Materials selection method using improved TOPSIS without rank reversal based on linear max-min normalization with absolute maximum and minimum values

Abstract Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is a well-known multi attribute decision making (MADM) method and it has been widely used in materials selection. However, the main drawback of traditional TOPSIS that rank reversal phenomenon. To overcome this drawback, we propose an improved without based on linear max-min normalization with absolute maximum minimum values modifying formula solutions. Moreover, study impacts changing weights relative closeness alternatives, sensitivity analysis alternatives. We applied proposed select best absorbent layer material thin film solar cells (TFSCs). As result, copper indium gallium diselinide was selected as one next cadmium telluride from among five materials. When alternative added or removed set original elements normalized decision-matrix, PIS, NIS don’t change at all, they are always coincide corresponding ones. The irrelevant composition alternatives TOPSIS, while relevant TOPSIS. Therefore, overcomes phenomenon, perfectly. It could be actively practical problems