An algorithm for ordinal sorting based on ELECTRE with categories defined by examples

This work proposes a Progressive Assisted Sorting Algorithm (PASA) based on a multicriteria evaluation ELECTRE-type method. The purpose of the PASA is to aid a decision maker to progressively sort a set of alternatives into a set of categories, which we considered are ordered (ordinal sorting), following a consistency principle. We consider the principle that if an alternative outranks (is as good as) a second one, then it must belong to the same category or to a better category. The set of alternatives already sorted by the decision maker will implicitly define the categories, and will constrain the range of categories where other alternatives may be sorted. We show how the same idea may be used in an aggregation/disaggregation approach, considering some parameters of ELECTRE are not fixed a priori, but are constrained only by the examples provided. In this context, we establish a “convex-shape property” stating that the range of possible categories for an alternative is always an interval of categories. A discussion contrasting this approach with ELECTRE TRI is included in the conclusions.     

A choice model with imprecise ordinal evaluations

We consider multicriteria choice problems where the actions are evaluated on ordinal criteria and where they can be assessed imprecisely. In order to select the subset of best actions, the pairwise comparisons between the actions on each criterion are modeled by basic belief assignments (BBAs). Dempsterʼs rule of combination is used for the aggregation of the BBAs of each pair of alternatives in order to express a global comparison between them on all the criteria. A model inspired by ELECTRE I is also proposed and illustrated by a pedagogical example.     

Multicriteria modelling for a repair contract problem based on utility and the ELECTRE I method

Each alternative for a repair contract implies a specific responsetime and related cost. The response time is associated withthe commitment of repair time, based on the contract. A decisionmaker chooses the best alternative taking into account the systemperformance and the cost of the contract. This problem has beenanalysed through a multicriteria decision model. This decisionmodel supports decision makers in the determination of the bestcombination of contracting conditions. The decision model proposedallows the decision maker to quantify the consequences of anaction taking into account two basic criteria: the cost of thecontract and the system performance. Two different decisionmodels have been built to support decision makers. These decisionmodels are based on different multicriteria approaches. Thefirst, reported in a previous paper, is based on the multiattributeutility theory (MAUT). The model presented in this paper isbased on the ELECTRE I method combined with utility functions.The paper presents the main theoretical aspects related to bothapproaches and practical implications related to model building.A numerical application is presented in order to illustratethe use of the decision model.     

基于多目标属性决策和信息熵值法的港口集装箱装卸设备选型评价

装卸设备选型对专业集装箱码头的发展具有重大意义,本文从这一现实问题入手,基于集装箱装卸设备选型的多属性特征以及港口物流工业的一体化趋势,提出了基于信息熵值法的多目标属性决策模型(Multi-attribute decision-making Model Based on Information Entropy Method, MADM-IEM)。以装卸设备为研究对象,构建全面的装卸设备选型评价指标体系;针对指标属性不相容性和不确定性、相关指标难以量化呈现的特点,运用多属性决策和信息熵值法的数据效用值相结合的方法,客观、合理地计算属性指标的权重系数,并进行归一化处理;在此基础上结合ELECTRE法和TOPSIS法,对装卸设备进行综合排序,由此确定设备选型结果。注意到,两种方法求解结果具有一致性,验证了该模型的可行性和有效性。最后对港口装卸设备选型评价进行灵敏度分析,深入讨论评价指标的权重变动对结果的影响。研究结果充分表明提出的MADM-IEM模型能为中小型内河港口码头的基础建设规划提供科学合理的决策依据。     

An axiomatic approach to noncompensatory sorting methods in MCDM,II: More than two categories

A number of recent papers have investigated the foundations of methods allowing to sort multi-attributed alternatives between several ordered categories. This paper has a similar objective. Our analysis uses a general conjoint measurement framework, encompassing most sorting models used in MDCM, that was proposed in the literature. Within this framework, we provide an axiomatic analysis of what we call noncompensatory sorting models, with or without veto effects. These noncompensatory sorting models contain the pessimistic version of ELECTRE TRI as a particular case. Our analysis can be seen as an attempt to give a firm axiomatic basis to ELECTRE TRI, while emphasizing its specific feature, i.e., the rather poor information that this model uses on each attribute.     

