Spherical Fuzzy Linear Assignment Method for Multiple Criteria Group Decision-Making Problems

Abstract

Spherical fuzzy sets theory is useful and advantageous for handling uncertainty and imprecision in multiple attribute decision-making problems by considering membership, non-membership, and indeterminacy degrees. In this paper, by extending the classical linear assignment method, we propose a novel method called the spherical fuzzy linear assignment method (SF-LAM) to solve multiple criteria group decision-making problems in the spherical fuzzy environment. A ranking procedure consisting of aggregation functions, score functions, accuracy functions, weighted rank frequency, and a binary mathematical model are presented to determine the criterion-wise preferences and various alternatives' priority order. The proposed method's applicability and validity are shown through the selection problem among wind power farm locations. The proposed method helps managers to find the best location to construct the wind power plant based on the determined criteria. Finally, a comparative analysis is performed between the proposed spherical fuzzy linear assignment (SF-LAM) model and the spherical fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (SF-AHP) and spherical fuzzy WASPAS methods.