Scientific Research and Essays Vol. 6(25), pp.

5374-5386, 30 October, 2011

Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/SRE
ISSN 1992-2248 2011 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A new fuzzy mathematical model for multi criteria

decision making: An application of fuzzy mathematical
model in a SWOT analysis
Dragan Pamuar1*, Goran irovi2, Dragoljub Sekulovi3 and Aleksandar Ili4
1

Management Department, University of Defence, Military Academy, Generala Pavla Jurisica Sturma 33, 11 000,
Belgrade, Serbia.
2
Faculty of Technical Science, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
3
Architectural and Civil Engineering Faculty, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
4
Department of Material Resources, Ministry of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia.
Accepted 20 September, 2011

Analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) is a method to formulate the
strategy. Although the SWOT analysis successfully provides the key factors of the problem, it has some
drawbacks in selecting appropriate strategy for the evaluation and final decision steps. During recent
years, some multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) remove some of these deficiencies, but the
nature of these decision usually is very complex and using crisp datais not suitable. In this paper,
linguistic variable represented with fuzzy numbers are used to assess the ratings and weights. This
paper presents a new fuzzy mathematical model for evaluating the proposed alternatives. Fuzzy
linguistic descriptors were used for describing the criteria. In this way, fuzzy logic enables the
exploitation of tolerance that exists in imprecision, uncertainty and partial truth of the acquired
research results. The paper presents a model for designing the organisational structure of transport
support authorities in the Serbian Armed Forces. Various organisational structure options are proposed
in application of the given model, taking into account the fact that transport authorities should be
designed and dimensioned so as to achieve the rudimentary goals and tasks for fulfilment of which
they were established. Each task set before the transport authorities requires reliable and top-quality
performance in all environmental conditions. Since most of the acquired data is characterized by a high
degree of imprecision, subjectivity and uncertainty, fuzzy logic was used for displaying these.
Key words: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis, organizational structure design, fuzzy
logic, multi-criteria decision making.
INTRODUCTION
Strategic management is the process by which managers
formulate and implement strategies that enable
organisations to achieve strategic objectives. Strategic
management in the broadest sense can be defined as the
conscious direction of the business system consistent
with its relevant environment. In accordance with the

*Corresponding author. E-mail: dpamucar@gmail.com. Tel:

+38164 23 77 908, +38111 251 92 89. Fax: +38111 300 51 90.

current reforms of the defence system of the Republic of

Serbia, the Serbian Armed Forces are gradually leaving
the outdated principles of organisation and operation of
logistical support and embracing a modern logistic
concept. In this sense, properly structured system of
organisational management solutions to a large extent
contribute to the functional efficiency of these systems,
providing corresponding cost savings. In the process of
reorganisation of the Serbian Armed Forces, there are
still some organisational forms proven inefficient in the
past and in particular unsuited for the future. Inefficient

Pamucar et al.

and uneconomic operation demands adequate solutions.

The process of transport authorities administrative
support reorganisation requires a design team, time and
financial resources. This paper presents a model of
designing organisational scheme of administrative
structure of the Serbian Armed Forces. In complex
organisational systems operating in a changing
environment such as the armed forces, a large number of
issues whose solutions are accompanied with different
types of imprecision and uncertainty exist at all levels of
management. They can be described using linguistic
expressions and modelled by uncertain numbers. In the
classical approach, uncertainty modelling is based on the
application of probability theory, where uncertainty is
modelled in random sizes with different distribution. This
manner of uncertainty treatment has certain limitations.
One is that the probability calculation of any random size
requires a large quantity of the data recorded, and also
the fact that the combination of different uncertainties
leads to a complex probability distribution, which requires
complex mathematical expressions and increases the
complexity and volume of calculations.
Development of new mathematical areas facilitated
describing imprecision and uncertainty in a more realistic
way. In other words, soft computing methods are
alternatives to the classical approach in uncertainty
treatment. One of the methods of soft computing is the
fuzzy theory. Designing organisations, in particular the
stage of organisational model development is a highly
complex process in which optimal solutions should be
offered. SWOT analysis is a useful "tool" for planning
design strategies in which organisational internal
strengths and weaknesses are weighed against the
external opportunities and threats. The organisation
should mobilise its forces, overcome weaknesses, exploit
opportunities and resist threats. Associating opportunities
and risks on one hand and strengths and weaknesses on
the other, the organisation aims at providing a conceptual
framework for the selection of strategic options of the
organisational model. However, the result of SWOT
analysis is often merely a listing or an incomplete
qualitative examination of the internal and external
factors. For this reason, SWOT analysis cannot
comprehensively appraise the strategic-making process.
Applying fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (FMDM) in
the SWOT analysis eliminates the weakness in the
measurement and evaluation steps of the SWOT
analysis.
MULTICRITERIA MATHEMATICAL METHODS
Multiple criteria decision making refers to decision
making in a situation with a number of possibly
conflicting criteria. This is the greatest advantage of
multiple criteria decision making, since in practice
there are a few problems influenced by one factor only,

