Considering Interactions among Multiple Criteria for the Server Selection

Decision-making about server selection is one of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) processes where interactions among criteria should be considered. The paper introduces and develops some solutions for considering interactions among criteria in the MCDM problems. In the frame procedure for MCDM by using the group of methods, based on assigning weights, special attention is given to the synthesis of the local alternatives’ values into the aggregate values where the mutual preferential independence between two criteria is not assumed. Firstly, we delineate how to complete the additive model into the multiplicative one with synergic and redundancy elements in the case that criteria are structured in one level and in two levels. Furthermore, we adapted the concept of the fuzzy Choquet integral to the multi-attribute value theory. Studying and comparing the results of the example case of the server selection obtained by both aggregation approaches, the paper highlights the advantages of the first one since it does not require from decision makers to determine the weights of all possible combinations of the criteria and it enables the further use of the most preferred MCDM methods

Modified PROMETHEE Approach for Solving Multi-Criteria Location Problems with Complex Criteria Functions

The specific problem that occurs in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) processes is ranking a number of alternatives using complex criteria functions (the hierarchical structure of criteria) whose values must consider the impacts of all-important characteristics and parameters of alternatives. The problem becomes more complex by increasing the number of levels of sub-criteria functions (degree of decomposition). This paper proposes an extended procedure based on the mean values conversion of the net outranking flow of sub-criterion functions obtained by modified PROMETHEE methods. The actual value of criterion functions is used only at the last level, and transformed values of the net outranking flow for generating a final rank of alternatives are introduced at other levels. This procedure provides a more objective comparison of the impact of various individual criteria to rank the alternatives and easier making of unique solution, where the impact of decision-maker (DM) experience and subjective estimation is minimised in the selection. Applicability and practicability of the presented procedure for solving the selection problem of a logistics warehouse location are demonstrated in the analysis of a case study example

Multi attribute architecture design decision for core asset derivation

Software Product Line (SPL) is an effective approach in software reuse in which core assets can be shared among the members of the product line with an explicit treatment of variability. Core assets, which are developed for reuse in domain engineering, are selected for product specific derivation in application engineering. Decision making support during product derivation is crucial to assist in making multiple decisions during product specific derivation. Multiple decisions are to be resolved at the architectural level as well as the detailed design level, address the need for assisting the decision making process during core asset derivation. Architectural level decision making is based on imprecise, uncertain and subjective nature of stakeholder for making architectural selection based on non- functional requirements (NFR). Furthermore, detail design level involves the selection of suitable features which have the rationale behind each decision. The rationale for the selection, if not documented properly, will also result in loss of tacit knowledge. Therefore, a multi-attribute architecture design decision technique is proposed to overcome the above mentioned problem. The technique combines Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) with lightweight architecture design decision documentation to support the decision making during core asset derivation. We demonstrate our approach using the case study of Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR). The case study implementation shows showed that the proposed technique supports software engineer in the process of decision making at the architecture and detail design levels