Dominance and potential optimality in multiple criteria decision analysis with imprecise information

This paper discusses multiple criteria models of decision analysis with finite sets of alternatives. A weighted sum of criteria is used to evaluate the performance of alternatives. Information about the weights is assumed to be in the form of arbitrary linear constraints. Conditions for checking dominance and potential optimality of decision alternatives are presented. In the case of testing potential optimality, the proposed appoach leads to the consideration of a couple of mutually dual linear programming problems. The analysis of these problems gives valuable information for the decision maker. In particular, if a decision alternative is not potentially optimal, then a mixed alternative dominating it is defined by a solution to one of the LP problems. This statement generalizes similar results known for some special cases. The interpretation of the mixed alternative is discussed and compared to its analogue in a data envelopment analysis context.     

Interactive outranking approaches for multicriteria decision-making problems with imprecise information

PROMETHEE is a powerful method, which can solve many multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems. It involves sophisticated preference modelling techniques but requires too much a priori precise information about parameter values (such as criterion weights and thresholds). In this paper, we consider a MCDM problem where alternatives are evaluated on several conflicting criteria, and the criterion weights and/or thresholds are imprecise or unknown to the decision maker (DM). We build robust outranking relations among the alternatives in order to help the DM to rank the alternatives and select the best alternative. We propose interactive approaches based on PROMETHEE method. We develop a decision aid tool called INTOUR, which implements the developed approaches.     

Pruning of decision alternatives in multiple criteria decision making,based on the Uta method for estimating utilities

A new interactive method for the progressive elimination of elements from a finite set of decision alternatives is proposed. A sequence of alternatives is presented to the decision maker, who places each new alternative presented in rank order relative to the earlier alternatives evaluated. This ranking of elements in a subset of the decision space is used to eliminate other alternatives from further consideration. The approach is broadly based on the UTA method for utility assessment. The emphasis is not, however, on assessing a utility function as such; instead the class of utility functions is used to eliminate elements of the decision space, when the optimality of such elements is inconsistent with the presumed properties of the utility function and the rank orderings given. In this way, the decision maker need only evaluate a relatively small subset of the decision space, before all remaining alternatives are eliminated. The new procedure is illustrated by two numerical examples.     

A fuzzy-stochastic OWA model for robust multi-criteria decision making

All realistic Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problems face various kinds of uncertainty. Since the evaluations of alternatives with respect to the criteria are uncertain they will be assumed to have stochastic nature. To obtain the uncertain optimism degree of the decision maker fuzzy linguistic quantifiers will be used. Then a new approach for fuzzy-stochastic modeling of MCDM problems will be introduced by merging the stochastic and fuzzy approaches into the OWA operator. The results of the new approach, entitled FSOWA, give the expected value and the variance of the combined goodness measure for each alternative. Robust decision depends on the combined goodness measures of alternatives and also on the variations of these measures under uncertainty. In order to combine these two characteristics a composite goodness measure will be defined. The theoretical results will be illustrated in a watershed management problem. By using this measure will give more sensitive decisions to the stakeholders whose optimism degrees are different than that of the decision maker. FSOWA can be used for robust decision making on the competitive alternatives under uncertainty.     

基于方案贴近度和满意度的交互式不确定多属性决策方法

针对属性权重信息部分确知且对方案有偏好的不确定多属性决策问题,提出一种基于方案贴近度和满意度的交互式决策方法.方法首先利用已知的客观信息和决策者的主观要求建立单目标规划模型,其次通过对方案满意度和综合度的给定与修正来实现人机交互决策.最后,通过实例说明模型及方法的可行性和有效性.     

考虑决策者心理行为的直觉语言多属性决策方法

针对应用直觉语言集来表达决策信息的语言多属性决策问题,在考虑决策者有限理性的心理行为基础上,提出一种决策方法。该方法通过比较每个属性下方案之间的得分函数和精确函数, 构建方案的收益-损失分析矩阵。在考虑决策者参照依赖和损失规避心理行为基础上,计算每个方案相对于其它方案在每个属性下的收益-损失值优先度;在此基础上,计算备选方案的综合优先度, 并根据其大小对方案进行排序择优。最后通过一个算例验证所提出方法的有效性和合理性。     

Handling imprecise evaluations in multiple criteria decision aiding and robust ordinal regression by <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-point intervals

We consider imprecise evaluation of alternatives in multiple criteria ranking problems. The imprecise evaluations are represented by n-point intervals which are defined by the largest interval of possible evaluations and by its subintervals sequentially nested one in another. This sequence of subintervals is associated with an increasing sequence of plausibility, such that the plausibility of a subinterval is greater than the plausibility of the subinterval containing it. We explain the intuition that stands behind this proposal, and we show the advantage of n-point intervals compared to other methods dealing with imprecise evaluations. Although n-point intervals can be applied in any multiple criteria decision aiding (MCDA) method, in this paper, we focus on their application in robust ordinal regression which, unlike other MCDA methods, takes into account all compatible instances of an adopted preference model, which reproduce an indirect preference information provided by the decision maker. An illustrative example shows how the method can be applied in practice.     

