Intuitionistic fuzzy decision‐making methods based on grey incidence analysis and D‐S theory of evidence

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to propose a new decision‐making method using grey systems theory with the attribute values of corresponding alternatives in the form of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The uncertain degrees of different indices are determined by using the grey incidence analysis. Then, the mass functions of different alternatives in different indices are obtained by using the score function of intuitionistic fuzzy sets and the uncertain degrees of different indices. Information can be fused in accordance with the D‐S combination rule and the best alternative is calculated accordingly. Finally, a numerical example is utilized to illustrate that a satisfied solution can be obtained and the uncertainty can be decreased.

Findings

The results are convincing: the new decision‐making method, by combining the D‐S theory of evidence, can well deal with decision‐making problems with the attribute values of corresponding alternatives in the form of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. From the numerical example, it is seen that the uncertainty can be decreased by using the new method.

Practical implications

The method exposed in the paper can be used to help the decision maker make a fast and accurate decision when facing decision problems with the attribute values of corresponding alternatives in the form of intuitionistic fuzzy sets.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in proposing a decision‐making method by using the D‐S theory of evidence and one of the newest developed theories: grey systems theory.

Citation

Li, P. (2012), "Intuitionistic fuzzy decision‐making methods based on grey incidence analysis and D‐S theory of evidence", Grey Systems: Theory and Application, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 54-62. https://doi.org/10.1108/20439371211197677