A fuzzy Delphi method to rank alternatives for industry selection

The aim of this study is to determine the ranking of industry alternatives using individual investors’ perceptions. It focuses on the study of portfolio investments based on individual investors’ perceptions on industry selection in unfavorable market conditions. This paper utilises the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to identify and rank the best performing industry options. The method is equipped with three levels of confidence - Very Optimistic, Neutral, and Very Pessimistic - which are rarely explored using traditional methods. An empirical analysis was carried out using data adopted from a case study in Turkey to demonstrate the feasibility and suitability of the proposed calculations. Based on the results of the calculation, this method, which has clear procedures, shows great potential in dealing with the complexities in assessing investors’ perceptions for the purpose of making industry selection decisions. In addition, it offers investors more confidence in making decisions as it is equipped with three levels of confidence which function as assistance tools in the decision-making process.