A Linear Trade-off Group TOPSIS method with application for Internet of Things devices ranking

Abstract

Multi-criteria methods are decision-making methods used when considering multiple criteria simultaneously in decision-making processes. Among the multi-criteria methods, a widely used method that has proven its effectiveness in many applications is the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). In this paper we propose a modification of the TOPSIS method by using another way of calculating the relative closeness coefficient (RCC) and taking into account a group of decision makers. The modified version of the TOPSIS method, which we shall call the Linear Trade-off Group TOPSIS method (LTG-TOPSIS), replaces the RCC from the classical TOPSIS method with one that depends on a parameter that takes values in the unit interval. By using the parameter, the RCC is calculated as a linear combination between distances of an alternative to the ideal and anti-ideal solutions. This approach facilitates a management of the compromise between the two distances. An implementation of the LTG-TOPSIS method is analysed for a IoT devices ranking. By varying the parameter of the proposed method, a set of IoT devices rankings is obtained and the change in the ranking is studied. A comparison of the rankings obtained with LTG-TOPSIS and with the classical TOPSIS method is performed.

Authors

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