See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/368576230

Fuzzy AHP method

Research Proposal · February 2023

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13486.48967

CITATION READS

1 2,645

1 author:

Velibor Božić

626 PUBLICATIONS 188 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Velibor Božić on 17 February 2023.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Velibor Božić RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Fuzzy AHP method

The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is an extension of the traditional AHP method, which is a
multi-criteria decision-making tool used to prioritize and evaluate a set of alternatives based on a set of
criteria.

In the traditional AHP method, pairwise comparisons are made between criteria and alternatives to
derive priority weights, and these weights are then used to rank the alternatives. However, in many real-world
decision-making situations, it is difficult to make crisp and precise comparisons due to imprecise and subjective
nature of the decision criteria.

Fuzzy AHP method overcomes this limitation of traditional AHP by allowing decision-makers to express
their judgments in terms of linguistic variables or fuzzy numbers. The method uses fuzzy logic to represent the
uncertainty in decision criteria and alternatives, and thereby allows for a more nuanced and flexible decision-
making process.

In the Fuzzy AHP method, the pairwise comparison matrices are replaced by fuzzy pairwise
comparison matrices, and the priority weights are derived by solving a system of fuzzy linear equations. The
resulting weights are then used to rank the alternatives based on their overall score.

The Fuzzy AHP method is useful in a variety of decision-making contexts, including engineering design,
project management, and environmental planning. It allows decision-makers to incorporate imprecise and
subjective criteria, and thereby provides a more comprehensive and realistic assessment of the decision
alternatives.

Roles of Fuzzy AHP method in hospital

The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method has several potential applications in hospitals and
healthcare systems, including:

Resource allocation: The Fuzzy AHP method can be used to prioritize the allocation of limited resources such as
hospital beds, medical equipment, and staff. By considering multiple criteria such as patient need, cost, and
effectiveness, the method can help decision-makers make more informed and balanced decisions.

Quality improvement: The Fuzzy AHP method can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of quality improvement
initiatives in hospitals. By considering multiple factors such as patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost,
the method can help identify areas where improvements can be made.

Decision-making: The Fuzzy AHP method can be used to support decision-making in complex and uncertain
situations, such as determining the best treatment approach for a patient with multiple health conditions. By
considering multiple criteria such as patient preference, medical evidence, and cost, the method can help
clinicians and patients make more informed decisions.

Risk assessment: The Fuzzy AHP method can be used to assess and manage risks in hospital operations, such as
infection control, medication errors, and patient falls. By considering multiple factors such as the likelihood and
severity of a risk event, the method can help identify and prioritize risk mitigation strategies.

Strategic planning: The Fuzzy AHP method can be used to support strategic planning in hospitals, such as
evaluating different expansion or investment options. By considering multiple criteria such as financial viability,
community need, and potential impact, the method can help decision-makers make more informed and
effective decisions.
Velibor Božić RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The Fuzzy AHP method can help hospitals and healthcare systems make more informed and balanced
decisions, which can lead to better patient outcomes, more efficient resource use, and improved operational
performance.

The process of Fuzzy AHP method

The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method involves several steps to prioritize and evaluate a
set of alternatives based on a set of criteria. The main steps of the process are:

Identify the decision problem and criteria: The first step is to clearly define the decision problem and the
criteria that will be used to evaluate the alternatives. These criteria should be specific, measurable, and
relevant to the decision problem.

Construct the decision hierarchy: The second step is to construct a decision hierarchy, which organizes the
decision problem and criteria into a tree structure. The top level of the tree represents the decision problem,
the second level represents the criteria, and the third level represents the alternatives.

Pairwise comparisons: The third step is to make pairwise comparisons between the criteria and alternatives
based on the decision maker's judgments. These comparisons can be made using linguistic terms or fuzzy
numbers, which represent the decision maker's subjective beliefs or uncertainty about the comparisons.

Derive the priority weights: The fourth step is to derive the priority weights for the criteria and alternatives by
solving a system of fuzzy linear equations. These weights are based on the pairwise comparisons and reflect the
relative importance of the criteria and alternatives.

Calculate the overall scores: The fifth step is to calculate the overall scores for each alternative based on the
priority weights and performance values of the criteria. These scores reflect the degree to which each
alternative satisfies the decision criteria.

Sensitivity analysis: The final step is to conduct sensitivity analysis to test the robustness of the results and
identify the impact of changes in the priority weights or performance values on the overall scores.

The Fuzzy AHP method involves a structured and systematic approach to decision-making that allows
decision makers to incorporate subjective judgments and uncertainty into the decision process, leading to
more comprehensive and realistic assessment of the decision alternatives.

Difference between classical AHP method and Fuzzy AHP method

The classical Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy AHP method are both multi-criteria decision-
making tools used to prioritize and evaluate a set of alternatives based on a set of criteria. However, there are
several key differences between these two methods:

Treatment of uncertainty: The classical AHP method assumes that decision makers can make precise and
consistent judgments when making pairwise comparisons between criteria and alternatives. In contrast, the
Fuzzy AHP method allows decision makers to express their judgments in terms of fuzzy numbers or linguistic
terms, which represent their subjective beliefs or uncertainty about the comparisons.

Mathematical formulation: The classical AHP method uses a crisp pairwise comparison matrix to derive priority
weights, while the Fuzzy AHP method uses a fuzzy pairwise comparison matrix to derive priority weights based
on fuzzy linear equations.
Velibor Božić RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Flexibility: The Fuzzy AHP method is more flexible than the classical AHP method, as it can handle imprecise and
subjective criteria more effectively. The fuzzy logic-based approach allows decision makers to consider multiple
and sometimes conflicting criteria, and to weigh the relative importance of each criterion more realistically.

Computational complexity: The Fuzzy AHP method is more computationally complex than the classical AHP
method, as it involves solving a system of fuzzy linear equations to derive the priority weights. This can be
challenging and time-consuming, especially when there are many criteria and alternatives.

Interpretability: The results of the classical AHP method are often easier to interpret than the results of the
Fuzzy AHP method, as the priority weights derived from the former method are crisp and precise, while those
derived from the latter method are often fuzzy and uncertain.

In summary, while both the classical AHP and Fuzzy AHP methods are useful decision-making tools, the
latter method is more flexible and can handle more complex decision problems that involve uncertainty and
subjective criteria, but may be more computationally challenging and require more expertise to use effectively.

Advantages and disadvantages of using Fuzzy AHP method

The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method has several advantages and disadvantages when
used in decision-making, including:

Advantages:

 Flexibility: The Fuzzy AHP method is more flexible than the classical AHP method, as it can handle
imprecise and subjective criteria more effectively. The fuzzy logic-based approach allows decision
makers to consider multiple and sometimes conflicting criteria, and to weigh the relative importance
of each criterion more realistically.
 Incorporation of uncertainty: The Fuzzy AHP method can handle uncertainty and imprecision in
decision-making more effectively than the classical AHP method. It allows decision makers to express
their judgments in terms of fuzzy numbers or linguistic terms, which reflect their subjective beliefs or
uncertainty about the comparisons.
 Improved accuracy: The Fuzzy AHP method can improve the accuracy of decision-making by capturing
the subjective beliefs of decision makers and considering a broader range of decision criteria.
 Better representation of decision problems: The Fuzzy AHP method can more accurately represent
complex decision problems that involve multiple, interacting criteria and alternatives, making it more
useful for complex decision-making.

Disadvantages:

 Complexity: The Fuzzy AHP method is more complex than the classical AHP method, as it requires
more expertise to use effectively and involves solving a system of fuzzy linear equations to derive
priority weights.
 Subjectivity: The Fuzzy AHP method relies on the subjective judgments of decision makers, which can
introduce bias or inconsistency into the decision-making process.
 Computationally challenging: The Fuzzy AHP method can be computationally challenging, especially
when there are many criteria and alternatives. It may require more time and resources to implement
than the classical AHP method.
 Difficulty in interpretation: The results of the Fuzzy AHP method can be more difficult to interpret than
the results of the classical AHP method, as the priority weights derived from the Fuzzy AHP method
are often fuzzy and uncertain.
Velibor Božić RESEARCH PROPOSAL

While the Fuzzy AHP method has several advantages over the classical AHP method, such as
flexibility, incorporation of uncertainty, and improved accuracy, it is more complex, computationally
challenging, and subjective. These factors need to be considered when deciding whether to use the
Fuzzy AHP method in decision-making.

Risks in using Fuzzy AHP method

Like any decision-making method, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has potential risks and
limitations that need to be taken into account. Some of the key risks in using the Fuzzy AHP method include:

 Uncertainty in judgments: Fuzzy AHP relies heavily on the judgments of decision makers, and these
judgments can be subjective and uncertain. This can introduce bias or inconsistency into the decision-
making process and affect the reliability and validity of the results.
 Difficulty in constructing pairwise comparison matrix: Constructing an accurate pairwise comparison
matrix is critical to the success of the Fuzzy AHP method. This process can be challenging and time-
consuming, especially when there are many criteria and alternatives to be evaluated.
 Data quality: The quality of the data used in the Fuzzy AHP method can significantly impact the
accuracy of the results. If the data is incomplete, inaccurate, or inconsistent, the results of the Fuzzy
AHP method may not be reliable.
 Computational complexity: The Fuzzy AHP method can be computationally complex, especially when
there are many criteria and alternatives to be evaluated. This can require significant computing
resources and time to implement.
 Difficulty in interpretation: The results of the Fuzzy AHP method can be more difficult to interpret than
the results of other decision-making methods. The use of fuzzy numbers and linguistic terms can make
it challenging to communicate the results effectively to stakeholders and decision-makers.
 Lack of transparency: The Fuzzy AHP method can be opaque and difficult to understand, making it
challenging for stakeholders to fully participate in the decision-making process. This can lead to a lack
of transparency and trust in the decision-making process.

While the Fuzzy AHP method can be a powerful decision-making tool, it is important to be aware of
the potential risks and limitations. Careful attention should be paid to the quality of the data, the accuracy of
the pairwise comparison matrix, and the interpretation of the results to ensure that the Fuzzy AHP method is
used effectively and the results are reliable.

Practical example of using Fuzzy AHP method in hospital

An example of using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method in a hospital could be to
prioritize patient safety initiatives. The following steps could be taken:

 Define the decision problem: The decision problem could be to identify and prioritize patient safety
initiatives that the hospital should focus on to reduce the risk of adverse events.
 Identify the decision criteria: The criteria could include patient safety, effectiveness, cost, feasibility,
and acceptability.
 Define the decision alternatives: The alternatives could be various patient safety initiatives, such as
implementing electronic medication administration records, developing a hospital-wide patient
identification system, or improving staff communication and handoff processes.
 Construct the pairwise comparison matrix: The pairwise comparison matrix would be constructed for
each criterion and alternative, with the decision makers assessing the relative importance of each
criterion or alternative compared to the others, using fuzzy numbers or linguistic terms to capture
their uncertainty or imprecision.
 Velibor Božić RESEARCH PROPOSAL

 Derive priority weights: The priority weights for each criterion and alternative would be derived using
the Fuzzy AHP method, which involves solving a system of fuzzy linear equations.
 Analyze the results: The results of the Fuzzy AHP method would be analyzed to identify the patient
safety initiatives that should be prioritized based on the decision criteria and the priority weights.
 Implement the initiatives: The prioritized patient safety initiatives would then be implemented, and
the impact of the initiatives on patient safety and other criteria would be monitored and evaluated
over time.

By using the Fuzzy AHP method, decision-makers in the hospital can incorporate their subjective
judgments and assess multiple and sometimes conflicting criteria to make better decisions about patient safety
initiatives. The fuzzy logic-based approach can also help them to handle imprecise or uncertain data more
effectively, and to derive more realistic and accurate priority weights for each criterion or alternative.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is a powerful decision-making tool
that can be used in various contexts, including healthcare and hospital management. By using the Fuzzy AHP
method, decision-makers can assess multiple criteria and alternatives and make more informed and effective
decisions. The Fuzzy AHP method can also help to handle imprecise or uncertain data more effectively, and to
derive more realistic and accurate priority weights for each criterion or alternative. However, the Fuzzy AHP
method also has potential risks and limitations, including uncertainty in judgments, difficulty in constructing
the pairwise comparison matrix, data quality issues, computational complexity, difficulty in interpretation, and
lack of transparency. Careful attention should be paid to these risks and limitations when using the Fuzzy AHP
method to ensure that the results are reliable and effective.

Recent references
Here are some recent references related to the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method:

Hsiao, P. Y., Li, H. P., & Kuo, T. C. (2021). An intelligent Fuzzy AHP and VIKOR-based decision support system for
sustainable hospital site selection. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 90, 106618.

Al-Shboul, M. K., & Qaddoumi, E. (2021). Prioritizing healthcare service quality dimensions using Fuzzy AHP: An
empirical study in Jordan. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 1-17.

Aktürk, M. S., & Kılıç, K. (2021). A hybrid fuzzy AHP-DEMATEL method for evaluating the performance of
healthcare systems: A case study in Turkey. Health Policy and Technology, 10(3), 393-405.

Cheng, D., Chen, Y., & Li, X. (2021). A group decision-making method for evaluating green suppliers based on
fuzzy AHP and evidential reasoning. Journal of Cleaner Production, 288, 125675.

Feng, Y., Liu, B., & Fan, W. (2021). Fuzzy AHP-based evaluation method for the quality of medical examination
and testing services. Journal of Medical Systems, 45(6), 1-13.

View publication stats