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Article
Publication date: 29 November 2023

Na Zhang, Haiyan Wang and Zaiwu Gong

Grey target decision-making serves as a pivotal analytical tool for addressing dynamic multi-attribute group decision-making amidst uncertain information. However, the setting of…

Abstract

Purpose

Grey target decision-making serves as a pivotal analytical tool for addressing dynamic multi-attribute group decision-making amidst uncertain information. However, the setting of bull's eye is frequently subjective, and each stage is considered independent of the others. Interference effects between each stage can easily influence one another. To address these challenges effectively, this paper employs quantum probability theory to construct quantum-like Bayesian networks, addressing interference effects in dynamic multi-attribute group decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the bull's eye matrix of the scheme stage is derived based on the principle of group negotiation and maximum satisfaction deviation. Secondly, a nonlinear programming model for stage weight is constructed by using an improved Orness measure constraint to determine the stage weight. Finally, the quantum-like Bayesian network is constructed to explore the interference effect between stages. In this process, the decision of each stage is regarded as a wave function which occurs synchronously, with mutual interference impacting the aggregate result. Finally, the effectiveness and rationality of the model are verified through a public health emergency.

Findings

The research shows that there are interference effects between each stage. Both the dynamic grey target group decision model and the dynamic multi-attribute group decision model based on quantum-like Bayesian network proposed in this paper are scientific and effective. They enhance the flexibility and stability of actual decision-making and provide significant practical value.

Originality/value

To address issues like stage interference effects, subjective bull's eye settings and the absence of participative behavior in decision-making groups, this paper develops a grey target decision model grounded in group negotiation and maximum satisfaction deviation. Furthermore, by integrating the quantum-like Bayesian network model, this paper offers a novel perspective for addressing information fusion and subjective cognitive biases during decision-making.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2023

Mohidul Alam Mallick and Susmita Mukhopadhyay

Staffing is one of the most influential human resource (HR) activities and is the primary method of hiring and retaining human resources. Among staffing’s several activities…

Abstract

Purpose

Staffing is one of the most influential human resource (HR) activities and is the primary method of hiring and retaining human resources. Among staffing’s several activities, recruitment and selection are one of the most crucial activities. It is possible to rehire former firm employees using the talent management strategy known as “boomerang recruitment”. The boomerang recruitment trend has tremendously grown because many employees who believe they are qualified for the position now wish to return to their old employers. According to data, boomerang employees can be 50% less expensive than conventional ways of hiring. The purpose of this study is to identify the generic critical factors that play a role in the boomerang hiring process based on the literature review. Next, the objective is to determine the relative weight of each of these factors, rank the candidates, and develop a decision-making model for boomerang recruitment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the grey-based multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology for recruiting some of the best candidates out of a few who worked for the organization earlier. The grey theory yields adequate findings despite sparse data or significant factor variability. Like MCDM, the grey methods also incorporate experts' opinions for evaluation. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is also done to show the robustness of the suggested methodology.

Findings

Seven (7) recruitment criteria for boomerang employees were identified and validated based on the opinions of industry experts. Using these recruitment criteria, three candidates emerged as the top three and created a pool out of six. In addition, this study finds that Criteria 1 (C1), the employee's past performance, is the most significant predictor among all other criteria in boomerang hiring.

Research limitations/implications

Since the weights and ratings of attributes and alternatives in MCDM methods are primarily based on expert opinion, a significant difference in expert opinions (caused by differences in their knowledge and qualifications) may impact the values of the grey possibility degree. However, enough attention was taken while selecting the experts for this study regarding their expertise and subject experience.

Practical implications

The proposed method provides the groundwork for HR management. Managers confronted with recruiting employees who want to rejoin may use this model. According to experts, each attribute is not only generic but also crucial. In addition, because these factors apply to all sectors, they are industry-neutral.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to apply a grey-based MCDM methodology to the boomerang recruitment model. This study also uses an example to explain the computational intricacies associated with such methods. The proposed system may be reproduced for boomerang recruiting in any sector because the framework is universal and replicable. Furthermore, the framework is expandable to include new criteria for different work.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2023

Sheng-qiang Gu, Yong Liu and Weixue Diao

The paper attempts to construct a novel multi-objective grey hierarchical group consensus approach to deal with the group consensus problems consisting of hierarchical…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper attempts to construct a novel multi-objective grey hierarchical group consensus approach to deal with the group consensus problems consisting of hierarchical relationship and non-cooperative behaviors among decision makers (DMs).

Design/methodology/approach

To deal with these group consensus problems consisting of hierarchical relationship and non-cooperative behaviors among DMs non-cooperative behavior in uncertain information systems, considering the influence of coordination cost and the degree of group consensus, based on the idea of grey situation decision-making, the authors establish a multi-objective grey hierarchical group consensus model, and design different invalid decision elimination rules for decision-making groups of different sizes, and use a case verifies the effectiveness and feasibility of the model.