5375

or in other words, whose optimization includes just one

criterion. The main goal of multiple criteria methods is
determination of the priorities among specific variants
or criteria in situations where a number of decision
makers are taking part, and where there are a number
of decision making criteria and multiple time periods.
There are many ways to classify the methods of multiple
criteria decision making. However, the classification of
these methods in accordance with those ways is often
avoided because the models in accordance to which
these methods operate are quite similar. Their enlisting is
favoured instead. The most frequently used methods are:
i) Points method,
ii) ELECTRE method,
iii) PROMETHEE method,
iv) TOPSIS method,
v) AHP method (analytic of hierarchical processes),
vi) Fuzzy multicriteria decision making,
vii) ANFIS models,
viii) Models based on neuron networks,
ix) Models based on fuzzification of the already existing
multiple criteria decision making methods.
The choice of evaluation methods depends on:
i) Character, that is importance of the decision to be
made on the basis of evaluation,
ii) The place where the decision is to be made,
iii) Kind of the decision because of which evaluation is
being made,
iv) The ways of financing implementation of a new
solution (finance construction).
In case of a responsible decision making, special
methods for multiple criteria analysis and indirect
optimization are commonly used. The methods of soft
optimization are used in the first place to describe
multiple objectives, with some of them being maximized
and others minimized. Then, conflicts of priorities
between the different participants in decision making
process are modelled, and at the end, a solution that is
the closest to the ideal point, the best compromise, etc. is
searched for. Most often, decision making means
evaluation of sets of possible solutions or alternatives.
When evaluation is made in accordance with one
criterion, the solution (alternative) which brings the target
function to an extreme is determined and the procedure
is denoted as single criterion optimization or simply
optimization. The situation is getting more complex with
two or more criteria, when instead of the optimal solution
the best possible solution needs to be provided. Any
grouping of the criteria into one criterion (total
scalarisation) and reducing the task to a single criterion
generates deficiencies limiting the range of the analysis
and the accuracy of the results. Instead of total
scalarisation, a multiple criteria problem is usually dealt

5376

Sci. Res. Essays

with in its original form, while the level of target function

scalarisation is controlled by the decision maker or the
analyst. In other words, the decision maker often
evaluates criteria against each other, or attaches the
ranks of importance directly, thus shaping the target
function in accordance with his own preferences.
Regardless whether it is done directly or indirectly, in the
given phase of the decision making process, a matrix of
alternatives and criteria is created. This matrix is
analysed and processed so that weighing grades for the
alternatives, based on which they can be ranked may be
established.
The weighing grades and ranks may be used
individually or integrally, depending on the kind of a
problem. If only the best alternative is searched for, only
ranking will mostly suffice. With respect to allocation
problems, grades can signify the proportions of allocation
resources in accordance with the ranks of the
alternatives. The third possibility is that identification of
several best alternatives and the degree to which they
participate in the total resource allocation are searched
for. Multiple criteria and hierarchical structures are part of
a complex environment facing analysts when they deal
with problems of decision making and creation of quality
methods for their resolution in practice. The presence of
different criteria, some of which have to be maximised
and some minimized, means that decisions are made in
the conflicting conditions and that instruments more
flexible than a rigid mathematical technique related to
genuine optimization have to be applied. Special analysis
and solution techniques have been developed for such
tasks. Among the most important are PROMETHEE
(Brans et al., 1986), ELECTRE (Roy, 1968), AHP (Saaty,
1980), TOPSIS (Hwang and Yoon, 1981) and CP
(Zeleny, 1982). These techniques fall into the category of
soft optimization, since they use heuristic parameters,
distance measurements, value scales, etc. in addition to
mathematical structures and instruments. Kujaci and
Bojovi (2003) proposed the model for selecting the
organisational structure using the fuzzy multi-criteria
analysis. The developed fuzzy multi-criteria methodology
takes into consideration the uncertainty and imprecision
of the input data. Each method earlier mentioned has
several versions (for example, Promethee 1 and 2). They
all have advantages and disadvantages and their
application in different areas indicates that those methods
are getting increasingly indispensible in backing
responsible decision making.
Recently, standard and fuzzy versions of methods are
used in parallel so that the complex of human
subjectivity, expert knowledge and inclination to use
verbal instead of numerical grades may be included
(Triantaphyllou and Lin, 1996; Bender and Simonovic,
2000; Deng, 1999; Srevic et al., 2002; Pamuar, 2009).
The methods used for modelling subjectivism,
approximate reasoning and expert knowledge of decision
makers, as well as various forms of heuristics are part of

