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.     

Iterative algorithms for improving consistency of intuitionistic preference relations

Consistency of preference relations is an important research topic in decision making with preference information. The existing research about consistency mainly focuses on multiplicative preference relations, fuzzy preference relations and linguistic preference relations. Intuitionistic preference relations, each of their elements is composed of a membership degree, a non-membership degree and a hesitation degree, can better reflect the very imprecision of preferences of decision makers. There has been little research on consistency of intuitionistic preference relations up to now, and thus, it is necessary to pay attention to this issue. In this paper, we first propose an approach to constructing the consistent (or approximate consistent) intuitionistic preference relation from any intuitionistic preference relation. Then we develop a convergent iterative algorithm to improve the consistency of an intuitionistic preference relation. Moreover, we investigate the consistency of intuitionistic preference relations in group decision making situations, and show that if all individual intuitionistic preference relations are consistent, then the collective intuitionistic preference relation is also consistent. Moreover, we develop a convergent iterative algorithm to improve the consistency of all individual intuitionistic preference relations. The practicability and effectiveness of the developed algorithms is verified through two examples.     

语言判断矩阵的相容性和一致性研究

语言判断矩阵是决策者常给的一种偏好信息形式.提出了新的语言判断矩阵的导出矩阵、相容性和一致性等概念,在此基础上给出了基于不同粒度的语言判断矩阵的相容性的充要条件,探讨语言判断矩阵的满意一致性以及完全一致性和其导出矩阵之间的关系.     

A Direct Approach to Group Decision Making with Uncertain Additive Linguistic Preference Relations

In this paper, we study the group decision-making problem in which the preference information given by experts takes the form of uncertain additive linguistic preference relations. We define the concept of uncertain additive linguistic preference relation, and introduce a formula based on possibility measure for comparing two uncertain linguistic preference values. We introduce some aggregation operators such as the uncertain linguistic averaging (ULA) operator and uncertain linguistic weighted averaging (ULWA) operator, etc. Based on the ULA and ULWA operators, we develop a direct approach to group decision making with uncertain additive linguistic preference relations without loss of information. Finally, an illustrative numerical example is given to verify the developed approach.     

An integrated model-based interactive approach to FMAGDM with incomplete preference information

Incomplete fuzzy preference relations, incomplete multiplicative preference relations, and incomplete linguistic preference relations are very useful to express decision makers’ incomplete preferences over attributes or alternatives in the process of decision making under fuzzy environments. The aim of this paper is to investigate fuzzy multiple attribute group decision making problems where the attribute values are represented in intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and the information on attribute weights is provided by decision makers by means of one or some of the different preference structures, including weak ranking, strict ranking, difference ranking, multiple ranking, interval numbers, incomplete fuzzy preference relations, incomplete multiplicative preference relations, and incomplete linguistic preference relations. We transform all individual intuitionistic fuzzy decision matrices into the interval decision matrices and construct their expected decision matrices, and then aggregate all these expected decision matrices into a collective one. We establish an integrated model by unifying the collective decision matrix and all the given different structures of incomplete weight preference information, and develop an integrated model-based approach to interacting with the decision makers so as to adjust all the inconsistent incomplete fuzzy preference relations, inconsistent incomplete linguistic preference relations and inconsistent incomplete multiplicative preference relations into the ones with acceptable consistency. The developed approach can derive the attribute weights and the ranking of the alternatives directly from the integrated model, and thus it has the following prominent characteristics: (1) it does not need to construct the complete fuzzy preference relations, complete linguistic preference relations and complete multiplicative preference relations from the incomplete fuzzy preference relations, incomplete linguistic preference relations and incomplete multiplicative preference relations, respectively; (2) it does not need to unify the different structures of incomplete preferences, and thus can simplify the calculation and avoid distorting the given preference information; and (3) it can sufficiently reflect and adjust the subjective desirability of decision makers in the process of interaction. A practical example is also provided to illustrate the developed approach.     

Implausible alternatives in eliciting multi-attribute value functions

Many methods to elicit preference models in multi-attribute decision making rely on evaluations of a set of sample alternatives by decision makers. Using orthogonal design methods to create this set of alternatives might require respondents to evaluate unrealistic alternatives. In this paper, we perform an empirical study to analyze whether the presence of such implausible alternatives has an effect on the quality of utility elicitation. Using a new approach to measure consistency, we find that implausible alternatives in fact, have a positive effect on consistency of intra-attribute preference information and consistency with dominance, but do not affect inter-attribute preference information.     

群决策中语言信息与其他4种偏好信息的一致化方法

研究语言信息与其他4种偏好信息(偏好次序,效用值,互反判断矩阵,互补判断矩阵)之间的相互转换问题.首先,根据各种偏好信息的实际意义,给出语言信息与他们之间的转换公式,并从理论上证明转换公式的合理性;其次,证明了若语言判断矩阵具有完全一致性,转换后的互反判断矩阵和互补判断矩阵也具有完全一致性;最后用实例验证了转换公式的有效性.     

