The study proposes a comprehensive and systematic approach for multi-criteria and multi-stage facility location selection problem. To handle with high and more uncertainty in the evaluation and selection processes, the problem is solved by using multi-criteria decision making technique with interval Type-2 fuzzy sets. The study contributes the facility location selection literature by introducing the application of fuzzy TOPSIS method with interval Type-2 fuzzy sets. Finally, the suggested approach is applied to a real life region and site selection problem of a cement factory.
One of the most used renewable energy systems to produce clean and sustainable energy are solar energy photovoltaic (PV) plants. The selection among solar energy PV plant location alternatives requires a multi-criteria decision making approach with several conflicting and linguistic criteria. The assessment process is generally done in a vague and imprecise environment. Fuzzy set theory is often very beneficial for evaluating the subjective judgments of decision makers. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is the most used multi-criteria decision making method in the world because of its simplicity and efficiency. In this paper, we select a location for a solar energy PV plant using a 4-level hierarchy. We consider several criteria and sub-criteria including initial cost, maintenance cost, slope and distance to highways. A Z-fuzzy number is a relatively new concept in fuzzy set theory that enables one to circumvent the limitations of ordinary fuzzy numbers. Z-fuzzy numbers can be viewed as a combination of crisp numbers, intervals, fuzzy numbers and random numbers because of their generality. They give a better representation than ordinary fuzzy numbers. This study solves the multi-criteria solar PV power plant location selection problem with a Z-fuzzy based AHP method. To check the applicability of the method proposed here, a real-life case study from Turkey is presented and solved.
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic and comprehensive project selection model utilizing fuzzy multi-objective linear programming (FMOLP) that deals with the imprecise data in IS projects and uncertain judgment of decision makers.
Design/methodology/approach
– First, projects are prioritized by considering both quantitative and qualitative factors. A fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP) is used in order to obtain weights of each project that indicates their priorities. At the second step, project selection decision is completed by using FMOLP. Then, the sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the robustness of the proposed integrated model.
Findings
– The result of this study indicates that an integrated approach utilizing FAHP and FMOLP can be used as a supportive tool for project selection in IS context. It decreases the uncertainty caused from uncertain judgment of decision makers.
Research limitations/implications
– Future studies are suggested to design models having fuzzy constraints such as budget and resources. Moreover, for future studies, non-linear membership functions can be used.
Practical implications
– Actual projects are provided from the Turkish IS company for prioritizing process and a hypothetical mathematical model is demonstrated using illustrative data.
Originality/value
– This study contributes to the relevant literature by proposing a comprehensive model considering many conflicting ideas of decision makers on quantitative and qualitative criteria, and evaluating projects in an integrated way including FAHP and FMOLP.
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