Findings

With the continuous improvement of the coordination cost budget, the degree of consensus of all departments and the overall consensus tend to be stable, and will no longer change with the increase of the coordination cost budget. The cost required by each department is basically consistent with the response trend of the cost required to coordinate the overall situation to the pre-set lower limit of group consensus.

Originality/value

The proposed approach can succeed in identifying DMs' information, and mine the DMs' information and help make a relatively more scientific decision.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2024

Yong Liu, Xue-ge Guo, Qin Jiang and Jing-yi Zhang

We attempt to construct a grey three-way conflict analysis model with constraints to deal with correlated conflict problems with uncertain information.

Abstract

Purpose

We attempt to construct a grey three-way conflict analysis model with constraints to deal with correlated conflict problems with uncertain information.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to address these correlated conflict problems with uncertain information, considering the interactive influence and mutual restraints among agents and portraying their attitudes toward the conflict issues, we utilize grey numbers and three-way decisions to propose a grey three-way conflict analysis model with constraints. Firstly, based on the collected information, we introduced grey theory, calculated the degree of conflict between agents and then analyzed the conflict alliance based on the three-way decision theory. Finally, we designed a feedback mechanism to identify key agents and key conflict issues. A case verifies the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed model.

Findings

The results show that the proposed model can portray their attitudes toward conflict issues and effectively extract conflict-related information.

Originality/value

By employing this approach, we can provide the answers to Deja’s fundamental questions regarding Pawlak’s conflict analysis: “what are the underlying causes of conflict?” and “how can a viable consensus strategy be identified?”

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2023

Dang Luo and Nana Zhai

The purpose of this paper is to establish a two-stage grey cloud clustering model under the panel data for the multi-attribute clustering problem with three-parameter interval…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a two-stage grey cloud clustering model under the panel data for the multi-attribute clustering problem with three-parameter interval grey number to evaluation of agricultural drought resistance grade of 18 cities in Henan Province.

Design/methodology/approach

The clustering process is divided into two stages. In the first stage: Combining variance and time degree, the time weight optimization model is established. Applying the prospect theory, the index weight optimization model is established. Then, with the help of grey possibility function, the first stage of grey cloud clustering evaluation is carried out. In the second stage: the weight vector group of kernel clustering is constructed, and the grey class of the object is determined. A two-stage grey cloud clustering model under the panel data for the multi-attribute clustering problem is proposed.

Findings

This paper indicates that 18 cities in Henan Province are divided into four categories. The drought capacity in Henan province is high in the east and low in the west, high in the south and low in the north and the central region is relatively stable. The drought is greatly affected by natural factors. And the rationality and validity of this model is illustrated by comparing with other methods.

Practical implications

This paper provides a practical method for drought resistance assessment, and provides theoretical support for farmers to grasp the drought information timely and improve the drought resistance ability.

Originality/value

The model in this paper solves the situation of ambiguity and randomness to some extent with the help of grey cloud possibility function. Moreover, the time weight of time degree and variance are used to reduce the volatility and the degree of subjective empowerment. Considering the risk attitude of the decision makers, the prospect theory is applied to make the index weight more objective. The rationality and validity of the model are illustrated by taking 18 cities in Henan Province as examples.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 August 2023

Hamid Asnaashari, Abbas Sheikh Aboumasoudi, Mohammad Reza Mozaffari and Mohammad Reza Feylizadeh

The application of correct contractor selection strategies leads to the selection of a qualified contractor and, as a result, the on-time delivery of the project with the desired…

Abstract

Purpose

The application of correct contractor selection strategies leads to the selection of a qualified contractor and, as a result, the on-time delivery of the project with the desired quality and within the predetermined budgetary constraints. For this reason, evaluating and qualifying contractors before reviewing the proposed prices has been considered an important issue. One factor that disrupts the project completion process and the failure to achieve pre-planned goals effectively is the occurrence of contractors' disputes and claims in projects. To this end, the present study explores claim-reduction strategies for selecting effective contractors in an uncertain environment to reduce possible problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The two-step grey data envelopment analysis (GDEA) approach was used to measure efficiency as a powerful tool in selecting efficient contractors during tenders. This approach can extend the applications of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models. In other words, given some uncertainties, the unavailability of some data, and the problems with the DEA model, the two-step GDEA model was used to rank the contractors. The data confirmed the satisfactory outcomes from the selected model.

