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1 – 10 of over 5000Qing Wang, Xiaoli Zhang, Jiafu Su and Na Zhang
Platform-based enterprises, as micro-entities in the platform economy, have the potential to effectively promote the low-carbon development of both supply and demand sides in the…
Abstract
Purpose
Platform-based enterprises, as micro-entities in the platform economy, have the potential to effectively promote the low-carbon development of both supply and demand sides in the supply chain. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a multi-criteria decision-making method in a probabilistic hesitant fuzzy environment to assist platform-type companies in selecting cooperative suppliers for carbon reduction in green supply chains.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper combines the advantages of probabilistic hesitant fuzzy sets (PHFS) to address uncertainty issues and proposes an improved multi-criteria decision-making method called PHFS-DNMEREC-MABAC for aiding platform-based enterprises in selecting carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers in green supply chains. Within this decision-making method, we enhance the standardization process of both the DNMEREC and MABAC methods by directly standardizing probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements. Additionally, a probability splitting algorithm is introduced to handle probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements of varying lengths, mitigating information bias that traditional approaches tend to introduce when adding values based on risk preferences.
Findings
In this paper, we apply the proposed method to a case study involving the selection of carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers for Tmall Mart and compare it with the latest existing decision-making methods. The results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method and the effectiveness of the introduced probability splitting algorithm in avoiding information bias.
Originality/value
Firstly, this paper proposes a new multi-criteria decision making method for aiding platform-based enterprises in selecting carbon emission reduction collaboration suppliers in green supply chains. Secondly, in this method, we provided a new standard method to process probability hesitant fuzzy decision making information. Finally, the probability splitting algorithm was introduced to avoid information bias in the process of dealing with inconsistent lengths of probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements.
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Xiaodong Wang and Jianfeng Cai
For some specific multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems, especially in emergency situations, because of the feature of criteria and other fuzzy factors, it is more…
Abstract
Purpose
For some specific multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems, especially in emergency situations, because of the feature of criteria and other fuzzy factors, it is more appropriate that values of different criteria are expressed in their correspondingly appropriate value types. The purpose of this paper is to build a multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) model dealing with heterogeneous information based on distance-based VIKOR to solve emergency supplier selection in practice appropriately and flexibly, where a compromise solution is more acceptable and suitable.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper extends the classical VIKOR to a generalized distance-based VIKOR to handle heterogeneous information containing crisp number, interval number, intuitionistic fuzzy number and hesitant fuzzy linguistic value, and develops an MCGDM model based on the distance-based VIKOR to handle the multi-criteria heterogeneous information in practice. This paper also introduces a parameter called non-fuzzy degree for each type of heterogeneous value to moderate the computation on aggregating heterogeneous hybrid distances.
Findings
The proposed distance-based model can handle the heterogeneous information appropriately and flexibly because the computational process is directly operated on the heterogeneous information based on generalized distance without a transformation process, which can improve the decision-making efficiency and reduce information loss. An example of emergency supplier selection is given to illustrate the proposed method.
Originality/value
This paper develops an MCGDM model based on the distance-based VIKOR to handle heterogeneous information appropriately and flexibly. In emergency supplier selection situations, the proposed decision-making model allows the decision-makers to express their judgments on criteria in their appropriate value types.
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Antonio Muñoz-Porcar, Mª Jesús Alonso-Nuez, Mónica Flores-García and Daniel Duret-Solanas
The purpose of this paper is the application of a tool to assist the multi-criteria decision-making process for selecting an asset for a company in the metallurgical industry…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the application of a tool to assist the multi-criteria decision-making process for selecting an asset for a company in the metallurgical industry which manufactures metal parts for diverse industries.
Design/methodology/approach
This investment, complex due to the commitment of resources it requires, has been made with the assistance of decision-making methodologies, specifically versions I and IV of the ELECTRE method.
Findings
This model of multi-criteria decision making has been chosen over other models because it offers the possibility of including technical and economic decisions so they can be analyzed simultaneously, therefore the decision is not based solely on financial aspects. Many companies base their decisions exclusively on financial returns, however in this case it is also appropriate to include the technical parameters, since the asset being replaced is the most important asset of the company.
