A fuzzy approach to selecting information systems projects

This paper formulates the selection of information systems (IS) projects as a multicriteria analysis problem, and presents a fuzzy approach for solving the IS project selection problem in a straightforward manner. Linguistic variables approximated by fuzzy numbers are used to represent the subjective assessments of the decision maker so that the uncertainty and imprecision inherent in them selection process is adequately handled in a cognitively less demanding manner. The concept of fuzzy ideal solutions including the positive fuzzy ideal solution and the negative fuzzy ideal solution and a distanced-based fuzzy similarity measure between fuzzy numbers are applied for calculating the overall performance index for each alternative IS project across all criteria. As a result, the complex and unreliable process of comparing the overall fuzzy utilities commonly required in fuzzy multicriteria analysis is avoided, and effective selection decisions can be made. An example of an IS project selection problem is presented. It shows the fuzzy approach is effective and efficient for solving the general IS project selection problem in real world settings.