ELECTRE-IDAT for design decision-making problems with interval data and target-based criteria

A majority of decision-making problems are accompanied by some kinds of predictions and uncertainties. Therefore, interval data are widely used instead of exact data. The elimination and choice expressing reality methods, referred to as ELECTRE, belong to the outranking methods. Despite their relative complexity, avoiding compensation between criteria is one of the main advantages of the ELECTRE methods. However, no version of ELECTRE methods has the capability to deal with both interval data and target-based criteria. Target-based criteria are applicable in many areas ranging from material selection to medical decision-making problems. Efficiency of the modified ELECTRE method (ELECTRE-IDAT) was examined through two challenging examples. Also, a sensitivity analysis was performed to show advantages of the ELECTRE-IDAT approach. Additionally, the concept of bounded criteria was explained and applicability of interval data as well as benefit, cost, and target criteria were described with a biomaterial selection problem.