基于不同粒度语言判断矩阵的群体一致性分析方法

针对群决策中基于不同粒度语言判断矩阵形式偏好信息的群体一致性问题,提出了一种分析方法。首先,给出有关不同粒度语言判断矩阵和二元语义等若干定义,通过转换函数将不同粒度语言判断矩阵一致化为由二元语义表示的判断矩阵;然后,通过定义专家与群偏好的偏差矩阵以及各专家的总体偏差指标,给出了专家群体一致性的判别方法及专家群体判断不一致的调整方法;最后,通过一个算例说明了该方法的有效性。     

A robust additive consistency-based method for decision making with triangular fuzzy reciprocal preference relations

To express uncertain information in decision making, triangular fuzzy reciprocal preference relations (TFRPRs) might be adopted by decision makers. Considering consistency of this type of preference relations, this paper defines a new additive consistency concept, which can be seen as an extension of that for reciprocal preference relations. Then, a simple method to calculate the triangular fuzzy priority weight vector is introduced. When TFRPRs are inconsistent, a linear goal programming framework to derive the completely additive consistent TFRPRs is provided. Meanwhile, an improved linear goal programming model is constructed to estimate the missing values in an incomplete TFRPR that can address the situation where ignored objects exist. After that, an algorithm for decision making with TFRPRs is presented. Finally, numerical examples and comparison analysis are offered.     

基于相容性的模糊判断矩阵一致性改进新方法

模糊判断矩阵是决策者给出的一种重要的偏好信息形式。根据模糊判断矩阵互补性的特点,提出一个模糊判断矩阵相容性的指标,并研究模糊判断矩阵相容性和一致性的关系,在此基础上定义了一个模糊判断矩阵与其特征矩阵的偏差矩阵,给出了一致性改进的新方法,最后进行了实例分析,结果表明该方法行之有效。     

A comparative study of the numerical scales and the prioritization methods in AHP

In the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a decision maker first gives linguistic pairwise comparisons, then obtains numerical pairwise comparisons by selecting certain numerical scale to quantify them, and finally derives a priority vector from the numerical pairwise comparisons. In particular, the validity of this decision-making tool relies on the choice of numerical scale and the design of prioritization method. By introducing a set of concepts regarding the linguistic variables and linguistic pairwise comparison matrices (LPCMs), and by defining the deviation measures of LPCMs, we present two performance measure algorithms to evaluate the numerical scales and the prioritization methods. Using these performance measure algorithms, we compare the most common numerical scales (the Saaty scale, the geometrical scale, the Ma–Zheng scale and the Salo–Hämäläinen scale) and the prioritization methods (the eigenvalue method and the logarithmic least squares method). In addition, we also discuss the parameter of the geometrical scale, develop a new prioritization method, and construct an optimization model to select the appropriate numerical scales for the AHP decision makers. The findings in this paper can help the AHP decision makers select suitable numerical scales and prioritization methods.     

Logarithmic least squares method to priority for group decision making with incomplete fuzzy preference relations

The aim of this paper is to present a logarithmic least squares method (LLSM) to priority for group decision making with incomplete fuzzy preference relations. We give a reasonable definition of multiplicative consistent for incomplete fuzzy preference relation. We develop the acceptable fuzzy consistency ratio (FCR for short), which is simple and similar to Saaty’s consistency ratio CR for multiplicative fuzzy preference relations. We also extend the LLSM method to the case of individual preference relation with complete information. Finally, some examples are illustrated to show that our method is simple, efficient, and can be performed on computer easily.     

一种基于残缺语言判断矩阵的群决策方法

本文针对具有残缺语言判断矩阵形式方案偏好信息的群决策问题,提出了一种决策分析方法.首先,阐述了二元语义的概念,并提出了一种扩展的二元语义有序加权平均(ETOWA)算子;然后,采用ETOWA算子集结具有残缺语言判断矩阵形式的方案偏好信息,可计算出每个方案优于其他方案的总体偏好程度,进而可得到所有方案的排序结果.最后,通过给出一个算例说明了本文提出方法的可行性和实用性.     

