Integrated intelligent decision support model for ranking regional transport infrastructure programmes based on performance assessment

Abstract

In recent years, major regional transport infrastructure programmes have been adopted throughout the African continent. However, it has been noticed that while some programmes seem to be more effective, others have shown opposite outcomes. On this point, understanding the difference in the execution outcomes of these programmes is important for stakeholders. In this study, an improved fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis based on the fuzzy Bonferroni aggregator is integrated with fuzzy Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution to assess the most critical factors affecting the performance of the African regional infrastructure programmes and identify the best regional transportation infrastructure programme based on its performance. Four regional transportation infrastructure programmes are considered. To rank these programmes, five criteria are defined. The results show that “leadership” and “availability of finance” are the most critical factors while the fourth alternative “East African road network project” is the best alternative among the four possible programmes. The robustness of the proposed methodology is validated through a three-phase sensitivity analysis. The results confirmed the stability and applicability of the proposed methodology.