Bidirectional Absolute GRA/GIA Model for Uncertain Systems: Application in Project Management

This paper extends the existing absolute grey relational analysis (Absolute GRA) model, also called the absolute degree grey incidence analysis (ADGIA) model. By working on the limitations of the existing Absolute GRA model, the proposed model, named Bidirectional Absolute GRA (BAGRA) model, is better equipped to handle uncertain systems being represented by uncertain data. It is suitable for simultaneous handling of both linear and nonlinear arrays of data with both consistent and inconsistent directions of motion. The model introduces a bidirectional grey relational degree that is a composite measure of both direction and strength of the relationship. The study also introduced two scales to test the appropriateness of collected data to measure the confidence level on the information extracted from that data. In the end, after the pilot testing, the model is being applied on an R&D project management case from a real world. The work is important both theoretically and practically, especially for the data analysts concerned with the uncertain relationships between different data arrays, in general, and for the grey systems analysts, in particular.