relatively recent decision making climate in the Armed

Forces of Serbia. This climate has brought new
terminology and in a certain way a new application of
mathematics and optimization theory in the realistic
conditions of planning and decision making. In the Armed
Forces of Serbia today, standard and fuzzy versions of
multiple criteria methods are used in parallel, but new
models of multiple criteria decision making based on
fuzzy logic modelling and neuro-fuzzy modelling are
being developed (Pamuar and Boani, 2010; Pamuar,
2009, 2010; Pamuar et al., 2011). By modelling of fuzzy
logic systems and training of the neuro-fuzzy model, very
powerful tools for decision making, based on experiential
knowledge of the officers of the Armed Forces of Serbia
are created. Officers experiential knowledge is
transformed to automatic management (decision making)
strategy through modelling of such systems. Fuzzy sets
enable quantification of linguistic; that is qualitative and
inaccurate information. Therefore, fuzzy reasoning is
increasingly used in the Armed Forces of Serbia as a
technique by which heuristic rules are translated into
automatic management; that is decision making, strategy.
Application of the fuzzy theory and fuzzy sets in multicriteria decision making has come into use since decision
makers often act in the conditions of uncertainty or so
called partial truths.
Fuzzification of standard multiple criteria methods was
done in such a way that triangular fuzzy numbers were
used for determination of fuzzy weighing values for
criteria and alternatives, due to their simplicity in
comparison to trapezoid ones, while altogether, fuzzy
arithmetic was, of course, used (Pamuar, 2010). A new
fuzzy mathematical method presented in this paper has
been developed for research in the Armed Forces of
Serbia. The developed method is based on evaluation of
alternatives by application of fuzzy linguistic descriptors.
It makes the procedure of alternatives ranking much
easier in situations where a great number of
characteristics and parameters for decision making are
present. If there are more levels of criterion importance in
the problem of alternative ranking, the described
procedure is conducted at each observed level. At each
level, the coefficients of criterion- sub criterion importance
having an impact on the course of ranking is defined, with
the level of ranking being not necessarily the same for all
the criteria. The final ranking of the alternatives is made
at ranking zero level. Characteristics of some multiple
criteria methods has been presented in the first part of
the paper. In the continuation, a new model for the
selection of optimal variants of organisation based on
fuzzy logic has been developed starting from the relevant
theory approach. Fuzzy mathematical model (FMM) is
applied in the SWOT analysis (FM'WOT model) to
optimize the existing organisational structure of the
governing bodies of transport support. The choice of
organisational models is made using Fuzzy multi-criterion
and standard techniques of multi-criterion decision

Pamucar et al.

x,

Where

5377

x x X , 0 A x 1 ,

A x

is a membership function which shows to

what extent x X meets the criterions for membership

in a set A . For the membership function

0 A x 1 , for every x A ,that is A : X 0,1 .

Figure 1. Triangular fuzzy number.

According to the fuzzy theory, the choice of membership

functions that is, the form of the function and confidence
intervals width are usually made based on subjective
estimates or experience. The most commonly used are
trapezoidal and triangular fuzzy numbers. Triangular
fuzzy numbers with membership functions shown in
Figure 1 are used in this paper. Triangular fuzzy numbers
are usually given in the form A (a1 , a2 , a3 ) , where a2 is
the value where the membership function of the fuzzy
number is 1.0,

a1 is the left distribution of the confidence

a3 the right distribution of the confidence

interval and

interval of the fuzzy number A . Fuzzy number A

membership function is defined as:

A x

Figure 2. Defuzzification.

making.
The aforementioned model is shown in the following
section of the paper.
FM'WOT MODEL
In the process of designing the organisational structure,
certain decisions have to be made. Subjective evaluation
of certain parameters differ from one decision-maker to
another, it is worth pointing out. Quite a convenient
approach in quantifying these parameters is fuzzy set
theory.
Fuzzy sets
Fuzzy sets theory defines fuzzy set A as a set of ordered
pairs (Zadeh, 1965):

0,
x a1
,
a2 a1
a3 x
,
a3 a2
0,

x a1
a1 x a2
a2 x a3
x a3

For defuzzification and mapping of the fuzzy number,

A (a1 , a2 , a3 ) value into a real numbers, numerous
methods are used (Figure 2). Two methods have been
used in this paper:
i) The centre of gravity:

defuzzy A= a3 a1 a2 a1 31 a1

ii) The total integral value:

defuzzy A= a3 a2 1 a1 21
(with , 0,1 being an optimism index).
Basic model
It is characteristic for all multi-criteria problems that there
are multiple criteria in decision-making and various
alternatives to select the most appropriate action.
Different organisations evaluate variant solutions and
optimal variants using the FMM model described in the
continuation. SWOT analysis is used for assessing what

5378

Sci. Res. Essays

to eliminate, partially keep or keep to define design

strategies for designing organisational structure. Using
analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats for the given organisation, optimisation model of
functioning is proposed. Fuzzy mathematical model
includes the following steps:

variables are represented by triangular fuzzy numbers

A (a1 , a2 , a3 ) .
Step 3
Normalisation of the optimisation criterion: For the

f ki i 1, A, k 1, K to be comparable, it is

Step 1

value

Identify SWOT sub-factors and determinate the

alternative strategies according to the SWOT subfactors: Determine the importance degrees of the SWOT
factors; if the model used for evaluation of alternatives of
the
already
proposed
organisational
structure
alternatives, this step is omitted. The following steps will
represent a general case where K is considered from
the point of different optimality criteria in terms of which
the best alternative for a finite set of alternatives is
determined
A a1 , a2 ,, an , n 2 . Optimum

necessary to normalise them. If the optimisation criteria

criterions are formally given as K 1,, k ,, K ,

where K is the overall number of the criteria considered.
Multiple-attribute problem in the decision-making is
represented by the matrix F dimension K A .

