Analytic Hierarchy Process Theory Research Articles

A two-phased decision-making based grey theory framework for the best choice of payment methods in international trade

This study aims to propose a two-staged Analytic Hierarchy Process and COmplex PRoportional ASsessment model-based Grey Theory (AHP-G and COPRAS-G) to explore critical elements affecting international payment method selection in the case of import-export Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) from emerging countries. First, the AHP-G model is applied to determine the relative weights of essential factors. Second, the COPRAS- G approach prioritizes international payment method alternatives. From the literature review and experts' opinions, five main criteria were established, including: “relationship between the two parties” (RE), “type of goods” (GO), “political-economic framework factor” (MA), “characteristics of payment method” (PA); “opinions and requirements of external parties” (EX) and four international payment methods are considered as frequent payment alternatives. A real-world case study from Vietnamese SMEs in the import-export industry is presented to exemplify the applicability and robustness of the proposed approach. The weighting results indicated that (PA) had the most significant impact on international payment method selection, followed by (MA) and (RE). Letter of credit (L/C) is considered the most reliable payment method for SMEs. Furthermore, a comparative analysis was performed to examine the validity of the proposed model. The proposed approach would assist stakeholders in import-export SMEs and other industries in effectively selecting suitable payment methods in international trade.

A multicriteria approach to assessing the sustainability of community-based ecotourism in Central Vietnam

Nature exploration, or ecotourism, has been an essential part of tourism, and today takes on a much broader meaning beyond tourism that includes conserving nature and culture and improving people’s lives, especially in the indigenous community. Community-based ecotourism (CBET) has specific benefits closely related to the sustainability of natural ecosystems and community development. CBET can be defined as nature-based tourism, helping shape the types of tourism services, planning and developing destinations provided by communities directly. CBET is supposed to be a sustainable alternative to mass tourism by its potential benefits in Vietnam. The study aims to evaluate the sustainability of four CBET destinations in Central Vietnam through a sustainable ecotourism index (SEI) formed by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Based on the literature review, local people, and experts’ recommendations, a set of fourteen criteria categorized into five groups reflecting the critical attributes of the sustainable CBET that include environmental conservation, economic benefits, community participation, cultural preservation, and empowerment are analyzed. The raw data is obtained from in-depth interviews with 21 experts and 42 households. After normalizing, the results indicate that out of four CBET destinations, one is identified as high sustainability (SEI>4.2), two are neutral (3.4<SEI<4.2), and one is lower than (SEI<3.4). These findings provide implications for extending the AHP theory in tourism and policy implications toward sustainable development in future tourism.

Optimized Design of Polyethylene Fiber-Engineered Cementitious Composite Mix Ratio Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Finding a method to optimize the design of the polyethylene fiber-engineered cementitious composite (PE-ECC) mix proportion is an urgent endeavor. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is an efficient decision-making tool for complicated problems with multiple variables and uncertainties. In this study, initial cracking strength, ultimate tensile strength, tensile displacement, and test age, as influencing factors of the PE-ECC optimum mix design were considered. The weightings of the factors were quantified through the AHP method according to the tensile test results of 14 groups of specimens with different mix proportions. The water to binder ratios (0.25, 0.27, 0.29, 0.31), the mineral admixtures (30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%), and the PE ratio (2%) were the three main test parameters for the factors of the PE-ECC tensile properties. The weight of each influence factor was calculated by constructing a matrix, which confirmed that the judgment matrix satisfies the consistency test. The optimum mixture ratio of 30% fly ash and 0.27 water-binder ratio were obtained. The results demonstrate the applicability and rationality of the AHP theory. The findings from this study can be used as a guideline for the optimized design of PE-ECC mix proportions.

Criteria and Indicators to Define Priority Areas for Biodiversity Conservation in Vietnam

Balancing biodiversity conservation with land use for agricultural production is a major societal challenge. Conservation activities must be prioritized since funds and resources for conservation are insufficient in the context of current threats, and conservation competes with other societal priorities. In order to contribute to conservation priority-setting literature, we applied an environmental model, Pressure–State–Response (PSR), to develop a set of criteria for identifying priority areas for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. Our empirical data have been compiled from 185 respondents and categorized into three groups: Governmental Administration and Organizations, Universities and Research Institutions, and Protected Areas. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) theory was used to identify the weight of all criteria. Our results show that the priority levels for biodiversity conservation identified by these three factors are 41% for “Pressure”, 26% for “State”, and 33% for “Response”. Based on these three factors, seven criteria and seventeen indicators were developed to determine priority areas for biodiversity conservation. Besides, our study also reveals that the groups of Governmental Administration and organizations and Protected Areas put a focus on the “Pressure” factor, while the group of Universities and Research Institutions emphasized the importance of the “Response” factor in the evaluation process. We suggest that these criteria and indicators be used to identify priority areas for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam.

Application of Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process in the Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of College Teachers and the Construction of Index System

In view of the relevant problems existing in the faculty of colleges and universities, in order to further analyze the deficiencies existing in the quality monitoring and index system of the faculty of colleges and universities. Based on the method and theory of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, this study evaluates the quality monitoring results of university teachers, and researches the establishment of the index system of university teachers. The results show that k of different parameters increases slowly at first and then tends to be stable with the increase of iteration time. However, different parameters show different variation relations at higher iteration time. When k is 15, it can be used for targeted analysis of model index CR1. It can be seen from the weight analysis chart of quality monitoring of college teachers that the highest proportion is work pressure, while the lowest proportion is working environment. The research shows that the work pressure has the greatest influence on the quality monitoring analysis of college teachers. The construction diagram of the index system of college teachers shows that the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process can better reflect the quality system and index system of college teachers. Relevant research results can provide theoretical support for the application of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process in the research of college teachers.

Decision-Making for Typical Pavement Structure Based on Life-Cycle Economic Evaluation and Key Performance Indicators

The economy and rationality of the typical structural scheme for asphalt pavement are directly related to the formation of its service target. Based on the original highway asphalt pavement structure in Jilin Province, the evaluation index system was established by the research of the literature, investigation and Delphi method, and the results of expert consultation were tested by indicators such as enthusiasm, authority and coordination. The Kendall coordination coefficient was 0.803, indicating a strong degree of evaluation consistency. Then, using the finite element method and pavement economic analysis method, the key parameters of pavement structure asphalt, pavement design performance and economy are calculated. Finally, the key indicators in the pavement design process are quantified by using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and gray relational theory, the weight of each key indicator and the correlation degree of the pavement structure are calculated, and pavement structure 1 is determined to be the best solution. The results show that a decision model for typical structural types of asphalt pavement can be established by using an improved gray relational analytic hierarchy process. In this study, the decision-making model can quickly and conveniently determine the most suitable typical pavement structure, the selected structures are checked, and the calculation results meet the requirements of the specification. However, given the limited reference cases, the proposed pavement structure decision-making method needs to be verified and improved through more practical applications.

THERMAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF WALL ASSEMBLIES: CRITERIA IMPORTANCE THEORY AND AHP APPROACH

The problem of the “best” choice in terms of the ecological, durable, cheap and energy-effective material of envelope construction has been considered in the paper. For the numerical assessment of the thermal performance, the MCDA techniques as Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Criteria Importance Theory (CIT) were used. There were proposed eight types of wall assemblies from a natural material, namely: Hempcrete, Adobe, Strawbale panel, Earthbag, Cordwood, SIP (plywood+ecofiber), Hempcrete+straw and Compositional building thermo-block. As a objective function for the search of the best alternative the integral index was proposed which consist of thermo-physical and economic criteria. As the thermo-physical criteria component of the index were taken the u-value of the envelope W/m2K, the dimensionless decrement factor of the envelope f and the internal areal heat capacity of the envelope k1, kJ/m2K according to ISO 13786:2017. As economic criteria of the integral index, the authors proposed the cost of the wall material Q, UAH/m2 and the mass of the wall m, kg/m2. The analysis of the conducted research has shown, that from the one hand there is no absolute “leader” in the ranking of the wall assemblies according to the proposed criteria and MCDA technique, but from the other hand by comparison of the results, there were revealed that the top three alternatives in both AHP and CIT technique are walls of “B”, “D” and “E” type with different point order, achieved in each MCDA calculation technique.

Developing a resilient healthcare supply chain to prevent disruption in the wake of emergency health crisis

PurposeThe study aims to identify and analyse the drivers of resilient healthcare supply chain (HCSC) preparedness in emergency health outbreaks to prevent disruption in healthcare services delivery in the context of India.Design/methodology/approachThe present study has opted for the grey clustering method to identify and analyse the drivers of resilient HCSC preparedness during health outbreaks into high, moderate and low important grey classes based on Grey-Delphi, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Shannon's information entropy (IE) theory.FindingsThe drivers of the resilient HCSC are scrutinised using the Grey-Delphi technique. By implementing AHP and Shannon's IE theory and depending upon structure, process and outcome measures of HCSC, eleven drivers of a resilient HCSC preparedness are clustered as highly important, three drivers into moderately important, and two drivers into a low important group.Originality/valueThe analysis and insights developed in the present study would help to plan and execute a viable, resilient emergency HCSC preparedness during the emergence of any health outbreak along with the stakeholders' coordination. The results of the study offer information, rationality, constructiveness, and universality that enable the wider application of AHP-IE/Grey clustering analysis to HCSC resilience in the wake of pandemics.

