Fuzzy decision making based on relationship analysis between criteria

In this paper, we propose a solution for multi criteria group decision making problems, where the preferences are stated by fuzzy numbers. A fuzzy model has been applied to rank the possible alternatives of the problem. The criteria of decision making problems are usually dependent on each others. By considering dependency of the criteria, three relations between them have been used: conflicting, cooperative and irrelevant relations. In this implementation, the conflicting degree and the cooperative degree between any two criteria are first formulated. Relationships between criteria are identified based upon their conflicting and cooperative degree and a new fuzzy method for multi criteria decision making problems is proposed based on relationship analysis between criteria. Herein, the ordered list of alternatives is provided in four steps: calculating conflicting and cooperative degree for each pair of criteria, dividing criteria into two classes using an algorithm, calculating criteria satisfaction of each class for each alternative and finally, the ordered list of alternatives is provided by using a ranking method.