Findings

The preliminary assessment of contractors is a pre-tendering process and a step in categorizing contractors, excluding contractors lacking required qualifications, and selecting efficient contractors. At first, it will help the employer to exclude inexperienced and unqualified contractors, save resources and time, reduce threats, replace opportunities with threats, and reduce material and non-material costs during the completion of the project until the projects are put into operation. Consequently, this approach reduces claims to a minimum level and increases the organization's effective material and non-material profit.

Originality/value

Oil and gas plans and projects have a significant, sensitive, and decisive role in the economic, social, political, cultural, infrastructural, and all-round development of Iran; This is while most of the financial resources needed to implement the development and programs across the country come from oil revenues. Studies have indicated that despite the importance of these plans and projects, many of them are not completed successfully, and this causes irreparable losses to the country's economy and development in various fields.

Highlight

  1. The findings of this study can be used by organizations to select more effective contractors to assign projects and plans to them.

  2. The preliminary assessment of contractors is a pre-tendering process and a step in categorizing contractors, excluding contractors who lack required qualifications, and finally selecting efficient contractors.

  3. At first, it will help the employer to exclude inexperienced and unqualified contractors, save resources and time, reduce threats, replace opportunities with threats, and reduce material and non-material costs during the completion of the project until the projects are put into operation.

  4. This approach also gives credit to the employer during the execution period and contributes to assessing unqualified contractors and reducing the temptation to hand over the project to an unqualified contractor but with a lower bid price.

  5. Consequently, this approach reduces claims to a minimum level and increases the effective material and non-material profit of the organization.

  6. Moreover, it provides an extra-organizational evaluation for contractors, motivating them to upgrade their capabilities and optimally allocate material and non-material resources, especially human resources.

The findings of this study can be used by organizations to select more effective contractors to assign projects and plans to them.

The preliminary assessment of contractors is a pre-tendering process and a step in categorizing contractors, excluding contractors who lack required qualifications, and finally selecting efficient contractors.

At first, it will help the employer to exclude inexperienced and unqualified contractors, save resources and time, reduce threats, replace opportunities with threats, and reduce material and non-material costs during the completion of the project until the projects are put into operation.

This approach also gives credit to the employer during the execution period and contributes to assessing unqualified contractors and reducing the temptation to hand over the project to an unqualified contractor but with a lower bid price.

Consequently, this approach reduces claims to a minimum level and increases the effective material and non-material profit of the organization.

Moreover, it provides an extra-organizational evaluation for contractors, motivating them to upgrade their capabilities and optimally allocate material and non-material resources, especially human resources.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 July 2023

Santonab Chakraborty, Rakesh D. Raut, T.M. Rofin and Shankar Chakraborty

Increasing public consciousness and demand for sustainable environment make selection of a safe location for effective disposal of healthcare waste (HCW) a challenging issue. This…

Abstract

Purpose

Increasing public consciousness and demand for sustainable environment make selection of a safe location for effective disposal of healthcare waste (HCW) a challenging issue. This problem becomes more complicated due to involvement of multiple decision makers having varying knowledge and interest, conflicting quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria, and presence of several alternative locations.

Design/methodology/approach

To efficiently resolve the problem, the past researchers have already coupled different multi-criteria decision-making tools with uncertainty models and criteria weight measurement techniques, which are time-consuming and highly computationally complex. Based on involvement of a group of experts expressing their opinions with respect to relative importance of criteria and performance of alternative locations against each criterion, this paper proposes application of ordinal priority approach (OPA) integrated with grey numbers to solve an HCW disposal location selection problem.

Findings

The grey OPA can simultaneously estimate weights of the experts, criteria and locations relieving the decision makers from complicated computational steps. The potentiality of grey OPA in solving an HCW disposal location selection problem is demonstrated here using an illustrative example consisting of three experts, six criteria and four alternative locations.

Originality/value

The derived results show that it can be employed to deal with real-time HCW disposal location selection problems in uncertain environment providing acceptable and robust decisions. It relieves the experts from pair-wise comparisons of criteria, normalization of data, identification of ideal and anti-ideal solutions, aggregation of information and so on, while arriving at the most consistent decision with minimum computational effort.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 June 2022

Atul Kumar Sahu, Prabhu M. and K.T. Vigneswara Rao

The occurrence of COVID-19 has impacted the wide-reaching dimensions of manufacturing, materials, procurement, management, etc., and has loaded disruptions in the wide range of…

Abstract

Purpose

The occurrence of COVID-19 has impacted the wide-reaching dimensions of manufacturing, materials, procurement, management, etc., and has loaded disruptions in the wide range of supply chain (SC) activities. The impact of COVID-19 has twisted supplier performance and influenced stakeholders’ thinking towards selecting supplier sources and making strategic sourcing decision for convinced arrangement of construction management (CM) resources. Nowadays, suppliers are intently evaluated by stakeholders in post-COVID-19 phase to induce agile availability of CM resources. Accordingly, this paper aims to demonstrate competent CM dimensions under post COVID-19 scenario for ease managing construction projects by the stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have implicated Grey Sets Theory along with decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique for understanding significant outcomes. Varieties of diverse decision aspects responsible for strategically influencing supplier sourcing decision is projected under post COVID-19 scenario for handling construction projects by the stakeholders.

