An Extended LBWA Framework in Picture Fuzzy Environment Using Actual Score Measures Application in Social Enterprise Systems

Level-based weight assessment (LBWA) model is a recently introduced algorithm for determining criteria weights for multi-criteria group decision making. In this paper, the authors aim to extend the basic framework of LBWA in the picture fuzzy (PF) environment using actual score (AS) measures of the picture fuzzy numbers (PFN). They apply this extended framework in addressing a real-life problem pertaining to social entrepreneurship or social entrepreneurs (SE) in the context of COVID-19. They endeavor to identify the critical challenging factors of SE in the new normal. They list the challenges as revealed through literature review and take the opinion of a group of SEs using PF linguistic scale. They then apply the proposed framework, actual score-based picture fuzzy LBWA. They notice that ability to withstand disruption risk and show resilience and fund availability and creation of a supporting business ecosystems are the major challenges that SEs face in the new normal. They carry out validity checking and sensitivity analysis, which show reasonable consistency and stability in the result.