A goal programming approach to group decision-making with three formats of incomplete preference relations

This paper proposes a goal programming approach to solve the group decision-making problem where the preference information about alternatives provided by decision makers can be represented in three formats, i.e., incomplete multiplicative preference relations, incomplete fuzzy preference relations and incomplete linguistic preference relations. In the approach, a transformation function is introduced to transform the incomplete linguistic preference relation into an incomplete fuzzy preference relation. To narrow the gap between the collective opinion and each decision maker’s opinion, a liner goal programming model is constructed to integrate the three different formats of incomplete preference relations and to compute the collective ranking values of the alternatives. Thus, the ranking order of alternatives or selection of the most desirable alternative(s) is obtained directly according to the computed collective ranking values. A numerical example is also used to illustrate the feasibility and the applicability of the proposed approach.     

On group decision making with four formats of incomplete preference relations

In this paper, a new approach is proposed to solve group decision making (GDM) problems where the preference information on alternatives provided by decision makers (DMs) is represented in four formats of incomplete preference relations, i.e., incomplete multiplicative preference relations, incomplete fuzzy preference relations, incomplete additive linguistic preference relations, incomplete multiplicative linguistic preference relations. In order to make the collective opinion close each decision maker’s opinion as near as possible, an optimization model is constructed to integrate the four different formats of incomplete preference relations and to compute the collective ranking values of the alternatives. The ranking of alternatives or selection of the most desirable alternative(s) is directly obtained from the derived collective ranking values. A numerical example is also used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.     

基于相似度的多粒度不确定语言群决策方法

针对具有多粒度不确定语言评价信息的多属性群决策问题,提出了一种基于区间二元语义信息处理和矢量相似度的群决策方法,弥补了基于距离测度的决策方法易造成信息混淆的不足。该方法首先使用二元语义转换函数对多粒度区间语言评价信息进行一致化处理;然后通过建立使备选方案对正理想解相似度最大、负理想解相似度最小的最优化模型来获得相应的属性权重;最后利用区间二元语义的集结算子对评价信息进行加权集成,并通过优序数排序法实现对各方案的排序。实例分析说明了该方法的可行性和有效性。     

Interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy mathematical programming method for hybrid multi-criteria group decision making with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy truth degrees

As an important component of group decision making, the hybrid multi-criteria group decision making (MCGDM) is very complex and interesting in real applications. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) mathematical programming method for hybrid MCGDM considering alternative comparisons with hesitancy degrees. The subjective preference relations between alternatives given by each decision maker (DM) are formulated as an IVIF set (IVIFS). The IVIFSs, intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs), trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs), linguistic variables, intervals and real numbers are used to represent the multiple types of criteria values. The information of criteria weights is incomplete. The IVIFS-type consistency and inconsistency indices are defined through considering the fuzzy positive and negative ideal solutions simultaneously. To determine the criteria weights, we construct a novel bi-objective IVIF mathematical programming of minimizing the inconsistency index and meanwhile maximizing the consistency index, which is solved by the technically developed linear goal programming approach. The individual ranking order of alternatives furnished by each DM is subsequently obtained according to the comprehensive relative closeness degrees of alternatives to the fuzzy positive ideal solution. The collective ranking order of alternatives is derived through establishing a new multi-objective assignment model. A real example of critical infrastructure evaluation is provided to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of this method.     

Fuzzy linear programming approach to multiattribute decision making with multiple types of attribute values and incomplete weight information

In the classical Linear Programming Technique for Multidimensional Analysis of Preference (LINMAP), the decision maker (DM) gives the pair-wise comparisons of alternatives with crisp truth degree 0 or 1. However, in the real world, DM is not sure enough in all comparisons and can express his/her opinion with some fuzzy truth degree. Thus, DM's preferences are given through pair-wise comparisons of alternatives with fuzzy truth degrees, which may be represented as trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs). Considered such fuzzy truth degrees, the aim of this paper is to develop a new fuzzy linear programming technique for solving multiattribute decision making (MADM) problems with multiple types of attribute values and incomplete weight information. In this method, TrFNs, real numbers, and intervals are used to represent the multiple types of decision information. The fuzzy consistency and inconsistency indices are defined as TrFNs due to the alternatives’ comparisons with fuzzy truth degrees. Hereby a new fuzzy linear programming model is constructed and solved by the possibility linear programming method with TrFNs developed in this paper. The fuzzy ideal solution (IS) and the attribute weights are then obtained. The distances of alternatives from the fuzzy IS can be calculated to determine their ranking order. The implementation process of the method proposed in this paper is illustrated with a strategy partner selection example. The comparison analyzes show that the method proposed in this paper generalizes the classical LINMAP, fuzzy LINMAP and possibility LINMAP.     

