ABSTRACT
The theory of fuzzy bipolar soft sets is an efficient extension of soft sets for depicting the bipolarity of uncertain fuzzy soft information;however, it is limited to a single expert. The present research article introduces the theory of an innovative hybrid model called the fuzzy bipolar soft expert sets, as a natural extension of two existing models (including fuzzy soft expert sets and fuzzy bipolar soft sets). The proposed model is highly suitable for describing the bipolarity of fuzzy soft information having multiple expert opinions. Some fundamental properties of the developed hybrid model are discussed, including subset, complement, union, intersection, AND operation, and OR operation. The proposed concepts are explained with detailed examples. Moreover, to demonstrate the applicability of our initiated model, an application of the proposed hybrid model is presented along with the developed algorithm to tackle the real-world group decision-making situation, that is, ranking effectiveness of tests in spread analysis of COVID-19. Finally, a comparative analysis of the developed model with some existing mathematical tools such as fuzzy soft expert sets and fuzzy bipolar soft sets is provided to show the cogency and reliability of the initiated model. © 2021 Ghous Ali et al.