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1 – 10 of over 12000
Article
Publication date: 4 January 2008

Chung‐Hung Tsai, Cheng‐Wu Chen, Wei‐Ling Chiang and Meng‐Lung Lin

Fuzzy theory provides a rigorous, flexible approach to the problem of defining and computing. Therefore, to facilitate decision making in a geographic information system (GIS)…

1383

Abstract

Purpose

Fuzzy theory provides a rigorous, flexible approach to the problem of defining and computing. Therefore, to facilitate decision making in a geographic information system (GIS), the graph layer indicator and the Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model must be integrated. This study aims to explain several versions of the T‐S fuzzy model based on fuzzy theory and fuzzy operation.

Design/methodology/approach

An inference model is constructed for GIS using the T‐S fuzzy model to formulate an integrated T‐S decision‐making (TSDMK) system.

Findings

The TSDMK system accommodates inexact, linguistic, vague and uncertain GIS data. The operator assigns most graph layer indicators by intuition.

Practical implications

Simulation results for the Hualien main station show that the proposed TSDMK system is an effective approach for GIS decision making.

Originality/value

This investigation assesses applications of fuzzy logic for decision making in a GIS based on TSDMK graphs focusing on model‐based systems.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2023

Surabhi Singh, Shiwangi Singh, Alex Koohang, Anuj Sharma and Sanjay Dhir

The primary aim of this study is to detail the use of soft computing techniques in business and management research. Its objectives are as follows: to conduct a comprehensive…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to detail the use of soft computing techniques in business and management research. Its objectives are as follows: to conduct a comprehensive scientometric analysis of publications in the field of soft computing, to explore the evolution of keywords, to identify key research themes and latent topics and to map the intellectual structure of soft computing in the business literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This research offers a comprehensive overview of the field by synthesising 43 years (1980–2022) of soft computing research from the Scopus database. It employs descriptive analysis, topic modelling (TM) and scientometric analysis.

Findings

This study's co-citation analysis identifies three primary categories of research in the field: the components, the techniques and the benefits of soft computing. Additionally, this study identifies 16 key study themes in the soft computing literature using TM, including decision-making under uncertainty, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), the application of deep learning in object detection and fault diagnosis, circular economy and sustainable development and a few others.

Practical implications

This analysis offers a valuable understanding of soft computing for researchers and industry experts and highlights potential areas for future research.

Originality/value

This study uses scientific mapping and performance indicators to analyse a large corpus of 4,512 articles in the field of soft computing. It makes significant contributions to the intellectual and conceptual framework of soft computing research by providing a comprehensive overview of the literature on soft computing literature covering a period of four decades and identifying significant trends and topics to direct future research.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2019

Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan, Amin Chaabane and Fikri Dweiri

Existing supply chain (SC) performance models are not able to cope with the potential of intensive SC digitalisation and establish a relationship between decisions and decision…

1485

Abstract

Purpose

Existing supply chain (SC) performance models are not able to cope with the potential of intensive SC digitalisation and establish a relationship between decisions and decision criteria. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated knowledge-based system (KBS) that creates a link between decisions and decision criteria (attributes) and evaluates the overall SC performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed KBS is grounded on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP), which establishes a relationship between short-term and long-term decisions and SC performance criteria (short-term and long-term) for accurate and integrated Overall SC performance evaluation.

Findings

The proposed KBS evaluates the overall SC performance, establishes a relationship between decisions (long-term and short-term) and decision criteria of SC functions and provides decision makers with a view of the impact of their short-term or long-term decisions on overall SC performance. The proposed system was implemented in a case company where the authors were able to develop a SC performance monitoring dashboard for the company’s top managers and operational managers.

Practical implications

The proposed KBS assists organisations and decision makers in evaluating their overall SC performance and helps in identifying underperforming SC functions and their associated criteria. It may also be considered as a tool for benchmarking SC performance against competitors. It can efficiently point to improvement directions and help decision makers improve overall SC performance.

