Solution of heterogeneous multi-attribute case-based decision making problems by using method based on TODIM

Abstract

Heterogeneous multi-attribute case-based decision making (HMCBDM) is a type of complex and important problem encountered in many decision applications, and such problems involve real numbers, interval numbers, triangular fuzzy numbers, linguistic variables, and intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. However, heterogeneous multi-attributes are not fully considered in case-based decision making. Moreover, in the decision making process, the psychological behavior of the decision maker must be considered. To this end, this paper proposes a novel method for HMCBDM problems based on the TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multi-criteria decision making) method. First, the problem similarity and solution similarity are formulated. Next, a similar case set is constructed according to the problem and solution similarities. Further, the utility of the result of the historical solution is calculated. In addition, a ranking method based on TODIM is proposed, in which the problem similarity, solution similarity, and utility of the result of the historical solution are considered, and subsequently, the suitable solution(s) is obtained. Finally, a case study considering a gas explosion and pertaining to decision making in emergency situations is described to illustrate the use of the proposed method.