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Editorial

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7 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management

by Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas, Jurgita Antucheviciene and Prasenjit Chatterjee

Information 2019, 10(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/info10010004 - 23 Dec 2018

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 8515

Abstract

Information management is a common paradigm in modern decision-making. A wide range of decision-making techniques have been proposed in the literature to model complex business processes. In this Special Issue, 16 selected and peer-reviewed original research articles contribute to business information management in [...] Read more.

Information management is a common paradigm in modern decision-making. A wide range of decision-making techniques have been proposed in the literature to model complex business processes. In this Special Issue, 16 selected and peer-reviewed original research articles contribute to business information management in various current real-world problems by proposing crisp or uncertain multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models and techniques, mostly including multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) approaches in addition to a single paper proposing an interactive multi-objective decision-making (MODM) approach. The papers are mainly concentrated in three application areas: supplier selection and rational order allocation, the evaluation and selection of goods or facilities, and personnel selection/partner selection. A number of new approaches are proposed that are expected to attract great interest from the research community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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Research

Jump to: Editorial

18 pages, 421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Quick Algorithm for Binary Discernibility Matrix Simplification using Deterministic Finite Automata

by Nan Zhang, Baizhen Li, Zhongxi Zhang and Yanyan Guo

Information 2018, 9(12), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9120314 - 7 Dec 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4222

Abstract

The binary discernibility matrix, originally introduced by Felix and Ushio, is a binary matrix representation for storing discernible attributes that can distinguish different objects in decision systems. It is an effective approach for feature selection, knowledge representation and uncertainty reasoning. An original binary [...] Read more.

The binary discernibility matrix, originally introduced by Felix and Ushio, is a binary matrix representation for storing discernible attributes that can distinguish different objects in decision systems. It is an effective approach for feature selection, knowledge representation and uncertainty reasoning. An original binary discernibility matrix usually contains redundant objects and attributes. These redundant objects and attributes may deteriorate the performance of feature selection and knowledge acquisition. To overcome this shortcoming, row relations and column relations in a binary discernibility matrix are defined in this paper. To compare the relationships of different rows (columns) quickly, we construct deterministic finite automata for a binary discernibility matrix. On this basis, a quick algorithm for binary discernibility matrix simplification using deterministic finite automata (BDMSDFA) is proposed. We make a comparison of BDMR (an algorithm of binary discernibility matrix reduction), IBDMR (an improved algorithm of binary discernibility matrix reduction) and BDMSDFA. Finally, theoretical analyses and experimental results indicate that the algorithm of BDMSDFA is effective and efficient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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26 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiple Criteria Decision-Making in Heterogeneous Groups of Management Experts

by Virgilio López-Morales

Information 2018, 9(12), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9120300 - 27 Nov 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3517

Abstract

In commercial organizations operations, frequently some dynamic events occur which involve operational, managerial, and valuable information aspects. Then, in order to make a sound decision, the business professional could be supported by a Multi Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) system for taking an external course [...] Read more.

In commercial organizations operations, frequently some dynamic events occur which involve operational, managerial, and valuable information aspects. Then, in order to make a sound decision, the business professional could be supported by a Multi Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) system for taking an external course of action, as, for instance, forecasting a new market or product, up to an inner decision concerning for instance, the volume of manufacture. Thus, managers need, in a collective manner, to analyze the actual problems, to evaluate various options according to diverse criteria, and finally choose the best solution from a set of various alternatives. Throughout these processes, uncertainty and hesitancy easily arise, when it comes to define and judge criteria or alternatives. Several approaches have been introduced to allow Decision Makers (DMs) to deal with. The Interval Multiplicative Preference Relations (IMPRs) approach is a useful technique and the basis of our proposed methodology to provide reliable consistent and in consensus IMPRs. In this manner, DMs’ choices are implicitly including their uncertainty while maintaining both an acceptable individual consistency, as well as group consensus levels. The present method is based on some recent results and an optimization algorithm to derive reliable consistent and in consensus IMPRs. In order to illustrate our results and compare them with other methodologies, a few examples are addressed and solved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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20 pages, 4064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an ANFIS Model for the Optimization of a Queuing System in Warehouses

by Mirko Stojčić, Dragan Pamučar, Eldina Mahmutagić and Željko Stević

Information 2018, 9(10), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9100240 - 22 Sep 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5742

Abstract

Queuing systems (QS) represent everyday life in all business and economic systems. On the one hand, and there is a tendency for their time and cost optimization, but on the other hand, they have not been sufficiently explored. This especially applies to logistics [...] Read more.

