Fuzzy Model Identification Using Monolithic and Structured Approaches in Decision Problems with Partially Incomplete Data

Abstract

A significant challenge in the current trend in decision-making methods is the problem’s class in which the decision-maker makes decisions based on partially incomplete data. Classic methods of multicriteria decision analysis are used to analyze alternatives described by using numerical values. At the same time, fuzzy set modifications are usually used to include uncertain data in the decision-making process. However, data incompleteness is something else. In this paper, we show two approaches to identify fuzzy models with partially incomplete data. The monolithic approach assumes creating one model that requires many queries to the expert. In the structured approach, the problem is decomposed into several interrelated models. The main aim of the work is to compare their accuracy empirically and to determine the sensitivity of the obtained model to the used criteria. For this purpose, a study case will be presented. In order to compare the proposed approaches and analyze the significance of the decision criteria, we use two ranking similarity coefficients, i.e., symmetric rw and asymmetric WS. In this work, the limitations of each approach are presented, and the results show great similarity despite the use of two structurally different approaches. Finally, we show an example of calculations performed for alternatives with partially incomplete data.