A Novel Integrated Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process with a 4-Tuple Hedge Algebra Semantics for Assessing the Level of Digital Transformation of Enterprises

Hedge algebra is a powerful and flexible tool for handling linguistic information, enabling precise quantitative computations and enhancing the effectiveness of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). This study proposes a novel integrated fuzzy MCDM approach that combines an enhanced fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (EFAHP) with a 4-tuple hedge algebra semantics model to assess digital transformation in retail enterprises. In this approach, the EFAHP method is integrated with hedge algebra to determine the priorities of pillars and criteria while providing a rigorous mathematical mechanism to transform ambiguous linguistic evaluations into numerical values. This transformation leverages the semantic structure of linguistic variable domains and incorporates fuzziness measures for both atomic words and intensity-modifying words (hedges). Furthermore, a new consistency index formula is introduced to evaluate the reliability of the EFAHP results, with validation being limited to the case study dataset. The 4-tuple hedge algebra semantic model is then employed to assess and rank the digital transformation levels of retail enterprises in Vietnam. Finally, a sensitivity analysis verifies the robustness of the proposed approach by illustrating how variations in pillar and criterion weights influence enterprise rankings.