K1 f11 f1n m f n


F K k f k1 f kn m f kn

K K f K 1 f Kn m f Kn

Where f ki i 1, A, k 1, K is the linguistic or numerical

value of the optimum criterion

f f ,
f
ki
ki

ki

k K for alternatives

a a A . If at least one criterion is described by

linguistic expression in the description of the optimum

criterion, step 2 is taken.

, normalisation is performed as follows:

i) For the benefit criterion k k K normalisation is

performed as follows:

f ki n
Where

f
ki

(1)

f k max

f k max is max value of the fuzzy number

f (k 1,, K ) , for
f
ki

ki

A1 ... An m An

are given as linguistic values f ki i 1, A, k 1, K

fki 0

ii) For the cost criterion k k K normalisation is

performed as follows:

fik n 1
Where f k

f f min
ki
k
f k max

min

(2)

is minimum value of the fuzzy number

f (k 1,, K ) , for
f
ki

ki

f ki 0 .

The normalised value of the criterion k

(k K ) for

a (a A) alternative is described by fuzzy number:

f f
ik

ik n

, f

ik

(3)

If the optimality criteria are described in numerical values

f ki i 1, A, k 1, K , normalisation is performed as
Step 2

follows:

Defining the set of linguistic descriptors: Criterion

values are described by a set of linguistic descriptors
S l1 , l2 ,, li , i H 0,, T , where T is the
overall number of

linguistic

descriptors.

Linguistic

f ki

f ki
K

f
k 1 ki

, f ki 1
k 1

(4)

Pamucar et al.

Step 4
Evaluation criteria: K 1,, k ,, K is a set of
optimality criteria, where K is the overall number of the
considered criteria. Every criterion can be disaggregated
into sub-criteria. If k j is the overall number of sub-criteria

5379

members (e 1, 2,..., n) of the group G are considered

equal in the decision making and that all the evaluation of
the optimality criterion for the given hierarchy have been
performed, there are two ways for prioritising the
alternatives relative to the goal. One is to aggregate all
the obtained priority criterion vectors for every decisionmaker using the following equation:

th

in j criterion, the overall number of criterions can be

given as:

wiG e wi (e)
e 1

K kj

(7)

(5)

j 1

Where wi (e) is the weight value which is the

Every criterion has to be divided into sub-criteria. In that

case k j of the criterion equals 1. This is important for

member of the group

understanding the aggregation process of judgments

made at two consecutive hierarchical levels, where
criteria and sub-criteria are located. Here, criteria and
sub-criteria are aggregated by shifting criteria at the subcriteria level. After that shift, the whole criteria level does
not exist anymore. Relative importance of the optimality
criterion k k K ,Wk k 1,, K is different. The

the

value representing the importance of the optimality

criteria is determined by forming a matrix W

w
kij

K K

Elements of the matrix are linguistic descriptors and

numerical values used to describe the importance of the
criterion k k K to criterion k k K . Having
established W matrix, normalisation of the weight
coefficients is performed:

alternative Ai ,

w
kij

1, w
0,1
, w
k
k

w
k
j 1 j

1n

wi j aij
j 1

(6)

attribute i .
The process of designing the organisational structure is
most often in the hands of more than one expert that is
decision-maker. In this case, optimality criteria evaluation
of all the group members should first be obtained to pass
on to the necessary synthesis and then to step 5. In other
cases, step 6 is taken.

w
kij

1n
1n
n


n n

j ij
j ij
K
j 1 j wk j j 1 i1 j 1

j w
k

0,1
1, w
k

(8)

j 1

j 1

Where j represents the preference of decision maker to

is the weight value (significance) of

group members have first been additively normalised.

The drawback of the presented procedure is that it is not
applicable in case of group synthesis with incomplete
information, as there are no composite vectors for certain
members of the group.
Another way is to immediately aggregate all the
individual preference assessments on all hierarchical
levels.

G , (e 1, 2,..., n ) for the

n th member of the group and wiG is the ultimate

priority of the alternative Ai . Individual weights of the e

j w
k

n th

Where

j represents the preference of the decision-

maker to attribute .
N case of group synthesis with incomplete information,
microaggregation of the i, j position at the given
matrix is done by geometric mean of the assessments of
those group members who expressed preference Ei
compared to the element E j . The requirement in this
case is for at least one decision maker to declare on the
value of aij . Modifying the previous expression:

Step 5
1M

Evaluating the criteria in case of group evaluation: In

group decision-making, there is group synthesis with
complete and incomplete information. In case of group
synthesis with complete information, provided that all the

wG i j aij l
lL

w
kij

1, w
0,1
w
k
k
j 1

G
j w
k

G
w
k

j 1 j

1n
1M
n
n n

j aij j aij
j 1
i 1 j 1

(9)

5380

Sci. Res. Essays

l is a set of group members who have evaluated

the pair of elements Ei , E j and M is the number of
Where

such members.

