An approximate approach for ranking fuzzy numbers based on left and right dominance

This study presents an approximate approach for ranking fuzzy numbers based on the left and right dominance. The proposed approach only requires a few left and right spreads at some a-levels of fuzzy numbers to determine the respective dominance of one fuzzy number over the other. The total, dominan ce is then determined by combining the left and right dominance based on a decision maker's optimistic perspectives. Such a dominance is useful in ran king the fuzzy numbers when membership functions cannot be acquired. The ap proach proposed herein is relatively simple in terms of computational effor ts and is efficient when ranking a large quantity of fuzzy numbers. By usin g a few left and right spreads, two groups of examples demonstrate the accu racy and applicability of the proposed approach, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.