The quasi-arithmetic triangular fuzzy OWA operator based on Dempster-Shafer theory

Abstract

The belief structure quasi-arithmetic triangular fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (BS-QTFOWA) operator is developed by extending the quasi-arithmetic ordered weighted averaging operator to accommodate triangular fuzzy values by using Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. The characteristics of the proposed operator are as follows: triangular fuzzy values are used to depict uncertain and fuzzy information; Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence is used to model uncertainty existing in the knowledge of attributes; quasi-arithmetic ordered weighted averaging operator is used to aggregate evaluation values, which can provide decision maker a complete view of the decision problem. The special cases of the BS-QTFOWA operator are analyzed and the properties of it are studied. A new multiple attribute decision making method based on the new operator is presented to aggregate triangular fuzzy information. Finally, a numerical example of supplier selection problem is given to illustrate the flexibility and practical advantages of our new decision making method.