用区间直觉模糊集方法对属性权重未知的群求解其多属性决策

本文首先提出群区间直觉模糊有序加权几何(groupinterval-valuedintuitionistic fuzzy orderedweighted geometric,GIVIFOWG)算子和群区间直觉模糊有序加权平均(group interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted averaging,GIVIFOWA)算子.利用GIVIFOWG算子或GIVIFOWA算子聚集群的决策矩阵以获得方案在属性上的综合区间直觉模糊决策矩阵(collectiveinterval-valuedintuitionistic fuzzy decision-matrix,CIVIFDM).然后定义了一个考虑犹豫度的区间直觉模糊熵(interval-valuedintuitionistic fuzzyentropy,IVIFE);通过熵衡量每个属性所含的信息来求解属性权重.最后,提出基于可能度的接近理想解的区间排序法(interval technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution,ITOPSIS)和区间得分函数法.在ITOPSIS法中,依据区间距离公式计算候选方案和理想方案的属性加权区间距离,进而采用ITOPSIS准则对各方案进行排序;在区间得分函数法中,算出CIVIFDM中各方案的得分值以及精确值,然后利用区间得分准则对各方案进行排序.实验结果验证了决策方法的有效性和可行性.     

An optimization method for integrating two kinds of preference information in group decision-making

The purpose of this paper is to study a group decision-making (GDM) problem in which the preference information about the alternative provided by the decision makers can be of a diverse nature. A new method is presented to deal with the GDM problem with two different formats of preference information on alternatives: fuzzy preference relations and multiplicative preference relations. A two-objective optimization model is constructed to integrate the two formats of preference relations and compute the ranking values of alternatives. Using this method, the ranking of alternatives or selection of the most desirable alternatives is directly done based on the obtained ranking values. A numerical example is also used to illustrate the use of the proposed method.     

基于共识标准的语言标度颗粒优化模型

研究语言偏好信息下的群决策问题.定义了反映群体共识的两个测度指标,分别反映群体内所有专家的一致性水平及专家的个人观点与群体观点的分歧程度;基于共识测度指标构建一种语言标度的颗粒优化模型,提出了求解语言标度颗粒最佳分界点的改进PSO算法,并给出一种对方案排序进行择优的群决策方法. 最后,通过一个算例说明了所提出方法的可行性和有效性.     

二元语义处理不同偏好评价信息的群决策方法

针对具有序关系值、效用值、互反判断矩阵、互补判断矩阵、区间模糊数、三角模糊数六种不同偏好评价信息的群决策问题,根据偏好信息的实际意义,通过转换函数将不同偏好信息一致化为二元语义判断矩阵形式,阐明转化方法的合理性与有效性,采用二元语义加权算术平均（T-WAA）算子集结转化后的二元语义判断矩阵,得到群体二元语义判断矩阵,基于二元语义有序加权平均（T-OWA）算子计算某方案优于其他所有方案的整体偏好程度,从而对方案排序择优。算例分析表明该群决策方法的有效性与合理性。     

Robot selection by using generalized interval-valued fuzzy numbers with TOPSIS

The aim of this paper is to propose a method to aggregate the opinion of several decision makers on different criteria, regarding a set of alternatives, where the judgment of the decision makers are represented by generalized interval-valued trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. A generalized interval valued trapezoidal fuzzy number based technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution is proposed that can reflect subjective judgment and objective information in real life. The weights of criteria and performance rating values of criteria are linguistic variables expressed as generalized interval-valued trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to elaborate the proposed method for the selection of a suitable robot according to our requirements.     

