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A PROPOSED FUZZY SET THEORY FOR SOLVING MULTI CRITERIA DECISION

MAKING PROBLEMS

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Journal of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
ISSN :0025-0422
A PROPOSED FUZZY SET THEORY FOR SOLVING MULTI CRITERIA DECISION
MAKING PROBLEMS

Mr.Prakash Bapurao Fulari Reseach Scholar, Department of Mathematics, Shri JJT University,
Rajasthan, 333001 :: fulariprakash@gmail.com,
Dr. Dilip Bapurao Ghule Associate Professor Department of Mathematics, E. S. D. College,
Varvand, Tal. – Daund, Dist. – Pune. :: ghule.dilip@gmail.com
Abstract
Design concept evaluation is a critical stage in the product development which has significant
impact on the downstream process in product development thus on success of new product. Design
concept evaluation is widely recognized as a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM)
problem involving various decision criteria and large amount of data which are usually imprecise and
subjective. This paper proposes a new decision-making method to evaluate product design concepts
based on the distance between interval vectors each alternative and positive and negative ideal
reference vectors. Rank of design concepts is obtained by calculating interval-based relative
closeness index for each alternative. In this method, to deal with uncertainty and vagueness of data in
the primary phases of product design, performance of design concepts with respect to quantitative
and qualitative criteria are concurrently evaluated using rough set and fuzzy set. The weights of
criteria used in the evaluation are obtained using the extent analysis method on fuzzy AHP. In final,
the conclusions of our method are represented and some future directions are proposed to improve
the model.

Index Terms: interval rough SAW; sustainable supplier; procurement; MCDM

I. INTRODUCTION
Fuzzy logic is most successful in situations with very complex models, where understanding is
strictly limited and where human reasoning, human perception, human decision making are
inextricably involved. Fuzzy sets play an important role in human thinking, particularly in the
domains of pattern recognition, communication of information, decision making and abstraction.
Previously, various kinds of approaches such as approximate reasoning theory, vague set theory,
rough set theory, probability theory, soft set theory were used in the process of decision making
problem [2, 3]. All these technique were referred to as classical set theory. There exist certain
limitation in this classical set theory such as shortage in parameterization of tools and this theory
does not process effectively in defining the vague concepts. However these limitations can be solved
effectively using fuzzy set theory. Decision making, which is a cognitive process of selecting a
course of action from multiple alternatives, is an important scientific, social and economic
endeavour. A key factor in the decision making process is its ability to understand and interact with
the individuals or groups have with the world. The fuzzy set theory is the most flexible framework
that can be applied in decision making. It simulates the ability of human beings to deal with
fuzziness of human judgments quantitatively and thus contributing to a greater level of human
consistency or human intelligence in decision making process.
In multi person decision making (MPDM) process, the aim is to rank a finite number of
alternatives with respect to a finite number of experts. Tender evaluations, public procurement
processes, selections of applicants for positions, decisions related to best portfolio investments are
certain real-life decisions in which MPDM models can be productively used. In solving a multi
person decision problem, one needs to know the importance or weights of the not equally important
alternatives and also the evaluations of the alternatives with respect to the experts [12, 13]. One
technique, often used, is the method of pairwise comparisons a concept which is widely used. It was
introduced for voting problems by using only 0 and 1 in the pairwise comparison matrices.
In this Paper, the process of decision making approach for solving various existing and
upcoming problem in different field was found to be crucial. Many authors are focusing this area for
their research because this process was found to be challenging task. Several technique utilizing

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ISSN :0025-0422
different theories were developed by various authors. But in every theories there exist certain
limitations. Theories such as approximate reasoning theory, vague set theory, rough set theory,
probability theory, soft set theory were developed in recent year for solving various MCDM
problems. The problem such as effective selection of equipment used in various industry, designing
concept evaluation, selection of appropriate location for suiting military airport and other essential
buildings, effective solid transportation etc. comes under MCDM methods. The above mentioned
techniques were developed for solving these prevailing problems.