Queuing systems (QS) represent everyday life in all business and economic systems. On the one hand, and there is a tendency for their time and cost optimization, but on the other hand, they have not been sufficiently explored. This especially applies to logistics systems, where a large number of transportation and storage units appear. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to develop an ANFIS (Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system) model in a warehouse system with two servers for defining QS optimization parameters. The research was conducted in a company for the manufacturing of brown paper located in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which represents a significant share of the total export production of the country. In this paper, the optimization criterion is the time spent in the system, which is important both from the aspect of all customers of the system, and from that of the owner of the company. The time criterion directly affects the efficiency of the system, but also the overall costs that this system causes. The developed ANFIS model was compared with a mathematical model through a sensitivity analysis. The mathematical model showed outstanding results, which justifies its development and application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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28 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hesitant Probabilistic Fuzzy Information Aggregation Using Einstein Operations

by Jin Han Park, Yu Kyoung Park and Mi Jung Son

Information 2018, 9(9), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9090226 - 4 Sep 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3392

Abstract

In this paper, a hesitant probabilistic fuzzy multiple attribute group decision making is studied. First, some Einstein operations on hesitant probability fuzzy elements such as the Einstein sum, Einstein product, and Einstein scalar multiplication are presented and their properties are discussed. Then, several [...] Read more.

In this paper, a hesitant probabilistic fuzzy multiple attribute group decision making is studied. First, some Einstein operations on hesitant probability fuzzy elements such as the Einstein sum, Einstein product, and Einstein scalar multiplication are presented and their properties are discussed. Then, several hesitant probabilistic fuzzy Einstein aggregation operators, including the hesitant probabilistic fuzzy Einstein weighted averaging operator and the hesitant probabilistic fuzzy Einstein weighted geometric operator and so on, are introduced. Moreover, some desirable properties and special cases are investigated. It is shown that some existing hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators and hesitant probabilistic fuzzy aggregation operators are special cases of the proposed operators. Further, based on the proposed operators, a new approach of hesitant probabilistic fuzzy multiple attribute decision making is developed. Finally, a practical example is provided to illustrate the developed approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

15 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Convex Aggregation Operators and Their Applications to Multi-Hesitant Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

by Ye Mei, Juanjuan Peng and Junjie Yang

Information 2018, 9(9), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9090207 - 21 Aug 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3522

Abstract

Hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs), which were generalized from fuzzy sets, constrain the membership degree of an element to be a set of possible values between zero and one; furthermore, if two or more decision-makers select the same value, it is only counted once. [...] Read more.

Hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs), which were generalized from fuzzy sets, constrain the membership degree of an element to be a set of possible values between zero and one; furthermore, if two or more decision-makers select the same value, it is only counted once. However, a situation where the evaluation value is repeated several times differs from one where the value appears only once. Multi-hesitant fuzzy sets (MHFSs) can deal effectively with a case where some values are repeated more than once in a MHFS. In this paper, the novel convex combination of multi-hesitant fuzzy numbers (MHFNs) is introduced. Some aggregation operators based on convex operation, such as generalized multi-hesitant fuzzy ordered weighted average (GMHFOWA) operator, generalized multi-hesitant fuzzy hybrid weighted average (GMHFHWA) operator, generalized multi-hesitant fuzzy prioritized weighted average (GMHFPWA) operator and generalized multi-hesitant fuzzy Choquet integral weighted average (GMHFCIWA) operator, are developed and corresponding properties are discussed in detail. Then, based on the proposed aggregation operators, a novel approach for multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem is proposed for ranking alternatives. Finally, an example is provided to verify the developed approach and demonstrate its validity and feasibility and the study is supported by a sensitivity analysis and a comparison analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