A novel group decision making method with intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations for RFID technology selection

A more scientific decision making process for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology selection is important to increase success rate of RFID technology application. RFID technology selection can be formulated as a kind of group decision making (GDM) problem with intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations (IFPRs). This paper develops a novel method for solving such problems. First, A technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) based method is presented to rank intuitionistic fuzzy values (IFVs). To achieve higher group consensus as well as possible, we construct an intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming model to derive experts’ weights. Depending on the construction of membership and non-membership functions, the constructed intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming model is solved by three kinds of approaches: optimistic approach, pessimistic approach and mixed approach. Then to derive the ranking order of alternatives from the collective IFPR, we extend quantifier guided non-dominance degree (QGNDD) and quantifier guided dominance degree (QGDD) to intuitionistic fuzzy environment. A new two-phase ranking approach is designed to generate the ordering of alternatives based on QGNDD and QGDD. Thereby, the corresponding method is proposed for the GDM problems with IFPRs. Some generalizations on the constructed intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming model are further discussed. At length, the validity of the proposed method is illustrated with a real-world RFID technology selection example.     

对方案有偏好的直觉模糊多属性决策方法

对属性权重信息不完全、属性值和决策者对方案的偏好信息均以直觉模糊数表示的多属性决策问题提出一种决策方法。首先根据决策者对方案的偏好信息建立多目标规划模型,求出属性权重,接着利用觉模糊加权算术平均算子求出方案的综合属性值,由直觉模糊数的得分函数和精确函数确定方案的排序,最后通过实例证明了该方法的实用性和有效性。     

Signed distance‐based ORESTE for multicriteria group decision‐making with multigranular unbalanced hesitant fuzzy linguistic information

The objective of this study is to develop an integrated approach for solving multicriteria group decision‐making problems with multigranular unbalanced hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs). Firstly, a signed distance‐based transformation function is proposed to unify multigranular unbalanced hesitant fuzzy linguistic (HFL) assessments. Secondly, a mathematical programming model based on the maximum consensus is constructed to allocate decision‐makers (DMs)' weights objectively. Thirdly, a new signed distance‐based preference score function is defined to aggregate HFL assessments and determine the weak ranking of alternatives, and a novel preference, indifference, and incomparability test framework is constructed to identify the subtle relations among alternatives. On these bases, a signed distance‐based ORESTE (Organísation, rangement et Synthèse de données relarionnelles, in French) method, in which knowledge regarding criterion values and weights are expressed as multigranular unbalanced HFLTSs, is developed to obtain the ranking of alternatives. Finally, an illustrative example, followed by sensitivity and comparative analyses, is presented to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

An interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy multiattribute group decision making framework with incomplete preference over alternatives

This article proposes a framework to handle multiattribute group decision making problems with incomplete pairwise comparison preference over decision alternatives where qualitative and quantitative attribute values are furnished as linguistic variables and crisp numbers, respectively. Attribute assessments are then converted to interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs) to characterize fuzziness and uncertainty in the evaluation process. Group consistency and inconsistency indices are introduced for incomplete pairwise comparison preference relations on alternatives provided by the decision-makers (DMs). By minimizing the group inconsistency index under certain constraints, an auxiliary linear programming model is developed to obtain unified attribute weights and an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy positive ideal solution (IVIFPIS). Attribute weights are subsequently employed to calculate distances between alternatives and the IVIFPIS for ranking alternatives. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of this method.     

Pythagorean linguistic preference relations and their applications to group decision making using group recommendations based on consistency matrices and feedback mechanism

In this paper, we introduce a new type of fuzzy set, called Pythagorean linguistic sets (PLSs), to address the preferred and nonpreferred degrees of linguistic variables. Moreover, it allows decision makers to offer effectively handle uncertain information more flexible than intuitionistic linguistic sets (ILSs) when one compares two alternatives in the process of decision making. Some of the fundamental operational laws, score, accuracy, and aggregation operators are defined, and their properties are investigated. Preference relation (PR) is a useful and efficient tool for decision making that only requires the decision makers to compare two alternatives at one time. Taking the advantages of PLSs and PRs, this paper also introduces Pythagorean linguistic preference relations (PLPRs) and studies their application. We propose an approach for group decision making using group recommendations based on consistency matrices and feedback mechanism. First, the proposed method constructs the collective consistency matrix, the weight collective PRs, and the group collective PRs. Then, it constructs a consensus relation for each expert and determines the group consensus degree (GCD) for all experts. If the GCD is smaller than a predefined threshold value, then a feedback mechanism is activated to update the PLPRs. Finally, after the GCD is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold value, we calculate the arithmetic mathematical average values of the updated group collective PR to select the most appropriate alternative.     