Selection of natural fibers based brake friction composites using hybrid ELECTRE-entropy optimization technique

Selecting the best brake friction composite composition amongst a set of natural fibres reinforced composites using hybrid optimization method - ELECTRE (elimination and choice translating priority) II - entropy is discussed in this article. Three sets of natural fibres containing different amounts of banana, hemp, and pineapple reinforced brake friction composites were tested according to IS 2742 (part-4) regulations on a chase friction testing machine. The experimental results have been discussed in terms of seven performance defining attributes such as coefficient of friction, fade, wear, friction stability coefficient, friction recovery, friction fluctuations, and friction variability coefficient. The composite containing 5 wt% pineapple fiber exhibit the highest coefficient of friction, whereas wear performance and friction stability remain highest for 5 wt% hemp fiber based composites. The recovery performance remains highest for the composite containing 15 wt% banana fiber, while fade, friction variability, and fluctuations remain lowest for 10 wt% banana fiber reinforced composites. The tribological results indicate that the inclusion of disparate natural fibers in varying amounts may differently affect the tribological performances and therefore to choose the best brake friction composite satisfying the maximum beneficial criteria hybrid ELECTRE II- entropy optimization technique is used. Brake friction composite containing ~10 wt% banana fibers was ranked first, in meeting the desired performance tribological properties. A comparison of this optimization approach with other multi-criteria decision-making techniques is also made for validating the performance ranking of these composites.     

Web服务环境下基于信息协商的组合服务多属性选择方法

Web服务环境下,通过对QoS感知服务选择问题及信息协商流程的形式化描述分析,从信息协商的重复考虑用户需求特点出发,提出了基于信息协商的组合服务选择方法及具体实现途径。该方法能综合体现动态协商和犹豫度特点,并且有效避免了评价信息的丢失。最后,通过实例分析表明该方法对于Web服务环境下组合服务选择应用的可行性和有效性。     

A multicriteria model for risk sorting of natural gas pipelines based on ELECTRE TRI integrating Utility Theory

This paper proposes a multicriteria model for assessing risk in natural gas pipelines, and for classifying sections of pipeline into risk categories. The model integrates Utility Theory and the ELECTRE TRI method. It aims to help transmission and distribution companies, when engaged in risk management and decision-making, to consider the multiple dimensions of risk that may arise from pipeline accidents. Pipeline hazard scenarios are presented, and it is argued that the assessment of risk in natural gas pipelines should not be based solely on probabilities of human fatalities, but should involve a wider perspective that simultaneously takes into consideration the human, environmental and financial dimensions of impacts of pipeline accidents. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the model set out, a numerical application based on a real case study is presented.     

区间犹豫模糊ELECTRE多属性决策方法及应用

近年来,多属性决策问题一直是广大学者研究的重点,然而基于ELECTRE方法的区间犹豫模糊多属性决策问题的研究并不多见。因此,结合区间犹豫模糊集的信息表达优势和ELECTRE方法的思想,提出了一种区间犹豫模糊ELECTRE(IVHF ELECTRE)多属性决策新方法。首先构造了区间犹豫模糊决策矩阵,引入得分函数和可能度的概念,构造属性优势集和属性劣势集。然后通过设定阈值得到综合优先判定矩阵,从而得到各方案间的优先顺序。为了进一步得到各方案的整体排序,引入TOPSIS方法,通过计算各方案与正负理想点的相对距离来构造综合优先矩阵,从而得到各方案的总体排序。最后通过具体实例验证了该方法的可行性和合理性。     

Multicriteria Modelling of Repair Contract Based on Utility and ELECTRE I Method with Dependability and Service Quality Criteria

A DM faces a choice among several alternatives of repair contract for a system. Each alternative of a repair contract implies specific results regarding the following characteristics or criteria: response time, quality service, dependability and related cost. This problem has been analysed through a multicriteria decision model. The model is based on the ELECTRE method combined with utility functions. Main theoretical aspects and practical implications are presented, including a numerical application.