A decision support system for road freight transportation route selection with new fuzzy numbers

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to propose a framework for designing appropriate triangular fuzzy numbers in a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) for selecting a road freight transport route and investigate the appropriate fuzzy numbers determined from a reliable consensus among participating experts based on the Delphi method. Design/methodology/approach The fundamental nine-point scale was investigated and separated into nonfuzzy intervals for importance assessment. A total of 17 individual experts participated in this study, and their consensus was that appropriate fuzzy numbers could be obtained using a three-round Delphi process. Moreover, the appropriate fuzzy numbers were used instead of the primary fuzzy numbers to calculate the relative weights of the decision criteria for road freight route selection. Findings The results confirmed that the Delphi method can be easily and rigorously applied to define appropriate fuzzy numbers. Further, this framework can serve as a guideline for a situation wherein the input of other fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making tools must be provided. Originality/value The FAHP has been widely used to address the imprecise assessments of decision-makers. However, most existing studies on the incorporation of such techniques have not defined fuzzy numbers, which are relevant to the problem of interest. This study contributes by incorporating the Delphi method that can design an appropriate fuzzy number for road freight route selection.