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

Recently, fuzzy set theory had been widely used in various fields for performing variety of
operation. The use of fuzzy set theory was at its peak in the process of decision making problem.
Some of the research work related to the use of different type of fuzzy set theory in various problems
solving approach will be reviewed.
Chung-Hsing Yeh et al, had developed a new approach to sustainable planning of e-waste
recycling activities for meeting the best sustainability interests of an e-recycling company. A fuzzy
multi criteria decision making algorithm was developed to evaluate alternative recycling activities of
an e-waste recycling job in terms of their corporate sustainability performance on identified
sustainability criteria under the environmental, economic, and social dimensions. A series of optimal
weighting models are developed to determine the optimal weights for the three sustainability
dimensions and their associated criteria. In consideration of an e-recycling company’s subjective
sustainability preferences, the optimal weights reflect the best corporate sustainability performance
of the e-waste products processed by the company under its current operational settings. The
approach represents an original contribution to the methodological development of weighting the
three corporate sustainability dimensions for planning decisions. In practice, it provides e-recycling
companies with a proactive mechanism for incorporating the concept of corporate sustainability into
their regular planning decisions.
Santoso Wibowo et al, had designed a multi-criteria group decision making approach for
effectively evaluating the performance of e-waste recycling programs under uncertainty in an
organization. Intuitionistic fuzzy numbers were used for adequately representing the subjective and
imprecise assessments of the decision makers in evaluating the relative importance of evaluation
criteria and the performance of individual e-waste recycling programs with respect to individual
criteria in a given situation. An interactive fuzzy multi-criteria decision making algorithm was
developed for facilitating consensus building in a group decision making environment to ensure that
all the interest of individual decision makers had been appropriately considered in evaluating
alternative e-waste recycling programs with respect to their corporate sustainability performance.
The developed algorithm was then incorporated into a multi-criteria decision support system for
making the overall performance evaluation process effectively and simple to use.
Hasan Dalman et al, had developed fuzzy based approach for solving multi objective multi item
solid transportation problem. A multi-objective multi-item solid transportation problem (MOMISTP)
with parameters, e.g., transportation costs, supplies, and demands, as trapezoidal fuzzy variables was
formulated. In this MOMISTP, there were limitations on some items and conveyances so that some
special items cannot be carried by means of some special conveyances. With the use of the nearest
interval approximation of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, an interval programming model was
constructed for the fuzzy MOMISTP and then this model was turned into its deterministic form.
Then, a new interval fuzzy programming approach was developed to obtain the optimal solution of
the problem.
P. Senthil Kumar et al, had developed fuzzy and intuitionistic fuzzy set related algorithm for
solving optimization based problem. Then, with the help of the developed algorithm the optimal
solution of the crisp, fuzzy and intuitionistic fuzzy optimization problems are determined. A new
theorem related to type-2 fuzzy/type-2 intuitionistic fuzzy optimization problems was developed and
proved. Some new and concrete results related to type-2 fuzzy/type-2 intuitionistic fuzzy
optimization problems were presented. To illustrate the method, some real-life numerical examples

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ISSN :0025-0422
were presented. Developed article provides seven fully worked examples with screenshots of output
summaries from the software used in the computations for better understanding. The advantages of
developed approach as compared to other existing work were also specified. Detail analyses of the
comparative study as well the discussion were given. To show the advantages of the proposed
approach, superiority analysis was discussed. Comparison analysis and the advantages of the
developed operators were also discussed.
Milagros Isabel Cova et al, had studied the process of building a fuzzy set scale in order to value
workers participation and their learning through a technical improvement project in metallurgical
plants. The process starts with a practical question which stems from workers. Participation was
structured in three subsets: participation in planning, in designing and in implementing the
improvement project. These three subsets were aggregated in a global participation set. Learning was
structured in two subsets: individual and group learning in the form of fuzzy inference system
Mandami type. Participation (causal condition) constitutes a subset of achieved learning (the
outcome), a sufficient but not necessary condition for the outcome. This subset relation was highly
consistent providing support for the statement “participatory projects enable meaningful learning”
between workers and organization.
Harish Garg et al, had introduced fuzzy based technique for solving problem related to reliability
in optimization problem. In designing phase of systems, design parameters such as component
reliabilities and cost were normally under uncertainties. In this present work parameters are
considered as imprecise in terms of triangular interval data. The uncertain multi-objective
optimization model was converted into deterministic multi-objective model including left, centre and
right interval functions. A conflicting nature between the objectives was resolved with the help of
intuitionistic fuzzy programming technique by considering linear as well as the nonlinear degree of
membership and nonmembership functions. The resultants max–min problem had been solved with
particle swarm optimization (PSO) and compared their results with genetic algorithm (GA). Finally,
a numerical instance was presented to show the performance of the developed approach.
Jian-qiang Wang et al, had developed interval-valued hesitant fuzzy linguistic set (IVHFLS) for
utilization in multi criteria decision making problem. An interval-valued hesitant fuzzy linguistic set
(IVHFLS) can serve as an extension of both a linguistic term set and an interval-valued hesitant
fuzzy set. This new set combines qualitative evaluation with qualitative evaluation; these can
describe the real preferences of decision-makers and reflect their uncertainty, hesitancy, and
inconsistency. The new approach to solving these problems was based on the prioritized aggregation
operators of IVHFLNs. Ultimately, two kinds of prioritized aggregation operators of IVHFLNs 34
are developed, which extend to a grouping prioritized situation and were applied to MCDM 35
problems. Finally, an example was provided to illustrate and verify the developed approach in 36
two separate situations, which were then compared to other representative methods.

III. PROPOSED WORK

Basically, the process of decision making approach for solving various existing and upcoming
problem in different field was found to be crucial. Many authors are focusing this area for their
research because this process was found to be challenging task. Several technique utilizing different
theories were developed by various authors. But in every theories there exist certain limitations.
Theories such as approximate reasoning theory, vague set theory, rough set theory, probability
theory, soft set theory were developed in recent year for solving various MCDM problems. The
problem such as effective selection of equipment used in various industry, designing concept
evaluation, selection of appropriate location for suiting military airport and other essential buildings,
effective solid transportation etc. comes under MCDM methods. The above mentioned technique
was developed for solving this prevailing problem.
There exist certain limitation in these developed theories such as shortage in parameterizations of
tools and this theory does not process effectively in defining the vague concepts. Prior to this for
solving problem in various fields, the decisions were obtained through certain experts on the basis of
skill and knowledge acquired in that particular field. But this way of approach was found to be too

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ISSN :0025-0422
complex and difficulties exist in reaching the suitable solution. As well as the obtained solution was
not accurate. For solving these drawbacks prevailing in classical set theory, the fuzzy set theory was
developed and utilized in various problem solving applications. And the fuzzy set possess unique
advantage such as it possess the ability to generalize 0 and 1 membership values of a crisp set to a
membership function of a fuzzy set. On considering these advantages the fuzzy set theory based
approach will be developed in this proposed work.
Recently, the fuzzy set theory was found to be an interesting area of research because of the
existing numerous challenges. Fuzzy set theory was developed and utilized in various field of
application for various purposes. Many sort of work consisting of vague data can be solved
effectively using fuzzy set theory. Also some of the uncertainty problems can also be solved with the
assist of fuzzy set theory. On considering on these advantages the fuzzy set theory was proposed in
this present work. The classical set theory can function only in definite boundary condition as well as
can be utilized only for clear data. It does not provide effective result for vague information. The
membership function in classical set theory will exist only in 0 and 1. To overcome this entire
drawback the fuzzy set theory was developed.
Fuzzy set theory can be effectively utilized in various uncertainty problems. The membership
function in fuzzy set theory will exist between the interval 0 and 1. The selection of membership
function is considered as vital in case of fuzzy set. The effective performance of fuzzy set theory can
be achieved only on the basis of selection of membership function. In order to solve the drawback
present in already existing fuzzy set theory as well as to improve the effectiveness of the theory for
application in various problem solving approach the modified fuzzy set theory was developed and
applied in problem solving approach. The step wise procedure that will be employed in the proposed
system will be discussed as follows.

Stepwise Procedure Employed in Proposed System

Initially the candidate related to the defined problem will be set. Following that the criteria
related to the defined problem will be illustrated. Subsequently, after completion of the above
mentioned process the further step to be employed will be discussed as followed.
1. Construction of primary decision matrix
The primary decision matrix is obtained when all alternatives related to the defined problem are
evaluated with respect to quantitative and qualitative criteria. The performance of each
alternative with respect to qualitative criteria is evaluated by each member of design team using
linguistic terms. Experts’ linguistic evaluations for the performance of each design concept
alternative with respect to qualitative criteria are aggregated to get a mean value. A collection of
values based on the perception of design team members can be incorporated to rough numbers to
evaluate the performance of alternatives with respect to quantitative criteria.
2. Construction of secondary decision matrix
It is constructed when all triangular fuzzy numbers are converted to interval. By replacing α = 0.5
as the confidence level of decision makers, all triangular fuzzy numbers are converted to
intervals.
3. Normalization of decision matrix
The obtained secondary decision matrix will be normalized with the help of normalized value for
every interval.
4. Construction of weighted normalised decision matrix
At first, the weight of criteria is obtained using the extent analysis method on fuzzy AHP as
follows: A group of decision-makers evaluates the criteria with appropriate linguistic variables
and the corresponding fuzzy numbers. The fuzzy evaluation matrix for the weight of criteria is
obtained after getting the mean values for each element in the pairwise comparison matrix of
criteria. To check the consistency of judgments, the consistency ratio (CR) of the fuzzy
comparison matrix is checked. CR for the evaluation matrix is computed as 0.054 and it is less
than 0.10. Therefore, the comparison results can be considered consistent. Synthetic extent values
Si for the criteria related to product concept design evaluation are calculated. By using he

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ISSN :0025-0422
synthetic extent values, the criteria weights and their normalized values are obtained. After
calculating the weights of criteria, the weighted normalized ki,j is calculated to construct the
weighted normalized matrix.
5. Determine positive and negative ideal reference
The positive and negative ideal reference for the selected criteria based on defined problem will
be evaluated using formula. The positive ideal reference is referred to as larger the better and
negative ideal reference is referred to as smaller the better.
6. Calculation of distance
The distance between the intervals of weighted normalized matrix and further the lower and
upper values of interval distance will be calculated with the assist of positive ideal reference and
negative ideal reference.
7. Calculation of relative closeness index
Based on the alternative related to criteria the closeness index value for the defined problem will
be calculated using the formula.
8. Ranking the alternative
With the assist of the calculated closeness index the ranking of the alternative will be carried out.
Finally with the help of this ranking the effective decision for the defined problem will be
attained.

IV. CONCLUSION
The implementation of this proposed system based on modified fuzzy set theory will be carried
out in MATLAB platform and the results will be obtained. The mathematical model will be
developed related to improved fuzzy set theory and further will be applied in some of the existing
problem such as inverted pendulum, solid transportation etc. finally, a comparison analysis with the
existing method will be done to prove the effectiveness of the proposed system on contrast with other
methods.

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