A Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Method Using Belief-Based Probabilistic Linguistic Term Sets and Its Application in Emergency Decision-Making

Probabilistic linguistic term sets(PLTSs)are an effective tool for expressing subjective human cognition that offer advantages in the field ofmulti-attribute decision-making(MADM).However,studies have found that PLTSs have lost their ability to accurately capture the views of decision-makers(DMs)in certain circumstances,such as when the DM hesitates between multiple linguistic terms or the decision information is incomplete,thus affecting their role in the decision-making process.Belief function theory is a leading streamof thought in uncertainty processing that is suitable for dealing with the limitations of PLTS.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to extend PLTS to incorporate belief function theory.First,we provide the basic concepts of the extended PLTS(i.e.,belief-based PLTS)through case analyses.Second,the aggregation operator of belief-based PLTS is defined with the ordered weighted average(OWA)-based soft likelihood function,which is improved by considering the reliability of the information source.Third,to measure the magnitude of different belief-based PLTSs,the belief interval of singleton is calculated,and the comparison method of belief-based PLTS is constructed based on probabilities.On the basis of the preceding discussion,we further develop an emergency decision framework that includes several novel techniques,such as attribute weight determination and decision information aggregation.Finally,the usefulness of the framework is demonstrated through a case study,and its effectiveness is illustrated through a series of comparisons.

Method for triangular fuzzy multiple attribute decision making based on two-dimensional density operator method

Aiming at the triangular fuzzy(TF)multi-attribute decision making(MADM)problem with a preference for the distribution density of attribute(DDA),a decision making method with TF number two-dimensional density(TFTD)operator is proposed based on the density operator theory for the decision maker(DM).Firstly,a simple TF vector clustering method is proposed,which considers the feature of TF number and the geometric distance of vectors.Secondly,the least deviation sum of squares method is used in the program model to obtain the density weight vector.Then,two TFTD operators are defined,and the MADM method based on the TFTD operator is proposed.Finally,a numerical example is given to illustrate the superiority of this method,which can not only solve the TF MADM problem with a preference for the DDA but also help the DM make an overall comparison.

Pythagorean Uncertain Linguistic Variable Hamy Mean Operator and Its Application to Multi-attribute Group Decision Making

Pythagorean fuzzy set(PFS) can provide more flexibility than intuitionistic fuzzy set(IFS) for handling uncertain information, and PFS has been increasingly used in multi-attribute decision making problems. This paper proposes a new multiattribute group decision making method based on Pythagorean uncertain linguistic variable Hamy mean(PULVHM) operator and VIKOR method. Firstly, we define operation rules and a new aggregation operator of Pythagorean uncertain linguistic variable(PULV) and explore some properties of the operator.Secondly, taking the decision makers' hesitation degree into account, a new score function is defined, and we further develop a new group decision making approach integrated with VIKOR method. Finally, an investment example is demonstrated to elaborate the validity of the proposed method. Sensibility analysis and comprehensive comparisons with another two methods are performed to show the stability and advantage of our method.

Two-phase TOPSIS of uncertain multi-attribute group decision-making

To solve the uncertain multi-attribute group decision-making of unknown attribute weights,three optimal models are built to decide the corresponding ideal solution weights,standard deviation weights and mean deviation weights.The comprehensive attribute weights are gotten through the product of the above three kinds of weights.And each decision maker＇s weighted decision matrices are also received by using the integrated attribute weights.The closeness degrees are also gotten by use of technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution（TOPSIS） through dealing with the weighted decision matrices.At the same time the group decision matrix and weighted group decision matrix are gotten by using each decision-maker＇s closeness degree to every project.Then the vertical TOPSIS method is used to calculate the closeness degree of each project.So these projects can be ranked according to their values of the closeness degree.The process of the method is also given step by step.Finally,a numerical example demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach.