Construction of evaluation model of ecotourism resources in featured small towns

PurposeWith the development of small towns in China, the country pays more and more attention to the protection of landscape resources. It is an urgent problem that is how to protect landscape resources and ecological environment while developing economic industry in small towns. Establishing an ecotourism evaluation model can provide valuable reference for ecotourism planning, development protection and sustainable development of small towns.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to construct the ecotourism evaluation system that accords with the characteristics of small towns. A judgment matrix is constructed to determine specific indicators and factor values based on expert survey results. Based on the AHP theory and considering 4 aspects, construction conditions of featured small towns, ecological and environmental conditions, ecotourism resources endowment and development conditions and tourism capacity. In addition, 16 factor evaluations were selected, evaluation model of ecotourism resources were built and each evaluation index value was confirmed by adopting expert's advice.FindingsEcological environment, socioeconomic, uniqueness, esthetic ornamental value, small-scale industry scale, type and development level, type and scale, tourism talent level, therapeutic and leisure value were the indispensable components of evaluation of ecotourism resources in featured small towns.Originality/valueThe ideas of ecological environment development are rooted in the hearts of the people with the development of times. The model in this research is pertinent, typical and universal to some extent. Thus it is worth popularizing and applying.

Coupling coordination relationship between geology-geomorphology and ecology in Northeast China.

Northeast China is an important ecological barrier and commodity grain base in China. The coupling coordination relationship between geology–geomorphology and ecology has become a critical background condition for ecosystem protection and sustainable development. Taking Northeast China as a case (accounting for about 13% of China’s land area), 9 divisions are divided according to the characteristics of regional ecology and geology–geomorphology, and 17 indicators are selected to build an evaluation index system. Methods of analytic hierarchy process, entropy weight and game theory are used to determine the index weights. Based on the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, the spatial coupling coordination characteristics of geology–geomorphology and ecology are studied. The variation characteristics of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are evaluated by Sen+Mann–Kendall (Sen+MK) method. Our results are as follows. (1) The coupling between geology–geomorphology and ecology is strong, but the spatial differentiation of CCD is obvious. Nine divisions are evaluated as two high–level, three medium–level and three low–level coordination types and one mild imbalance type. (2) The plain divisions Ⅰ and Ⅳ where the typical black soil belt is located are high coordination types. Restricted by geology–geomorphological conditions or ecological conditions, mountain divisions Ⅲ and Ⅶ and plain division Ⅴ are moderate coordination types, mountain divisions Ⅱ and Ⅷ and plateau division Ⅸ are low coordination types, and mountain division Ⅵ is mild imbalance type. (3) The variation trend of NDVI shows a significant increase in divisions Ⅲ, Ⅴ, Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅶ. it shows a significant decrease in part of divisions Ⅳ, Ⅵ, Ⅷ and Ⅸ, and ecological management and construction should be strengthened in these divisions. The research shows that the CCD model method is feasible for evaluating the relationship between geology–geomorphology and ecology and can provide eco–geological background information for Northeast China.

Improvement of competitiveness through the application of analytic hierarchy process, game theory, decision trees and design of experiments tools

Competitiveness is important for all companies. Because qualitative and quantitative factors are associated with it, strategic decisions must be supported by different analytical tools. In this work, we describe the application of specific tools to improve the expansion strategy for a food supplements company which is facing strong competitors. Two main alternatives were considered: increasing the production of the current products, and extending the company’s portfolio by adding new products. In contrast to other works, the competitors’ key features and likely response were considered as determinant factors for the assessment of these alternatives. These were addressed through analytic hierarchy process and game theory tools. Then, economic assessment and optimization of the new products’ features were addressed through decision tree and design of experiments tools. The results of this approach corroborate its suitability for other companies where appropriate strategic actions must be formulated in advance of the possible competitors’ response to increase competitiveness.

