The multiple-attribute decision making method based on the TFLHOWA operator

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method for solving multiple-attribute decision making (MADM) problems with trapezoid fuzzy linguistic variables. To begin with, this paper reviews the concepts of the trapezoid fuzzy linguistic variables and the possibility degree matrix. Then, some operators and their characteristics are introduced, for aggregating the trapezoid fuzzy linguistic variables, such as the trapezoid fuzzy linguistic averaging (TFLA) operator, the trapezoid fuzzy linguistic weighted averaging (TFLWA) operator, and the trapezoid fuzzy linguistic ordered weighted averaging (TFLOWA) operator. On the basis of the disadvantages of these operators, the trapezoid fuzzy linguistic hybrid ordered weighted averaging (TFLHOWA) operator is proposed. Furthermore, a new method for solving MADM problems with the trapezoid fuzzy linguistic variables is proposed, based on the TFLHOWA operator. Finally, an illustrative example is given, to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the method developed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.