Multi-attribute group decision making method under 2-dimension uncertain linguistic variables

A method is proposed to deal with the uncertain multiple attribute group decision making problems,where 2-dimension uncertain linguistic variables(2DULVs)are used as the reliable way for the experts to express their fuzzy subjective evaluation information.Firstly,in order to measure the 2DULVs more accurately,a new method is proposed to compare two 2DULVs,called a score function,while a new function is defined to measure the distance between two 2DULVs.Secondly,two optimization models are established to determine the weight of experts and attributes based on the new distance formula and a weighted average operator is used to determine the comprehensive evaluation value of each alternative.Then,a score function is used to determine the ranking of the alternatives.Finally,the effectiveness of the proposed method is proved by an illustrated example.

Method for uncertain multi-attribute decisionmaking with preference information in the form of interval numbers complementary judgment matrix

The uncertain multi-attribute decision-making problems because of the information about attribute weights being known partly, and the decision maker＇s preference information on alternatives taking the form of interval numbers complementary to the judgment matrix, are investigated. First, the decision-making information, based on the subjective uncertain complementary preference matrix on alternatives is made uniform by using a translation function, and then an objective programming model is established. The attribute weights are obtained by solving the model, thus the overall values of the alternatives are gained by using the additive weighting method. Second, the alternatives are ranked, by using the continuous ordered weighted averaging （C-OWA） operator. A new approach to the uncertain multi-attribute decision-making problems, with uncertain preference information on alternatives is proposed. It is characterized by simple operations and can be easily implemented on a computer. Finally, a practical example is illustrated to show the feasibility and availability of the developed method.

Multi-attribute decision-making approach dealing with uncertain linguistic assessment information

An approach is presented to deal with a multi-attribute decision-making problem in which the attribute weights are unknown and the attribute values take the form of uncertain linguistic variables. First, a linguistic assessment standard is set up to deal with the uncertain linguistic attributes, and the operation laws of uncertain linguistic variables and the uncertain linguistic weighting average(ULWA)operator are introduced. Then a ranking formula of uncertain linguistic variables based on expectation-variance is proposed. As for the case without weight information, a goal program based on a warp function is constructed to determine the attribute weights, and the ULWA operator is utilized to aggregate the assessment information of uncertain linguistic variables, and the corresponding alternatives are ranked by a formula based on expectation-variance. Finally, a numerical example is given, and the results demonstrate that it is much easier and faster for the ranking method based on expectation-variance when compared to the existing methods.

Multi-attribute Decision Making Method Based on the Attribute Difference Degree and Its Application in Rice Breeding

[Objective]The aim was to establish a multi-attribute decision making method and introduce its application in rice breeding.[Method]Based on the defined closeness degree among attributes,the difference degrees among attributes were discussed.Furthermore,the weights of attributes were determined based on the difference degrees among the attributes.[Result]A multi-attribute decision making method based on difference degrees among attributes was established,the feasibility of applying it in rice breeding was also analyzed.[Conclusion]This study enriched the methods to determine attribute weights in multi-attribute decision making and provided the necessary theoretical support for selecting rice varieties scientifically and rationally.

Novel combinatorial algorithm for the problems of fuzzy grey multi-attribute group decision making

To study the fuzzy and grey information in the problems of multi-attribute group decision making, the basic concepts of both fuzzy grey numbers and grey interval numbers are given firstly, then a new model of fuzzy grey multi-attribute group decision making based on the theories of fuzzy mathematics and grey system is presented. Furthermore, the grey interval relative degree and deviation degree is defined, and both the optimistic algorithm of the grey interval relational degree and the algorithm of deviation degree minimization for solving this new model are also given. Finally, a decision making example to demonstrate the feasibility and rationality of this new method is given, and the results by using these two algorithms are uniform.

Multi-attributed decision making for mining methods based on grey system and interval numbers

In the case of unknown weights, theories of multi-attributed decision making based on interval numbers and grey related analysis were used to optimize mining methods. As the representative of independence for the indicator, the smaller the correlation of indicators is, the greater the weight is. Hence, the weights of interval numbers of indicators were determined by using correlation coefficient. Relative closeness based on positive and negative ideal methods was calculated by introducing distance between interval numbers, which made decision making more rational and comprehensive. A new method of ranking interval numbers based on normal distribution was proposed for the optimization of mining methods, whose basic properties were discussed. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of this method were verified by theories and practice.

