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In large-scale group decision making (LSGDM), appropriate clustering analysis is important to consensus reaching since it can reduce the interactive complexity among individuals. According to the traditional clustering method, a conflict may arise between the consensus reaching levels and total adjustment costs within clusters when individuals have different unit adjustment cost, which reflects their willingness to make concessions. Since this conflict may aggravate the consensus complexity, we propose a new $K$ -means clustering method that considers both preferences and the preference adjustment cost. The preference adjustment cost is attached to preferences with a parameter that can be determined by balancing this conflict. Because of such conflict, the proposed clustering algorithm can improve the similarity of intracluster individuals on the preference adjustment cost by offsetting some acceptable consensus reaching levels within clusters. According to the proposed clustering algorithm, individuals who have both similar preferences and adjustment willingness are classified into the same clusters. In this way, the moderator can provide similar compensation strategies for intracluster individuals, which will decrease the adjustment complexity. A practical case study of team construction examines the application of the proposed algorithm, and the related comparative analysis shows that it is convenient for managers to persuade individuals to reach a consensus under the improved clustering results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In computing with words, it has been stressed that words mean different things for different people, which entails that decision makers (DMs) have personalized individual semantics (PISs) attached to linguistic expressions in linguistic group decision making (GDM). In particular, the PISs of DMs are not fixed, and they will be changing during the consensus building process, which indicates the necessary of continual PIS learning. Therefore, in this article, we propose a continual PIS-learning-based consensus approach in linguistic GDM. Specifically, a continual PIS learning model with the consistency-driven methodology is proposed to update the PISs taking into account all the linguistic preference data given by DMs during the consensus process. Then, the consensus measurement and feedback recommendation based on PIS are developed to detect the consensus process. Finally, numerical examples and simulation analysis are presented to illustrate and justify the use of the continual PIS-learning-based consensus approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, a large number of consensus reaching processes (CRPs) have been reported in group decision making (GDM). Trust relationships should be an essential element in interactions among a group of individuals, leading to the evolution of individuals’ preferences. Therefore, in this article, we present a trust relationships CRP with a feedback mechanism which consists of two approaches of facilitating consensus reaching: 1) the leader-based preference adjustment and 2) the trust relationships improvement. In the trust relationships CRP, we build a bridge between opinion dynamics and GDM to highlight the role of the leaders and trust relationships improvements in the GDM problems. Furthermore, we present a new strategic manipulation issue, called trust relationship manipulation, and discuss some clique-based strategies to manipulate trust relationships to obtain the desired ranking of the alternatives in the GDM problems. Finally, the detailed simulation experiments are proposed to justify our proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article provides a brief tour through the main fuzzy and linguistic decision-making trends, studies, methodologies, and models developed in the last 50 years. Fuzzy and linguistic decision-making approaches allow to address complex real-world decision problems where humans exhibit vagueness, imprecision, and/or use natural language to assess decision alternatives, criteria, etc. The aim of this article is threefold. First, the main fuzzy set theory and computing with words-based representation paradigms of decision information, with their different levels of expressive richness and complexity, are reviewed. Second, three core decision-making frameworks are examined: 1) multicriteria decision making; 2) group consensus-driven decision making; and 3) multiperson multicriteria decision making. Third, the article discusses new complex decision-making frameworks that have emerged in recent years, where decisions are guided by the “wisdom of the crowd”: their associated challenges are highlighted and considerations on much needed key guidelines for future research in the field are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an interval MULTIMOORA method with complete interval computation in which the interval distances of interval numbers and preference matrix are used. In addition, we propose a group interval best–worst method (BWM) with interval preference degree. The group interval BWM has a hierarchical structure of group decision making with two levels of experts. Beside employing the dominance theory to integrate subordinate rankings, we introduce the interval Borda rule as an aggregation function which does not have the defects of the dominance theory. We calculate the objective interval weights of criteria based on the interval entropy method, which are integrated by the subjective weights computed by the group interval BWM. The approach presented in this paper is verified by a real-world engineering selection problem of a hybrid vehicle engine based on real data and opinions of engineering design experts of the automotive