Originality/value

The proposed KBS provides a holistic and integrated approach, establishes a relationship between decisions and decision criteria and evaluates overall SC performance, which is one of the main limitations in existing supply chain performance measurement systems.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2008

Issam Kouatli

This paper seeks to identify and propose a standard approach for the selection and optimization of fuzzy sets used in fuzzy decision‐making systems.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify and propose a standard approach for the selection and optimization of fuzzy sets used in fuzzy decision‐making systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The design was based on two principles: selection and optimization. The selection methodology was based on the “Fuzzimetric Arcs” principle, which is an analogy of the trigonometric circle principle. This would allow an initial sinusoidal fuzzy set shape. Other shapes may also be selected using the described formula (trapezoidal, triangular, … , etc.). As the proposal methodology is based on the trigonometric circle, other trigonometric formulae can be applied. For example, linguistic hedges can be defined using standard trigonometric formulae. Regarding optimization, the initial fuzzy set selection was assumed to be of regular shape (sinusoidal, trapezoidal or triangular). An irregular shape may be required by some systems. Hence, a genetic algorithm was proposed as a methodology to optimize the performance of fuzzy systems by mutating different regular shapes.

Findings

A simplified business decision‐making application was described and the proposed selection methodology was explained in the form of an example. Currently, there is no standard for the selection of fuzzy sets as this is dependent on knowledge engineering and the type of application chosen. The proposed methodology offers an easy‐to‐use possible standard which all developers/researchers may adopt irrespective of their application field. Moreover, the proposed methodology may integrate well with object‐oriented technology.

Originality/value

The paper presents standardization of the fuzzy sets selection and optimization technique used in any type of management information systems. This will aid all developers and researchers to enhance their technical communication. It would also enhance the simplicity and effectiveness of optimizing the performance of such systems.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2010

Rajiv Kumar Sharma and Pooja Sharma

The purpose of this paper is to permit the system reliability analysts/managers/engineers to model, analyze and predict the behavior of industrial systems in a more realistic and…

3128

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to permit the system reliability analysts/managers/engineers to model, analyze and predict the behavior of industrial systems in a more realistic and consistent manner and plan suitable maintenance strategies accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

Root cause analysis (RCA), failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and fuzzy methodology (FM) have been used by the authors to build an integrated framework, to facilitate the reliability/system analysts in maintenance planning. The factors contributing to system unreliability were analyzed using RCA and FMEA. The uncertainty related to performance of system is modeled using fuzzy synthesis of information.

Findings

The in‐depth analysis of system is carried out using RCA and FMEA. The discrepancies associated with the traditional procedure of risk ranking in FMEA are modeled using decision making system based on fuzzy methodology. Further, to cope up with imprecise, uncertain and subjective information related to system performance, the system behavior is quantified by fuzzy synthesis of information.

Originality/value

The complementary adoption of the techniques as discussed in the study will help the maintenance engineers/managers/practitioners to plan/adapt suitable maintenance practices to improve system reliability and maintainability aspects after understanding the failure behavior of component(s) in the system.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2018

Dilbagh Panchal, Sachin Kumar Mangla, Mohit Tyagi and Mangey Ram

The purpose of this paper is to develop a fuzzy methodology approaches based framework for carrying the risk analysis of a real industrial system of a urea fertilizer industry…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a fuzzy methodology approaches based framework for carrying the risk analysis of a real industrial system of a urea fertilizer industry located in northern part of India.

Design/methodology/approach

Petri Net approach was applied for representing the series-parallel arrangement of the considered system. Various failure causes related to different subsystems or equipment of the considered system were listed under FMEA approach and their Risk Priority Number was tabulated. Further, to overcome the drawbacks of traditional FMEA approach in risk ranking fuzzy FMEA and grey relation analysis (GRA) approaches were applied within traditional FMEA approach and the ranking results were compared for better and effective decision making of risky components.

