Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Medical Supplier Selection with a Group Decision-Making Method Based on Incomplete Probabilistic Linguistic Preference Relations

  • Published:
International Journal of Fuzzy Systems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In hospital operation management, the medical supplier selection is a significant problem in which experts’ domain knowledge plays a critical role in selecting medical suppliers. The probabilistic linguistic preference relation (PLPR) whose elements are probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) is an effective tool to express experts’ preferences on alternatives based on pairwise comparisons. Due to the lack of knowledge of experts and the limit information of alternatives, some preference information may be missing and thus the incomplete PLPR (InPLPR) is constructed. In this study, a group decision-making (GDM) method with InPLPRs is proposed to deal with a practical medical supplier selection problem. To achieve this goal, we first propose a method to check whether an InPLPR is acceptable. Then, a procedure is developed to complete the acceptable InPLPR based on the property of additive consistency and a social strategy is proposed to complete the unacceptable InPLPR. Afterward, a GDM model based on InPLPRs is constructed in which the aggregation phase and exploitation phase are conducted by the probabilistic linguistic weighted averaging (PLWA) operator. Besides, an approach for calculating the weights of experts is proposed considering the characteristics of InPLPRs. Finally, we illustrate the proposed GDM model by a practical case about the medical supplier selection. A comparative analysis is presented to demonstrate the advantages of our method.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Tang, S.L., Tao, J.J., Bekedam, H.: Controlling cost escalation of healthcare: making universal health coverage sustainable in China. BMC Public Health 12(1), S8 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-S1-S8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Han, X. L., Chen, X. A D-VIKOR method for medicine provider selection. In: 2014 Seventh international joint conference on computational sciences and optimization. 419–423 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1109/CSO.2014.87

  3. Karsak, E.E., Dursun, M.: An integrated fuzzy MCDM approach for supplier evaluation and selection. Comput. Ind. Eng. 82, 82–93 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2015.01.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Pourghahreman, N., Qhatari, A.R.: Supplier selection in an agent based pharmaceutical supply chain: an application of TOPSIS and PROMETHEE Π. Uncert. Supply Chain Manag. 3(3), 231–240 (2015). https://doi.org/10.5267/j.uscm.2015.4.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Chai, J.Y., Liu, J.N.K., Ngai, E.W.T.: Application of decision-making techniques in supplier selection: a systematic review of literature. Expert Syst. Appl. 40(10), 3872–3885 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2012.12.040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Liu, W.S., Liao, H.C.: A bibliometric analysis of fuzzy decision research during 1970–2015. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 19, 1–14 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-016-0272-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Liao, H.C., Xu, Z.S., Herrera-Viedma, E., Herrera, F.: Hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set and its application in decision making: a state-of-the art survey. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 20(7), 2084–2110 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-017-0432-9

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  8. Pang, Q., Wang, H., Xu, Z.S.: Probabilistic linguistic term sets in multi-attribute group decision making. Inf. Sci. 369, 128–143 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2016.06.021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Li, D.F., Yang, J.B.: Fuzzy linear programming technique for multi-attribute group decision making in fuzzy environments. Inf. Sci. 158, 263–275 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2003.08.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Liao, H.C., Jiang, L.S., Lev, B., Fujita, H.: Novel operations of PLTSs based on the disparity degrees of linguistic terms and their use in designing the probabilistic linguistic ELECTRE III method. Appl. Soft Comput. 80, 450–464 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2019.04.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Wu, X.L., Liao, H.C.: A consensus-based probabilistic linguistic gained and lost dominance score method. Eur. J. Oper. Res. 272(3), 1017–1027 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2018.07.044

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  12. Gou, X.J., Xu, Z.S.: Novel basic operational laws for linguistic terms, hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets and probabilistic linguistic term sets. Inf. Sci. 372, 407–427 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2016.08.034

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Liao, H.C., Jiang, L.S., Xu, Z.S., Xu, J.P., Herrera, F.: A linear programming method for multiple criteria decision making with probabilistic linguistic information. Inf. Sci. 415–416, 341–355 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2017.06.035

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Zhang, Y.X., Xu, Z.S., Wang, H., Liao, H.C.: Consistency-based risk assessment with probabilistic linguistic preference relation. Appl. Soft Comput. 49, 817–833 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2016.08.045

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Krishankumar, R., Ravichandran, K.S., Ahmed, M.I.A., Kar, S., Tyagi, S.K.: Probabilistic linguistic preference relation-based decision framework for multi-attribute group decision making. Symmetry. (2018). https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11010002

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  16. Zhang, Y.X., Xu, Z.S., Liao, H.C.: A consensus process for group decision making with probabilistic linguistic preference relations. Inf. Sci. 414, 260–275 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2017.06.006

