Fuzzy VIKOR with an application to water resources planning

An integrated approach for failure mode and effects analysis based on fuzzy best-worst, relative entropy, and VIKOR methods

To deal with uncertainty and vagueness from humans’ subjective perception and experience in the risk evaluation process, this chapter presents a novel method for FMEA based on combination weighting and fuzzy VIKOR (VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje) methods. First, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is integrated with entropy method to determine the relative weights of risk factors. The risk priorities of failure modes are obtained through next steps based on fuzzy VIKOR algorithm. To demonstrate its potential applications, the new fuzzy FMEA method is used for analyzing the risks during general anesthesia process. Finally, a sensitivity analysis and a comparison analysis are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of the proposed FMEA method.

Integrated devices incorporating MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) with IC (integrated circuit) components have been becoming increasingly important in the era of IoT (Internet of Things). In this study, a hybrid fuzzy MCDM (multi-criteria decision making) model was proposed to effectively evaluate alternative technologies that incorporate MEMS with IC components. This model, composed of the fuzzy AHP (analytic hierarchy process) and fuzzy VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) methods, solves the decision problem of how best to rank MEMS and IC integration technologies in a fuzzy environment. The six important criteria and the major five alternative technologies associated with our research themes were explored through literature review and expert investigations. The priority weights of criteria were derived using fuzzy AHP. After that, fuzzy VIKOR was deployed to rank alternatives. The empirical results show that development schedule and manufacturing capability are the two most important criteria and 3D (three-dimensional) SiP (system-in-package) and monolithic SoC (system-on-chip) are the top two favored technologies. The proposed fuzzy decision model could serve as a reference for the future strategic evaluation and selection of MEMS and IC integration technologies.

Mobile services’ rapid evolution and development has meant that their evaluation has become a more and more pressing issue, and from both the practical and theoretical standpoints. The significant previous work in the field of multiple-criteria decision-making based evaluation of mobile services has some practical limitations that should be noted. First, there has been insufficient research that has utilized both objective and subjective weighting. Second, the investigations that have employed Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), a well known practical tool for use in multi-criteria decision making, did not consider the fuzzy environment. In order to fill these gaps in the literature, the present study developed fuzzy VIKOR for use with an integrated weighting approach that combines subjective and objective weighting to account for mobile services’ various characteristics and, thereby, evaluate their quality. For subjective weighting, Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) was employed for simple determination of the weighting and causal relationships. For objective weighting of evaluation criteria, Shannon entropy was utilized. This study has a unique contribution in that it reflects the special circumstances of the mobile service evaluation that have not been considered in the previous studies. Especially, in this study, not only the subjective weighting method but also the objective weighting method are used for more accurate importance weight of evaluation criteria. In the novelty aspect, this is the first study trying to utilize fuzzy VIKOR in concert with a novel combined subjective/objective weighting method in order to integrate objective decision-matrix-derived information with subjective decision-maker preferences. Additionally, a supplemental, empirical mobile-service-evaluation case study was conducted that enables researchers and practitioners to better understand the overall, practical evaluation process. Validation of the case study results by comparison with other, representative multiple-criteria decision-making methods verified the proposed method’s robustness.

Nowadays, selection of the suitable disposal site in municipal solid waste (MSW) management has become a challenge task for the municipal authorities, especially in fast-growing areas. Site selection can be viewed as a complicated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem requiring consideration of multiple alternative solutions and conflicting quantitative and qualitative criteria. In this paper, linguistic variables, which can be expressed as trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, are used to assess the ratings and weights for the selection criteria. The ordered weighted averaging operator is utilized to transform the fuzzy decision matrix into crisp values considering the decision maker’s attitudinal character. For selecting the best site, the extended VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method is applied to determine the priority ranking of alternatives. As a result, a hierarchy MCDM model based on fuzzy set theory and VIKOR method is proposed to deal with the site selection problems in the MSW management system. An empirical study in Shanghai, China, is provided and comparison with the existing approach is conducted to illustrate the applicability and benefits of the proposed method.

A sustainability evaluation framework for WET-PPP projects based on a picture fuzzy similarity-based VIKOR method

Rail transit systems, one of the important public transportation (PT) systems, are widespread in large cities to satisfy passengers or commuters for their daily trips. However, rail transportation (RT) investments are costly, and the budgets are minimal. Thus assessing RT systems in big cities play a crucial role in deciding on the best RT investment. In this study, for the first time, a two-stage fuzzy set is used among the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) studies in the area of transportation. The proposed method is a unique technique integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) techniques with an extension of Pythagorean fuzzy sets. In this manner, datasets from the observations of three rail lines in Antalya, one of the largest cities in Turkey, are applied to the proposed method. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), a commonly used MCDM method, is used to weighting four main criteria and thirteen sub-factors. AHP is strengthened by interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (IVPFNs). The Fuzzy VIKOR (FVIKOR) approach is then applied for the prioritization of three rail line alternatives. Results are achieved by analyzing not only real RT service observations, also actual RT expenditures or costs. Consequently, the uncertainty in results is thus minimized. Outcomes of the case study reveal the most serviceable RT line in the city evaluating the main criteria, namely economy, comfort, environment, and safety. Therefore, the proposed approach methodologically contributes to adopting a new insight into the integration of MCDM methods with fuzzy set.

A fuzzy rough number extended AHP and VIKOR for failure mode and effects analysis under uncertainty

In recent times, there have been developments in the maritime industry that underscore the need to optimise operations to yield maximum productivity. Apart from this, stakeholders in this industry have also advocated improvements in seaport operations' critical areas. However, there is no known study in which the relationship between performance criteria and seaport operation measures is investigated. This study proposes a framework for selecting operation measures for the maritime industry. It uses stakeholders' expectations for operational criteria and fuzzy logic to design the framework. Nine criteria were considered in the framework, while Fuzzy VIKOR (VIsekriterijumska optimizacija I KOmpromisno Resenje) and fuzzy Shannon entropy were incorporated into it. The framework's applicability was tested using information that was obtained from Tin can port, Lagos, Nigeria. During this process, hinterland traffic diversion (A1), congestion pricing (A2), off-dock container yards (A3), Fast rail shuttles (A4), expanded rail connections (A5) were considered as alternatives for seaport operational measures. When the developed framework was used to analyse the collected information from Tin Can port, Lagos, Nigeria, the fuzzy VIKOR index ranked the alternatives as A1 » A2 » A3 » A5 » A4. Therefore, this study's insights show that mathematical models can be used to make informed seaports decisions.

Supplier selection is a complex multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, which considers a number of alternative suppliers as well as conflicting and noncommensurable criteria. Considering the fact that it is difficult to precisely determine criteria weights and the ratings of alternatives on each criterion in real-life situations, the VIKOR (VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje) method has been modified for intuitionistic fuzzy data in this study for supplier evaluation and selection. Further, we take into account both subjective and objective weights of criteria in the decision-making process, as most supplier selection approaches consider only subjective criteria weights. Finally, two supplier selection examples are provided to illustrate the proposed intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid VIKOR (IFH-VIKOR) method, and its merits are highlighted by comparing it with other relevant approaches.

PurposeDue to the important role of strategic human resources in fulfilling the main objectives of organizations on the one hand and the necessity of having suitable functional strategies in place to operationalize the developmental programs on the other hand, this study aims to identify the factors and sub-factors of developmental programs and their priorities as well as the relationship and interactions of the identified criteria in human capital developmental programs through a hybrid fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory –analytic network process approach. Also, the rank of functional strategies to achieve these human resource developmental programs is determined using fuzzy VIsekriterijumska Optimizacija I KOmpromisno Resenje (VIKOR) technique.Design/methodology/approachThrough an in-depth review of the relevant literature, the most important criteria and sub-criteria were determined. Then, a questionnaire was designed and distributed among 20 top managers and experts of the surveyed bank. Using geometric mean, the criteria were screened. In the next step, the second pairwise questionnaire was designed and distributed among eight experts, to determine the relations and interrelations among these factors their relevant sub-factors and prioritize them. Finally, using the third designed questionnaire and fuzzy, VIKOR (FVIKOR) technique the ranks of functional strategies were determined.FindingsAnalysis of the results showed that “future wellness and retirement” is the most influential factor and the “retention” factor is the most permeable factor. Also, human capital planning is the most important factor of this department’s developmental programs in achieving its strategic objectives. Factors “recruiting and hiring,” “retention,” “empowerment” and “future wellness and retirement” were ranked second to fifth, respectively. Finally, the application of the FVIKOR technique revealed that “enhancement and improvement of incentive systems” is the best functional strategy to achieve the developmental plans of the human capital department.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this study is the generalizability of the findings, which may be limited by the single case study method used.Practical implicationsThis study presents a comprehensive and effective tool which could specifically help policymakers and top managers of the survey company and other managers of the banking sector in general, to use a quantitative approach toward identification and prioritizations of the determinants factors of the human capital developmental programs toward achieving functional strategic objectives to enhance the satisfaction of their internal customer as the most important asset of their organizations which might lead to the increased external customer satisfaction and, subsequently, increased competitive advantage.Originality/valueTo the best knowledge of the authors, this is one the first studies of its kind which attempts through a hybrid fuzzy analytical network process and fuzzy DEMATEL approach, presents a structural network model to examine the interrelationships among the human capital developmental programs and prioritizes them, also simultaneously rank the functional strategies toward achieving these programs using FVIKOR technique.

