Analytic Network Process Technique Research Articles

Evaluating Green Performance of Suppliers via Analytic Network Process and TOPSIS

Developments in environmental issues in the last few years have been forcing manufacturing companies to improve their environmental performances. Many firms developed integrated relationships with their suppliers to increase their environmental performance and to decrease their hazardous effects on the environment. Then, selecting suitable and green suppliers in the supply chain has become a key strategic consideration. A performance evaluation system for green suppliers is necessary to determine the suitability of suppliers to cooperate with the firm. Therefore, in this study, a model for evaluating green performance of suppliers is proposed, and a hybrid multicriteria decision making model is developed in order to evaluate green performance of the suppliers. The analytical network process technique is applied to handle the relationships and dependence of selection criteria and subcriteria and determine weights of the criteria. The technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution is used to sequence the suppliers for ideal solution of the suppliers’ green performance evaluation problem. After a comprehensive literature survey, evaluation criteria of green performance for suppliers are determined. Finally, green performance of 18 suppliers of an automobile company was evaluated by this model. These 18 suppliers manufacture chassis and its components.

Firm-level outsourcing decision making: A balanced scorecard-based analytic network process model

We combine the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) to build a cohesive decision model for determining firm level IT outsourcing strategy. Although prior research has confirmed the existence of interactions among BSC indicators and the potential impact of those interactions on firm level performance, interactions have hitherto not been fully understood and implemented, due to lack of adequate tools. In this paper, we take advantage of the strength of the ANP technique to address the interaction issues between indicators when applying the BSC. The ANP establishes the interactions among the indicators, prioritizes the indicators under the four BSC perspectives, and then identifies the best outsourcing strategy through synthesis. A case company is used to study the feasibility of our approach at firm level outsourcing decision making. Finally, we examine the robustness of the model through sensitivity analysis, and demonstrate the importance of incorporating indicator interactions when operationalizing BSC. Managerial insights and implications derived through model analysis are discussed.

Suppliers Selection for Sazeh Gostar Saipa Co. Using a Combination Approach of Analytic Network Process and Goal Programming

Strategic evaluation and supplier selection, or strategic supply, is a main subject of supply chain management. Strategic evaluation and supplier selection is a multi-criteria decision problem, considering both tangible and intangible criteria and organizations are seeking various and sometimes opposite objectives in purchasing from suppliers. As the increasing rivalry in Iran’s auto industry, producers and suppliers face several challenges. Sazeh Gostar Saipa Co., the main supplier of Saipa automobile maker firm, is not exempt of this norm. Top managers of the company believe that the best supplier selection for long-term cooperation is vital for the implementation of corporate strategies. In this paper, using decision technique of Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Base Overhead Cost Recovery (BOCR), 20 tangible and intangible operational and strategic criteria are considered in the supplier selection decision through a suggested methodology. Different organizations’ goals in purchasing from suppliers that are ranked in the previous stage are formulated to determine the amount of supply allocation to each supplier based on goals. The innovation aspect and main goal of the research are suggesting a methodology for selecting suppliers and determining the amount of allocated orders to them with combining ANP method, BOCR structure and goal programming in Sazeh Gostar Saipa Co.

Establishing Disaster Resilience Indicators for Tan-sui River Basin in Taiwan

A major trend in disaster management is to build resilience for sustainable development. Resilience is defined as the ability which may be learned from previous disaster experiences to make the system more stable than before through absorbing and adapting the changes caused by the disaster. In this paper, enhancing disaster resilience in a river basin is studied and regarded as an important operation process to achieve sustainability of urban area. The measurement of disaster resilience can be used as a potential environmental disaster diagnosis of previous urban planning policy strategies, and is a required foundation for drafting future spatial and urban planning policies. This paper proposes an application that combines fuzzy Delphi and analytic network process techniques in order to establish a set of disaster resilience indicators for a re-developed urban area in Tan-sui River Basin (Taiwan). By incorporating expert opinion, a priority index is calculated for each studied disaster resilience indicator. And, an enhanced resilience indicator evaluation methodology, which reflects interdependencies among evaluation dimensions using an integrated approach, is suggested in this paper. The results show that the main influences on satisfaction are: (1) factors of the management institute of basin, (2) financial capability, (3) conservation of water resource, (4) environmentally sensitive area, and (5) conservation of slope area. Overall, these main influences (five resilience indicators) show future directions for sustainable development in Tan-sui River Basin.

