A Novel D–SCRI–EDAS Method and Its Application to the Evaluation of an Online Live Course Platform

Abstract

D number theory removes the constraints of mutual exclusion and completeness in the frame of discernment of DS evidence theory, and is therefore widely used to deal with uncertain and incomplete information. EDAS (evaluation based on distance from average solution) selects the optimal solution according to the distance from each solution to the average. This method is very suitable for solving issues of multiple attribute decision making (MADM) with conflicting attributes. In this study, we propose an evaluation method that combines D numbers with the EDAS method. D number theory is used to express the evaluation of the alternatives for experts. Then, we use the SCRI (stepwise comparison and replacement integration) method of D numbers for data integration, and finally the EDAS method is used to select the optimal one by sorting the alternatives. We apply this method to address the user experience evaluation problems of platforms that offer online live courses and compare the evaluation results with other methods to verify the applicability and practicability of the method.

Keywords

• multiple attribute decision making (MADM)
• evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS)
• D number theory
• stepwise comparison and replacement integration (SCRI)