An Expert System for Evaluation, Ranking and Selection of Research and Development Projects

Combining fuzzy theory with data envelopment analysis (DEA) is proved to be an advantageous tool to assess the performance of decision-making units (DMUs) under uncertainty. As innovative activities and processes always are faced with uncertainty, this paper aims to propose a novel approach based on adjustable fuzzy data envelopment analysis (AFDEA) model for evaluation, ranking and selection of research and development (R&D) projects under fuzzy environment. Notably, in the AFDEA model, decision makers (DMs) can easily consider different optimistic-pessimistic attitudes only by setting an adjustable parameter. Finally, to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach, a real-life case study from the industry of Iran is considered