Interactive multiobjective group decision making with interval parameters

This paper proposes a new framework for the solution of interactive multiob jective group decision-making problems with interval parameters. Its novelt y stems from a learning phase where decision makers (DMs) explore the struc tural characteristics of the specific Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MC DM) problem. This provides important and timely feedback to the DMs. Its co re consists of four indices and their relationships. The solution framework consists of three stages. In the first, each DM prov ides the limits of variation for each problem parameter. These are subseque ntly combined into a unique interval of variation. Then, the stochastic mul tiobjective problem is transformed into a deterministic one. In the second stage, DMs use the four MCDM characteristics to familiarize themselves with the problem before expressing their preferences for nondominated solutions . The DMs are then guided through an interactive procedure to find their be st nondominated solutions. In the last stage, all best nondominated solutio ns provided by the DMs are combined using a twofold approach to find the be st-compromise nondominated solution. This final choice represents the opini on of the group of DMs. Our results show that the learning phase is benefic ial to DMs in judging the quality of solutions, leading to better informed decisions.