(Liou and Wang, 1992) is considered to be a good choice

for performing the task efficiently and, therefore, has
been proposed within this methodology. For the given
triangular fuzzy number

A (a1 , a2 , a3 )

the total

integral value is defined as:

Step 6
Evaluating alternatives: Having determined the values
of the weight coefficients for all the assessed criterions, a
matrix

F cij

F W

is formed where the matrix elements

cij are obtained using the following expression:

cij

f
ki

i1 fki
j

w
kij

(10)

f
Where ki is the value of the criterion function for the

w
k k K
i (i 1, A)
kij
alternative
and criterion
, and
is the value of the weight coefficient for the criterion

k k K

.
Additive synthesis has been assumed here and the
final alternative performance weights with respect to
overall goal are calculated by the summation of elements
in the rows of the performance matrix

F cij

F W

as:

ci cij w
j

(11)

j 1

for every assessed

Value of the criterion functions V
i
alternative is obtained from the F matrix using the
expression:
K

Vi cj , (k K )
j 1

(12)

To finally rank the alternatives, the prioritisation of

is a
aggregated assessments is required. Since each V
i
triangular fuzzy number, it is necessary to apply the
method of ranking triangular fuzzy numbers. There are
several methods that can do this such as the centre of
gravity method, the dominance measure method, the cut with interval synthesis method and the total integral
value method. The last one total integral value method

IT (A)= a3 a2 1 a1 21, 0,1

(13)

In Equation 13, represents an optimism index which

expresses the decision makers attitude towards risk. A
larger value of indicates a higher degree of optimism.
In practical applications, values 0, 0.5 and 1 are used
respectively to represent the pessimistic, moderate and
optimistic views of the decision maker. For given fuzzy

numbers A and B , it is said that if IT (A)<IT (B) ,

then

A B

; if

IT (A) IT (B)

then

A B ;

and if

IT (A) IT (B) ,

then A B . The final ranking of

alternatives means to adopt certain level of optimism of
the decision-maker, then to apply Equation 13 on fuzzy
numbers of Equation 12 and finally to rank alternatives

regarding obtained values for IT ( Fi ), i 1,..., N .

The best alternative from the set is represented as

fVi max fVi , i 1,.., A . The presented

method significantly simplifies the procedure of ranking
the alternatives in situations where there are a number of
characteristics and parameters of decision making. On
the basis of the proposed algorithm, a system for
decision support in the programming language C was
developed.
DESIGNING THE MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONAL
STRUCTURE OF THE TRAFFIC SUPPORT USING
FM'WOT MODEL
Designing a military management system has a large
influence on the creation, adaptation, existence and
quality of the system operation. No organisational system
within the military can operate independently of its
management subsystem responsible for issuing
commands for the desired behaviour of the system,
while the actual behaviour can deviate from the desired.
To meet the requirements of a large number of traffic and
transport services users and at the same time efficiently
and primarily servicing the requirements of the military,
an organisational structure that will successfully
implement all these must exist. As part of the General
Staff and the Logistics Department, traffic management is

Pamucar et al.

5381

the highest professional traffic authority of the Serbian

Armed Forces. Traffic management is responsible and
accountable
for
the
conditions,
development,
management,
organisation,
monitoring,
training,
normative regulation and traffic control support and other
tasks within its competence. Events from the 90's, called
for a review of the organisational structure of the
transport support governing bodies. This situation
highlights the need for further study of the organisational
structure of traffic management.

using the logistic approach and functional principle of

organisation of the prescribed authority, as a specific
manifestation of the internal division of labour,
differentiation and specialisation, organisational units and
holders of command and control.

An illustrative application of SWOT analysis

descriptors S {l1 , l2 ,..., li }, i H {0,1,..., T }, where

T is the overall number of linguistic descriptors. In this
case, the number of linguistic descriptors is T 9 :
unessential U, very low VL, fairly low FL, low L,
medium M, high H, medium high MH, very high
VH and perfect P. Linguistic descriptors have the
following values Figure 3.

This section presents an illustration of the proposed

approach summarized previously. In order to define the
governing bodies for traffic support design strategy, a
SWOT analysis of influence; that is opportunities and
threats from the environment on the management of the
traffic support has been done (Figure 3). SWOT analysis
is used to manage the total organisation, the overall
pattern of structural components and arrangement.
Having applied the SWOT analysis, four varieties of the
traffic support governing bodies organisational structure
are defined:

Assessment, synthesis and ranking

First steps in the application of the fuzzy mathematical
model would be defining the set of linguistic descriptors.
Linguistic variables are represented by a set of linguistic

0,
0 x

(0.125 x) / 0.125 0 x 0.125

(14)

x / 0.125,
0 x 0.125

(0.250 x) / 0.125, 0.125 x 0.25

(15)

The current organisation of the governing bodies of the

traffic support, defined on the basis of normative
regulation for determining the organisational solutions in
the military formations and experience of those
participating in making decisions. The current
organisation consists of two organisational units:
Department of Traffic Operations and Department of
Transport (Figure 4).

