The Synergy of Fuzzy Logic and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making: Application Areas and Global Trends

Abstract

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to understand the evolution and application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)/Fuzzy MCDM methods in scientific literature. The literature review process, utilizing the Scopus database, analyzed 13278 articles out of 30144 published between 2014-2024. The analysis reveals substantial academic output in MCDM/Fuzzy MCDM fields with an annual growth rate of 13.38%. However, the declining citation-per-paper ratio suggests that increasing publication volume may negatively impact individual studies' visibility. Journals like Sustainability, PLOS One, and IEEE Access emerge as top publishers, highlighting the rise of open-access platforms while cautioning that rapid acceptance processes may introduce methodological weaknesses. Leading authors such as Zeshui Xu and Dragan Pamučar have made significant theoretical and practical contributions. Xu's operators for intuitionistic fuzzy sets and Pamučar's novel MCDM methods for healthcare supplier selection represent key milestones. The University of California System demonstrates strong research infrastructure as the most prolific institution. China dominates as the most productive country (14545 articles, 122430 citations), followed by India, Pakistan, and Turkey, whose collaborations enhance scientific interaction. Yager's (2013) IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems paper, "Pythagorean Membership Grades in Multicriteria Decision Making," remains the most cited (2433 citations). Science mapping identifies key trends: fuzzy logic's role in decision model evolution and integration with machine learning. Applications in energy efficiency, maritime safety, and sustainability are growing. Future integration with AI/ML is projected to enhance decision-making efficiency.