An Approach to Multi-Attribute Decision-Making for Olive Trees Plantation Site Selection Using Spherical Fuzzy Neutrality Aggregation Operators

Abstract

We introduce the concept of spherical fuzzy neutral aggregation operators by utilizing neutral addition and scalar multiplication operational laws. Spherical fuzzy set (SFS) is an effective tool for handling cognitive uncertainty in decision-making (DMg), and neutral operations are particularly useful for capturing the biased preferences of decision-makers (DMs). In this context, the primary aim of this study is to innovate novel operational laws and their associated aggregation operators. Therefore, the main contribution of this manuscript is the development of several neutral aggregation operators (NAOs) based on SFS, including the spherical fuzzy weighted neutral aggregation (SFWNA) operator, the spherical fuzzy ordered weighted neutral aggregation (SFOWNA) operator, and the spherical fuzzy hybrid neutral aggregation (SFHNA) operator. These NAOs are specifically designed for the multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) algorithm. In order to showcase the efficacy of the proposed algorithm, we implemented it in the context of selecting a suitable site for an olive tree plantation in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The algorithm successfully evaluated various plantation locations (alternatives) based on the considered criteria. The results illustrate the flexibility, consideration of the interaction of coefficients, desirable characteristics, applicability to MAGDM, and effectiveness of the proposed AOs and DMg scheme. These outcomes provide valuable insights into the advantages and potential impact of this novel approach in addressing real-world problems within a fuzzy environment. Finally, the obtained results were compared with several existing techniques, confirming that the suggested method produces valid and reliable outcomes.INDEX TERMS Spherical fuzzy sets; Neutrality laws; Aggregation operators; multi-attribute group decisionmaking problems. I.