( x 0.125) / 0.125, 0.125 x 0.250

l

(0.375 x) / 0.125 0.250 x 0.375

(16)

( x 0.50) / 0.125, 0.50 x 0.625

(0.75 x) / 0.125 0.625 x 0.75

(17)

Alternative 2 ( A2 )

( x 0.375) / 0.125, 0.375 x 0.50

(0.625 x) / 0.125 0.50 x 0.625

(18)

( x 0.50) / 0.125, 0.50 x 0.625

(0.75 x) / 0.125 0.625 x 0.75

(19)

( x 0.625) / 0.125, 0.625 x 0.75

l

MH
(0.875 x) / 0.125 0.75 x 0.875

(20)

( x 0.75) / 0.125, 0.75 x 0.875

l

VH
0.875 x 1
(1 x) / 0.125

(21)

( x 0.875) / 0.125, 0.875 x 1

1,
x 1

(22)

Alternative 1 ( A1 )

l
U

VL

FL

l
H

Organisational structure of the governing bodies of the

traffic support after the NATO standard.
Alternative 3 ( A3 )
Organisational structure established according to the
processes where organisational units are defined for
each of those processes. Specialists indispensable for
implementing these processes are present in each group.
If traffic management is viewed as the governing body or
management of the transport support, then it is the holder
of the implementation of certain processes.
Alternative 4 ( A2 )
The structure of the traffic support governing bodies

l
P

To determine the relative importance of the evaluation

criteria SWOT, they were pair-wise compared with

Threats (T)

Oppurtunities (O)

Weaknesses (W)

Strengths (S)

Changes in the countrys defence doctrine (T4)

Changes in logistic support doctrine (T3)

Qualified personnel outflow (T2)

Political and economic instability in Serbia (T1)

Minimum number of hierarchical levels (O6)

Grouping of organisational units according to

NATO standards (O5)

Establishing of logistic support organisation capable

of satisfying command demands (O4)

Modern informational technologies development in

the area of business organisation (O3)

Liberalisation of personnel education abroad (O2)

Better cooperation with foreign armed forces (O1)

Poor resources exploitation (W7)

Insufficient experience sharing with foreign armed

forces (W5)
Partial optimisation (W6)

Bad coordination (W4)

Insufficient organisational structure efficiency (W3)

Weak personnel motivation possibilities (W2)

Large number of hierarchical levels (W1)

Strong management team (S3)

Tactical-operational units swift dislocation

capability (S2)

Capable and competent personnel (S1)

Alternative 4

Alternative 3

Alternative 2

Alternative 1

Determining the best

alternative

5382
Sci. Res. Essays

Figure 3. FMM model for SWOT.

respect to the goal by using the fuzzyfied. In Table 1, the

evaluation of linguistic criterions for each of the presented

Pamucar et al.

5383

Table 1. Optimality criterion level of influence on the observed alternatives.

Linguistic criteria
A1
A2
A3
A4

Criteria and sub-criteria

Benefit-cost criteria
Min
Max

Strengths
Capable and competent personnel

MH

Tactical-operational units swift dislocation capability

VH

MH

Strong management team

VH

MH

Weaknesses

Number of hierarchical levels

Personnel motivation possibilities

VH

Organisational structure efficiency

VH

MH

Coordination

VL

VH

VH

Sharing experience with foreign armed forces

VL

VH

Partial optimisation

VH

VL

FL

Resources exploitation

VH

VH

Cooperation with foreign armed forces

VH

MH

VH

Liberalisation of personnel education abroad

VH

MH

VH

Modern informational technologies introduction in the area of business organisation

VH

VH

Establishing of logistic support organisation capable of satisfying command demands

VL

VH

VH

VL

MH

VH

Political and economic instability in Serbia

VH

VH

Qualified personnel outflow

VH

MH

VH

MH

Changes in logistic support doctrine

VH

Changes in the countrys defence doctrine

VH

Opportunities

Grouping of organisational units according to NATO standards

Participation in logistic support of the NATO forces
Threats

alternatives according to observed optimality criterions

are given. Linguistically expressed preferences among
criteria have been used to create a judgment matrix W as
given in step 4. Following the decision-makers criterion
assessment, normalisation of optimality criteria using
Equations 1 and 2 is performed. The weighting vector
of criteria matrix W was determined by applying
w
kij
Equation 6. Each entry of this vector is the sum of
elements in the related row of matrix W and divided by
the sum of all its elements.

Figure 4. Linguistic descriptors.

ws (0.32, 0.30, 0.27) 0.33

w (0.40, 0.36, 0.32) 0.29

WSWOT w
wo (0.16, 0.18, 0.21) 0.20

wt (0.12, 0.15, 0.20) 0.17

5384

Sci. Res. Essays

Table 2. The priorities of the SWOT factors and groups.