Integrated variable weight model and improved DRASTIC model for groundwater vulnerability assessment in a shallow porous aquifer

Accurate and effective assessment of groundwater vulnerability is very important for ensuring a healthy groundwater ecosystem. We evaluate the vulnerability of shallow porous aquifers by modifying the DRASTIC model and verify the effectiveness of the variable weight model (VWM). Firstly, topography, aquifer media, and the impact of the vadose zone are replaced by land-use type, aquifer thickness, and the hydraulic resistance of the vadose zone. Second, the weighting is optimized using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and variable weight theory (VWT). Thirdly, the original and the improved DRASTIC methods were used to evaluate groundwater vulnerability. Finally, three sets of samples hydrochemical parameters (NO3-, Mg2+,COD) were used to verify the improved frameworks using the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) method. The improved model increases the dispersion degree of groundwater vulnerability. Compared with the original DRASTIC method, the correlation of the VWM is significantly improved in terms of the area under curve (AUC) for NO3- (0.786), COD (0.753), and Mg2+ (0.831). In short, it is necessary to optimize the parameters and weights of the model in order to realize reliable estimations of groundwater vulnerability. In particular, the use of VWM brings the results in line with the actual situation by changing the weights.

Selection of Construction Bidders Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process and Friedman Theory

Selecting a suitable bidder to execute a construction project is not an easy task, especially for the short bidder list. The consequences of the selection might affect the project performance in terms of cost, money, and quality. The current research in this work deals with the selection of a contractor, who bids on a specific project. The historical data of contractors are a key of the selection based on three approaches: the quick selection approach (QSA), generic selection approach (GSA), and comprehensive selection approach (CSA). The QSA relies on the scoring system according to delay factors. The QSA is the weighted average of the delay factors using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the CSA is based on the integrated QSA and the bidding strategy using Friedman’s theory. The current three approaches can be utilized by public and private owners, who intend to select a general contractor to execute new construction projects. A hypothetical case study is implemented to demonstrate the developed models. Several experts in the field of construction management have confirmed the findings. The third strategy (CSA) is found to be the most appropriate for selecting construction bidders.

Robustness evaluation of coal mine based on FAHP and DST

Enterprise quality management robustness describes the effectiveness of quality management error-proofing system. In accordance with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and Dempster-Shafer theory (DST), this research constructs the evaluation model of the quality management robustness of coal mine establishes the evaluation index system from seven aspects and three levels, and puts forward the evaluation method. At last, the effectiveness of the error-proofing system of coal mining enterprise is verified.

A coupling methodology of the analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight theory for assessing coastal water quality.

Rapid economic development in coastal areas has gradually increased the risk of coastal water quality deterioration. The assessment methods of coastal water quality are multifarious, but many depend on either subjective judgment or objective calculation. We proposed a weighted sum methodology by integrating the subjective analytic hierarchy process and objective entropy theory (AHP-entropy weight methodology) to obtain an overall evaluation of coastal water quality. The mathematical models to transform the biochemical and physical parameter values and soluble substance concentrations into index scores have been formulated in comparison to the national water quality classification scheme. The application of the AHP-entropy weight methodology was demonstrated in the nearshore area of Yangjiang city, China, based on 23 seawater sampling stations in autumn 2017 and spring 2018. Datasets including biochemical and physical parameters, nutrients, and heavy metals have been converted into water quality index scores based on the proposed mathematical model. Results revealed that the overall water quality fell into the "good" class in both sampling seasons. The spatial distribution of the water quality index scores demonstrated that the relatively worse water quality occurred in estuarine and nearshore areas, signifying the negative effect of coastal anthropogenic activities. The statistical analyses like the hierarchical cluster analysis interpreted that the river input acted as a main source of pollutants in the study area. The AHP-entropy weight methodology could be a preferred way to assist decision-makers in properly evaluating the current state of coastal water quality in an unbiased, objective manner.

