In this Chapter, we imagine a decision maker (or a group of experts) trying to establish or examine fair procedures to combine opinions about alternatives related to different points of view.

Multiple criteria decision making

In this paper, a new multi-criteria problem solving method—the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM)—is proposed. The model implies the definition of two groups of constraints that need to satisfy the optimal values of weight coefficients. The first group of constraints is the condition that the relations of the weight coefficients of criteria should be equal to the comparative priorities of the criteria. The second group of constraints is defined on the basis of the conditions of mathematical transitivity. After defining the constraints and solving the model, in addition to optimal weight values, a deviation from full consistency (DFC) is obtained. The degree of DFC is the deviation value of the obtained weight coefficients from the estimated comparative priorities of the criteria. In addition, DFC is also the reliability confirmation of the obtained weights of criteria. In order to illustrate the proposed model and evaluate its performance, FUCOM was tested on several numerical examples from the literature. The model validation was performed by comparing it with the other subjective models (the Best Worst Method (BWM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)), based on the pairwise comparisons of the criteria and the validation of the results by using DFC. The results show that FUCOM provides better results than the BWM and AHP methods, when the relation between consistency and the required number of the comparisons of the criteria are taken into consideration. The main advantages of FUCOM in relation to the existing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are as follows: (1) a significantly smaller number of pairwise comparisons (only n − 1), (2) a consistent pairwise comparison of criteria, and (3) the calculation of the reliable values of criteria weight coefficients, which contribute to rational judgment.

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/10/9/393/pdf

A New Model for Determining Weight Coefficients of Criteria in MCDM Models: Full Consistency Method (FUCOM)

This paper presents a new approach for the treatment of uncertainty which is based on interval-valued fuzzy-rough numbers (IVFRN). It is shown that by integrating the rough approach with the traditional fuzzy approach, the subjectivity that exists when defining the borders of fuzzy sets is eliminated. IVFRN make decision making possible using only the internal knowledge in the operative data available to the decision makers. In this way objective uncertainties are used and there is no need to rely on models of assumptions. Instead of different external parameters in the application of IVFRN, the structure of the given data is used. On this basis an original multi-criteria model was developed based on an IVFRN approach. In this multi-criteria model the traditional steps of the BWM (Best–Worst method) and MABAC (Multi-Attributive Border Approximation area Comparison) methods are modified. The model was tested and validated on a study of the optimal selection of fire fighting helicopters. Testing demonstrated that the model based on IVFRN enabled more objective expert evaluation of the criteria in comparison with traditional fuzzy and rough approaches. A sensitivity analysis of the IVFRN BWM-MABAC model was carried out by means of 57 scenarios, the results of which showed a high degree of stability. The results of the IVFRN model were validated by comparing them with the results of the fuzzy and rough extension of the MABAC, COPRAS and VIKOR models.

Modification of the Best–Worst and MABAC methods: A novel approach based on interval-valued fuzzy-rough numbers

Multi-Criteria Decision-Analysis (MCDA) methods are successfully applied in different fields and disciplines. However, in many studies, the problem of selecting the proper methods and parameters for the decision problems is raised. The paper undertakes an attempt to benchmark selected Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods. To achieve that, a set of feasible MCDA methods was identified. Based on reference literature guidelines, a simulation experiment was planned. The formal foundations of the authors’ approach provide a reference set of MCDA methods ( Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS), and PROMETHEE II: Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment of Evaluations) along with their similarity coefficients (Spearman correlation coefficients and WS coefficient). This allowed the generation of a set of models differentiated by the number of attributes and decision variants, as well as similarity research for the obtained rankings sets. As the authors aim to build a complex benchmarking model, additional dimensions were taken into account during the simulation experiments. The aspects of the performed analysis and benchmarking methods include various weighing methods (results obtained using entropy and standard deviation methods) and varied techniques of normalization of MCDA model input data. Comparative analyses showed the detailed influence of values of particular parameters on the final form and a similarity of the final rankings obtained by different MCDA methods.

