Grey Numbers in Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis and Conflict Resolution

Definitions of grey numbers are adapted for incorporation into Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis and the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution in order to capture uncertainty in decision making. The main objective is to design improved methods for dealing with decision problems under uncertainty, characterized by limited input data and uncertain preferences of decision makers. A literature review is carried out in order to understand the problems of representing uncertainty using grey numbers within two key decision making contexts: comparing alternative solutions within an multiple criteria decision analysis framework, and deciding upon meaningful courses of action by decision makers involved in a conflict. Then two methodologies that rely on grey numbers to represent uncertain information are provided, and relevant definitions, procedures, and solution concepts are presented

A Supplier Selection Model Using Alternative Ranking Process by Alternatives’ Stability Scores and the Grey Equilibrium Product

open access articleSupply chain management begins with supplier evaluation and selection. The supplier selection deals with various criteria with different contexts which makes it a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. In this paper, a novel MCDM method, called the alternative ranking process by alternatives’ stability scores (ARPASS), is proposed to solve supplier selection problems. ARPASS considers each alternative as a system that is constructed on integrated components. To perform properly, a system requires high integrity and stability. ARPASS utilizes the stability of alternatives as an effective element for ranking the alternatives. The ARPASS is developed in two forms, ARPASS and ARPASS*. The new method utilizes standard deviations and Shannon’s entropy to compute the alternatives’ stabilities. In this paper, in addition to the new MCDM methods, a new method called the grey equilibrium product (GEP) is introduced to convert grey linguistic variables into crisp values, using decision makers’ subjective perceptions and judgments. To highlight and validate the novel methods’ performance, they are applied to two sustainable supplier selection problems. For evaluation of the reliability of ARPASS and ARPASS*, their results were compared with the results of the popular MCDM methods. We compared the methods in terms of calculation time, simplicity, transparency, and information type

Visual Descriptors: A Design Tool for Visual Impact Analysis

This study is concerned with the development of a practical and effective form of computer-aided analysis of the visual impact of building development in rural areas. Its contribution is fourfold. Firstly, a conceptual model has been developed for the process of seeing in the context of visual impact analysis. Secondly, a mathematical model for a consistent series of visual descriptors has been devised. Thirdly, a suitable design tool has been devised to make use of visual descriptors in visual impact analysis. Fourthly, visual descriptors have actually been implemented as computer software. The concept of visual impact analysis is defined and placed within the wider context of landscape research. The problems faced by a designer in the context of visual impact analysis are identified and the concept of a 'design tool' is introduced and defined. A number of existing computer software packages, intended or used for visual impact analysis, are reviewed critically. The concept of 'visual descriptors' as measures to be used by designers is introduced and examined critically. A conceptual model is presented for the process of seeing in the context of visual impact analysis. A range of possible measures for use as visual descriptors is presented and developed further into a series of precise definitions. A method of implementing visual descriptors is presented together with formal algorithms for the derivation of eight visual descriptors. A software package incorporating these descriptors is presented and verification and case studies of its use carried out. Visual descriptors, as implemented, are assessed for their effectiveness as a design tool for visual impact analysis.Strathclyde University Dept. of Architecture and Building Scienc

Cassirer and structuralism of perception: an application of group theory to Gestalt psychology

Ernst Cassirer's task was to set up an account of perception as objective judgement. We can trace Cassirer's view of perception through three different accounts each of which aimed to give an answer of how perceptual judgements can be possible. These three accounts started from (1900-1923) where he presented his view depending on Functional- Relational analysis of perceptual experience. The second account started from (1923-1933) where he presented his view of perception depending on symbolic analysis of perceptual experience, and finally the third account started from (1933-1945) where the analysis of perceptual phenomena has been made depending on his apprehension of Group Theory. The main target of Cassirer in the third account was to show that there is similarity between geometry and perception with respect to the ways both of these two disciplines build up their objects. Having the same logical base, Cassirer claimed that there is similarity between geometrical determination of the object and perceptual determination of the experienced object. For Cassirer, this similarity is what allows an application of "group theory" to perception. As a result of that claim, Cassirer shifted mathematical terms such as "invariance", "frame of reference" and "transformation" from the province of geometry and reused them in the field of perception for setting up what he called psychology of thought. This thesis discusses Cassirer's first two accounts and focuses on the third account by giving examples of how the mathematical concept of "group" can be used as an analogy to provide an intrinsic explanation of the nature of the objects and their characteristics one experiences during the perceptual situation. The explanations of the perceptual phenomena represented in the perceptual experience, as given by Cassirer, based on Gestalt psychology, reflected this understanding. The ample examples created by the Gestalt psychologists and used by Cassirer indicated how both understood the object of perceptual experience as constructed and not as a thing or hic et nunc. I will show that in these three accounts, there are non-physical elements, which defined here as structural elements, involved in the perceptual experience. By the virtue of these non-physical elements, perceptual judgements are possible. Cassirer and the Gestalt psychologists emphasized that these structural elements are presupposed in every perceptual experience and this understanding will lead to the claim that both Cassirer and the Gestaltists presupposed the constructive unity of mind based on a transcendental analysis of the nature of mind and its cognitive processes