PurposeContract incompleteness with deficiency, inconsistency, defectiveness, and ambiguity in contract clauses, which can cause misunderstandings and misinterpretations, may result with disputes in projects. This study aims to investigate contract incompleteness factors with a hybrid fuzzy multi-criteria decision approach.Design/methodology/approachContract incompleteness factors were ranked by fuzzy VIKOR (Visekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) method, and the most significant factors were subjected to fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to examine their causal relationships. The study is not limited to ranking the identified factors solely, since their cause-effect interactions are also essential for proper risk management in construction projects.FindingsHybrid use of multi-criteria analysis reveals that ambiguity in enforceability including excessive demands and significant amendments in the scope of works are the top two causal contract incompleteness factors, while lack of implementation details and focus of focal point, and insufficient supporting and technical documents are the most affected ones.Originality/valueContractual causes of disputes due to contract incompleteness factors other than requirements of the contracts have been rarely investigated in the literature. The research is one of the first studies in the literature investigating the causal relationship among factors in construction contracts, which might lead to project disputes. Findings are expected to improve contract drafting, eventually contributing to effective risk management in construction projects.

This study aimed to determine and prioritize the critical barriers to supply chain resilience (SCR) in Vietnamese small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), which play a crucial role in the global supply chain. Through a systematic literature review and expert consultation, 15 barriers to SCR were identified and evaluated by using the fuzzy VIKOR (ViseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) method. The findings provide novel insights into the challenges of enhancing resilience in the Vietnamese supply chain and categorize the barriers into three main categories: the resilience phase, strategy resilience, and the competencies required. The results indicated that a lack of financial resources and alternative sources of supply are the most pressing barriers related to the resilience phase group. In terms of strategy resilience, the lack of a skilled and competent workforce was found to be the most critical obstacle. Furthermore, government delays in supporting and enacting appropriate policies were found to be the most pressing issue related to the competencies required. These findings offer valuable recommendations for managers seeking to address these barriers and enhance the resilience of the Vietnamese supply chain after COVID-19. By prioritizing and solving these critical obstacles, Vietnamese SMEs can better prepare for and recover from potential challenges in the future.

Wasteless mining has become the mainstream mode of China’s mining industry, which is an environmentally friendly and sustainable mining method. To effectively evaluate the construction of a green mine, the wasteless mining evaluation method was proposed, based on the intuitionistic fuzzy set theory and the Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) decision-making method in this study. Firstly, the intuitionistic fuzzy sets for six indicators (such as waste rock utilization, tailing sand utilization and the current mining situation) of the Dongguashan Copper Mine were established, based on the intuitionistic fuzzy set theory and the national standard system. Secondly, referring to the green mine evaluation system, the index weights were calculated with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Finally, the above intuitionistic fuzzy set matrix was ranked by the VIKOR method. The calculation results show that the group utility value of this mine is 0.1943 ∈ (0,0.2), which is at level I; the individual regret value is 0.0916 ∈ (0.075,0.15), which is at level II; the compromise value is 0.2193 ∈ (0.2,0.4), which is at level II. Through comprehensive assessment, the final evaluation of the wasteless mining in the Dongguashan Copper Mine is Grade II. The Dongguashan Copper Mine is one of the first mining enterprises subject to the transformation into wasteless mining in China. The results of the final evaluation are consistent with the current status of wasteless mining in the Dongguashan Copper Mine.

A risk evaluation model of electric power cloud platform from the information perspective based on fuzzy type-2 VIKOR