A Method of Job Scheduling on SMEs' Key Equipments Based on Hybrid Multi-attribute Decision Making

An analysis of the key factors affecting on the single production process job scheduling of the parts waiting for be- ing processed on the key equipments for SMEs (Small Manufacturing Enterprises) is given in this paper,which include interval number,real number and uncertain linguistic value.A kind of hybrid multi-attribute decision making method for the single pro- duction process job scheduling is presented in this paper,that the parts are firstly sorted about each factor,and then the total evalu- ative attributive value of each part is calculated with the method of weighted arithmetic average,and thus the part with the highest total evaluative attributive value is chosen for being processed firstly.The mathematic model corresponding to the method is set up in this paper.An example is studied in this paper,and the results of the example testify the correctness of this model.

Extension of TOPSIS for fuzzy multi-attribute decision making problem based on experimental analysis

This paper is concerned with a technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution（TOPSIS） method for fuzzy multi-attribute decision making,in which the information about attribute weights is partly known and the attribute values take form of triangular fuzzy numbers.Considering the fact that the triangular fuzzy TOPSIS results yielded by different distance measures are different from others,a comparative analysis of triangular fuzzy TOPSIS ranking from each distance measure is illustrated with discussion on standard deviation.By applying the most reasonable distance,the deviation degrees between attribute values are measured.A linear programming model based on the maximal deviation of weighted attribute values is established to obtain the attribute weights.Therefore,alternatives are ranked by using TOPSIS method.Finally,a numerical example is given to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.

A decision support system for satellite layout integrating multi-objective optimization and multi-attribute decision making

A decision support system, including a multi-objective optimization framework and a multi-attribute decision making approach is proposed for satellite equipment layout. Firstly, given three objectives (to minimize the C.G. offset, the cross moments of inertia and the space debris impact risk), we develop a threedimensional layout optimization model. Unlike most of the previous works just focusing on mass characteristics of the system, a space debris impact risk index is developed. Secondly, we develop an efficient optimization framework for the integration of computer-aided design (CAD) software as well as the optimization algorithm to obtain the Pareto front of the layout optimization problem. Thirdly, after obtaining the candidate solutions, we present a multi-attribute decision making approach, which integrates the smart Pareto filter and the correlation coefficient and standard deviation (CCSD) method to select the best tradeoff solutions on the optimal Pareto fronts. Finally, the framework and the decision making approach are applied to a case study of a satellite platform.

Power Aggregation Operators of Simplified Neutrosophic Sets and Their Use in Multi-attribute Group Decision Making

The simplified neutrosophic set(SNS) is a useful generalization of the fuzzy set that is designed for some practical situations in which each element has different truth membership function, indeterminacy membership function and falsity membership function. In this paper, we develop a series of power aggregation operators called simplified neutrosophic number power weighted averaging(SNNPWA) operator, simplified neutrosophic number power weighted geometric(SNNPWG) operator, simplified neutrosophic number power ordered weighted averaging(SNNPOWA) operator and simplified neutrosophic number power ordered weighted geometric(SNNPOWG) operator. We present some useful properties of the operators and discuss the relationships among them. Moreover, an approach to multiattribute group decision making(MAGDM) within the framework of SNSs is developed by the above aggregation operators.Finally, a practical application of the developed approach to deal with the problem of investment is given, and the result shows that our approach is reasonable and effective in dealing with uncertain decision making problems.

Multi-attribute decision making model based on optimal membership and relative entropy

To study the problems of multi-attribute decision making in which the attribute values are given in the form of linguistic fuzzy numbers and the information of attribute weights are incomplete, a new multi-attribute decision making model is presented based on the optimal membership and the relative entropy. Firstly, the definitions of the optimal membership and the relative entropy are given. Secondly, for all alternatives, a set of preference weight vectors are obtained by solving a set of linear programming models whose goals axe all to maximize the optimal membership. Thirdly, a relative entropy model is established to aggregate the preference weight vectors, thus an optimal weight vector is determined. Based on this optimal weight vector, the algorithm of deviation degree minimization is proposed to rank all the alternatives. Finally, a decision making example is given to demonstrate the feasibility and rationality of this new model.