Sequential incorporation of imprecise information in multiple criteria decision processes

In this paper we deal with multicriteria decision processes and develop tools that permit to ease the task of analysing such models. We provide a methodology to sequentially incorporate imprecise preference information which is given by means of general linear relations in the weighting coefficients. The results presented allow us to evaluate the quality of the information supplied and can be used to reduce the number of irrelevant alternatives to be presented to the decision maker (DM). Several examples based on multiple criteria linear programming illustrate the results of the paper.     

Fuzzy random regression based multi-attribute evaluation and its application to oil palm fruit grading

Multi-attribute decision-making is usually concerned with weighting alternatives, thereby requiring weight information for decision attributes from a decision maker. However, the assignment of an attribute’s weight is sometimes difficult, and may vary from one decision maker to another. Additionally, imprecision and vagueness may affect each judgment in the decision-making process. That is, in a real application, various statistical data may be imprecise or linguistically as well as numerically vague. Given this coexistence of random and fuzzy information, the data cannot be adequately treated by simply using the formalism of random variables. To address this problem, fuzzy random variables are introduced as an integral component of regression models. Thus, in this paper, we proposed a fuzzy random multi-attribute evaluation model with confidence intervals using expectations and variances of fuzzy random variables. The proposed model is applied to oil palm fruit grading, as the quality inspection process for fruits requires a method to ensure product quality. We include simulation results and highlight the advantage of the proposed method in handling the existence of fuzzy random information.     

An Interactive Approach for Choosing the Best of a Set of Alternatives

In this paper we address the problem of choosing the most preferred alternative among a large number of alternatives where each alternative is defined by multiple criteria. We assume that the decision maker has a quasiconcave utility function. We develop an exact approach that combines the ideas that have appeared in the literature regarding the use of different types of dummy alternatives in conjunction with real alternatives. Our experimental results indicate that the new approach is comparable to leading existing approaches.     

Monte Carlo simulation techniques for group decision making with incomplete information

In this paper we deal with group decision-making problems where several decision makers elicit their own preferences separately. The decision makers’ preferences are quantified using a decision support system, which admits incomplete information concerning the decision makers’ responses to the questions they are asked. Consequently, each decision maker proposes classes of utility functions and attribute weight intervals for the different attributes. We introduce an approach based on Monte Carlo simulation techniques for aggregating decision maker preferences that could be the starting point for a negotiation process, if necessary. The negotiation process would basically involve the decision maker tightening the imprecise component utilities and weights to output more meaningful results and achieve a consensus alternative. We focus on how attribute weights and the component utilities associated with a consequence are randomly generated in the aggregation process taking into account the decision-makers’ preferences, i.e., their respective attribute weight intervals and classes of utility functions. Finally, an application to the evaluation of intervention strategies for restoring a radionuclide contaminated lake illustrates the usefulness and flexibility of this iterative process.     

Distributed preference relations for multiple attribute decision analysis

In this paper, we propose a new pairwise comparison approach called distributed preference relation (DPR) to simultaneously signify preferred, non-preferred, indifferent, and uncertain degrees of one alternative over another on a set of grades, which is more versatile for elicitation of preference information from a decision maker than multiplicative preference relation, fuzzy preference relation (FPR) and intuitionistic FPR. In a DPR matrix on a set of alternatives, each element is a distribution recording the preferred, non-preferred, indifferent, and uncertain degrees of one alternative over another using a set of grades. To facilitate the comparison of alternatives, we define a score matrix based on a DPR matrix using the given score values of the grades. Its additive consistency is constructed, analysed, and compared with the additive consistency of FPRs between alternatives. A method for comparing two interval numbers is then employed to create a possibility matrix from the score matrix, which can generate a ranking order of alternatives with possibility degrees. A problem of evaluating strategic emerging industries is investigated using the approach to demonstrate the application of a DPR matrix to modelling and analysing a multiple attribute decision analysis problem.     