19 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dual Generalized Nonnegative Normal Neutrosophic Bonferroni Mean Operators and Their Application in Multiple Attribute Decision Making

by Jiongmei Mo and Han-Liang Huang

Information 2018, 9(8), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9080201 - 6 Aug 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3277

Abstract

For multiple attribute decision making, ranking and information aggregation problems are increasingly receiving attention. In a normal neutrosophic number, the ranking method does not satisfy the ranking principle. Moreover, the proposed operators do not take into account the correlation between any aggregation arguments. [...] Read more.

For multiple attribute decision making, ranking and information aggregation problems are increasingly receiving attention. In a normal neutrosophic number, the ranking method does not satisfy the ranking principle. Moreover, the proposed operators do not take into account the correlation between any aggregation arguments. In order to overcome the deficiencies of the existing ranking method, based on the nonnegative normal neutrosophic number, this paper redefines the score function, the accuracy function, and partial operational laws. Considering the correlation between any aggregation arguments, the dual generalized nonnegative normal neutrosophic weighted Bonferroni mean operator and dual generalized nonnegative normal neutrosophic weighted geometric Bonferroni mean operator were investigated, and their properties are presented. Here, these two operators are applied to deal with a multiple attribute decision making problem. Example results show that the proposed method is effective and superior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

14 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Operations and Aggregation Methods of Single-Valued Linguistic Neutrosophic Interval Linguistic Numbers and Their Decision Making Method

by Jun Ye and Wenhua Cui

Information 2018, 9(8), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9080196 - 1 Aug 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3165

Abstract

To comprehensively describe uncertain/interval linguistic arguments and confident linguistic arguments in the decision making process by a linguistic form, this study first presents the concept of a single-valued linguistic neutrosophic interval linguistic number (SVLN-ILN), which is comprehensively composed of its uncertain/interval linguistic number [...] Read more.

To comprehensively describe uncertain/interval linguistic arguments and confident linguistic arguments in the decision making process by a linguistic form, this study first presents the concept of a single-valued linguistic neutrosophic interval linguistic number (SVLN-ILN), which is comprehensively composed of its uncertain/interval linguistic number (determinate linguistic argument part) and its single-valued linguistic neutrosophic number (confident linguistic argument part), and its basic operations. Then, the score function of SVLN-ILN based on the attitude index and confident degree/level is presented for ranking SVLN-ILNs. After that, SVLN-ILN weighted arithmetic averaging (SVLN-ILNWAA) and SVLN-ILN weighted geometric averaging (SVLN-ILNWGA) operators are proposed to aggregate SVLN-ILN information and their properties are investigated. Further, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method based on the proposed SVLN-ILNWAA or SVLN-ILNWGA operator and the score function is established under consideration of decision makers’ preference attitudes (pessimist, moderate, and optimist). Lastly, an actual example is given to show the applicability of the established MADM approach with decision makers’ attitudes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

15 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dombi Aggregation Operators of Linguistic Cubic Variables for Multiple Attribute Decision Making

by Xueping Lu and Jun Ye

Information 2018, 9(8), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9080188 - 26 Jul 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3924

Abstract

A linguistic cubic variable (LCV) is comprised of interval linguistic variable and single-valued linguistic variable. An LCV contains decision-makers’ uncertain and certain linguistic judgments simultaneously. The advantage of the Dombi operators contains flexibility due to its changeable operational parameter. Although the Dombi operations [...] Read more.