Findings

This study investigated sustainable construction management dimensions (SCMD) at the stage of resource deliveries and client aspirations under post COVID-19 situation. The study demonstrated “Lead time” as the most crucial, “Product Range” as the second and “Customers dealings and relationship” as the third crucial aspect considering by the stakeholders for selecting supplier sources based on the attainment of performance score of 0.1338, 0.1273 and 0.1268, respectively. It is found that high lead time stimulates the stakeholders to divert their orders to other competent supplier sources holding a low degree of lead time as compared.

Research limitations/implications

The present study rollovers its existence by serving critical thinking, conceptual modelling, criteria identification and evaluation under CM domain for drafting effectual strategies by the suppliers. The study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on stakeholders’ decision-making and enlisted SCMD that strategically stimulated them in choosing supplier sourcing decision.

Originality/value

The present study realizes the insights of stakeholders in the post COVID-19 scenario related to the supplier sources based on performance score. The study quantified sustainable supplier attribute for construction work and practices. The study analysed the expectations of the stakeholders purchasing different varieties of construction materials from supplier sources for civil works in the post COVID-19 scenario.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Jie Yang, Manman Zhang, Linjian Shangguan and Jinfa Shi

The possibility function-based grey clustering model has evolved into a complete approach for dealing with uncertainty evaluation problems. Existing models still have problems…

Abstract

Purpose

The possibility function-based grey clustering model has evolved into a complete approach for dealing with uncertainty evaluation problems. Existing models still have problems with the choice dilemma of the maximum criteria and instances when the possibility function may not accurately capture the data's randomness. This study aims to propose a multi-stage skewed grey cloud clustering model that blends grey and randomness to overcome these problems.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the skewed grey cloud possibility (SGCP) function is defined, and its digital characteristics demonstrate that a normal cloud is a particular instance of a skewed cloud. Second, the border of the decision paradox of the maximum criterion is established. Third, using the skewed grey cloud kernel weight (SGCKW) transformation as a tool, the multi-stage skewed grey cloud clustering coefficient (SGCCC) vector is calculated and research items are clustered according to this multi-stage SGCCC vector with overall features. Finally, the multi-stage skewed grey cloud clustering model's solution steps are then provided.

Findings

The results of applying the model to the assessment of college students' capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship revealed that, in comparison to the traditional grey clustering model and the two-stage grey cloud clustering evaluation model, the proposed model's clustering results have higher identification and stability, which partially resolves the decision paradox of the maximum criterion.

Originality/value

Compared with current models, the proposed model in this study can dynamically depict the clustering process through multi-stage clustering, ensuring the stability and integrity of the clustering results and advancing grey system theory.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2022

Yang Yi, Jianjun Zhu and Huagang Tong

This study constructs a three-stage evaluation model for interdisciplinary organizations to solve their ranking problems effectively.

Abstract

Purpose

This study constructs a three-stage evaluation model for interdisciplinary organizations to solve their ranking problems effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage interdisciplinary organization evaluation model abounds the key problems of “who will evaluate the projects?” and “how to evaluate the projects?”. In the first stage, the authors build a consensus maximization model to identify the selected experts based on the interval grey number because of the uncertainty in assessment. In the second stage, considering the reliability of the experts, the authors calculate the reliability of the experts based on historical data. Meanwhile, considering the gradual changes of the experts, the dynamic weighting method is obtained based on the clustering method. In the third stage, considering decision-makers regret psychological behavior, the authors construct a cross-organizational performance evaluation model based on consensus expectations.

Findings

First, for selecting the experts responsible for assessing interdisciplinary organizations, the consensus-reaching method can effectively avoid cognitive bias. Second, during the assessment, the authors obtained more reasonable results by considering the psychological changes of experts based on regret theory. Third, based on the results, the cross-organization of colleges focused on the achievements of talent training, cross effects, and system construction.

Practical implications

Our study could help organizations establish a suitable assessment mechanism and promote interdisciplinary development.

Originality/value

First, considering the importance of selecting the experts, the authors use the consensus-reaching process for expert selection. This method could guarantee most experts' preferences. Then, the authors propose a two-stage dynamic weighting method, including a pre-determined and adjusted process. The dynamic method can better perform the preferences of experts. Third, the authors studied the assessment in interdiscipline. In addition, based on the framework and considering the features of the interdiscipline, the authors use the grey number to perform the uncertain preferences of the experts using regret theory.

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