AN INTEGRATED INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIZATION MODEL: CASE STUDY OF TRIPOLI, LEBANON

This paper introduces a novel non-linear weighting model to evaluate the different aspects of infrastructure. In this regard, three approaches are presented to compute the percents of infrastructure indicators, namely analytical hierarchy process, Shannon entropy and fuzzy set theory. A unified weighting model is then proposed to aggregate the weighting vectors obtained from the three approaches. The developed model is designed to model the feedback of the experts, actual condition of the infrastructure and encountered uncertainties. Results highlighted that water has the highest relative importance with 52.65% followed by electricity with 34.12% while telecommunication has the least relative importance with 2.69%. To apply a more practical sense to the proposed framework, a sample assessment of the Lebanese city of Tripoli’s civil infrastructure was carried out in this paper. The developed model is expected to support planners and policymakers with a platform that enables them to efficiently evaluate the infrastructure’s condition

Disaster Risk Evaluation of Superlong Highways Tunnel Based on the Cloud and AHP Model

Comprehensive evaluation of the geological disaster risk of super long tunnels is significant for safety construction. In this paper, we establish a comprehensive evaluation system based on the cloud model and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) theory, considering four kinds of geological hazards, such as water and mud inrush, large deformation, rock burst, and collapse. Then, based on a super long highway tunnel of the Chizhou‐Qimen expressway in China, the construction risk evaluation is carried out. The results show that the evaluation system can accurately judge the disaster risk level of the tunnel under different conditions surrounding a rock. The cloud model theory can realize the mutual transformation of qualitative indicators and quantitative indicators and avoid the problem of intense subjectivity of evaluation indicators. The evaluation system can be used as a new approach to evaluate tunnel risks in similar projects.

Establishing an evaluation index system of Coastal Port shoreline resources utilization by objective indicators

The utilization of shoreline resources is time-varying, establishing an evaluation mechanism of it is beneficial to the port development and management. An evaluation index system was forged in this paper from three perspectives of shoreline utilization, development of economic and traffic location. The synthetic weight was adopted based on the widely-used method of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and information entropy theory combining the subjectivity and objectivity. The score of each index can be derived according to the mathematical relationships established by the quantification method instead of experts scoring. The evaluation index system was validated by the application of Lianyungang port in 2015. Lianyungang port in 2005 was then carried out to compare the variation with 2015. The numerical scores showed the shoreline resources utilization had improved from 5.30 to 5.98 with slight progress. Rizhao port was finally conducted with the score of 6.29 and the differences between two ports were analyzed. The evaluation method can be applied extensively into different ports of different times with generalizability and operability. It will contribute to the sustainability of shoreline resources and provide a scientific basis for the shoreline management and planning.

Risk Assessment of Power Monitoring System Based on Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process

The security threat of power monitoring system is increasing, it is valuable to carry out effective risk assessment, which helps to find the security threats of the system in time, then carry out security management and avoid disasters. This paper presents a risk assessment method of power monitoring system based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and CVSS. Firstly, Considering the structure and security requirements of power monitoring system, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model is established, and CVSS is used to quantify the evaluation indicators. Then, the fuzzy consistent judgment matrix is constructed by using the results of index quantification by using AHP and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation theory, and the power monitoring system is comprehensively evaluated from the bottom to the top. Finally, the risk evaluation value and safety level of the system are obtained. The example shows that the method can effectively overcome the difficulty of AHP in checking the consistency of judgment matrix, and can effectively quantify the system risk, and provide reference and basis for risk management decision-making of power monitoring system.

Method of selecting automatic control system of a motor grader

Problem. Effective use of motor graders is impossible without the use of automatic control systems, especially in modern conditions of large volumes of road construction. However, among the large number of samples of such systems, which differ in various parameters, it is impossible to make an appropriate choice without a scientifically sound approach, taking into account the set of their characteristics. It was found that these systems are characterized by a large set of parameters, with the values of some of them unknown, and the reliability of the values of many parameters is questionable, i.e. the choice must take place in conditions of fuzzy information. The methods of choosing alternatives in conditions of uncertainty described in the literature, in particular when choosing technical systems based on Analytic Hierarchy Process and fuzzy set theory, are analyzed and the latter is taken to develop a method of choosing a motor grader ACS. The goal of the work is to increase the efficiency of motor graders in road construction due to the appropriate choice of ACS. The methodology of constructing the method is the theory of fuzzy sets. The economic, technical-operational and ergonomic groups of criteria for choosing a motor grader ACS are determined and substantiated. The construction of the method was performed to select the ACS in the 3D class. As the alternatives, the systems which are the leaders of this segment were chosen. The above criteria are a set of criteria. The solution to the problem of choice is an alternative that best meets the requirements of the whole set of criteria. The results of the work are the development of a method of fuzzy multicriterion analysis for the selection of a motor grader ACS in the class of 3D systems. Originality lies in constructing the method of choosing a motor grader ACS in conditions of fuzzy information on the basis of reasonable criteria. The practical value is the fact that the use of the developed method will allow to make a scientifically sound choice of the ACS of a motor grader taking into account the whole set of criteria.