Partner selection in a virtual enterprise: A group multiattribute decision model with weighted possibilistic mean values

Abstract

This paper proposes an extended technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) for partner selection in a virtual enterprise (VE). The imprecise and fuzzy information of the partner candidate and the risk preferences of decision makers are both considered in the group multiattribute decision-making model. The weighted possibilistic mean values are used to handle triangular fuzzy numbers in the fuzzy environment. A ranking procedure for partner candidates is developed to help decision makers with varying risk preferences select the most suitable partners. Numerical examples are presented to reflect the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed TOPSIS. Results show that the varying risk preferences of decision makers play a significant role in the partner selection process in VE under a fuzzy environment. © 2013 Fei Ye and Qiang Lin.