SWOT

Local priority

Strengths

0.33

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

SWOT factors
Capable and competent personnel
Tactical-operational units swift dislocation capability
Strong management team

Global priorities
0.39
0.26
0.35

0.29

Number of hierarchical levels

Personnel motivation possibilities
Organisational structure efficiency
Coordination
Sharing experience with foreign armed forces
Partial optimisation
Resources exploitation

0.12
0.13
0.14
0.17
0.10
0.16
0.18

0.20

Cooperation with foreign armed forces

Liberalisation of personnel education abroad
Modern informational technologies introduction in the area of business organisation
Establishing of logistic support organisation capable of satisfying command demands
Grouping of organisational units according to NATO standards
Participation in logistic support of the NATO forces

0.15
0.18
0.09
0.20
0.12
0.12

0.17

Political and economic instability in Serbia

Qualified personnel outflow
Changes in logistic support doctrine
Changes in the countrys defence doctrine

0.35
0.07
0.30
0.27

In the next step the judgment matrices for sub-criteria

related to respective criteria were obtained. Related subcriteria weighting vectors were calculated as defined by
Equations 6 (Table 2). Having determined the value of
the weighing coefficients for each of the observed

F cij

F W

Where the matrix elements

cij

criterions, matrix

is formed (Table 3).

are calculated using

alternatives is obtained by applying Equation 13. The

normalised values presented in Table 4 show that
Alternative 2 is the best. It is followed by Alternative 4, 3
and 1 respectively, regardless of the decision-makers
level of optimism. By using the centre of gravity method
to defuzzify the V values given earlier, the final weights
of alternatives obtained after normalization were: 0.213
(Alternative 1), 0.297 (Alternative 2), 0.220 (Alternative 3)
and 0.253 (Alternative 4). Obviously, the final ranking is
equal to the previous one.

Equation 10.
A1
(0.30,0.32,0.36)
(0.20,0.21,0.23)
F
(0.07,0.08,0.11)

(0.14,0.14,0.17)

A2

A3

A4

(0.36,0.32,0.30) (0.16,0.19,0.21) (0.12,0.16,0.19)

0.33
(0.24,0.26,0.23) (0.19,0.21,0.23) (0.30,0.33,0.35) 0.29
0.20
(0.29,0.31,0.32) (0.26,0.27,0.29) (0.26,0.27,0.29)

(0.30,0.31,0.32) (0.21,0.23,0.25) (0.29,0.31,0.34)

0.17

The assessment of alternatives has been performed

using relations 10 and 12. The final alternative
performance weights with respect to the overall goal have
been calculated by Equation 32 as:

V1 (0.20, 0.21, 0.23)

V (0.28, 0.29, 0.32)

V 2
V3 (0.20, 0.22, 0.24)

V4 (0.22, 0.26, 0.27)

For the typical values of that express the decisionmakers attitude toward risk, the final ranking of

DISCUSSION
Organisation is not a sum of mechanical parts, rather an
"organic whole" with a purpose and mission. In the
process of designing the organisational structure it is
necessary, having defining the objectives and design
criteria, to analyse the state of the organisation. In
addition to organisations operating in an uncertain
environment, there is a degree of uncertainty and
imprecision of criteria used in the process of
organisational design. Fuzzy multi-criteria approach
developed in this paper allows the quantification of these
criteria and selection of the best alternative out of
proposed organisational models. The presented model
enables the evaluation of the proposed options of
organisational structure, regardless of the number of
optimality criteria and sub-criteria. The model allows for
the choice of best alternative from a set described using
K optimality criteria and sub-criteria. The criteria
described can be of benefit or cost type. The criteria

Pamucar et al.

5385

W1

able 3. Additive synthesis.

SWOT factors
Strengths

S1
S2
S3

Alternative 1
Alternative 2
(0.119,0.113,0.109) (0.119,0.113,0.109)
(0.129,0.103,0.092) (0.129,0.103,0.092)
(0.116,0.108,0.102) (0.116,0.108,0.102)

Alternative 3
(0.078,0.084,0.088)
(0.000,0.026,0.037)
(0.077,0.080,0.083)

Alternative 4
W2
(0.078,0.084,0.088) 0.39
(0.000,0.026,0.037) 0.26
(0.040,0.053,0.062) 0.35

0.33

Weaknesses

W1
W2
W3
W4
W5
W6
W7

(0.027,0.028,0.030)
(0.030,0.031,0.032)
(0.024,0.027,0.030)
(0.016,0.022,0.028)
(0.028,0.027,0.027)
(0.040,0.040,0.040)
(0.025,0.029,0.035)

(0.027,0.028,0.030)
(0.045,0.042,0.039)
(0.036,0.036,0.037)
(0.046,0.045,0.046)
(0.028,0.027,0.027)
(0.040,0.040,0.040)
(0.063,0.058,0.052)

(0.018,0.021,0.024)
(0.030,0.031,0.032)
(0.024,0.027,0.030)
(0.030,0.033,0.037)
(0.018,0.020,0.022)
(0.040,0.040,0.040)
(0.025,0.029,0.035)

(0.046,0.042,0.036)
(0.030,0.031,0.032)
(0.060,0.053,0.045)
(0.076,0.067,0.056)
(0.028,0.027,0.027)
(0.040,0.040,0.040)
(0.063,0.058,0.052)

0.12
0.13
0.14
0.17
0.10
0.16
0.18

0.29

Opportunities

O1
O2
O3
O4
O5
O6

(0.017,0.021,0.027)
(0.023,0.028,0.034)
(0.012,0.014,0.017)
(0.023,0.028,0.036)
(0.018,0.021,0.025)
(0.014,0.017,0.022)

(0.043,0.042,0.040)
(0.058,0.055,0.050)
(0.031,0.029,0.026)
(0.058,0.056,0.054)
(0.046,0.042,0.037)
(0.035,0.034,0.032)

