonlinear stochastic and fuzzy programming models for refinery short-term crude oil scheduling problem under demands uncertainty of distillation units. The scheduling problem studied has characteristics of discrete events and continuous events coexistence, multistage, multiproduct, nonlinear, uncertainty and large scale. At first, the two models are transformed into their equivalent stochastic and fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) models by using the method of Quesada and Grossmann [I. Quesada, I E. Grossmann, Global optimization of bilinear process networks with multicomponent flows, Comput. Chem. Eng. 19 (12) (1995) 1219–1242], respectively. After that, the stochastic equivalent model is converted into its deterministic MILP model through probabilistic theory. The fuzzy equivalent model is transformed into its crisp MILP model relies on the fuzzy theory presented by Liu and Iwamura [B.D. Liu, K. Iwamura, Chance constrained programming with fuzzy parameters, Fuzzy Sets Syst. 94 (2) (1998) 227–237] for the first time in this area. Finally, the two crisp MILP models are solved in LINGO 8.0 based on scheduling time discretization. A case study which has 267 continuous variables, 68 binary variables and 320 constraints is effectively solved with the solution approaches proposed.     

A fuzzy goal programming approach to integrated loading and scheduling of a batch processing machine

This paper concerns a real-life problem of loading and scheduling a batch-processing machine. The integrated loading and scheduling problem is stated as a multicriteria optimization problem where different types of objectives are included: (1) short-term objectives of relevance to the shop floor, such as throughput maximization and work-in-process inventory minimization, and (2) long-term objectives such as balancing of end product inventory levels and meeting financial targets imposed by the higher production planning level. Two types of uncertainty are considered: (1) uncertainty inherent in loading and scheduling objective targets (goals) such as the allocated budget and end product demand, and (2) uncertainty in importance relations among the objectives. These two types of uncertainty are modelled using fuzzy sets and fuzzy relations, respectively. A fuzzy goal programming model and the corresponding method are developed which handle both fuzzy and crisp goals and fuzzy importance relations among the goals. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed model.     

Solving Large-Scale Fuzzy and Possibilistic Optimization Problems

Fuzzy and possibilistic optimization methods are demonstrated to be effective tools in solving large-scale problems. In particular, an optimization problem in radiation therapy with various orders of complexity from 1000 to 62,250 constraints for fuzzy and possibilistic linear and nonlinear programming implementations possessing (1) fuzzy or soft inequalities, (2) fuzzy right-hand side values, and (3) possibilistic right-hand side is used to demonstrate that fuzzy and possibilistic optimization methods are tractable and useful. We focus on the uncertainty in the right side of constraints which arises, in the context of the radiation therapy problem, from the fact that minimal and maximal radiation tolerances are ranges of values, with preferences within the range whose values are based on research results, empirical findings, and expert knowledge, rather than fixed real numbers. The results indicate that fuzzy/possibilistic optimization is a natural and effective way to model various types of optimization under uncertainty problems and that large fuzzy and possibilistic optimization problems can be solved efficiently.     

带有模糊参数的农业生产计划模型

在现实的生产系统中, 由于材料价格, 产品价格, 市场需求以及劳动者能力等不确定因素的影响, 生产计划问题常常是一个不确定规划问题. 因此, 带有常系数的生产计划模型不能准确有效的描述生产决策环境. 基于可信性理论, 本文将提出一类新的带有模糊参数的生产计划模型. 然后, 我们讨论了可信性函数的逼近并且设计一个基于逼近方法、神经网络和遗传算法的启发式算法来求解这个模糊生产计划问题. 最后, 给出了一个数值例子来表明所设计算法的可行性和有效性.     