Findings

The proposed framework has overcome the drawbacks of tradition FMEA approach in an effective and efficient manner. Causes AC7, CL3, ST2, DR3 and NR3 of centrifugal compressor, hot heat exchanger, ammonia convertor reactor, cold condenser and ammonia separator have been identified as the most critical failure causes of the considered system.

Originality/value

The proposed framework has been tested with its application on an ammonia synthesis system of the considered process industry. The risk ranking results would be highly useful in developing a planned maintenance policy for the considered system which further results in improving the system availability.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2007

Rajiv Kumar Sharma, Dinesh Kumar and Pradeep Kumar

This paper aims to permit the system reliability analysts/managers/practitioners/engineers to analyze the system failure behavior using fuzzy methodology (FM)

5509

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to permit the system reliability analysts/managers/practitioners/engineers to analyze the system failure behavior using fuzzy methodology (FM)

Design/methodology/approach

In order to deal with both qualitative and quantitative information related to system performance the authors have adopted failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and Petrinets (PNs), the well‐known tools for reliability analysis, to build an integrated framework aimed at helping the reliability and maintenance managers in decision‐making.

Findings

Using the proposed framework an industrial case from the paper mill is examined. From the results it is observed that the limitations associated with the traditional procedure of risk ranking in FMEA are efficiently modeled using fuzzy decision‐making system (FDMS) based on FM. Also, the fuzzy synthesis of system failure and repair data helps to quantify the system behavior in a more realistic manner.

Originality/value

The simultaneous adoption of the proposed techniques to model, analyze and predict the uncertain behavior of an industrial system will not only help the reliability engineers/managers/practitioners to understand the behavioral dynamics of system but also to plan/adapt suitable maintenance practices to improve system reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) aspects.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2017

Yuliana Kaneu Teniwut, Marimin Marimin and Nastiti Siswi Indrasti

The purpose of this paper is to develop a spatial intelligent decision support system (SIDSS) for increasing productivity in the rubber agroindustry by green productivity (GP…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a spatial intelligent decision support system (SIDSS) for increasing productivity in the rubber agroindustry by green productivity (GP) approach. The SIDSS was used to measure the productivity of rubber plantation and rubber agroindustry by GP approach, and select the best strategies for increasing the productivity of rubber agroindustry.

Design/methodology/approach

This system was developed by combining spatial analysis, GP, and fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) with the model-based management system, which is able to provide comprehensive and meaningful decision alternatives for the development of natural rubber agroindustry. Rubber plantation productivity measurement model was used to find the productivity level of rubber plantation with fuzzy logic, and also to provide information and decision alternatives to all stakeholders regarding spatial condition of rubber agroindustry, production process flow, and analysis of the seven green wastes at each production process flow using the geographic information system. GP measurement model was used to determine the productivity performance of the rubber agroindustry with the green productivity index (GPI). The best strategy for increasing the productivity was determined with fuzzy ANP.

Findings

Rubber plantation measurement model showed that the average of plantation productivity was 6.25 kg/ha/day. GP measurement model showed that the GPI value of ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) was 0.730, whereas of crumb rubber (CR) was 0.126. The best strategy for increasing the productivity of rubber agroindustry was raw material characteristics control. Based on the best strategy, the GPI value of RSS was 1.340, whereas of CR was 0.228.

Research limitations/implications

This decision support system is still limited as it is based on static data; it needs further development so that it can be more dynamically based on developments in the rubber agroindustry related levels of productivity and environmental impact. In addition, details regarding the decision to increase the productivity of the rubber section by benchmarking efforts should be studied further, both among plantation as well as among countries such as Thailand so that the productivity of rubber plantation and agroindustry can be integrated.

Practical implications

This research can help the planters to select superior clones for rubber trees, to improve the technique of tapping latex, and to use a better coagulant. The good quality and quantity of raw material is a key factor in increasing the productivity of rubber agroindustry; if the quality of latex is good then the resulting product will also have a good quality and production cost can be reduced. In addition, the application of GP through the calculation of GPI value using improvement scenarios can be used as a reference and comparison for evaluating the performance of rubber agroindustry to reduce the waste generated by the activities of rubber processing plant.