Originality/value
Applying version I of the methodology, the optimal technical configuration of the asset will be analyzed based on the features requirements, all of which are among options available in the market. Once a subset of technically and economically viable alternatives has been defined, version IV will be applied and a ranking of the alternatives from the best to the worst will be obtained and, based on this ranking, the final decision will be made.
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Shervin Zakeri, Fatih Ecer, Dimitri Konstantas and Naoufel Cheikhrouhou
This paper proposes a new multi-criteria decision-making method, called the vital-immaterial-mediocre method (VIMM), to determine the weight of multiple conflicting and subjective…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes a new multi-criteria decision-making method, called the vital-immaterial-mediocre method (VIMM), to determine the weight of multiple conflicting and subjective criteria in a decision-making problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The novel method utilizes pairwise comparisons, vector-based procedures and a scoring approach to determine weights of criteria. The VIMM compares alternatives by the three crucial components, namely the vital, immaterial and mediocre criteria. The vital criterion has the largest effect on the final results, followed by the mediocre criterion and then the immaterial criterion, which is the least impactful on the prioritization of alternatives. VIMM is developed in two forms where the first scenario is designed to solve one-goal decision-making problems, while the second scenario embraces multiple goals.
Findings
To validate the method’s performance and applicability, VIMM is applied to a problem of sustainable supplier selection. Comparisons between VIMM, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and best-worst method (BWM) reveal that VIMM significantly requires fewer comparisons. Moreover, VIMM works well with both fractional and integer numbers in its comparison procedures.
Research limitations/implications
As an implication for research, we have added the development of the VIMM under fuzzy and grey environments as the direction for optimization of the method.
Practical implications
As managerial implications, VIMM not only provides less complex process for the evaluation of the criteria in the managerial decision-making process, but it also generates consistent results, which make VIMM a reliable tool to apply to a large number of potential decision-making problems.
Originality/value
As a novel subjective weighting method, there exist five major values that VIMM brings over AHP and BWM methods: VIMM requires fewer comparisons compared with AHP and BWM; it is not sensitive to the number of criteria; as a goal-oriented method, it exclusively takes the decision-making goals into account; it keeps the validity and reliability of the Decision-Makers’ (DMs’) opinions and works well with integer and fractional numbers.
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– The purpose of this paper is to select the best scaling coefficient during the quantitative-qualitative conversion.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to select the best scaling coefficient during the quantitative-qualitative conversion.
Design/methodology/approach
Cloud model can describe the qualitative concept of randomness and fuzziness, achieve uncertain transition between qualitative and quantitative in the field of multi-criteria group decision and has been receiving widespread attention. This paper discusses scale conversion issues of the cloud model when evaluating qualitative information. In order to improve the accuracy of the evaluation on multi-attribute decision problems based on uncertainty of natural linguistic information, this paper proposes a method of self-testing cloud model based on a composite scale (with the exponential scale and the scale as a basis).
Findings
Through experimental verification results show that under composite scale, the best suitable selection of can effectively improve the accuracy and reliability of decision results.
Originality/value
This research presents a new approach to determine the suitable value for coefficient based on uncertain knowledge of natural multi-criteria group decision making, and gives concrete steps and examples. This method has positive significance to improve the quality of qualitative and quantitative conversion based on cloud model.
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Sanaz Vatankhah, Mahlagha Darvishmotevali, Roya Rahimi, Seyedh Mahboobeh Jamali and Nader Ale Ebrahim
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing…
Abstract
Purpose
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing the risk of failure. However, less is known about the application of MCDM techniques in H&T research. This study aims to systematically assess the use of MCDM techniques in H&T research to classify its current application and determine its application potential for H&T research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used bibliometric analysis to examine all published MCDM studies focused on H&T industries, since 1997. In addition, topic modelling was used to discover key concepts. Finally, top cited studies in terms of total citations per year and total citations were qualitatively reviewed for more insights.
Findings
The findings revealed an ongoing interest in applying MCDM techniques in H&T research. Specifically, the extension of fuzzy theory in MCDM techniques is burgeoning among H&T researchers. However, a certain number of MCDM techniques seem to be ignored in this field with a repetitive application of MCDM techniques in particular areas.
Research limitations/implications
The data for the current research was solely retrieved from Scopus and other databases were not included. Therefore, future research is called for to re-examine the study by considering data from various databases.
Originality/value
This study contributes to extant H&T literature by identifying the most prolific and influential countries, journals, publications and trends by applying MCDM techniques in H&T research, and elucidating the implications and characteristics of MCDM techniques in H&T research.
