Linear programming models and methods of matrix games with payoffs of triangular fuzzy numbers (Q897111)

The book establishes an interesting relationship between game theory and fuzzy set theory. The main topic analyzed is that of two-person games of zero-sum but, unlike the classical (or ``crisp'') situation, now the payoffs are always expressed with fuzzy numbers, so framing ``so-to-say'' a situation of uncertainty. The main objective of the book is the construction and development of a new theory based on effective and efficient linear programming models and methods that could be able to solve matrix games in which the payoffs are fuzzy numbers. Always bearing this main aim in mind, the author has divided the book into two parts. Each part consists of two chapters, where the keys of this approach are considered and explored. Thus, concepts as solutions of matrix games with payoffs in intervals, as well as their corresponding linear programming models and subsequent methods are introduced and studied in depth. It is then shown that these concepts are relevant to analyze matrix games under uncertain economic management. Apart from the pure theoretical results achieved, the book has a wide potential for possible applications, in a multidisciplinary scope, namely: game theory, operational research, management science, fuzzy mathematical programming, fuzzy mathematics, industrial engineering, business economics or social choice theory among others. The book is organized as follows: The first part is mainly devoted to matrix games with payoffs of triangular fuzzy numbers. Here, the key models and methods are introduced and explored. First, interval-valued matrix games and then matrix games with payoffs of triangular fuzzy numbers are analyzed. The second part studies constrained matrix games with payoffs of triangular fuzzy numbers. As in the first part, it begins with the analysis of interval-valued constrained matrix games, and then concludes with constrained matrix games with payoffs of triangular fuzzy numbers. As a by-product some interesting ideas concerning triangular fuzzy numbers as, e.g., algebraic operations as well as order relations on intervals and/or triangular fuzzy numbers, etc., have also been introduced throughout the text. Among the applications, we point out that in the last part of the books some appealing ideas coming from real examples of market share problems have been included and developed in the light of all the results previously achieved.