oa Grey theory-based MCDM model for auditing firm selection problem in Qatar

The purpose of this study is to develop a decision making model based on the grey relational analysis for auditing firm selection. The auditing firm selection is a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problem that is affected by quantitative and qualitative factors, some of which may conflict with each other. Since most of the input information is not known accurately, selecting the right auditing firm becomes more difficult. Grey theory is one of the new mathematical methods used to analyze systems with uncertain and incomplete information. In this research, using a multi-criteria decision making approach, the grey system theory has been used to capture the complexity inherent in auditing firm selection process. A comprehensive literature review is carried out to arrive at the most important criteria for selecting an auditing firm and the alternatives considered are the big four auditing firms. Then with the help of decision makers in Qatar, the weight and rating of criteria for all alternatives are described by linguistic variables that can be expressed in grey number. This is followed by proposed grey possibility degree to determine the ranking order of all alternatives. Finally, the best auditing firm is proposed based on their grey ranking. The novelty of the approach lies in its consideration of the of multiple criteria simultaneously for the selection of an auditing firm. The proposed model is expected to serve as an to aid top management and chief financial officers in their decision of selection of an auditing firm.