Using the neutrosophic N-AHP method to prioritize variables and expert analysis

Abstract

The study focuses on addressing a growing challenge in complex decision-making: how to prioritize key variables in an environment of inherent uncertainty and contradiction. In this context, the research explores the implementation of the neutrosophic N-AHP method, a variant of Hierarchical Process Analysis (HPA) that incorporates neutrosophic logic to handle ambiguity and indeterminacy in the evaluation of critical variables. Although traditional HPA has been widely used to prioritize options, it has been limited in contexts where expert perceptions are not clear-cut or are marked by high levels of uncertainty. This work seeks to overcome those limitations, proposing a more flexible and robust approach that allows integration of the inherent complexity in strategic and operational decisions. Through the use of the neutrosophic N-AHP, the study not only introduces an innovative methodology for expert analysis but also provides a powerful tool for prioritizing variables in a wide range of applications, from business management to public policy formulation. The results indicate that this approach significantly improves the accuracy and consistency of decision-making by allowing experts to express their judgments more completely, adapting to the reality of ambiguous decisions. The contributions of the study are vast: first, they open up new possibilities in research on decision-making under uncertainty; second, they offer practical applications that can be adopted in different sectors, improving the quality and effectiveness of decisions. In conclusion, this research not only advances the methodological field but also offers useful tools for those seeking to navigate highly complex scenarios.