Grey Systems : Theory and Applications

Due to inherent limitations in human sensing organs, most data collected for various purposes contain uncertainties. Even at the rare occasions when accurate data are available, the truthful predictions derived on the data tend to create chaotic consequences. So, to effectively process and make sense out of available data, we need methods to deal with uncertainty inherently existing inside the data. The intent of this monograph is to explore the fundamental theory, methods, and techniques of practical application of grey systems theory, initiated by Professor Deng Julong in 1982. This volume presents most of the recent advances of the theory accomplished by scholars from around the world. From studying this book, the reader will not only acquire an overall knowledge of this new theory but also be able to follow the most current research activities. All examples presented are based on practical applications of the theory when urgent real-life problems had to be addressed. Last but not the least, this book concludes with three appendices. The first one compares grey systems theory and interval analysis while revealing the fact that interval analysis is a part of grey mathematics. The second appendix presents an array of different approaches of studying uncertainties. And, the last appendix shows how uncertainties appear using general systems approach. Front Matter....Pages - Introduction to Grey Systems Theory....Pages 1-18 Basic Building Blocks....Pages 19-49 Grey Incidence and Evaluations....Pages 51-105 Grey Systems Modeling....Pages 107-148 Discrete Grey Prediction Models....Pages 149-168 Combined Grey Models....Pages 169-195 Grey Models for Decision Making....Pages 197-223 Grey Game Models....Pages 225-258 Grey Control Systems....Pages 259-285 Introduction to Grey Systems Modeling Software....Pages 287-302 Back Matter....Pages -