MADA problem: A new scheme based on D numbers and aggregation functions

Describing and processing complex as well as ambiguous and uncertain information has always been an inescapable and challenging topic in multi-attribute decision analysis (MADA) problems. As an extension of Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory, D numbers breaks through the constraints of the constraint framework and is a new way of expressing uncertainty. The soft likelihood function based on POWA operator is one of the most useful tools recently developed for dealing with uncertain information, since it provides a more excellent performance for the aggregation of multiple compatible evidence. Recently, a new MADA model based on D numbers has been proposed, called DMADA. In this paper, inspired by the above mentioned theories, based on soft likelihood functions, POWA aggregation and D numbers we design a novel model to improve the performance of representing and processing uncertain information in MADA problems as an improvement of the DMADA approach. In contrast, our advantages include mainly the following. Firstly, the proposed method considers the reliability characteristics of each initial D number information. Secondly, the proposed method empowers decision makers with the possibility to express their perceptions through attitudinal features. In addition, an interesting finding is that the preference parameter in the proposed method can clearly distinguish the variability between candidates by adjusting the space values between adjacent alternatives, making the decision results clearer. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of this model are proved through analysis and testing.