PROMETHEE: an extension through fuzzy mathematical programming

PROMETHEE multi-criteria methods are based on fuzzy evaluations of the differences between pairs of alternatives for each criterion. PROMETHEE II associates a crisp number to each action. PROMETHEE III associates an interval to each action and two actions are considered indifferent when they are very close to each other. PROMETHEE V applies Integer Linear Programming in order to select the subset of alternatives that maximizes the sum of PROMETHEE II scorings, subject to a set of constraints. In order to make the model more realistic, this paper proposes that some constraints are soft and some coefficients are estimated by fuzzy numbers. Fuzzy Integer Linear Programming is applied, using the PROMETHEE III scorings as objective function coefficients, in order to find the subsets of non-outranked alternatives that best satisfy the soft constraints. The new model is more realistic and fits better the fuzzy philosophy of PROMETHEE. The method is illustrated with an example.     

An exact algorithm for the fuzzy p-median problem

In this paper we propose a fuzzy version of the classical p-median problem. We consider a fuzzy set of constraints so that the decision-maker will be able to take into account solutions which provide significantly lower costs by leaving a part of the demand uncovered. We propose an algorithm for solving the problem which is based on Hakimi's works and we compare the crisp and the fuzzy approach by means of an example.     

A fuzzy goal programming approach to portfolio selection

Portfolio selection is a usual multiobjective problem. This paper will try to deal with the optimum portfolio for a private investor, taking into account three criteria: return, risk and liquidity. These objectives, in general, are not crisp from the point of view of the investor, so we will deal with them in fuzzy terms. The problem formulation is a goal programming (G.P.) one, where the goals and the constraints are fuzzy. We will apply a fuzzy G.P. approach to the above problem to obtain a solution. Then, we will offer the investor help in handling the results.     

Supplier risk assessment based on trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and ELECTRE TRI-C: a case illustration involving service suppliers

Many companies today have embraced the concept of risk management, usually in the form of enterprise risk management or supply chain risk management. Both are based on a holistic view of risks. Hence, risks related to specific functions within a company must be considered more broadly than previously. Risks, however, involve uncertainty, and the less specific the context in which risks are viewed, the more uncertainty will be involved. One particular way to express uncertainty is through trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TrIFNs). In this paper, risks that are relevant for supplier risk assessments are first collected from the literature. Then it is illustrated how the multi-criteria decision analysis method ELECTRE TRI-C can be used for sorting suppliers into risk categories, when the risks as well as some of the method’s parameters are expressed with TrIFNs. In order to do this, we make use of a small modification of an existing method for converting TrIFNs into crisp values. The approach is illustrated in a case problem based on a company that is looking for service providers (suppliers) of electrical maintenance. The problem involves 20 suppliers that are sorted into three risk categories based on evaluations from 27 criteria. Results from the case study point to two low risk suppliers. A further ad-hoc analysis suggests one of these to be less risky than the other.     

A class of multiobjective linear programming model with fuzzy random coefficients

The aim of this paper is to deal with a multiobjective linear programming problem with fuzzy random coefficients. Some crisp equivalent models are presented and a traditional algorithm based on an interactive fuzzy satisfying method is proposed to obtain the decision maker’s satisfying solution. In addition, the technique of fuzzy random simulation is adopted to handle general fuzzy random objective functions and fuzzy random constraints which are usually hard to be converted into their crisp equivalents. Furthermore, combined with the techniques of fuzzy random simulation, a genetic algorithm using the compromise approach is designed for solving a fuzzy random multiobjective programming problem. Finally, illustrative examples are given in order to show the application of the proposed models and algorithms.     

A discrete time optimal control model with uncertainty for dynamic machine allocation problem and its application to manufacturing and construction industries

This paper proposed a discrete time optimal control model in which machine failure time is modeled assuming a Weibull distribution and machine productivity is regarded as a fuzzy variable for dealing with a dynamic machine allocation problem (DMAP) in manufacturing and construction industries. The aim is to maximize total production or construction throughput when uncertainties such as machine breakdowns are taken into account. A failure probability-work time equation is presented to describe the relationship between machine failure probability and mean time to work. To transform the uncertain optimal control model into a deterministic one, the expected value model (EVM) was introduced for forming an equivalent crisp model. The fuzzy variables in the model are also defuzzified by using an expected value operator with an optimistic–pessimistic index. Then a number of lemmas and theorems are presented and proved to formulate the theoretical algorithm so that the crisp model of the DMAP can be solved. Three actual construction and production projects are used as practical application examples. The theoretical algorithm results for the three project examples are compared with a particle swarm optimization approach and a genetic algorithm method, which demonstrates the practicality and efficiency of our optimization method.     

