Multi-criteria weighted aggregated sum product assessment method for sustainable biomass crop selection problem using single-valued neutrosophic sets

Abstract

Determining the most optimum biomass crop alternative for biofuel production is a strategic decision due to inherent uncertainty, subjective human mind and involvement of numerous criteria. As the single-valued neutrosophic set (SVNS) is a valuable tool to tackle the uncertain, indeterminate and inconsistent information arises in real-life decision-making problems. Thus, the aim of the present work is to develop a novel weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) framework for solving multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems with single-valued neutrosophic information. In this framework, single-valued neutrosophic subjective and objective weight integrated approach (SVN-SOWIA) is discussed to estimate the weights of criteria. This method is based on the similarity measure, aggregation operator and score value, which provides more realistic and exact weights. In this regard, new similarity measures are discussed for SVNSs with their desirable characteristics. Further, to illustrate the potentiality and feasibility of the developed approach, a case study of sustainable biomass crop alternative selection is presented under SVNSs context. The sensitivity analysis shows that the alternative ‘Miscanthus’ constantly obtains its top ranking in spite of how criteria weights vary. Lastly, a comparison is made to verify the robustness of the obtained outcome. The result of this work shows that the developed method can suggest more feasible performance while facing multiple influencing factors and input uncertainties, and thus, lends itself to a broader range of applications.