industry of Iran. The preference-based and dominance-based ranking lists are presented for the problem. We solve the same case by employing the interval TOPSIS and VIKOR methods. Eventually, all resultant rankings are compared based on Spearman rank correlation coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Computing with Words (CW), double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (DHHFLTS) can be used to express complex linguistic information accurately with two simple linguistic hierarchies. This paper proposes a group decision making (GDM) model based on multiplicative consistency and consensus with double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic preference relations (DHHFLPRs). Firstly, a correlation coefficient of DHHFLTSs is defined based on the distance measures of double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic elements (DHHFLEs). Then, a multiplicative consistency property of DHHFLPRs is investigated, and a consistency checking method and a feedback mechanism-based repairing algorithm are developed to ensure all DHHFLPRs with acceptable multiplicative consistency. Furthermore, a correlation measure for DHHFLPRs based on the correlation coefficient of DHHFLTSs is proposed, and a new consensus reaching method on the basis of the correlation measure is developed, which can be used to fully obtain the consensus degree from both positive and negative angles. Finally, we make some comparative analyses with other existing consistency checking and repairing method as well as the consensus reaching approach to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by a case study concerning the assessment of the venture capital project about real estate market in some cities of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classic Delphi and Fuzzy Delphi methods are used to test content validity of data collection tools such as questionnaires. Fuzzy Delphi takes the opinion issued by judges from a linguistic perspective reducing ambiguity in opinions by using fuzzy numbers. We propose an extension named 2-Tuple Fuzzy Linguistic Delphi method to deal with scenarios in which judges show different expertise degrees by using fuzzy multigranular semantics of the linguistic terms and to obtain intermediate and final results expressed by 2-tuple linguistic values. The key idea of our proposal is to validate the full questionnaire by means of the evaluation of its parts, defining the validity of each item as a Decision Making problem. Taking the opinion of experts, we measure the degree of consensus, the degree of consistency, and the linguistic score of each item, in order to detect those items that affect, positively or negatively, the quality of the instrument. Considering the real need to evaluate a b-learning educational experience with a consensual questionnaire, we present a Decision Making model for questionnaire validation that solves it. Additionally, we contribute to this consensus reaching problem by developing an online tool under GPL v3 license. The software visualizes the collective valuations for each iteration and assists to determine which parts of the questionnaire should be modified to reach a consensual solution. • A model to test content validity of questionnaires is proposed. • The model relies on linguistic 2-tuples, extended hierarchies, and the Delphi method. • A consensus process achieves a suitable degree of agreement between experts. • The model is applied in an actual blending learning experience in education. • We design a decision support system as an online tool for the model application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computing with Words (CW) is a methodology which takes an essential role in decision making problems, thus the first aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of CW in decision making. There are many proposals of CW models that can be classified in two main fields: approaches based on membership functions and approaches based on qualitative scales. This paper focuses on the qualitative scales since it provides a closer environment to human knowledge and more accurate results avoiding a loss of information. An analysis and discussion of the qualitative scales of linguistic values in CW for decision making is provided. Finally, we highlight the open challenges for the qualitative scales in linguistic decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dealing with incomplete information is an important problem in decision making. In this paper, we present a short discussion on this topic and a new estimation method of missing values in an incomplete fuzzy preference relation which is based on the modelling of consistency of preferences via a representable uninorm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents linguistic hierarchies term sets, a type of multigranular linguistic contexts to address multi-expert decision-making (MEDM) problems to overcome the drawback of losing information in the normalization process. Fuzzy linguistic approach; 2-Tuple fuzzy linguistic representation model; Linguistic hierarchies; MEDM problem defined over a linguistic hierarchy.

Scientific outreach and efforts to increase citizen participation have brought research closer to society and inspired new careers in STEM. In virtual events, it is now easier to monitor participation and get feedback through online surveys. However, in in-person events and crowded contexts, there is no technological solution to gather attendees' opinions on a given event. This is why we are presenting a flexible online linguistic Decision Support System based on a Citizen Crowd Decision Making model, which can be used in a wide range of scenarios. It is powered by a mobile application to collect citizen feedback and a web environment that publicizes the event and generates attendee evaluation reports. DIME+ is a Decision Support System and is intended for the organizers of outreach events, especially Citizen Science events. • We present an online linguistic decision support system based on a Citizen Crowd Decision Making model. • Evaluations consider importance levels, hesitant sets, opinion sentiment and linguistic hierarchies. • DIME+ is a native app to be used to gather citizen feedback at events. • DIME+ is also a web for the organizers of outreach events, especially Citizen Science. • Citizen Science, Science Fairs, and general events have an evaluation tool highly configurable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Agenda 2030 established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guideline to guarantee a sustainable worldwide development. Recent advances in artificial intelligence and other digital technologies have already changed several areas of modern society, and they could be very useful to reach these sustainable goals. In this paper we propose a novel decision making model based on surveys that ranks recommendations on the use of different artificial intelligence and related technologies to achieve the SDGs. According to the surveys, our decision making method is able to determine which of these technologies are worth investing in to lead new research to successfully tackle with sustainability challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No abstract received. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A democratic consensus reaching process (DCRP) for MpMcLSDM is proposed. • A clustering method that considers both the opinion similarity and self-concern similarity of DM is presented. • A consensus contribution-based dynamic interactive weight updating method is given. • A compromise degree-based consensus feedback strategy is developed. Consensus reaching is a key issue in group decision-making, because conflicts of interest among groups are common. Democratic consensus refers to achieve a soft consensus among collective as well as ensure the effective participation and satisfaction of individuals. Multi-person multi-criteria large scale decision making (MpMcLSDM) usually involves a huge number of decision makers (DMs/participants), and different DMs usually have different interests. Thus, how to effectively manage individuals to promote democratic consensus is a current research challenge. To do that, this research develops a democratic consensus reaching process (DCRP) for MpMcLSDM problems. In the proposed approach, a clustering method that considers both the opinion similarity and individual concern similarity of DM is firstly given to decrease the complexity of MpMcLSDM issues. Subsequently, we propose to assign equal initial weight to each cluster to protect the interests of minorities. Meanwhile, a consensus contribution-based dynamic interactive weight updating method is implemented in the DCRPs to promote a high level of democratic consensus. Besides, a compromise degree-based consensus feedback strategy is developed to improve the efficiency of the DCRPs. The proposed feedback mechanism effectively considers the individual concern and adjustment willingness of DMs in the DCRPs. Finally, a case study and some comparisons are given to show the effectiveness and innovation of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision making models are constrained by taking the expert evaluations with pre-defined numerical or linguistic terms. We claim that the use of sentiment analysis will allow decision making models to consider expert evaluations in natural language. Accordingly, we propose the Sentiment Analysis based Multi-person Multi-criteria Decision Making (SA-MpMcDM) methodology for smarter decision aid, which builds the expert evaluations from their natural language reviews, and even from their numerical ratings if they are available. The SA-MpMcDM methodology incorporates an end-to-end multi-task deep learning model for aspect based sentiment analysis, named DOC-ABSADeepL model, able to identify the aspect categories mentioned in an expert review, and to distill their opinions and criteria. The individual evaluations are aggregated via the procedure named criteria weighting through the attention of the experts. We evaluate the methodology in a case study of restaurant choice using TripAdvisor reviews, hence we build, manually annotate, and release the TripR-2020 dataset of restaurant reviews. We analyze the SA-MpMcDM methodology in different scenarios using and not using natural language and numerical evaluations. The analysis shows that the combination of both sources of information results in a higher quality preference vector. • Decision making models are limited by pre-defined numerical and linguistic terms. • We propose a methodology to deal with natural language and numerical assessments. • We design a deep learning model for distilling opinions from written assessments. • We present and release a dataset, which can be used for evaluating MpMcDM models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We analyze the origin and taxonomy of distributed linguistic representations. • We review the key elements of distributed linguistic representations in decision making. • We review the applications of distributed linguistic representations in decision making. • We propose ongoing challenges for distributed linguistic representations. Distributed linguistic representations are powerful tools for modelling the uncertainty and complexity of preference information in linguistic decision making. To provide a comprehensive perspective on the development of distributed linguistic representations in decision making, we present the taxonomy of existing distributed linguistic representations. Then, we review the key elements and applications of distributed linguistic information processing in decision making, including the distance measurement, aggregation methods, distributed linguistic preference relations, and distributed linguistic multiple attribute decision making models. Next, we provide a discussion on ongoing challenges and future research directions from the perspective of data science and explainable artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Definition and formal characterization of Large-Scale Decision Making (LSDM) framework. • Taxonomy of key elements found in LSDM models and processes. • Classification of preference representations used in LSDM. • Discussion of challenges and future directions from an AI and applications perspective. The last decade witnessed tremendous developments in social media and e-democracy technologies. A fundamental aspect in these paradigms is that the number of decision makers allowed to partake in a decision making event drastically increases. As a result Large Scale Decision Making (LSDM) has established itself as an emerging and rapidly developing research field, attracting comprehensive studies in the last decade. LSDM events are a complex class of decision making problems, in which multiple and highly diverse stakeholders are involved and the provided alternatives are assessed considering multiple criteria/attributes. Since some of the extant LSDM research was extended from group decision making scenarios, there is no established definition for a LSDM problem as of yet. We firstly propose a clear definition and characterization of LSDM events as a basis for characterizing this emerging family of decision frameworks. Secondly, a classification of LSDM literature is provided. Effectively solving an LSDM problem is usually a complex and challenging process, in which reaching a high consensus or accounting for the agreement or conflict relationships between participants becomes critical. Accordingly, we present a taxonomy and an overview of LSDM models, predicated on their key elements, i.e. the procedures and specific steps followed by the existing models: consensus measurement, subgroup clustering, behavior management, and consensus building mechanisms. Finally, we provide a discussion in which we identify research challenges and propose future research directions under a triple perspective: key LSDM methodologies, AI and data fusion for LSDM, and innovative applications. The potential rise of AI-based LSDM is particularly highlighted in the discussion provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We review additive consistency measurements of various reciprocal preference relations. • We review decision making methods based on additive consistency measurements. • We propose some open problems on consistency of reciprocal preference relations. The reciprocal preference relation (RPR) is a powerful tool to represent decision makers' preferences in decision making problems. In recent years, various types of RPRs have been reported and investigated, some of them being the 'classical' RPRs, interval-valued RPRs and hesitant RPRs. Additive consistency is one of the most commonly used property to measure the consistency of RPRs, with many methods developed to manage additive consistency of RPRs. To provide a clear perspective on additive consistency issues of RPRs, this paper reviews the consistency measurements of the different types of RPRs. Then, consistency-driven decision making and information fusion methods are also reviewed and classified into four main types: consistency improving methods; consistency-based methods to manage incomplete RPRs; consistency control in consensus decision making methods; and consistency-driven linguistic decision making methods. Finally, with respect to insights gained from prior researches, further directions for the research are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We prepare on overview of MULTIMOORA by analyzing 106 main studies. • We scrutinize the theoretical features of MULTIMOORA. • We discuss the developments of MULTIMOORA based on seven uncertainty theories. • We present the practical applications of MULTIMOORA categorized in five sectors. • The challenges are posed concerning theoretical features and practical applications. MULTIMOORA is a useful multi-criteria decision-making technique. The output of the MULTIMOORA is a ranking obtained by aggregating the results of the ternary ranking methods: Ratio System, Reference Point Approach, and Full Multiplicative Form. In the literature of MULTIMOORA, there is not a comprehensive review study. In this paper, we conduct an overview of MULTIMOORA by categorizing and analyzing main researches, theoretically and practically. First, we go through an theoretical survey of MULTIMOORA in terms of the subordinate ranking methods, ranking aggregation tools, weighting methods, group decision-making, combination with other models, and the robustness of the method. We scrutinize the developments of MULTIMOORA based on uncertainty theories accompanied by analyzing the mathematical formulations of breakthrough models. Practical problems of MULTIMOORA are categorized into application sectors concerning industries, economics, civil services and environmental policy-making, healthcare management, and information and communications technologies. Bibliometric analyses are implemented into all studies. Also, we pose major theoretical and practical challenges. From the theoretical viewpoint, extensions of Reference Point Approach, cooperative group decision-making structure, and utilization of new uncertainty sets in MULTIMOORA model are the main challenges. From the practical viewpoint, industrial and socio-economic fields are appealing to be studied intensively. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A social network and sparse representation-based conflict investigation process (S-CRIP) is presented. • The defineded opinion and behavior conflicts can be detected and classified exactly by S-CRIP. • A novel conflict degree-based consensus reaching process (CRP) is presented. • Conflict degree is used to check the consensus is reached or not in CRPs for LSDM events. • The large-scale decision making model can be used for any numerical evaluation environments. Abstract Large-Scale Decision Making (LSDM) scenarios, such as public participation events, are becoming increasingly common in human life. Decision makers (DMs) in LSDM events present different interest preferences, leading to different relationships being created between them. In LSDM scenarios, a conflict relationship, which is a type of negative relationship among DMs, has the biggest negative impact on reaching the consensus. The conflict relationships can be divided into two parts: the opinion conflict and the behavior conflict. In this paper, a Social network analysis-based Conflict Relationship Investigation Process (S-CRIP) is presented to detect the conflict relationships among DMs for LSDM events, in which sparse representation is used. Besides, a Conflict Degree-based Consensus Reaching Process (CD-CRP) is proposed for LSDM problems, which is using group conflict degree to check whether the consensus is reached or not. In the decision selection process, DMs' weights are calculated by their conflict performances, which can reduce the negative influence of those DMs that present conflict in the LSDM event. The proposed S-CRIP can not only investigate the conflict relationships among DMs, but can also recognize the two types of conflict relationships according to their features. The three processes constitute the S-CRIP and CD-CRIP-based LSDM model, which is suitable for any numerical representations. Illustrative experiments not only show the feasibility and veracity of S-CRIP in LSDM scenarios, but also prove the practicability and effectiveness of S-CRIP and CD-CRP-based LSDM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We present a method to calculate the hesitant degree of HFLTS. • We propose a novel score function for HFLTS, named Score-HeDLiSF. • A hesitant degree-based weighting method is developed to derive the weights. • We use Score-HeDLiSF in an unbalanced HFL-MULTIMOORA method integrated by ORESTE. • The unbalanced HFL-MULTIMOORA is applied to the shared bicycle selection problem. Abstract The Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Set (HFLTS) is a powerful tool to depict experts' cognitive complex linguistic information. This paper aims to propose a new score function of HFLTS to eliminate the defects of the subscript-based operations on HFLTSs. Hesitant degree is an intrinsic feature of HFLTS, and the greater the hesitant degree is, the lower the quality of the HFLTS will be. The asymmetric and non-uniform distributed linguistic term set is commonly used when expressing cognitive complex linguistic information. Considering both the hesitant degrees and the unbalanced linguistic terms in evaluations, a new score function of HFLTS, named the Score-HeDLiSF, is proposed based on the psychology of experts. The Score-HeDLiSF shows many advantages over the existing score function of HFLTS in terms of representing both the balanced and unbalanced linguistic information with hesitant degree and linguistic scale functions. Afterward, a hesitant degree-based weighting method is proposed to determine the weights of experts and criteria. To derive robust decision results, the MULTIMOORA method is improved by integrating the ORESTE method, and then we extend it to the unbalanced hesitant fuzzy linguistic context based on the introduced score function of HFLTS. Finally, an investment problem regarding the shared bicycles is solved by the proposed unbalanced HFL-MULTIMOORA method. The advantages of the unbalanced HFL-MULTIMOORA are highlighted by comparative analyses with two well-known multi-criteria decision-making methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exist a high demand to provide explainability to artificial intelligence systems, where decision making models are included. This paper focuses on crowd decision making using natural language evaluations from social media with the aim to provide explainability. We present the Explainable Crowd Decision Making based on Subgroup Discovery and Attention Mechanisms (ECDM-SDAM) methodology as an a posteriori explainable process that captures the wisdom of crowds that is naturally provided in social media opinions. It extracts the opinions from social media texts using a deep learning based sentiment analysis approach called Attention based Sentiment Analysis Method. The methodology includes a backward process that provides explanations to justify its sense-making procedure by applying mainly the attention mechanism on texts and subgroup discovery on opinions. We evaluate the methodology in the real case study of the TripR-2020Large dataset for restaurant choice. The results show that the ECDM-SDAM methodology provides easy understandable explanations that elucidates the key reasons that support the output of the decision process. • Explainability in decision making is essential to increase its use and understanding. • Attention mechanisms and subgroup discovery can generate explainable decision making. • We propose a methodology that offers explanations of its internal decision mechanism. • The proposed methodology captures the wisdom of crowds from social media. • Natural language with sentiment analysis and deep learning enriches expert evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]