基于模糊需求的多产品供应商选择的多目标规划模型

由决策于环境的不确定性,供应商选择问题存在大量的模糊信息,传统的确定性规划模型已经不能够很好地处理此类问题。本文基于模糊需求量信息,对于多产品供应商问题建立了模糊多目标规划模型。同时考虑到各目标及约束的重要性程度不同的影响,通过引进适当的权重对多目标规划模型进行求解。文中结合实际算例验证模型的可行性和有效性。     

Deriving crisp and consistent priorities for fuzzy AHP-based multicriteria systems using non-linear constrained optimization

Fuzzy optimization models are used to derive crisp weights (priority vectors) for the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based multicriteria decision making systems. These optimization models deal with the imprecise judgements of decision makers by formulating the optimization problem as the system of constrained non linear equations. Firstly, a Genetic Algorithm based heuristic solution for this optimization problem is implemented in this paper. It has been found that the crisp weights derived from this solution for fuzzy-AHP system, sometimes lead to less consistent or inconsistent solutions. To deal with this problem, we have proposed a consistency based constraint for the optimization models. A decision maker can set the consistency threshold value and if the solution exists for that threshold value then crisp weights can be derived, otherwise it can be concluded that the fuzzy comparison matrix for AHP is not consistent for the given threshold. Three examples are considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results with the proposed constraint based fuzzy optimization model are more consistent than the existing optimization models.     

一种资源投入不确定情形下的合作博弈形式及收益分配策略

首先,将经典合作博弈进行扩展,提出了一类模糊联盟合作博弈的通用形式,涵盖常见三种模糊联盟合作博弈,即多线性扩展博弈、比例模糊博弈与Choquet积分模糊博弈.比例模糊博弈、Choquet积分模糊博弈的Shapley值均可以作为一种特定形式下模糊联盟合作博弈的收益分配策略,但是对于多线性扩展博弈的Shapley值一直关注较少,因此利用经典Shapley值构造出多线性扩展博弈的Shapley值,以此作为一种收益分配策略.最后,通过实例分析了常见三类模糊联盟合作博弈的形式及其对应的分配策略,分析收益最大的模糊联盟合作对策形式及最优分配策略,为不确定情形下的合作问题提供了一定的收益分配依据.     

A rough set approach to intuitionistic fuzzy soft set based decision making

The soft set theory, originally proposed by Molodtsov, can be used as a general mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. Since its appearance, there has been some progress concerning practical applications of soft set theory, especially the use of soft sets in decision making. The intuitionistic fuzzy soft set is a combination of an intuitionistic fuzzy set and a soft set. The rough set theory is a powerful tool for dealing with uncertainty, granuality and incompleteness of knowledge in information systems. Using rough set theory, this paper proposes a novel approach to intuitionistic fuzzy soft set based decision making problems. Firstly, by employing an intuitionistic fuzzy relation and a threshold value pair, we define a new rough set model and examine some fundamental properties of this rough set model. Then the concepts of approximate precision and rough degree are given and some basic properties are discussed. Furthermore, we investigate the relationship between intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets and intuitionistic fuzzy relations and present a rough set approach to intuitionistic fuzzy soft set based decision making. Finally, an illustrative example is employed to show the validity of this rough set approach in intuitionistic fuzzy soft set based decision making problems.     

Integrated markdown pricing and aggregate production planning in a two echelon supply chain: A hybrid fuzzy multiple objective approach

Given high variability of demands for short life cycle products, a retailer has to decide about the products’ prices and order quantities from a manufacturer. In the meantime, the manufacturer has to determine an aggregate production plan involving for example, production, inventory and work force levels in a multi period, multi product environment. Due to imprecise and fuzzy nature of products’ parameters such as unit production and replenishment costs, a hybrid fuzzy multi-objective programming model including both quantative and qualitative constraints and objectives is proposed to determine the optimalprice markdown policy and aggregate production planning in a two echelon supply chain. The model aims to maximize the total profit of manufacturer, the total profit of retailer and improving service aspects of retailing simultaneously. After applying appropriate strategies to defuzzify the original model, the equivalent multi-objective crisp model is then solved by a fuzzy goal programming method. An illustrative example is also provided to show the applicability and usefulness of the proposed model and solution method.     

基于可信性理论的PPP项目特许期-价格联合调整策略研究

需求预测误差是影响PPP项目收益预测准确性的主要因素。为减少谈判争议,确保风险和收益的动态均衡,本文基于模糊数学可信性理论,构建了考虑需求不确定的特许期-价格联合调整模型。将项目运营期间的需求预测误差作为模糊变量,将运营期内特许期和价格的联合调整策略作为决策变量,通过模糊模拟求解出不同特许期和价格调整组合下的期望收益误差以及正收益预期下的可信性,进而得到特许期和价格的联合调整策略可行解集。并将该模型应用于某污水项目中,结果表明,该模型能够有效地解决需求不确定性风险对特许期测算影响的问题,弥补了目前PPP项目特许期和价格调整决策研究中未考虑需求预测误差的不足,对PPP项目特许期和价格的调整决策有着重要的参考意义。     

Two-storage inventory model with lot-size dependent fuzzy lead-time under possibility constraints via genetic algorithm

Multi-item inventory models with stock dependent demand and two storage facilities are developed in a fuzzy environment where processing time of each unit is fuzzy and the processing time of a lot is correlated with its size. These are order-quantity reorder-point models with back-ordering if required. Here possibility and crisp constraints on investment and capacity of the small storehouse respectively are considered. The models are formulated as fuzzy chance constrained programming problem and is solved via generalized reduced gradient (GRG) technique when crisp equivalent of the constraints are available. A genetic algorithm (GA) is developed based on fuzzy simulation and entropy where region of search space gradually decreases to a small neighborhood of the optima and it is used to solve the models whenever the equivalent crisp form of the constraint is not available. The models are illustrated with some numerical examples and some sensitivity analyses have been done. For some particular cases results observed via GRG and GA are compared.     

离散非线性时滞系统的鲁棒耗散控制

针对一类基于T-S模型表示的具有范数有界不确定性离散非线性时滞系统,研究了鲁棒耗散模糊控制问题.对可用T-S模糊模型表示的非线性时滞系统,考虑系统具有范数有界参数不确定性时,应用并行分布式控制方法,得到使得系统稳定且严格耗散的模糊耗散控制器存在的充分性条件.进而通过建立和求解LMI(线性矩阵不等式)约束的凸优化问题,给出了耗散控制律的设计方法.数值算例表明了此方法的可行性和有效性.     

基于犹豫模糊偏好关系FMEA方法的改进

为有效解决产品在研发过程中存在的一系列质量可靠性问题,本文提出了一种新的基于犹豫模糊偏好关系的改进FMEA方法。考虑到专家小组对不同失效模式评估时主要依据相关标准和自身经验,存在犹豫模糊不确定或自身偏好问题。本文首先对风险因子的评分标准进行犹豫模糊化,并用犹豫模糊偏好关系对失效模式的相对风险矩阵进行处理;其次,将得到的具有犹豫模糊偏好关系的综合偏好值与犹豫模糊评价信息相结合,得到改进的风险优先数,从而得出新的失效模式风险评估顺序对FMEA进行改进;最后,利用改进的FMEA模型对产品研发过程中的质量风险进行分析验证,使得风险结果更接近实际情况,进而提高研发成功率,显示该方法可行、有效。