Application of the fuzzy sets theory in the problem of products competitiveness evaluation

Abstract

The article considers an example of using the tools of fuzzy sets theory in the problem of studying competitiveness of goods and firms. The competitiveness of goods has been defined through their utility in both subjective and objective manifestations. The transformation of utility indicators value from the simplest scales to the scale of equal relations has been carried out through the graphical membership functions. The general model of multi-criteria choice of optimal alternatives based on the intersection of fuzzy sets has been defined. The construction method and non-dominant alternatives set analysis on the basis of fuzzy preference relation has been considered. The problem of ranking alternatives, that are complex technical devices, considering several comparison criteria, some of which are qualitative, has been assessed by dimensionless scales with expert evaluations. Weighting coefficients have been determined for all criteria, alternatives functions belonging to the subset of optimal and matrices of fuzzy preference relations constructed, and a subset of non-dominant alternatives formed. The optimal alternative has been determined by the maximum value of subset elements. Calculation results can be used for further informed decision making in the absence of clear numerical data and presence of weakly formalized expert statements. Thus, the effectiveness and practicality of applying fuzzy sets methodology in ranking problems and optimal choice of alternatives has been shown.

Keywords

• multi-criteria choice
• expert evaluations
• fuzzy sets theory
• competitiveness
• significance of criteria
• membership functions
• product quality assessment
• competitive ability
• subsets of alternatives