Mobile crane selection in project logistics operations using Best and Worst Method (BWM) and fuzzy Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution (MARCOS)

Abstract

Statistics on occupational accidents published by international organizations show that mobile cranes are the riskiest heavy equipment among all crane types. The most significant reason for these crane accidents is the decision-makers' wrong selection of mobile cranes. Making misevaluations and selecting improper mobile cranes can cause many problems besides mobile crane accidents. In addition, selecting a mobile crane is a highly complicated decision-making problem, as there are many conflicting criteria and uncertainties. Besides, no commonly accepted criteria set is used to solve this decision-making problem in the literature. The current paper proposes the fuzzy BWM (Best and Worst Method) and fuzzy MARCOS (Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution) combination as a robust and practical decision-making tool that can overcome many complicated ambiguities. The suggested model has been applied to solve a mobile crane selection problem encountered by a large-scale project logistics and heavy transport company in Turkey. The acquired outcomes demonstrated that technical criteria are more influential than economic and quality criteria. The criterion “Maximum hoist height” in the technical criteria group is the most influential factor in selecting the best mobile crane option. In addition, the A1 Brand-L. 4.2 is the most appropriate alternative to meet the company's requirements. Finally, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis performed to test the validity and applicability of the model approves the robustness of the model.