Hybrid TISM and GRA Methods for Constructing Indicator Systems in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Problems: The Case of Large Ships

Evaluating and selecting alternative solutions are multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. Indicator systems are critical for MCDM problems because they significantly impact the MCDM method selection and final decision-making results. However, the existing methods for constructing indicator systems need more rationality and better operability, especially in complicated MCDM problems with numerous indicators and complex structures. This paper presents a hybrid methodological approach for constructing indicator systems using Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM) and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) methods. The TISM method is used for the structural analysis of evaluation systems, and the GRA method is used for the quantitative analysis of group consensus. Furthermore, the corresponding iterative algorithm is developed to promote the rationality and operability of indicator system construction. Finally, a case study of constructing a shipequipment environmental suitability indicator system is examined to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness. The results reveal that the proposed method improves the rationality and operability of indicator system construction and is suitable for complicated MCDM problems with numerous indicators and complex structures.