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  17. Lei, F., Wei, G.W., Gao, H., Wu, J.: TOPSIS method for developing supplier selection with probabilistic linguistic information. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 22, 749–759 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-019-00797-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Zhang, X.L., Xing, X.M.: Probabilistic linguistic VIKOR method to evaluate green supply chain initiatives. Sustainability. 9(7), 1231 (2017). https://doi.org/10.3390/su9071231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Wang, X.K., Wang, J.Q., Zhang, H.Y.: Distance-based multicriteria group decision-making approach with probabilistic linguistic term sets. Expert Systems. 36(2), 1–18 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1111/exsy.12352

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Fang, R., Liao, H.C., Yang, J.B., Xu, D.L.: Generalized probabilistic linguistic evidential reasoning approach for multi-criteria decision-making under uncertainty. J. Operat. Res. Soc. (2020). https://doi.org/10.1080/01605682.2019.1654415

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Liao, H.C., Wu, X.L.: DNMA: A double normalization-based multiple aggregation method for multi-expert multi-criteria decision making. Omega. (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2019.04.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Liu, P.D., You, X.L.: Probabilistic linguistic TODIM approach for multiple attribute decision-making. Gran. Comput. 2, 333–342 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41066-017-0047-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Wu, X.L., Liao, H.C., Xu, Z.S., Hafezalkotob, A., Herrera, F.: Probabilistic linguistic MULTIMOORA: a multi-criteria decision-making method based on the probabilistic linguistic expectation function and the improved Borda rule. IEEE Trans. Fuzzy Syst. 26(6), 3688–3702 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1109/tfuzz.2018.2843330

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Li, Y., Zhang, Y.X., Xu, Z.S.: A decision-making model under probabilistic linguistic circumstances with unknown criteria weights for online customer reviews. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 22, 777–789 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-020-00812-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Zhang, Y.X., Xu, Z.S., Liao, H.C.: Water security evaluation based on the TODIM method with probabilistic linguistic term sets. Soft. Comput. 23(15), 6215–6230 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00500-018-3276-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Wu, X.L., Zhang, C., Jiang, L.S., Liao, H.C.: An integrated method with PROMETHEE and conflict analysis with qualitative and quantitative decision-making: case study of site selection for wind power plants. Cogn. Comput. 12, 100–114 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12559-019-09675-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Xie, W.Y., Xu, Z.S., Ren, Z.L., Wang, H.: Probabilistic linguistic analytic hierarchy process and its application on the performance assessment of Xiongan new area. Int. J. Inf. Technol. Decis. Making. 17(6), 1693–1724 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219622017500420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Luo, S.Z., Zhang, H.Y., Wang, J.Q., Li, L.: Group decision-making approach for evaluating the sustainability of constructed wetlands with probabilistic linguistic preference relations. J. Operat. Res. Soc. 70(12), 2039–2055 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1080/01605682.2018.1510806

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Song, Y.M., Hu, J.: Large-scale group decision making with multiple stakeholders based on probabilistic linguistic preference relation. Appl. Soft Comput. 80, 712–722 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2019.04.036

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Gao, J., Xu, Z.S., Ren, P.J., Liao, H.C.: An emergency decision making method based on the multiplicative consistency of probabilistic linguistic preference relations. Int. J. Mach. Learn. Cybern. 10(7), 1613–1629 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13042-018-0839-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Gao, J., Xu, Z.S., Liao, H.C., Liang, Z.L.: Expected consistency-based emergency decision-making with incomplete probabilistic linguistic preference relations. Knowl.-Based Syst. 176, 15–28 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knosys.2019.03.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Xie, W., Xu, Z.S., Ren, Z.L.: An analysis on the influence of Chinese “New Four Inventions” under the incomplete hybrid probabilistic linguistic environment. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 21, 1349–1366 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-019-00635-9

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  33. Rodríguez, R.M., Martínez, L., Herrera, F.: Hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets for decision making. IEEE Trans. Fuzzy Syst. 20, 109–119 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1109/tfuzz.2011.2170076

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Xu, Z.S.: Uncertain linguistic aggregation operators based approach to multiple attribute group decision making under uncertain linguistic environment. Inf. Sci. 168, 171–184 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2004.02.003

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  35. Wang, H., Xu, Z.S.: Interactive algorithms for improving incomplete linguistic preference relations based on consistency measures. Appl. Soft Comput. 42, 66–79 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2015.09.058