A linguistic cubic variable (LCV) is comprised of interval linguistic variable and single-valued linguistic variable. An LCV contains decision-makers’ uncertain and certain linguistic judgments simultaneously. The advantage of the Dombi operators contains flexibility due to its changeable operational parameter. Although the Dombi operations have been extended to many studies to solve decision-making problems; the Dombi operations are not used for linguistic cubic variables (LCVs) so far. Hence, the Dombi operations of LCVs are firstly presented in this paper. A linguistic cubic variable Dombi weighted arithmetic average (LCVDWAA) operator and a linguistic cubic variable Dombi weighted geometric average (LCVDWGA) operator are proposed to aggregate LCVs. Then a multiple attribute decision making (MADM) method is developed in LCV setting on the basis of LCVDWAA and LCVDWGA operators. Finally, two illustrative examples about the optimal choice problems demonstrate the validity and the application of this method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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18 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Green Supplier Assessment Method for Manufacturing Enterprises Based on Rough ANP and Evidence Theory

by Lianhui Li and Hongguang Wang

Information 2018, 9(7), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9070162 - 2 Jul 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4488

Abstract

Within the context of increasingly serious global environmental problems, green supplier assessment has become one of the key links in modern green supply chain management. In the actual work of green supplier assessment, the information of potential suppliers is often ambiguous or even [...] Read more.

Within the context of increasingly serious global environmental problems, green supplier assessment has become one of the key links in modern green supply chain management. In the actual work of green supplier assessment, the information of potential suppliers is often ambiguous or even absent, and there are interrelationships and feedback-like effects among assessment indexes. Additionally, the thinking of experts in index importance judgment is always ambiguous and subjective. To handle the uncertainty and incompleteness in green supplier assessment, we propose a green supplier assessment method based on rough ANP and evidence theory. The uncertain index value is processed by membership degree. Trapezoidal fuzzy number is adopted to express experts’ judgment on the relative importance of the indexes, and rough boundary interval is used to integrate the judgment opinions of multiple experts. The ANP structure is built to deal with the interrelationship and feedback-like effects among indexes. Then, the index weight is calculated by ANP method. Finally, the green suppliers are assessed by a trust interval, based on evidence theory. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by an application of a bearing cage supplier assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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22 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pythagorean Fuzzy Interaction Muirhead Means with Their Application to Multi-Attribute Group Decision-Making

by Yuan Xu, Xiaopu Shang and Jun Wang

Information 2018, 9(7), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9070157 - 27 Jun 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3971

Abstract

Due to the increased complexity of real decision-making problems, representing attribute values correctly and appropriately is always a challenge. The recently proposed Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS) is a powerful and useful tool for handling fuzziness and vagueness. The feature of PFS that the [...] Read more.

Due to the increased complexity of real decision-making problems, representing attribute values correctly and appropriately is always a challenge. The recently proposed Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS) is a powerful and useful tool for handling fuzziness and vagueness. The feature of PFS that the square sum of membership and non-membership degrees should be less than or equal to one provides more freedom for decision makers to express their assessments and further results in less information loss. The aim of this paper is to develop some Pythagorean fuzzy aggregation operators to aggregate Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (PFNs). Additionally, we propose a novel approach to multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) based on the proposed operators. Considering the Muirhead mean (MM) can capture the interrelationship among all arguments, and the interaction operational rules for PFNs can make calculation results more reasonable, to take full advantage of both, we extend MM to PFSs and propose a family of Pythagorean fuzzy interaction Muirhead mean operators. Some desirable properties and special cases of the proposed operators are also investigated. Further, we present a novel approach to MAGDM with Pythagorean fuzzy information. Finally, we provide a numerical instance to illustrate the validity of the proposed model. In addition, we perform a comparative analysis to show the superiorities of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

24 pages, 890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiple Attributes Group Decision-Making under Interval-Valued Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Unbalanced Linguistic Environment with Prioritized Attributes and Unknown Decision-Makers’ Weights

by Xiao-Wen Qi, Jun-Ling Zhang and Chang-Yong Liang

Information 2018, 9(6), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9060145 - 14 Jun 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4218

Abstract

Aiming at a special type of ill-defined complicate multiple attributes group decision-making (MAGDM) problem, which exhibits hybrid complexity features of decision hesitancy, prioritized evaluative attributes, and unknown decision-makers’ weights, we investigate an effective approach in this paper. To accommodate decision hesitancy, we employ [...] Read more.

Aiming at a special type of ill-defined complicate multiple attributes group decision-making (MAGDM) problem, which exhibits hybrid complexity features of decision hesitancy, prioritized evaluative attributes, and unknown decision-makers’ weights, we investigate an effective approach in this paper. To accommodate decision hesitancy, we employ a compound expression tool of interval-valued dual hesitant fuzzy unbalanced linguistic set (IVDHFUBLS) to help decision-makers elicit their assessments more comprehensively and completely. To exploit prioritization relations among evaluating attributes, we develop a prioritized weighted aggregation operator for IVDHFUBLS-based decision-making scenarios and then analyze its properties and special cases. To objectively derive unknown decision-makers’ weighting vector, we next develop a hybrid model that simultaneously takes into account the overall accuracy measure of the individual decision matrix and maximizing deviation among all decision matrices. Furthermore, on the strength of the above methods, we construct an MAGDM approach and demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness using applied study on a green supplier selection problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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22 pages, 1063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pythagorean Fuzzy Muirhead Mean Operators and Their Application in Multiple-Criteria Group Decision-Making

by Jianghong Zhu and Yanlai Li

Information 2018, 9(6), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9060142 - 11 Jun 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4367

Abstract

As a generalization of the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS), a Pythagorean fuzzy set has more flexibility than IFS in expressing uncertainty and fuzziness in the process of multiple criteria group decision-making (MCGDM). Meanwhile, the prominent advantage of the Muirhead mean (MM) operator is [...] Read more.

As a generalization of the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS), a Pythagorean fuzzy set has more flexibility than IFS in expressing uncertainty and fuzziness in the process of multiple criteria group decision-making (MCGDM). Meanwhile, the prominent advantage of the Muirhead mean (MM) operator is that it can reflect the relationships among the various input arguments through changing a parameter vector. Motivated by these primary characters, in this study, we introduced the MM operator into the Pythagorean fuzzy context to expand its applied fields. To do so, we presented the Pythagorean fuzzy MM (PFMM) operators and Pythagorean fuzzy dual MM (PFDMM) operator to fuse the Pythagorean fuzzy information. Then, we investigated their some properties and gave some special cases related to the parameter vector. In addition, based on the developed operators, two MCGDM methods under the Pythagorean fuzzy environment are proposed. An example is given to verify the validity and feasibility of our proposed methods, and a comparative analysis is provided to show their advantages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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16 pages, 1351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Interactive Multiobjective Optimization Approach to Supplier Selection and Order Allocation Problems Using the Concept of Desirability

by Pyoungsoo Lee and Sungmin Kang

Information 2018, 9(6), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9060130 - 23 May 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4601

Abstract

In supply chain management, selecting the right supplier is one of the most important decision-making processes for improving corporate competitiveness. In particular, when a buyer considers selecting multiple suppliers, one should consider the issue of order allocation with supplier selection. In this article, [...] Read more.

In supply chain management, selecting the right supplier is one of the most important decision-making processes for improving corporate competitiveness. In particular, when a buyer considers selecting multiple suppliers, one should consider the issue of order allocation with supplier selection. In this article, an interactive multiobjective optimization approach is proposed for the supplier selection and order allocation problem. Also, the concept of desirability is incorporated into the optimization model to take into account the principles of diminishing marginal utility. The results are presented by comparing them with the solutions from the weighting methods. This study shows the advantage of the proposed method in that the decision-maker directly checks the degree of desirability and learns his/her preference structure through improved solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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16 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Rough WASPAS Approach for Supplier Selection in a Company Manufacturing PVC Carpentry Products

by Gordan Stojić, Željko Stević, Jurgita Antuchevičienė, Dragan Pamučar and Marko Vasiljević

Information 2018, 9(5), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9050121 - 16 May 2018

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 7181

Abstract

The decision-making process requires the prior definition and fulfillment of certain factors, especially when it comes to complex areas such as supply chain management. One of the most important items in the initial phase of the supply chain, which strongly influences its further [...] Read more.

The decision-making process requires the prior definition and fulfillment of certain factors, especially when it comes to complex areas such as supply chain management. One of the most important items in the initial phase of the supply chain, which strongly influences its further flow, is to decide on the most favorable supplier. In this paper a selection of suppliers in a company producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) carpentry was made based on the new approach developed in the field of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). The relative values of the weight coefficients of the criteria are calculated using the rough analytical hierarchical process (AHP) method. The evaluation and ranking of suppliers is carried out using the new rough weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method. In order to determine the stability of the model and the ability to apply the developed rough WASPAS approach, the paper analyzes its sensitivity, which involves changing the value of the coefficient λ in the first part. The second part of the sensitivity analysis relates to the application of different multi-criteria decision-making methods in combination with rough numbers that have been developed in the very recent past. The model presented in the paper is solved by using the following methods: rough Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), rough Evaluation based on Distancefrom Average Solution (EDAS), rough MultiAttributive Border Approximation area Comparison (MABAC), rough Višekriterijumsko kompromisno rangiranje (VIKOR), rough MultiAttributiveIdeal-Real Comparative Analysis (MAIRCA) and rough Multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis plus the full multiplicative form (MULTIMOORA). In addition, in the third part of the sensitivity analysis, the Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) of the ranks obtained was calculated which confirms the applicability of all the proposed approaches. The proposed rough model allows the evaluation of alternatives despite the imprecision and lack of quantitative information in the information-management process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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12 pages, 983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Bi-Directional Projection Model Based on Pythagorean Uncertain Linguistic Variable

by Huidong Wang, Shifan He and Xiaohong Pan

Information 2018, 9(5), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9050104 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3849

Abstract

To solve the multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problems with Pythagorean uncertain linguistic variable, an extended bi-directional projection method is proposed. First, we utilize the linguistic scale function to convert uncertain linguistic variable and provide a new projection model, subsequently. Then, to depict the [...] Read more.

To solve the multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problems with Pythagorean uncertain linguistic variable, an extended bi-directional projection method is proposed. First, we utilize the linguistic scale function to convert uncertain linguistic variable and provide a new projection model, subsequently. Then, to depict the bi-directional projection method, the formative vectors of alternatives and ideal alternatives are defined. Furthermore, a comparative analysis with projection model is conducted to show the superiority of bi-directional projection method. Finally, an example of graduate’s job option is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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15 pages, 2143 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Dynamic Fuzzy Approach Based on the EDAS Method for Multi-Criteria Subcontractor Evaluation

by Mehdi Keshavarz-Ghorabaee, Maghsoud Amiri, Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas, Zenonas Turskis and Jurgita Antucheviciene

Information 2018, 9(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/info9030068 - 19 Mar 2018

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 7943

Abstract

Selection of appropriate subcontractors for outsourcing is very important for the success of construction projects. This can improve the overall quality of projects and promote the qualification and reputation of the main contractors. The evaluation of subcontractors can be made by some experts [...] Read more.

Selection of appropriate subcontractors for outsourcing is very important for the success of construction projects. This can improve the overall quality of projects and promote the qualification and reputation of the main contractors. The evaluation of subcontractors can be made by some experts or decision-makers with respect to some criteria. If this process is done in different time periods, it can be defined as a dynamic multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problem. In this study, we propose a new fuzzy dynamic MCGDM approach based on the EDAS (Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution) method for subcontractor evaluation. In the procedure of the proposed approach, the sets of alternatives, criteria and decision-makers can be changed at different time periods. Also, the proposed approach gives more weight to newer decision information for aggregating the overall performance of alternatives. A numerical example is used to illustrate the proposed approach and show the application of it in subcontractor evaluation. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is efficient and useful in real-world decision-making problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Techniques for Business Processes Information Management)

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