Generalized fuzzy number and graph theory matrix approach in fuzzy decision making of smartphone selection

Abstract

A number of studies have proposed a method of ranking a smartphone due to the fact that newly smartphones in the market are offering more features which could give more benefit to the user and thus become increasingly important as a tool in helping them to make everyday decisions. But most of the studies have exhibited shortcoming associated to level of confidence of decision makers’ in giving a judgement, which significantly influences final ranking result. This study proposes Graph Theory and Matrix Approach (GTMA) on ranking smartphone alternatives that ensures consideration of uncertainty and confidence level upon their judgement towards smartphone selection. A Generalized Triangular Fuzzy Number (GTFN) is used in the calculation of interrelation matrix which leads to give more meaningful value of importance weights of the attributes. Selection index is then calculated to rank the smartphone through fuzzy determinant. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed approach whereby five well-known smartphones brand are considered which are apple, Samsung, Huawei, OPPO and Asus. The result shows that Huawei is the most preferred brand followed by OPPO and Apple in selecting the best smartphone.