Social implications

Reduction of waste generated by production activities can improve the quality of life of the workforce and the environment. The calculation of GPI value can also be used as a basis to use raw materials, water, and electricity more efficiently.

Originality/value

This system was developed by combining spatial analysis, GP, and fuzzy ANP with the model-based management system, which is able to provide comprehensive and meaningful decision alternatives for the development of natural rubber agroindustry.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 66 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2020

Dipika Pramanik, Samar Chandra Mondal and Anupam Haldar

In recent years, determining the effective and suitable supplier in the supply chain management (SCM) has become a key strategic consideration to the success of any manufacturing…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, determining the effective and suitable supplier in the supply chain management (SCM) has become a key strategic consideration to the success of any manufacturing organization in terms of business intelligence (BI), as many quantitative and qualitative critical factors are measured from big data. In today’s competitive business scenario, the main purpose of this study is to determine suitable and sustainable suppliers during supplier selection process is to reduce the risk of investment along with maximize overall value to the customer and develop closeness and long-term relationships between customers and suppliers to build a resilient SCM to mitigate uncertainty for automotive organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

As these types of decisions generally involve more than a few criteria and often necessary to compromise among possibly conflicting factors, the multiple-criteria decision-making becomes a useful approach to solve this kind of problem. Considering both tangible and intangible criteria, the aim of this paper is the presentation of a new integrated fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy additive ratio assessment method with fuzzy entropy using linguistic values to solve the supplier selection problem to build the resilient SCM under uncertain data. Fuzzy entropy is used to obtain the entropy weights of the criteria.

Findings

Organizations gather massive amounts of information known as BD on the basis of historical records of uncertainties from several internal and external sources to manage uncertainty to improve the overall performance of organizations using BI strategy for analyzing and making effective decision to support the managements of automotive manufacturing organizations in an information system.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study tries to represent a full analysis on suitable and resilient global supplier selection under various types of uncertainty, still there are some improvements that can be made in the future by developing a more refined and more sophisticated approach to further enhance the performance of the proposed scheme to calculate overall rating scores of the alternatives.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is to propose a framework of BI in SCM to determine a suitable and resilient global supplier where all the meaningful information, relevant knowledge and visualization retrieved by analyzing the huge and complex set of data or data streams, i.e. BD based on decision-making, to develop any manufacturing organizational performance worldwide.

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2021

Anuj Dixit, Srikanta Routroy and Sunil Kumar Dubey

The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for the identification, categorization and prioritization of operational government-supported healthcare supply chain…

400

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for the identification, categorization and prioritization of operational government-supported healthcare supply chain barriers (GHSCBs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a theoretical background for identifying and segregating relevant GHSCBs and proposes a 5W2H (a Toyota production system) with fuzzy DEcision MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) embedded approach to quantify the causal–effect relationships among the identified operational GHSCBs.

Findings

Seven GHSCBs (i.e. uncertainty of demand management, lack of continuous improvement and learning, lack of deadline management, lack of social audit, warehousing equipment unavailability, human resource shortage and inadequate top level monitoring) were identified as significant cause group where the government, top management and decision-makers of government-supported healthcare supply chain (GHSC) have to put efforts.

Research limitations/implications

The results obtained are specific to the GHSC of Indian perspective, which could be extended to global context. However, the proposed approach can be a base and provide a platform to understand and analyze the interactions among GHSCBs.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology will show the appropriate areas for allocating efforts and resources to mitigate the impact of GHSCBs for successful implementation of healthcare supply chain.

Originality/value

According to best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study of operational barrier for GHSC in India in specific. The use of 5W2H embedded fuzzy DEMATEL approach for the development and analysis of the theoretical framework of Indian GHSCBs is unique in barrier literature.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 12000