Find the most common questions and answers about Fuzzy DEMATEL, including its main steps, applications, and how to use our online Fuzzy DEMATEL software for practical decision-making.
Basic Concepts
What is Fuzzy DEMATEL?
Fuzzy DEMATEL combines the DEMATEL method with fuzzy logic to analyze cause–effect relationships among criteria under uncertainty.
What does DEMATEL stand for?
DEMATEL stands for Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory.
What is the main goal of DEMATEL?
To identify and visualize the cause–effect structure among factors influencing a decision problem.
Why use fuzzy logic in DEMATEL?
Fuzzy logic helps handle imprecise and subjective judgments from experts, making the results more realistic.
Who developed the DEMATEL method?
DEMATEL was developed by the Battelle Memorial Institute in Geneva during the 1970s.
Methodology and Steps
What are the main steps of Fuzzy DEMATEL?
- Define the problem and factors
- Collect expert judgments using fuzzy scales
- Build the direct-relation matrix
- Normalize the matrix
- Calculate the total relation matrix
- Identify cause and effect groups
- Visualize the impact map
What are fuzzy numbers?
Fuzzy numbers (like triangular fuzzy numbers) represent uncertain or linguistic judgments such as “low,” “medium,” or “high.”
How are fuzzy numbers converted to crisp values?
By using defuzzification techniques such as the centroid method.
What is the direct-relation matrix in DEMATEL?
It’s a matrix showing the direct influence of each factor on others.
What is the total relation matrix?
It shows both direct and indirect relationships among all factors.
Interpretation of Results
What are the ‘cause’ and ‘effect’ groups in DEMATEL?
Factors with positive (D–R) values are causes, while those with negative (D–R) values are effects.
What do D and R represent?
D = sum of rows (influence given to others), R = sum of columns (influence received from others).
What is the threshold value in DEMATEL?
A cutoff value used to filter weak relationships from the total relation matrix.
How is the cause–effect diagram interpreted?
It visually shows which criteria drive the system (causes) and which are influenced (effects).
Can DEMATEL show interdependence among criteria?
Yes, that’s one of its main strengths — it reveals interrelationships among factors.
Applications
Where can Fuzzy DEMATEL be applied?
In supply chain management, project evaluation, risk analysis, policy making, and sustainability studies.
Can it handle qualitative data?
Yes, fuzzy DEMATEL converts qualitative expert opinions into quantitative analysis.
Is Fuzzy DEMATEL suitable for complex systems?
Yes, it is designed for systems with multiple interdependent factors.
Can it be used with other MCDM methods?
Yes, it’s often combined with AHP, ANP, or TOPSIS to enhance decision-making.
What are the benefits of using Fuzzy DEMATEL?
It provides a clear visualization of influence relationships and deals effectively with uncertainty.
Using the Software
Can I perform Fuzzy DEMATEL analysis online?
Yes, you can use the Fuzzy DEMATEL online software at OnlineOutput.com.
What inputs are needed for Fuzzy DEMATEL software?
A list of criteria and expert judgments expressed as fuzzy values.
What outputs does the software generate?
- Direct relation matrix
- Total relation matrix
- Cause–effect diagram
- D + R and D – R values
Does the software perform defuzzification automatically?
Yes, the online software converts fuzzy data into crisp values automatically.
Can multiple experts provide input?
Yes, the software can average fuzzy judgments from multiple experts.
Advanced Topics
What defuzzification methods are commonly used?
Centroid method, mean of maxima, or fuzzy average.
How can we identify key influencing factors?
By analyzing factors with the highest D–R (net influence) values.
What happens if expert judgments conflict?
Fuzzy aggregation helps reduce inconsistencies and smooth out variations.
Can Fuzzy DEMATEL be visualized graphically?
Yes, the results can be plotted as a cause–effect diagram for easy interpretation.
How can Fuzzy DEMATEL support decision-making?
By identifying which criteria have the strongest influence and should be prioritized in strategic decisions.
Experience the Fuzzy Dematel online software: