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1 – 10 of over 5000Shankar Chakraborty and Siddhartha Bandhopadyay
In spinning industries, selection of the most appropriate fibre for yarn manufacturing plays an important role for achieving an optimal mix of several yarn characteristics, like…
Abstract
Purpose
In spinning industries, selection of the most appropriate fibre for yarn manufacturing plays an important role for achieving an optimal mix of several yarn characteristics, like maximum tenacity, elasticity and spinning ability; and minimum unevenness and hairiness. Identification of the best suited cotton fibre from a set of available alternatives in presence of different conflicting physical properties is often treated as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the preference ranking organisation method for enrichment of evaluations (PROMETHEE) and geometrical analysis for interactive aid (GAIA) methods are integrated to solve a cotton fibre selection problem. The PROMETHEE II method ranks the alternative cotton fibres based on their net outranking flows, whereas GAIA acts as a visual aid to strongly support the derived selection decision. The weight stability intervals for all the considered fibre properties (criteria) over which the position of the top-ranked cotton fibre remains unchanged are also determined.
Findings
The clusters of cotton fibres formed in the developed GAIA plane act as a yard stick for their appropriate grading to aid the blending process. The ranking of 17 cotton fibres as achieved applying the combined PROMETHEE-GAIA approach highly corroborates with the observations of the past researchers which proves its immense potentiality and applicability in solving fibre selection problems.
Originality/value
Two MCDM methods in the form of PROMETHEE II and GAIA are integrated to provide a holistic approach for cotton fibre grading and selection while taking into consideration all the available cotton fibre properties.
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Morteza Yazdani, Prasenjit Chatterjee, Dragan Pamucar and Manuel Doval Abad
Supply chain (SC) environment is surrounded by risk variables. This issue is regarded as an emerging and strategic problem which must be resolved by SC executives. The ability to…
Abstract
Purpose
Supply chain (SC) environment is surrounded by risk variables. This issue is regarded as an emerging and strategic problem which must be resolved by SC executives. The ability to measuring green supplier’s performance and affecting risk variables to demonstrating effective suppliers list has a potential contribution to be investigated. This paper aims to develop a decision-making model to assess green suppliers under legislation and risk factors. This leads to fewer disruptions in managing the SC and its impact to further improvement. It also presents research concepts forming a new approach for identification, prediction and understating relationship of supply risk.
Design/methodology/approach
At primal stage, different risk factors that influence green suppliers’ performance are indicated and their relationship is analyzed using decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. At the same time, failure mode and effect analysis is used to determine risk rating of each supplier. Finally, the evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) method ranks suppliers and several comparisons and analysis are performed to test the stability of the results. The approaches include comparison to technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution, multi-attributive border approximation area comparison, Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje and complex proportional assessment methods, followed by analysis of rank reversal, weight sensitivity analysis and effect of dynamic metrics.
Findings
A real-time case study on green supplier selection (GSS) problem of a reputed construction company of Spain has been presented to demonstrate the practical aspects of the proposed method. In practice, though organizations are aware of various risks from local and global suppliers, it is difficult to incorporate these risk factors for ranking the suppliers. This real-case application shows the evaluation and incorporation of risk factors into the supplier selection model.
Practical implications
The proposed multi-criteria decision model quantitatively aids managers in selecting green suppliers considering risk factors.
Originality/value
A new model has been developed to present a sound mathematical model for solving GSS problems which considers the interaction between the supplier selection risk factors by proposing an integrated analytical approach for selecting green suppliers strategically consisting of DEMATEL, FMEA and EDAS methods.
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Cihan Çetinkaya, Mehmet Kabak, Mehmet Erbaş and Eren Özceylan
The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential geographic locations for ecotourism activities and to select the best one among alternatives.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential geographic locations for ecotourism activities and to select the best one among alternatives.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed model consists of four sequential phases. In the first phase, different geographic criteria are determined based on existing literature, and data are gathered using GIS. On equal criteria weighing, alternative locations are determined using GIS in the second phase. In the third phase, the identified criteria are weighted using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) by various stakeholders of potential ecotourism sites. In the fourth phase, the PROMETHEE method is applied to determine the best alternative based on the weighted criteria.
