The Application of Z-Numbers in Fuzzy Decision Making: The State of the Art

• Published in: Information (Switzerland)
• Main Author: Alam N.M.F.H.N.B.; Ku Khalif K.M.N.; Jaini N.I.; Gegov A.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85166394569&doi=10.3390%2finfo14070400&partnerID=40&md5=2501fde1a826991bd545983f4ba83f87

A Z-number is very powerful in describing imperfect information, in which fuzzy numbers are paired such that the partially reliable information is properly processed. During a decision-making process, human beings always use natural language to describe their preferences, and the decision information is usually imprecise and partially reliable. The nature of the Z-number, which is composed of the restriction and reliability components, has made it a powerful tool for depicting certain decision information. Its strengths and advantages have attracted many researchers worldwide to further study and extend its theory and applications. The current research trend on Z-numbers has shown an increasing interest among researchers in the fuzzy set theory, especially its application to decision making. This paper reviews the application of Z-numbers in decision making, in which previous decision-making models based on Z-numbers are analyzed to identify their strengths and contributions. The decision making based on Z-numbers improves the reliability of the decision information and makes it more meaningful. Another scope that is closely related to decision making, namely, the ranking of Z-numbers, is also reviewed. Then, the evaluative analysis of the Z-numbers is conducted to evaluate the performance of Z-numbers in decision making. Future directions and recommendations on the applications of Z-numbers in decision making are provided at the end of this review. © 2023 by the authors.