Title: Alternate neural network models in decision making for socio-economic development

Authors: Purnima S. Sangle, Suju M. George, P. Ram Babu

Addresses: Information Technology, National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Vihar Lake, Powai, 400087 Mumbai, India. ' Care Sustainability, A 29, AWHO, Dara Enclave, Sector 9, Nerul 400706, New Mumbai, India. ' Sustainable Business Solutions, PricewaterhouseCoopers P Ltd., Kamla Mills, Trade World, C Wing, 9th Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013 Mumbai, India

Abstract: Alternate neural network models are used to identify the structure of preferences for development alternatives and their consequences in the cases of Doon Valley and National Capital Region in India in the context of carrying-capacity-based developmental planning. Alternate neural network models are presented as an effective alternative to deal with multi-criteria decision-making situations. The performance of fuzzy neural network has been compared with crisp neural and hierarchical fuzzy aggregation networks to validate the predictive capability. The models are used for the prediction of preference indices for developmental options in the year 2021 AD.

Keywords: fuzzy neural networks; crisp neural networks; hierarchical fuzzy aggregation networks; additive hybrid operators; multi-criteria decision making; MCDM; neural networks; socio-economic development; India; development planning; urban areas; fuzzy logic; sustainability; environmental pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2006.011220

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2006 Vol.28 No.3/4, pp.412 - 431

Published online: 06 Nov 2006 *

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