An extension of case-based decision theory by using Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new decision-making method by integrating case-based decision theory and the Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed the entire computational procedures for the proposed method and used a numerical example to illustrate its method.

Findings

The results show that not only the own experiences of the decision-maker but also the opinions of other persons contribute to the selection. Case-based decision theory provides a fundamental technique for the decision-making procedure, and the Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence offers support to deal with the different sources of decision information.

Research limitations/implications

In case-based decision theory, the utility is a subjective concept, which cannot be measured easily in numbers. Thus, future research should seek a new method to replace the utility. In addition, how to assess the importance of different persons’ experiences and opinions is an important component of this method.

Originality/value

The contributions of the paper are mainly reflected in three aspects. The first is to expand the traditional concept of “case” of case-based decision theory to multiple sources of cases, which include not only the decision-maker’s own experiences but also other persons’ opinions. The second is to provide a decision-making framework by integrating case-based decision theory and the Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence. The third is to develop the entire computational procedures for the proposed method.

Citation

Du, F. and Liu, F. (2018), "An extension of case-based decision theory by using Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence", Journal of Modelling in Management, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 179-189. https://doi.org/10.1108/JM2-12-2016-0136