A New Multi-Criteria Assessment Model Combining GRA Techniques with Intuitionistic Fuzzy Entropy-Based TOPSIS Method for Sustainable Building Materials Supplier Selection

Chen Chen

doi:10.3390/su11082265

Abstract

A new multi-criteria assessment model is proposed in this paper, which combines grey relational analysis (GRA) techniques with intuitionistic fuzzy entropy-based Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, to solve multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problems and to sort the alternatives. Generally speaking, the supplier selection process, by which buyers choose to find the right supplier of the high-quality products or/and services within the scheduled and quantity, is one of the most important key activities in constructing an effective and timely supply chain. On account of several conflicting attributes on which the knowledge of decision makers is often inaccurate and vague, this is a difficult problem. The contribution of this paper is not only to substitute objective weights of intuitionistic fuzzy entropy for subjective weights directly made by decision-makers in the TOPSIS method, but also to extend and modify this method with intuitionistic fuzzy sets and GRA techniques, and to propose the intuitionistic fuzzy entropy-based TOPSIS method combined with GRA techniques for selecting appropriate sustainable building materials supplier. Finally, we take the choice of sustainable building materials supplier as an example to illustrate the alternative effectively chosen by the intuitionistic fuzzy entropy-based TOPSIS method combined with GRA techniques.

Highlights

Multi-criteria assessment model can be suitable in solving complex problems
When the decision makers are in intuitionistic fuzzy environment, Sustainability 2019, 11, 2265 how should we solve the problem of decision makers subjectively setting weights in the TOPSIS method? (2) The calculation of intuitionistic fuzzy entropy is different from the general measurement of entropy weight
From steps 2–4 in the two stage of the research framework, the intuitionistic fuzzy entropy value of TOPSIS can be derived, which can appropriately replace the subjective weight value set by the decision makers in the traditional TOPSIS method

Summary

Introduction

Multi-criteria assessment model can be suitable in solving complex problems. In the case of multiple standards, there are a variety of multi-standard technologies to aid decision making. GRA technique is one of the common methods for analyzing various relationships among discrete data sets and making the right decisions in the case of multiple criteria or attribute situations [15]. Based on the fuzzy theory calculation, a fuzzy multi-criteria group decision-making method for supplier selection was presented [43]. Aiming at the problem of supplier selection, an intuitionistic fuzzy multi-criteria decision making with entropy-based TOPSIS method and GRA techniques is proposed. When the decision makers are in intuitionistic fuzzy environment, Sustainability 2019, 11, 2265 how should we solve the problem of decision makers subjectively setting weights in the TOPSIS method? We propose the intuitionistic fuzzy entropy-based TOPSIS method combined with GRA techniques for selecting appropriate sustainable building materials supplier. Entropy-based TOPSIS method based on GRA techniques and intuitionistic fuzzy set has huge chance of success in the supplier selection process.

Research Framework and Methodology

Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets

Intutionistic Fuzzy Entropy

Numerical Example of Sustainable Building Materials Supplier Selection

A2 A3 A4 A5

Results and Discussion

Conclusions