Findings
A framework including four sequential steps is proposed. Using real data from the Black Sea region in Turkey, the authors test the applicability of the evaluation approach and compare the best alternative obtained by the proposed method for nine cities in the region. Consequently, west of Sinop, east of Artvin and south of the Black Sea region are determined as very suitable locations for ecotourism.
Research limitations/implications
The first limitation of the study is considered the number of included criteria. Another limitation is the use of deterministic parameters that do not cope with uncertainty. Further research can be conducted for determining the optimum locations for different types of tourism, e.g. religion tourism, hunting tourism and golf tourism, for effective tourism planning.
Practical implications
The proposed approach can be applied to all area that cover the considered criteria. The approach has been tested in the Black Sea region (nine cities) in Turkey.
Social implications
Using the proposed approach, decision-makers can determine locations where environmentally responsible travel to natural areas to enjoy and appreciate nature that promotes conservation have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of local individuals.
Originality/value
To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study which applies a GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making approach for ecotourism site selection.
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Zivojin Prascevic and Natasa Prascevic
The purpose of this paper is to present one modification of the fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and to develop a corresponding…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present one modification of the fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and to develop a corresponding computer program which could be used for the multicriteria decision making for problems in practice.
Design/methodology/approach
This method is based on the uncertainties and probabilities of input data for ratings of alternatives with respect to criteria and weights of criteria that are presented by triangular fuzzy numbers as probabilistic fuzzy values. These input data are transformed in the procedure into output data that are relevant for the ranking of alternatives and decision making.
Findings
The proposed method is based on the generalized mean and spread of fuzzy numbers that are calculated according to probability of fuzzy events due to Zadeh. Ranking of alternatives for relevant criteria performs according to relative expected closeness, coefficient of variation and relative standard deviation of distance of alternatives to the ideal solutions. The most acceptable rule is related to the minimal value of the expected relative distance to positive ideal solution, especially when the coefficient of variation of distance to this solution is small. The attached example, related to a real project, confirms these findings.
Originality/value
This paper proposes three novel contributions in this area. Unlike the methods proposed by other authors, the weighted fuzzy decision matrix is expressed by the matrix of generalized expected values and matrix of generalized variances. To compute elements of these two matrices, exact formulae are derived and then the modified fuzzy TOPSIS procedure is carried out.
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Claudia Margarita Acuña-Soto, Vicente Liern and Blanca Pérez-Gladish
In the last years, the use of free-online instructional videos has gained popularity among educators and students. Its success is mainly based on the provision of fast and…
Abstract
Purpose
In the last years, the use of free-online instructional videos has gained popularity among educators and students. Its success is mainly based on the provision of fast and inexpensive access to educational contents which can be consulted at the own convenience of students, all over the world. Free-online platforms as YouTube offer access to more than ten million instructional videos. The purpose of this paper is to assess and rank the educational quality of free-online instructional videos from a multidimensional perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors propose a MCDM approach based on a compromise ranking method, VIKOR. The approach integrates a normalization process which is especially suitable for situations where the nature of the different decision-making criteria is such that it does not allow homogeneous aggregation.
Findings
With the proposed normalization approach, the initial valuations of the alternatives with respect to the criteria are transformed in order to reflect their similarity with a given reference point (ideal solution). The normalized data are then integrated in a VIKOR-based framework in order to obtain those mathematical videos closer to the ideal video from the instructors’ perspective.
Originality/value
The ranking of instructional videos based on their quality from an educational multidimensional perspective is a good example of a real decision-making problem where the nature of the criteria, qualitative and quantitative, implies heterogeneous data. The proposed IS-VIKOR approach overcomes some of the problems inherent to this real decision-making problem.
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Julia Oberschmidt, Jutta Geldermann, Jens Ludwig and Meike Schmehl
The purpose of this paper is to elaborate a multi‐criteria methodology for the performance assessment of energy supply technologies, which also takes into account the dynamics of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to elaborate a multi‐criteria methodology for the performance assessment of energy supply technologies, which also takes into account the dynamics of technological change.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach chosen is based on the multi‐criteria outranking methodology Preference Ranking Organisation METHod for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE), which is linked to the concept of technology's life cycle by assigning criteria weights depending on the actual development phase of a certain technology. The modifications to the PROMETHEE algorithm are described and the modified methodology is demonstrated by evaluating heat and power supply alternatives for a municipal area in Germany.