基于累积共识贡献的不确定语言共识决策方法

针对不确定加型语言偏好信息下的群决策问题,提出一种基于累积共识贡献的自适应式语言共识决策方法。首先,将不确定加型语言偏好转化为不确定二元语义偏好,定义个体一致度与个体共识偏度,并利用它们构建确定专家初始权重的优化模型;然后,利用不确定二元语义的可能度构造集结模糊评价矩阵以及方案的集结群体偏好,提出专家累积共识贡献测度和群体共识测度,通过对拥有较少合作的专家权重进行惩罚让群体自适应地达成共识,无需强迫专家修改其观点,提出一种群体共识决策方法对方案排序择优。最后,通过一个算例说明方法的可行性和有效性。     

A goal programming model for incomplete interval multiplicative preference relations and its application in group decision-making

In decision making problems, there may be the cases where the decision makers express their judgements by using preference relations with incomplete information. Then one of the key issues is how to estimate the missing preference values. In this paper, we introduce an incomplete interval multiplicative preference relation and give the definitions of consistent and acceptable incomplete ones, respectively. Based on the consistency property of interval multiplicative preference relations, a goal programming model is proposed to complement the acceptable incomplete one. A new algorithm of obtaining the priority vector from incomplete interval multiplicative preference relations is given. The goal programming model is further applied to group decision-making (GDM) where the experts evaluate their preferences as acceptable incomplete interval multiplicative preference relations. An interval weighted geometric averaging (IWGA) operator is proposed to aggregate individual preference relations into a social one. Furthermore, the social interval multiplicative preference relation owns acceptable consistency when every individual one is acceptably consistent. Two numerical examples are carried out to show the efficiency of the proposed goal programming model and the algorithms.     

基于犹豫模糊二元语义的多属性决策方法

深入研究了犹豫模糊二元语义多属性决策问题。首先利用幂均算子给出了犹豫模糊二元语义集的均值函数,并基于均匀分布概率准则和二元语义的距离测度提出了犹豫模糊二元语义集两两比较的可能度公式,进一步给出了可能度排序公式的性质。针对属性值为犹豫模糊二元语义集的多属性决策问题,提出了一种基于熵权的多属性决策方法。最后结合实际问题,验证了该方法的有效性和可行性。     

Multi-criteria semantic dominance: A linguistic decision aiding technique based on incomplete preference information

A linguistic decision aiding technique for multi-criteria decision is presented. We define a relation between alternatives as multi-criteria semantic dominance (MCSD). It adopts the similar ideal of the stochastic dominance by utilizing the partial information of the decision maker’s preference, which is only ordinal or partially cardinal. The MCSD rules based on three typical types of semanteme functions are introduced and proven. By using these rules, all the alternatives under consideration are divided into two mutually exclusive sets called efficient set and inefficient set. The decision maker who has such a semanteme function will never choose the alternative from the corresponding inefficient set as the optimal one. In such a way, when we analyze the linguistic decision information, the inherent fuzziness of preference can be handled and several controversial operations of the linguistic terms can be avoided. An example is also provided to illustrate the procedure of the proposed method.     

基于双边犹豫模糊非均衡语言优先集成算子的应急响应预案评估方法

在应用多属性决策理论求解应急响应预案评估问题时,问题结构的复杂性往往使决策者评价信息存在高度不确定性且属性相对重要性仅能以优先级关系来表征。为此,本文首先提出了双边犹豫模糊非均衡语言集这种新型信息形式以使决策者能够灵活有效的表征复杂评价信息,并定义了运算法则、熵和距离测度;其次,基于熵测度开发了双边犹豫模糊非均衡语言优先加权集成算子,并构建了能够考虑属性优先关系的多属性决策方法;进一步针对属性相对重要性不能由定性分析获得的情况,设计了客观权重确定方法,并构建了另一种更具实际灵活性的VIKOR决策方法;最后,实例研究表明了方法的有效性与优势。     

Multi-attribute group decision-making with multi-granularity linguistic assessment information: An improved approach based on deviation and TOPSIS

With respect to group decision-making problems with multi-granularity linguistic assessment information, a new approach is proposed. Firstly, the computational formulae are given in order to transform and unify the multi-granularity linguistic comparison matrices. Secondly, the method of standard and mean deviation is applied to determine the unknown attribute weights, and the weights of the decision makers will be determined by using the extended TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution) method. Finally, based on the LWAA (linguistic weighted arithmetic averaging) operator, information on the preference provided by each decision maker is aggregated into the comprehensive evaluation value of each alternative, and the most desirable alternative is selected. The proposed approach expands the research in multi-attribute group decision-making with multi-granularity linguistic assessment information by both considering the weights of the attributes and decision makers, and objective weighting for them. A numerical example is given to illustrate the practicability and usefulness of the proposed approach.     

Group decision making with a fuzzy linguistic majority

The determination of solutions in group decision making is considered. The point of departure is a collection of individual fuzzy preference relations. A solution is derived either directly from the individual fuzzy preference relations or by constructing first a social fuzzy preference relation. As opposed to conventional approaches in which a crisp (threshold type) majority rule is used, we employ a fuzzy majority rule specified by a fuzzy linguistic quantifier, e.g., ‘most’, ‘much more than 50%’, etc. A calculus of linguistically quantified propositions is applied. Using the fuzzy majority, various solution concepts are derived, mainly of the type of core, minimax (opposition) set and consensus winner.