Many scientific papers are devoted to solving multi-criteria problems. Researchers solve these problems, usually using methods that find discrete solutions and with the collaboration of domain experts. In both symmetrical and asymmetrical problems, the challenge is when new decision-making variants emerge. Unfortunately, discreet identification of preferences makes it impossible to determine the preferences for new alternatives. In this work, we propose a new approach to identifying a multi-criteria decision model to address this challenge. Our proposal is based on stochastic optimization techniques and the characteristic objects method (COMET). An extensive work comparing the use of hill-climbing, simulated annealing, and particle swarm optimization algorithms are presented in this paper. The paper also contains preliminary studies on initial conditions. Finally, our approach has been demonstrated using a simple numerical example.

This paper aims to present an innovative approach based on two newly developed Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods: COMET combined with TOPSIS and SPOTIS, which could be the basis for a decision support system (DSS) in the problem of selecting solar panels. Solar energy is one of the most promising and environmentally friendly energy sources because of the enormous potential of directly converting available solar radiation everywhere into electricity. Furthermore, ever-lower prices for photovoltaic systems make solar electricity more competitive with power from conventional energy sources, increasing interest in solar panels among companies and households. This fact generates the need for a user-friendly, objective, fully automated DSS to support the multi-criteria selection of solar panels. Both MCDM methods chosen for this purpose are rank-reversal-free and precise. First, the objective entropy weighting method was applied for determining criteria weights. Final rankings were compared by two ranking correlation coefficients: symmetrical rw and asymmetrical WS. Then the sensitivity analysis providing local weights of alternatives for decision criteria was performed. The obtained results prove the adequacy and practical usefulness of the presented approach in solving the problem of solar panels selection.

The aim of this paper is to present the use of an innovative approach based on MCDM methods as the main component of a consumer Decision Support System (DSS) by recommending the most suitable products among a given set of alternatives. This system provides a reliable recommendation to the consumer in the form of a compromise ranking constructed from the five MCDM methods: the hybrid approach TOPSIS-COMET, COCOSO, EDAS, MAIRCA, and MABAC. Each of the methods used contributes significantly to the final compromise ranking built with the Copeland strategy. Chosen MCDM methods were combined with the objective CRITIC weighting method, and their performance was presented on the illustrative example of choosing the most suitable mobile phone. A sensitivity analysis involving the rw and WS correlation coefficients was performed to determine the match between the compromise ranking of the candidates and the rankings provided by each MCDM method. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that all investigated compromise candidate rankings show high convergence with the rankings provided by the particular MCDM methods. Thus, the performed study proved that the proposed approach shows high potential to be successfully used as a central component of DSS for recommending the most suitable product. Such DSS could be a universal and future-proof solution for e-commerce sites and websites, providing advanced product comparison capabilities in delivering a recommendation to the user as a final ranking of alternatives.

The paper undertakes the problem of proper structuring of multi-criteria decision support models. To achieve that, a methodological framework is proposed. The authors’ framework is the basis for the relevance analysis of individual criteria in any considered decision model. The formal foundations of the authors’ approach provide a reference set of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods (TOPSIS, VIKOR, COMET) along with their similarity coefficients (Spearman correlation coefficients and WS coefficient). In the empirical research, a practical MCDA-based wind farm location problem was studied. Reference rankings of the decision variants were obtained, followed by a set of rankings in which particular criteria were excluded. This was the basis for testing the similarity of the obtained solutions sets, as well as for recommendations in terms of both indicating the high significance and the possible elimination of individual criteria in the original model. When carrying out the analyzes, both the positions in the final rankings, as well as the corresponding values of utility functions of the decision variants were studied. As a result of the detailed analysis of the obtained results, recommendations were presented in the field of reference criteria set for the considered decision problem, thus demonstrating the practical usefulness of the authors’ proposed approach. It should be pointed out that the presented study of criteria relevance is an important factor for objectification of the multi-criteria decision support processes.

Decision-making processes increasingly use models based on various methods to ensure professional analysis and evaluation of the considered alternatives. However, the abundance of these methods makes it difficult to choose the proper method to solve a given problem. Also, it is worth noting whether different results can be obtained using different methods within a single decision problem. In this paper, we used three selected Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods called COMET, TOPSIS, and SPOTIS in order to examine how the obtained rankings vary. The selection of material suppliers was taken into consideration. The equal weights, entropy and standard deviation methods were used to determine the weights for criteria. Final preferences values were then compared with the WS similarity coefficient and weighted Spearman correlation coefficient to check the similarity of the received rankings. It was noticed that in the given problem, all of the methods provide highly correlated results, and the obtained positional rankings are not significantly different. However, practical conclusions indicate the need to look for improved solutions in the correct and accurate assessment of suppliers in a given period.

Decision support systems often involve taking into account many factors that influence the choice of existing options. Besides, given the expert’s uncertainty on how to express the relationships between the collected data, it is not easy to define how to choose optimal solutions. Such problems also arise in sport, where coaches or players have many variants to choose from when conducting training or selecting the composition of players for competitions. In this paper, an objective fuzzy inference system based on fuzzy logic to evaluate players in team sports is proposed on the example of football. Based on the Characteristic Objects Method (COMET), a multi-criteria model has been developed to evaluate players on the positions of forwards based on their match statistics. The study has shown that this method can be used effectively in assessing players based on their performance. The COMET method was chosen because of its unique properties. It is one of the few methods that allow identifying the model without giving weightings of decision criteria. Symmetrical and asymmetrical fuzzy triangular numbers were used in model identification. Using the calculated derivatives in the point, it turned out that the criteria weights change in the problem state space. This prevents the use of other multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods. However, we compare the obtained model with the Technique of Order Preference Similarity (TOPSIS) method in order to better show the advantage of the proposed approach. The results from the objectified COMET model were compared with subjective rankings such as Golden Ball and player value.

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