Findings
The methodology is suitable for the evaluation of energy technologies taking into account varying preferences depending on their stage of maturity. It is a feasible alternative to other methodologies which allow for interconnections like the analytic network process. The results show that, based on a multi‐criteria life cycle approach, renewable energy technologies are competitive with conventional alternatives for supplying heat and power.
Practical implications
Appropriate methods are required to elicit life cycle‐dependent preferences. Decision support should help decision makers (DMs) to articulate preferences according to different development phases and illustrate the results in the most meaningful way.
Originality/value
The methodology provides the basis for a comprehensive analysis of energy technologies at different life cycle stages. It can be used to support decision making in different situations and by various actors.
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Heng Li, Zhigang Jin, Vera Li, Guiwen Liu and R.M. Skitmore
The purpose of this paper is to provide a new type of entry mode decision‐making model for construction enterprises involved in international business.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a new type of entry mode decision‐making model for construction enterprises involved in international business.
Design/methodology/approach
A hybrid method combining analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) is used to aid entry mode decisions. The AHP is used to decompose the entry mode problem into several dimensions and determine the weight of each criterion. In addition, PROMETHEE method is used to rank candidate entry modes and carry out sensitivity analyses.
Findings
The proposed decision‐making method is demonstrated to be a suitable approach to resolve the entry mode selection decision problem.
Practical implications
The research provides practitioners with a more systematic decision framework and a more precise decision method.
Originality/value
The paper sheds light on the further development of entry strategies for international construction markets. It not only introduces a new decision‐making model for entry mode decision making, but also provides a conceptual framework with five determinants for a construction company entry mode selection based on the unique properties of the construction industry.
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Nuri Gökhan Torlak, Ahmet Demir and Taylan Budur
The study uses VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR)-structural equation modeling (SEM) to construct benchmarks for service providers and evaluate a…
Abstract
Purpose
The study uses VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR)-structural equation modeling (SEM) to construct benchmarks for service providers and evaluate a multimethodology practice in the Internet industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected using a survey based on an email/interview with 444 Internet users participating. SEM obtained coefficient values by way of customer expectations for Internet service providers. The authors normalized coefficients and integrated them into the VIKOR method for ranking competitors in the Internet industry.
Findings
VIKOR-SEM revealed that network and information quality and security/privacy significantly positively impact customer trust while network and information quality and customer trust significantly positively affect Internet users' value perceptions. Customer services do not affect customer trust, while security/privacy and customer services have no significant influence on customer value perceptions. Though customer services and Internet users' trust and value perceptions directly, significantly and positively affect their commitments, the quality of network and information and security/privacy indirectly, significantly and positively influence customer commitments.
Research limitations/implications
The study was in the Internet industry of Iraq. The results cannot be accurate for the other countries and the service sectors. The researchers/managers can adopt the model in other service sectors to test the multimethodology.
Originality/value
VIKOR-SEM evaluated the changes in customer expectations and service providers in the Internet industry.
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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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A multi‐criteria model is developed for analyzing the land‐use strategies for reducing the future social and economic costs in an area with potential natural hazard. A…
Abstract
A multi‐criteria model is developed for analyzing the land‐use strategies for reducing the future social and economic costs in an area with potential natural hazard. A multi‐criteria decision‐making procedure consists of generating alternatives, establishing criteria, assessment of criteria weights and application of the compromise ranking method (VIKOR). The alternatives are the scenarios of sustainable hazard effects mitigation, generated in the form of comprehensive land‐use plans. The alternative plans should consider the redevelopment of urban areas and infrastructures, multi‐purpose land use, including restrictions on building in hazardous areas. The evaluation of alternatives is implicated with imprecision (or uncertainty) of established criteria, and the fuzzy multi‐criteria model is developed to deal with “qualitative” (unquantifiable or linguistic) or incomplete information. The planning goal is to compromise competitive land uses through choice of the best (compromise) combination of uses. An application of this model is illustrated with the post‐earthquake regional planning problem in central Taiwan.