Fuzzy interval linguistic sets with applications in multi-attribute group decision making

Uncertain and hesitant information, widely existing in the real-world qualitative decision making problems, brings great challenges to decision makers. Hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets(HFLTSs), an effective linguistic computational tool in modeling and eliciting such information, have hence aroused many scholars’ interests and some extensions have been introduced recently.However, these methods are based on the discrete linguistic term framework with the limited expression domain, which actually depict qualitative information using several single values. Therefore,it is hard to ensure the integrity of the semantics representation and the accuracy of the computation results. To deal with this problem, a semantics basis framework called complete linguistic term set(CLTS) is designed, which adopts a separation structure of linguistic scale and expression domain, enriching semantics representation of decision makers. On this basis the concept of fuzzy interval linguistic sets(FILSs) is put forward that employs the interval linguistic term with probability to increase the flexibility of eliciting and representing uncertain and hesitant qualitative information. For practical applications, a fuzzy interval linguistic technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(FILTOPSIS) method is developed to deal with multi-attribute group decision making(MAGDM) problems. Through the cases of movie and enterprise resource planning(ERP) system selection, the effectiveness and validity of the proposed method are illustrated.

Dynamic Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Method with Double Reference Points and Its Application

To better reflect the psychological behavior characteristics of loss aversion,this paper builds a double reference point decision making method for dynamic multi-attribute decision-making(DMADM)problem,taking bottom-line and target as reference pints.First,the gain/loss function is given,and the state is divided according to the relationship between the gain/loss value and the reference point.Second,the attitude function is constructed based on the results of state division to establish the utility function.Third,the comprehensive utility value is calculated as the basis for alternatives classification and ranking.Finally,the new method is used to evaluate the development level of smart cities.The results show that the new method can judge the degree to which the alternatives meet the requirements of the decision-maker.While the new method can effectively screen out the unsatisfactory alternatives,the ranking results of other alternatives are consistent with those of traditional methods.

Interactive group decision making procedure based on uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations

Group decision making problems are investigated with uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations.An unbalanced multiplicative linguistic label set is introduced,which can be used by the experts to express their linguistic preference information over alternatives.The uncertain linguistic weighted geometric mean operator is utilized to aggregate all the individual uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations into a collective one,and then a simple approach is developed to determine the experts＇ weights by utilizing the consensus degrees among the individual uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations and the collective uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations.Furthermore,a practical interactive procedure for group decision making is proposed based on uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations,in which a possibility degree formula and a complementary matrix are used to rank the given alternatives.Finally,the proposed procedure is applied to solve the group decision making problem of a manufacturing company searching the best global supplier for one of its most critical parts used in assembling process.

Approach to stochastic multi-attribute decision problems using rough sets theory

Multi-attribute decision problems where the performances of the alternatives are random variables are considered. The suggested approach grades the probabilities of preference of one alternative over another with respect to the same attribute. Based on the graded probabilistic dominance relation, the pairwise comparison information table is defined. The global preferences of the decision maker can be seen as a rough binary relation. The present paper proposes to approximate this preference relation by means of the graded probabilistic dominance relation with respect to the subsets of attributes. At last, the method is illustrated by an example.

Group Decision Making With Consistency of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Preference Relations Under Uncertainty

Intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation(IFPR) is a suitable technique to express fuzzy preference information by decision makers(DMs). This paper aims to provide a group decision making method where DMs use the IFPRs to indicate their preferences with uncertain weights. To begin with, a model to derive weight vectors of alternatives from IFPRs based on multiplicative consistency is presented. Specifically, for any IFPR,by minimizing its absolute deviation from the corresponding consistent IFPR, the weight vectors are generated. Secondly,a method to determine relative weights of DMs depending on preference information is developed. After that we prioritize alternatives based on the obtained weights considering the risk preference of DMs. Finally, this approach is applied to the problem of technical risks assessment of armored equipment to illustrate the applicability and superiority of the proposed method.