Group decision making with incomplete fuzzy linguistic preference relations

The aim of this paper is to propose a procedure to estimate missing preference values when dealing with incomplete fuzzy linguistic preference relations assessed using a two‐tuple fuzzy linguistic approach. This procedure attempts to estimate the missing information in an individual incomplete fuzzy linguistic preference relation using only the preference values provided by the respective expert. It is guided by the additive consistency property to maintain experts' consistency levels. Additionally, we present a selection process of alternatives in group decision making with incomplete fuzzy linguistic preference relations and analyze the use of our estimation procedure in the decision process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ranking the sequences of fuzzy values

When ranking fuzzy values, there is an ambiguity in selecting the most-preferred ranked sequence from a collection of candidate sequences because every sequence has a possibility to which the preference relations in the sequence are correct. In this paper, we propose a method for ranking the sequences of fuzzy values that assigns a preference degree to each ranked sequence. Each preference degree indicates the relative preference of the given sequence over the other sequences. The proposed method gives information regarding which sequence could be classified as the most-preferred sequence and which sequences as alternatives.     

An optimization approach to multiperson decision making based on different formats of preference information

Multiperson decision making (MPDM) problems with different formats of preference information are one of the emerging research areas in decision analysis. Existing approaches for dealing with different preference formats tend to be unwieldy. This paper proposes a new method to solve the problem, in which the preference information on alternatives provided by experts can be represented in four different formats, namely: 1) utility values; 2) preference orderings; 3) multiplicative preference relations; and 4) fuzzy preference relations. An optimization model is constructed to integrate the four formats of preference and to assess ranking values of alternatives. The model is shown to be theoretically sound and complete via a series of theorems, and then a corresponding algorithm is developed. A numerical example is given to illustrate the procedure. The proposed approach is more efficient and simpler than existing approaches because it does not need to unify different formats of preferences or to aggregate individual preferences into a collective one. Therefore, it overcomes a major shortcoming of existing approaches that lose or distort the original preference information in the process of unifying the formats.     

A method based on preference degrees for handling hybrid multiple attribute decision making problems

In this paper, we investigate hybrid multiple attribute decision making problems with various forms of attribute values (real numbers, linguistic labels, interval numbers, intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and interval intuitionistic fuzzy numbers). We propose a method based on preference degrees which may take the forms of fuzzy numbers, intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and interval intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. The method first normalizes various forms of attribute values into preference degrees, and then uses a preference degree-based weighted averaging operator to aggregate the normalized preference degrees. Meanwhile, for convenience of calculation, a new linguistic representation model is presented, whose feasibility is verified by comparing it with the traditional 4-tuple linguistic representation model, and from our model, the mapping relationship between interval intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and linguistic labels can be constructed. Finally, we illustrate the rationality and practicality of the proposed method by an application example.     

An extended outranking approach for multi-criteria decision-making problems with linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy numbers

Linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (LIFNs), characterized by a linguistic membership degree, linguistic non-membership degree, and linguistic indeterminacy degree, represent a helpful tool for depicting uncertain information under complex environments. This paper focuses on developing an innovative method to address multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems with LIFNs in which the weight information is completely unknown. First, the distance of LIFNs is defined with the aid of linguistic scale functions (LSFs). Second, some extended outranking relationships between each pair of LIFNs are proposed based on the elicitation of the classic relation models. Moreover, a ranking method is constructed to deal with MCDM problems according to the proposed outranking relationships of LIFNs. Finally, an illustrative example concerning coal mine safety evaluation is provided to demonstrate the proposed method, and its feasibility and validity are further verified by a sensitivity analysis and comparison with other existing methods.