Multi-criteria sorting method with uncertainty in assignment examples

Considering the complexity of practical decision problems and the cognitive limitation of decision makers, a multi-criteria sorting method based on uncertain assignment examples is proposed. First, 2-tuple linguistic model is used to evaluate qualitative attributes. Then, the distance between action and the ideal point is utilized as the sorting rule, and according to uncertain sorting information on assignment examples, an interval goal programming model is formed to deduce the value of attribute weights and the bounds of each class. Meanwhile, the concept of confidence is introduced to evaluate the programming model through maximizing the total confidence level. Moreover, the rationality of the proposed method is confirmed theoretically. Finally, a sorting instance on project evaluation is presented to demonstrate the decision making process of the proposed method.