A New Improvement Method to Avoid Rank Reversal in VIKOR

The purpose of this paper is to improve the classical VIKOR method with a holistic view, and evaluate the alternatives with invariant reference points and scales to achieve the rank preservation. The VIKOR method, as a commonly used multi-attribute decision making model, is prone to rank reversal when the alternative is added, deleted or replaced. The phenomenon of rank reversal indicates that there is a contradiction in the consistency and credibility of the evaluation results. First, the new improved VIKOR called R-VIKOR focuses on the selection of historical extreme values of indicators, the process of data normalization, and the determination of virtual ideal solutions. It should be emphasized that the improved method is the improvement and extension of VIKOR. In addition, the theoretical basis of R-VIKOR with the ability to preserve rank is discussed. The R-VIKOR can ensure that the evaluation result of the selected alternative can be fixed, which is just like a unified ruler measuring objects, and the problem of rank reversal can be solved naturally. Finally, several examples and random experiments are examined to verify the validity and credibility of R-VIKOR.