A subjective and objective integrated approach to determine attribute weights

This paper proposes an integrated approach to determine attribute weights in the multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems. The approach makes use of the subjective information provided by a decision maker and the objective information to form a two-objective programming model. Thus the resultant attribute weights and rankings of alternatives reflect both the subjective considerations of a decision maker (DM) and the objective information. An example is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.     

有限理性条件下考虑决策者动态期望的多属性决策方法

有限理性条件下针对带有决策者期望的多属性决策问题,提出一种基于累积前景理论的决策分析方法。在本文中,首先考虑了决策者的有限理性的心理行为特征,以决策者在不同时期对各属性的特定期望作为参照点,然后将具有正态分布信息形式的决策矩阵转化为相对于各参照点的益损决策矩阵,在此基础上,考虑决策者对待收益和损失的不同理性态度,依据累积前景理论计算各时期中每个方案的前景值,并计算关于整个时期的综合前景值,然后依据综合前景值的大小对所有方案进行排序。最后,通过一个算例说明了该方法的可行性和有效性。     

Some issues in mathematical modelling of multiple criteria decision-making problems

Models for analyzing and solving multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems are difficult to evaluate and compare, because they are intended for diverse orderings of a set of feasible alternatives. These models are based on a variety of assumptions about the decision maker's preferences and use different types of preference information. In this paper, a conceptual framework is developed for evaluating and comparing discrete alternative MCDM models available for a given decision situation. The procedure employed in the framework guides the user through an analysis of the decision situation making it possible for a decision maker or analyst to select the most appropriate MCDM model from among several alternative feasible models.     

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。     

Fuzzy expected utility

The aim of this paper is to state the foundations of fuzzy decision theory under uncertainty. Attention is focused on the analysis of a fuzzy expected utility.Given a fuzzy decision problem, which does not rest on a Borel field but on a weak Borel field, and according to the information available, we shall use successively the probability and the possibility of a fuzzy subset.When the imprecise preference structure of the decision maker verifies four axioms, we can determine a function of fuzzy expected utility. This latter is a numerical translation of the imprecise preferences of the decision maker, in an uncertain world.     

A visual interactive approach for multiple criteria decision making with monotone utility functions

We consider the problem of choosing the best of a set of alternatives where each alternative is evaluated on multiple criteria. We develop a visual interactive approach assuming that the decision maker (DM) has a general monotone utility function. The approach partitions the criteria space into nonoverlapping cells. The DM uses various graphical aids to move between cells and to further manipulate selected cells with the goal of creating cells that have ideal points less preferred than an alternative. When the DM identifies such cells, all alternatives in those cells are eliminated from further consideration. The DM may also compare pairs of alternatives. The approach terminates with the most preferred alternative of the DM.     

基于Pythagorean模糊熵的风险型决策方法——考虑后悔与失望规避

针对决策信息为Pythagorean模糊数,属性权重完全未知的风险型多属性决策问题,提出了一种基于Pythagorean模糊熵的考虑决策者后悔与失望规避心理行为的决策方法。首先,计算备选方案和理想点各属性的效用值,从而获得各备选方案的后悔-欣喜值、失望-愉悦值及感知效用值。其次,构建了一种Pythagorean模糊熵,并给出基于该Pythagorean模糊熵的属性权重确定方法,利用属性权重加权求和获得备选方案综合感知效用值,从而对方案进行排序。最后,通过算例说明方法的可行性和优点,并分析了后悔规避系数δ和失望规避系数τ对决策结果的影响。     

Single valued neutrosophic cross-entropy for multicriteria decision making problems

A single valued neutrosophic set (SVNS) is an instance of a neutrosophic set, which give us an additional possibility to represent uncertainty, imprecise, incomplete, and inconsistent information which exist in real world. It would be more suitable to apply indeterminate information and inconsistent information measures. In this paper, the cross entropy of SVNSs, called single valued neutrosophic cross entropy, is proposed as an extension of the cross entropy of fuzzy sets. Then, a multicriteria decision-making method based on the proposed single valued neutrosophic cross entropy is established in which criteria values for alternatives are SVNSs. In decision making process, we utilize the single-valued neutrosophic weighted cross entropy between the ideal alternative and an alternative to rank the alternatives corresponding to the cross entropy values and to select the most desirable one(s). Finally, a practical example of the choosing problem of suppliers is provided to illustrate the application of the developed approach.