Numerical fact-finding of different functions impact on the fuzzy preference programming optimality

The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is a widely implemented approach for determining the weights of criteria and alternatives from pairwise comparison matrices. FAHP methodology uses triangular fuzzy as a tool for the decision-maker to arrange judgments expressed as the pairwise comparison matrix elements. FAHP is then modeled into a nonlinear constrained optimization problem to increase the decision maker’s satisfaction. However, in some cases, this model would yield multiple optimal solutions. Logarithmic fuzzy preference programming (LFPP) is offered to overcome this unfavorable situation. Nevertheless, LFPP includes a parameter in its model for which no specific method is available to determine. Meanwhile, the differences in parameter values will affect the solution. In the worst case, the weights obtained will be inaccurate. As a result, the decision taken based on the weights will be biased and unreliable. This issue is particularly important when it requires high accuracy. It includes the decisions on the portfolio investment, economic, human capital measurements, and shipping registry. Another crucial thing is that the use of the natural logarithm function in the LFPP method has the potential for an overflow effect at the computational stage when it is implemented to derive the weights. Therefore, in the application context, it is significant to improve the shortcomings of the LFPP method in terms of parameter involvement and the use of the logarithmic function. For this purpose, this paper proposes a non-parameter transcendental fuzzy preference programming (TFPP) model for deriving the optimal weights from fuzzy pairwise comparison matrices. The TFPP is obtained by investigating different functions’ effects on fuzzy preference programming (FPP). The proposed method has a more general form. One of the specific forms of the TFPP is chosen in a computational implementation. The numerical results confirm that the TFPP optimization model is reliable in obtaining the optimum global weights. The comparison with the LFPP method also shows that the TFPP is more efficient. •Logarithmic fuzzy preference programming (LFPP) includes a parameter in its model.•The parameter incorporated in LFPP affects the optimality of the solution.•Some transcendental functions employed to replace the logarithmic function in LFPP.•Transcendental fuzzy preference programming performs better than the LFPP.