Rank‐based analysis method to determine OWA weights and its application in group decision making

To determine the weights of the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator, a new approach that is termed as rank-based analysis method with subjective information is developed. Available information called importance ratio that is obtained by subjective judgment of expert(s) is used in the OWA weights determination. The proposed approach is further extended to the situation of group decision making and is also used to obtain the weights of experts in this situation. In this case, the final OWA weights are obtained through a complete consistent group judgment matrix. Finally, a numerical example regarding the selection of the optimal R&D personnel is given to illustrate the application of the new method in group decision making.