(0.043,0.042,0.040)
(0.058,0.055,0.050)
(0.031,0.029,0.026)
(0.058,0.056,0.054)
(0.009,0.014,0.019)
(0.035,0.034,0.032)

(0.043,0.042,0.040)
(0.035,0.037,0.042)
(0.012,0.014,0.017)
(0.058,0.056,0.054)
(0.046,0.042,0.037)
(0.035,0.034,0.032)

0.15
0.18
0.09
0.20
0.12
0.12

0.20

Threats

T1
T2
T3
T4

(0.050,0.059,0.071)
(0.009,0.011,0.013)
(0.076,0.076,0.076)
(0.069,0.069,0.069)

(0.127,0.118,0.106)
(0.022,0.021,0.019)
(0.076,0.076,0.076)
(0.069,0.069,0.069)

(0.050,0.059,0.071)
(0.013,0.014,0.016)
(0.076,0.076,0.076)
(0.069,0.069,0.069)

(0.127,0.118,0.106)
(0.022,0.021,0.019)
(0.076,0.076,0.076)
(0.069,0.069,0.069)

0.35
0.07
0.30
0.27

0.17

Table 4. Final ranking of alternatives.

Decision alternative
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 4

Index of optimism
= 0.0 (pessimistic) = 0.5 (moderate)
0.205
0.212
0.285
0.295
0.210
0.220
0.245
0.255

relevant to the design of organisations as well as their

influence on the choice of alternatives have their values
displayed as numerical values or fuzzy linguistic
descriptors. Since the process of organisational design
often involved a number of experts, the model allows for
a possibility of optimality criteria values synthesis in case
of group decision-making. Decision-making in a group
differs from individual decision-making on methodological
and mathematical levels. Group syntheses with complete
and incomplete information are discussed in the model.
In addition, the model enables comparison of the criterion
functions output values using two methods namely:
dephasification of the centre of gravity and the total
integral value method. Application of the given model is
shown on the example of designing the organisational
structure of the governing bodies of transport support.

= 1.0 (optimistic)
0.220
0.305
0.230
0.265

Final rank
4
1
3
2

The complex environment, in which these governing

bodies act, does not tolerate organisational improvisation,
rather requires a planned and methodological
organisational project and its constant modification and
adaptation.
Selection of the appropriate organisational structure is
one of the most significant decisions, as the capabilities
of the governing system will be significantly slowed down
if an organisational structure is inadequate for the
circumstances in which the organisation is. Although the
model application was shown on the example of
designing governing bodies within the armed forces, it
possesses great flexibility and can be adapted to any
particular problem. Very easily, with minor modifications,
it can be applied for the selection of organisational
structure of any business system.

5386

Sci. Res. Essays

REFERENCES
Bender MJ, Simonovic SP (2000). A fuzzy compromise approach to
water resources systems planning under uncertainty. Fuzzy Set.
Syst., 115: 35-44.
Bozanic D, Pamucar D (2010). Evaluating locations for river crossing
using fuzzy logic. Milit. Tech. Cour., 1: 129-145.
Brans JP, Vincke P, Mareschal B (1986). How to select and how to rank
projects by the Promethee method. Eur. J. Oper. Res., 24: 228-238.
Deng H (1999). Multicriteria analysis with fuzzy pairwisecomparison. Int.
J. Approx. Reason., 21: 215-231.
Hwang CL, Yoon KS (1981). Multiple attribute decision making:
methods and applications. Springer, Berlin.
Kujacic M, Bojovic N (2003). Organizational design of post corporation
structure using fuzzy multicriteria decision making. Comput. Math.
Organ. Theory, 9: 5-18.
Liou TS, Wang MJJ (1992). Ranking fuzzy numbers with integral value.
Fuzzy Set. Syst., 50: 247-256.
Pamucar D (2009). Design of the organisational structure using fuzzy
logic approach. Master paper. Serbia: Faculty of Transport and
Traffic Engineering, Belgrade.
Pamucar D (2010). Using fuzzy logic and neural networks during
decision making proces in transport. Milit. Techn. Cour., 3: 125-143.

Pamucar D, Bozanic D, Dorovic B, Milic A (2011). Modelling of the fuzzy

logical system for offering support in making decisions within the
engineering units of the Serbian army. Int. J. Phys. Sci., 3: 592-609.
Roy B (1968). Ranking and selection in the presence of multiple
viewpoints. Comput. Oper. Res., 8: 57-75.
Saaty TL (1980). The analytic hierarchy process. McGraw-Hill, New
York.
Srdevic B, Medeiros Y, Srdevic Z, Schaer M (2002). Evaluating
management strategies in Paraguacu river basin by analytic
hierarchy process. First Biennial Meeting Int. Environ. Modeling
Software Soc., 1: 42-47.
Triantaphyllou E, Lin CT (1996). Development and evaluation of five
multiattribute decision making methods. Int. J. Approx. Reason., 14:
281-310.
Zadeh LA (1965). Fuzzy sets. Inf. Control. 8: 338-353.
Zeleny M (1982). Multiple citeria decision making. McGraw-Hill Book
Company, New York.