A Data Pre-Processing Model for the Topsis Method

Abstract

Abstract TOPSIS is one of the most popular methods of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). Its fundamental role is the establishment of chosen alternatives ranking based on their distance from the ideal and negative-ideal solution. There are three primary versions of the TOPSIS method distinguished: classical, interval and fuzzy, where calculation algorithms are adjusted to the character of input rating decision-making alternatives (real numbers, interval data or fuzzy numbers). Various, specialist publications present descriptions on the use of particular versions of the TOPSIS method in the decision-making process, particularly popular is the fuzzy version. However, it should be noticed, that depending on the character of accepted criteria – rating of alternatives can have a heterogeneous character. The present paper suggests the means of proceeding in the situation when the set of criteria covers characteristic criteria for each of the mentioned versions of TOPSIS, as a result of which the rating of the alternatives is vague. The calculation procedure has been illustrated by an adequate numerical example.