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/12/9/1549/pdf

Are MCDA Methods Benchmarkable? A Comparative Study of TOPSIS, VIKOR, COPRAS, and PROMETHEE II Methods

The Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) utility determining approaches and fuzzy sets are considered to be new development approaches, which have been recently presented, extended, and used by some scholars in area of decision making. There is a lack of research regarding to systematic literature review and classification of study about these approaches. Therefore; in the present study, the attempt is made to present a systematic review of methodologies and applications with recent fuzzy developments of two new MCDM utility determining approaches including Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) and fuzzy extensions which discussed in recent years. Regarding this, some major databases including Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar have been nominated and systematic and meta-analysis method which called “PRISMA” has been proposed. In addition, the selected articles were classified based on authors, the year of publication, journals and conferences names, the technique and method used, research objectives, research gap and problem, solution and modeling, and finally results and findings. The results of this study can assist decision-makers in handling information such as stakeholders’ preferences, interconnected or contradictory criteria and uncertain environments. In addition, findings of this study help to practitioners and academic for adopting the new MCDM utility techniques such as WASPAS and SWARA in different application areas and presenting insight into literature.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Swara and Waspas Methods: Theory and Applications with Recent Fuzzy Developments

The decision-making process requires, a priori, defining and considering certain factors, especially when it comes to complex areas such as transport management in companies. One of the most important items in the initial phase of the transport process that significantly influences its further flow is decision-making about the choice of the most favorable transport provider. In this paper a model for evaluating and selecting a transport service provider based on a single valued neutrosophic number (SVNN) is presented. The neutrosophic set concept represents a general platform that extends the concepts of classical sets, fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, and an interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets. The application of the SVNN concept made a modification of the DEMATEL method (Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Method) and proposed a model for ranking alternative solutions. The SVNN-DEMATEL model defines the mutual effects of the provider's evaluation criteria, while, in the second phase of the model, alternative providers are evaluated and ranked. The SVNN-DEMATEL model was tested on a hypothetical example of evaluation of five providers of transport services.

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A multicriteria model for the selection of the transport service provider: A single valued neutrosophic DEMATEL multicriteria model

A level crossing, as a point of the crossing of road and rail traffic in the same level, is a place of conflicts subject to traffic accidents. In Serbia, the selection of the level crossings to be secured is mostly done based on the media and society pressure, as a result of an increase of the number of accidents at level crossings. In Serbia, there is no defined methodology for the evaluation of level crossings, respectively, for the development of a strategy for making relevant decision. This paper presents the application of a group multi-criteria FUCOM-MAIRCA (Full Consistency Method – Multi Attributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis) model that supports the process of selecting a level crossing in terms of investing in its security equipment. The FUCOM-MAIRCA multi-criteria model is tested in a case study which included the evaluation of ten level crossings within the railway infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia. The evaluation of the crossings is carried out through the assessment according to seven criteria set out on the basis of representative literature and surveys of experts. Sensitivity test of the FUCOM-MAIRCA model is performed by changing the weight coefficients of criteria and statistically processing the results using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

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Multi-criteria FUCOM-MAIRCA model for the evaluation of level crossings: case study in the Republic of Serbia

This paper presents a new approach to the treatment of uncertainty and imprecision in multi-criteria decision-making based on interval rough numbers (IRN). The IRN-based approach provides decision-making using only internal knowledge for the data and operational information of a decision-maker. A new normalized weighted geometric Bonferroni mean operator is developed on the basis of the IRN for the aggregation of the IRN (IRNWGBM). Testing of the IRNWGBM operator is performed through the application in a hybrid IR-DEMATEL-COPRAS multi-criteria model which is tested on real case of selection of optimal direction for the creation of a temporary military route. The first part of hybrid model is the IRN DEMATEL model, which provides objective expert evaluation of criteria under the conditions of uncertainty and imprecision. In the second part of the model, the evaluation is carried out using the new interval rough COPRAS technique.

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Vesko Lukovac

Papers

A multicriteria model for the selection of the transport service provider: A single valued neutrosophic DEMATEL multicriteria model

Multi-criteria FUCOM-MAIRCA model for the evaluation of level crossings: case study in the Republic of Serbia

Normalized weighted geometric bonferroni mean operator of interval rough numbers – application in interval rough dematel-copras model

Selecting an airport ground access mode using novel fuzzy LBWA-WASPAS-H decision making model

A Novel Methodology for Prioritizing Zero-Carbon Measures for Sustainable Transport