The attitude of MCDM approaches versus the optimization model in finding the safest shortest path on a fuzzy network


Özçelik G.

EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS, vol.203, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 203
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.eswa.2022.117472
  • Journal Name: EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Communication Abstracts, Computer & Applied Sciences, INSPEC, Metadex, Public Affairs Index, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Shortest path problem, Fuzzy environment, MCDM, Multi-objective fuzzy optimization model, DIJKSTRA ALGORITHM, INTERVAL, TOPSIS, ASSOCIATION
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This paper examines the performances of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods and optimization model in solving multi-attribute shortest path problems such as the safest shortest path under a fuzzy environ-ment. To the best of the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study performing comparative analysis on finding the multi-attribute shortest path by employing well-known techniques in terms of computational effort and results in a fuzzy environment. To this end, the safest shortest path problem, where the risk and distance values concerning arcs on a directed network are defined as triangular fuzzy numbers, is handled. The solution process is carried out under two main headings: (i) To start the solution with MCDM methods, an auxiliary al-gorithm that constructs a fuzzy decision matrix is proposed. Then, Fuzzy-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS), Fuzzy Simple Additive Weighting (F-SAW), and Fuzzy Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (F-EDAS), that are fuzzy-based MCDM methods, are employed to rank the alternative paths. (ii) A multi-objective fuzzy optimization model is formulated, and the most reasonable paths are obtained considering different alpha-cut levels. Following that, comparative analysis is performed through a set of scenarios considering the different weights of the criteria to see the variability in the rankings. Besides, the addressed fuzzy-based MCDM methods are compared in terms of computational complexity. Overall, the main findings and managerial insights regarding the effectiveness and performance of the methods discussed in the solution process are provided.