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Morteza Yazdani, Pascale Zarate, Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas and Zenonas Turskis
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the advantage of a combinatory methodology presented in this study. The paper suggests that the comparison with results of previously…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the advantage of a combinatory methodology presented in this study. The paper suggests that the comparison with results of previously developed methods is in high agreement.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces a combined compromise decision-making algorithm with the aid of some aggregation strategies. The authors have considered a distance measure, which originates from grey relational coefficient and targets to enhance the flexibility of the results. Hence, the weight of the alternatives is placed in the decision-making process with three equations. In the final stage, an aggregated multiplication rule is employed to release the ranking of the alternatives and end the decision process.
Findings
The authors described a real case of choosing logistics and transportation companies in France from a supply chain project. Some comparisons such as sensitivity analysis approach and comparing to other studies and methods provided to validate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Originality/value
The algorithm has a unique structure among MCDM methods which is presented for the first time in this paper.
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Graeme Newell and Ross Seabrook
Given the stature of international tourism, hotel properties are an important property investment sector. The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of a range of…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the stature of international tourism, hotel properties are an important property investment sector. The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of a range of financial, location, economic, diversification and relationship factors in influencing hotel investment decision making.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reports the findings of a survey of major hotel investors and hotel owners/operators in Australia regarding the factors influencing hotel investment decision‐making. The AHP multi‐criteria decision‐making methodology is used to assess the weights attached to each of the 30 factors influencing hotel investment decision‐making.
Findings
The main factors influencing hotel investment decision making were financial (weight of 37.0 per cent) and location (29.9 per cent) factors. These were followed by economic (14.5 per cent), diversification (12.0 per cent) and relationship (6.6 per cent) factors. This sees three levels of importance in the factors influencing hotel investment decision making. Differences were also found between the priorities for hotel investors and hotel owners/operators.
Originality/value
Only limited research is available concerning the hotel sector. This paper rigorously assesses the hotel investment process and assists hotel investors in prioritising the significance of 30 key factors and sub‐factors in hotel investment decision‐making.
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Sandra C. Buttigieg, Dorothy Gauci, Frank Bezzina and Prasanta K. Dey
Length of stay (LOS) in hospital after surgery varies for each patient depending on surgeon’s decision that considers criticality of the surgery, patient’s conditions before and…
Abstract
Purpose
Length of stay (LOS) in hospital after surgery varies for each patient depending on surgeon’s decision that considers criticality of the surgery, patient’s conditions before and after surgery, expected time to recovery and experience of the surgeon involved. Decision on patients’ LOS at hospital post-surgery affects overall healthcare performance as it affects both cost and quality of care. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for deriving the most appropriate LOS after surgical interventions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts an action research involving multiple stakeholders (surgeon, patients/patients’ relatives, hospital management and other medics). First, a conceptual model is developed using literature and experts’ opinion. Second, the model is applied in three surgical interventions in a public hospital in Malta to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model. Third, the policy alternatives developed are compared to a selection of current international standards for each surgical intervention. The proposed model analyses three LOS threshold policies for three procedures using efficiency and responsiveness criteria. The entire analysis is carried out using 325 randomly selected patient files along with structured interactions with more than 50 stakeholders (surgeon, patients/patients’ relatives, hospital management and other medics). A multiple criteria decision-making method is deployed for model building and data analysis. The method involves combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for verbal subjective judgements on prioritizing the four predictors of surgical LOS—medical, financial, social and risk, with pairwise comparisons of the sub-criteria under each criterion in line with the concerned interventions—the objective data of which are obtained from the patients’ files.
Findings
The proposed model was successfully applied to decide on the best policy alternative for LOS for the three interventions. The best policy alternatives compared well to current international benchmarks.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed method needs to be tested for other interventions across various healthcare settings.
Practical implications
Multi-criteria decision-making tools enable resource optimization and overall improvement of patient care through the application of a scientific management technique that involves all relevant stakeholders while utilizing both subjective judgements as well as objective data.
Originality/value
Traditionally, the duration of post-surgery LOS is mainly based on the surgeons’ clinical but also arbitrary decisions, with, as a result, having insufficiently explicable variations in LOS amongst peers for similar interventions. According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to derive post-surgery LOS using the AHP, a multiple criteria decision-making method.
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