Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Based on Ignatian Discernment Process

Authors: Pathinathan Theresanathan, Ajay Minj

Abstract:

Ignatian Discernment Process (IDP) is an intense decision-making tool to decide on life-issues. Decisions are influenced by various factors outside of the decision maker and inclination within. This paper develops IDP in the context of Fuzzy Multi-criteria Decision Making (FMCDM) process. Extended VIKOR method is a decision-making method which encompasses even conflict situations and accommodates weightage to various issues. Various aspects of IDP, namely three ways of decision making and tactics of inner desires, are observed, analyzed and articulated within the frame work of fuzzy rules. The decision-making situations are broadly categorized into two types. The issues outside of the decision maker influence the person. The inner feeling also plays vital role in coming to a conclusion. IDP integrates both the categories using Extended VIKOR method. Case studies are carried out and analyzed with FMCDM process. Finally, IDP is verified with an illustrative case study and results are interpreted. A confused person who could not come to a conclusion is able to take decision on a concrete way of life through IDP. The proposed IDP model recommends an integrated and committed approach to value-based decision making.

Keywords: Analytical hierarchy process, fuzzy multi-criteria decision making, Ignatian discernment process, Ignatian discernment, multi-criteria decision making, VIKOR.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1340392

References:

[1] F. Ezhakunnel, S.J., Human Resource Management in the Society of Jesus: A Corporate Perspective, Vidyajyoti College of Theology, ISBN: 978-81-8465-603-9, 2017, pp. 144-188.
[2] G. E. Ganss, S.J., The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, 4th Edition, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash Press, India, 2011, pp. 21-89 and 121-132.
[3] B. T. Geger, S.J., What Magis Really Means and Why It Matters, Jesuit Higher Education, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 16-31, 2012.
[4] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-voices/st-ignatius-loyola.
[5] C. E. Lan, Body and Soul in Plato’s Anthropology, Kernos, Vol. 8, pp. 107-112, 1995.
[6] A. J. Mardani, A. Nor, K. M. Norhayati,Z., and A. Valipour, Multiple criteria decision-making techniques and their applications – a review of the literature from 2000 to 2014, Economic Research - EkonomskaIstrazivanja, Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 516-571, 2015.
[7] The Holy Bible, The New Revised Standard Version, Indian Edition, Theological Publications Bangalore, India, 1998.
[8] T. Pathinathan, S.S. Johnson, Weight Based Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set (WBIFS) and Its Application to Farming, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Modern Education (IJMRME), ISSN: 2454 - 6119, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 28-39, 2017.
[9] T. Pathinathan, S.S. Johnson and E.D. Mike, Extended VIKOR Method and its Application to Farming using Pentagonal Fuzzy Numbers, Global Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, ISSN 0973-1768, Vol. 13, No. 9, pp. 6801-6826, 2017.
[10] T. Pathinathan, K. Ponnivalavan, Pentagonal Fuzzy Numbers, International Journal of Computing Algorithm, Vol. 3, pp. 1003-1005, 2014.
[11] Raj Kumar, and Pathinathan, T., Sieving out the Poor using Fuzzy Decision-Making Tools, Indian Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 8, No. 22, 2014, pp. 1-16, 2015.
[12] G. Sapienza, G. D. Crnkovic, and I. Crnkovic, Inclusion of Ethical Aspects in Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, In Decision Making in Software ARCHitcture, IEEE, pp. 1-8, 2016.
[13] P. Shore, TheVita Christi ofLudolph of Saxoni andItsInfluence onthe Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, Studies in the Spirituality of Jesuits, Vol.30, No. 1, 1998.
[14] J.R. Figueira, V. Mousseau and B. Roy, “Electre Methods,” In: Greco S., Ehrogott M., Figueira J. (eds) Multi Criteria Decision Analysis, International Series in Operational Research & Management Science, vol. 233, Springer, New York, NY, 2016, pp. 155-185.
[15] T.L. Satty, “The Analytic Hierarchy and Analytic Network Processes for Measurement of Intangible Criteria and Decision Making,” In: Greco S., Ehrgott M., figueira J. (eds) Multi Criteria Decision Analysis, International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, vol. 233, Springer, New York, NY, 2016, pp. 363-419.
[16] J. Rezaei, Best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method, Omega, vol. 53, pp. 49-57, 2015.
[17] S. Srikrishna, A.S. Reddy and S. Vani, A new Car selection in the Market using TOPSIS Technique,International Journal of Engineering Research and General Science, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 177-181, 2014.