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Mi, X.M., Liao, H.C., Wu, X.L., Xu, Z.S.: Probabilistic linguistic information fusion: a survey on aggregation operators in terms of principles, definitions, classifications, applications, and challenges. Int. J. Intell. Syst. 35, 529–556 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/int.22216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Klement, E.P., Mesiar, R., Pap, E.: Triangular Norms. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht (2000)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  38. Li, P., Wei, C.P.: An emergency decision-making method based on D-S evidence theory for probabilistic linguistic term sets. Int. J. Disast. Risk Reduct. 37, 101178 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2019.101178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Jiang, L.S., Liao, H.C.: Mixed fuzzy least absolute regression analysis with qualitative and probabilistic linguistic information. Fuzzy Sets Syst. 387, 35–48 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fss.2019.03.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Herrera, F., Herrera-Viedma, F., Verdegay, J.L.: A sequential selection process in group decision making with a linguistic assessment approach. Inf. Sci. 85, 223–239 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-0255(95)00025-K

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  41. Liao, H.C., Mi, X.M., Xu, Z.S.: A survey of decision-making methods with probabilistic linguistic information: bibliometrics, preliminaries, methodologies, applications and future directions. Fuzzy Optim. Decis. Making 19, 81–134 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10700-019-09309-5

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  42. Wetzstein, A., Hartmann, E., Benton Jr., W.C., Hohenstein, N.O.: A systematic assessment of supplier selection literature-state-of-the-art and future scope. Int. J. Prod. Econ. 182, 304–323 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.06.022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Rani, P., Mishra, A.R., Rezaei, G., et al.: Extended Pythagorean fuzzy TOPSIS method based on similarity measure for sustainable recycling partner selection. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 22, 735–747 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-019-00689-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Muneeza, A., Abdullah, S.: Multicriteria group decision-making for supplier selection based on intuitionistic cubic fuzzy aggregation operators. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 22, 810–823 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-019-00768-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Fallahpour, A., Wong, K.Y., Rajoo, S., et al.: An integrated fuzzy carbon management-based model for suppliers’ performance evaluation and selection in green supply chain management. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 22, 712–723 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-019-00759-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Liu, T., Deng, Y., Chan, F.: Evidential supplier selection based on DEMATEL and game theory. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 20, 1321–1333 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-017-0400-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Awasthi, A., Govindan, K., Gold, S.: Multi-tier sustainable global supplier selection using a fuzzy AHP-VIKOR based approach. Int. J. Prod. Econ. 195, 106–117 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2017.10.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Wan, S.P., Xu, G.L., Dong, J.Y.: Supplier selection using ANP and ELECTRE II in interval 2-tuple linguistic environment. Inf. Sci. 385–386, 19–38 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2016.12.032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Jain, V., Sangaiah, A.K., Sakhuja, S., Thoduka, N., Aggarwal, R.: Supplier selection using fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS: a case study in the Indian automotive industry. Neural Comput. Appl. 29, 555–564 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-016-2533-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Simić, D., Kovačević, I., Svirčević, V., Simić, S.: 50 years of fuzzy set theory and models for supplier assessment and selection: a literature review. J. Appl. Logic. 24, 85–96 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jal.2016.11.016

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  51. Tan, C.Q., Wu, D.D., Ma, B.J.: Group decision making with linguistic preference relations with application to supplier selection. Expert Syst. Appl. 38(12), 14382–14389 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2011.04.036

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Krishankumar, R., Ravichandran, K.S., Saeid, A.B.: A new extension to PROMETHEE under intuitionistic fuzzy environment for solving supplier selection problem with linguistic preferences. Appl. Soft Comput. 60, 564–576 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2017.07.028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Alonso, S., Herrera-Viedma, E., Chiclana, F., Herrera, F.: Individual and social strategies to deal with ignorance situations in multi-person decision making. Int. J. Inf. Technol. Decis. Making. 08(2), 313–333 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219622009003417

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  54. Xu, Z.S.: Deviation measures of linguistic preference relations in group decision making. Omega. 33(3), 249–254 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2004.04.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Zhao, M., Ma, X.Y., Wei, D.W.: A method considering and adjusting individual consistency and group consensus for group decision making with incomplete linguistic preference relations. Appl. Soft Comput. 54, 322–346 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2017.01.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (71771156, 71971145).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China

    Huchang Liao, Xinyue Peng & Xunjie Gou

Authors
  1. Huchang Liao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xinyue Peng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xunjie Gou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xunjie Gou.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Liao, H., Peng, X. & Gou, X. Medical Supplier Selection with a Group Decision-Making Method Based on Incomplete Probabilistic Linguistic Preference Relations. Int. J. Fuzzy Syst. 23, 280–294 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-020-00885-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40815-020-00885-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation