A hybrid decision support model using axiomatic fuzzy set theory in AHP and TOPSIS for multicriteria route selection

Abstract

This paper presents a hybrid decision support model aimed to help the travelers in selecting best route among multiple alternatives. The proposed model consists of three parts: (i) analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine relative importance of route attributes, (ii) axiomatic fuzzy set (AFS) theory for description of alternative routes, and (iii) technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS)-based final selection. TOPSIS methodology is used to determine ranking order of alternative routes in multicriteria decision situations. In TOPSIS, the alternative routes are described using AFS theory to normalize the decision matrix for consistent rating of routes over attributes. The main advantage of the developed model is that it copes inconsistency caused by both, different types of fuzzy numbers and normalization methods. An illustrative example of route selection is presented to better understand the hybrid methodological process. A comparative analysis with an established multicriteria decision-making technique shows the effectiveness and validity of the hybrid model for route selection.