Comparison of fuzzy multi criteria decision making approaches in an intelligent multi-agent system for refugee siting

Abstract

Refugee crisis has escalated into a leading crisis in recent years, including Europe since 2015 after the massive refugee and migrant sea arrivals in the Mediterranean. Therefore, its socio-economic and environmental impact requires complex decision making for the delivery of effective humanitarian aid operations. Refugee settlement and shelter is an operations sector where the application of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods seems appropriate. Additionally, the range of involved decision makers as well as their relationships can be addressed using a multi-agent system (MAS). Different decision making fuzzy methods have been proposed in the literature which can be used by the agents in order to address refugee siting. The purpose of this paper is to perform a comparative analysis of two such methods, namely, hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy axiomatic design approach used in a MAS for refugee siting. The comparative study has been done by evaluating operating temporary sites in Greece and the obtained results reflect the current situation. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019.