Resource allocation and uncertainty in transportation infrastructure planning: A study of highway improvement program in Taiwan

Transportation infrastructure planning can have significant impacts on urban development. However, to fund infrastructure projects can be a challenging task. On one hand, resources are normally too scared to undertake all feasible projects. On the other hand, the transportation investment decision-making process has become increasingly complex and under severe scrutiny (particularly in the early planning stages) as the degree of uncertainty embedded in the outcome of a project increases. Facing uncertainty and resource constraints, public administrators need to decide which projects to fund, and by how much. Therefore, an appropriate appraisal mechanism should be established to optimize all objectives simultaneously. The mechanism should be able to evaluate and prioritize project implementation difficulty levels based on the associations among project resource requirements. It should also be able to assess the interdependencies within project properties. Thus, an appropriate appraisal mechanism evaluates and prioritizes performance, uncertainty, project demands and needs, and resource constraints among possible candidate projects. Taking into account the concepts of benefit-opportunity-cost-risk and multi-objective optimization, this study presents a robust model by combining Monte Carlo Simulation and Analytic Network Process techniques. An empirical study of a large-scale nationwide (east-west) highway improvement program in Taiwan is conducted to illustrate how the modeling process proceeds.

Using the analytic network process (ANP) to determine method of waste energy recovery from engine

There are many ways to recover engine waste energy. But which way is the most suitable or feasible ways in future? This is belongs to a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) process. Existing methods for project selection does not reflect interdependencies of criteria and candidate methods. Consideration of criteria interdependencies enables valuable cost savings and great benefits to engine and environment. When these problems are evaluated, it is necessary to collect group opinion because the interdependence relationship among criteria is known and it is very important to consider the criteria for the problem solving and decision-making. In order to collect group opinions for interdependent project problems, expert interviews are conducted. Analytic network process (ANP) is applied for measurement of the dependency among the strategic factors, which can help engineer determine their decisions. (1) It is found that thermoelectricity technology is the most suitable method to recovery waste energy in future and the ANP technique is useful as a decision judgment tool.

Developing a Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model for PESTEL Analysis

Although the conceptual structure and nature of PESTEL (Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological,Environment and Legal) analysis requires an integrated approach to analysis, the technical framework ofPESTEL does not adequately support such an approach. PESTEL analysis, as it stands, mainly provides ageneral idea about the macro environmental conditions and situation of a company. This study presents a modelto address problems encountered in the measurement and evaluation process of PESTEL analysis. The integratedstructure of PESTEL factors and sub-factors were modeled by AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and ANP(Analytic Network Process) techniques. Relationships between PESTEL factors were determined by DEMATEL(Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory). Global weights of the sub-factors were calculated usingANP. The PESTEL analysis model proposed in the study could determine the extent to which the macroenvironment of a company provides suitable conditions to achieve the aims of the company.

Evaluation of power plants in Turkey using Analytic Network Process (ANP)

Energy is one of the most important parameters of the development of societies. Low cost, clean and secure energy supply is a common issue for all countries. Every country spends commercial and political effort to avoid not having sufficient energy and to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply. This study attempts to determine the suitability of existing power plants in Turkey and the plants that are being considered for establishment in the near future. The alternatives which are being considered are natural gas, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and coal/lignite energy plants as well as nuclear energy plants. By using the multi-criteria decision making technique of Analytic Network Process (ANP), a multi-criteria evaluations of six different energy plants were performed with respect to the major criteria such as technology and sustainability, economical suitability, life quality and socio-economic impacts.

Integrated sustainability assessments: a spatial multicriteria evaluation for siting a waste incinerator plant in the Province of Torino (Italy)

The present paper proposes a spatial multicriteria approach for supporting decision makers in the siting process of a waste incinerator plant in the Province of Torino (Italy). Municipal solid waste management is an intrinsically complex problem because it involves different interconnected elements and must achieve objectives that are often in conflict. Given the spatial nature of the problem, a useful support is provided by a family of methods that are rapidly gaining traction for planning and policy-making, named multicriteria spatial decision support systems, which are based on geographical information systems and multicriteria analysis coupling. In the present study, a methodological framework is proposed for the integration of geographical information systems with a specific multicriteria analysis technique, named Analytic Network Process. The method is illustrated with reference to a case study in the Province of Torino. The purpose of the research is to generate a suitability map of the area under analysis in order to locate a municipal solid waste incinerator plant. The application allows the dependence relationships between the criteria to be assessed and the relative importance of all the elements to be evaluated. The results are obtained in the form of maps analyzed through the ILWIS 3.3 GIS software and have been further verified through a “what-if” analysis with reference to the clusters priorities in order to test the robustness of the model. The implementation of the spatial Analytic Network Process technique gives an originality value to the present research since it represents one of the first applications at both the national and international levels.

네트워크 분석 기법을 이용한 운동처방 관리시스템 설계 및 구현

운동이 신체적, 정신적 건강에 긍정적인 영향을 미친다는 것은 수많은 연구를 통해 일반적인 상식이 되었다. 그리고 규칙적인 운동은 체지방 감소와 혈중지질을 감소시켜 비만을 조절하며, 궁극적으로 인간의 삶의 질을 향상시킨다고 보고되어 있다. 본 연구에서는 선행연구를 통해 수영운동치료 관리를 위한 지표들을 도출하였으며, Fuzzy ANP(Analytic Network Process) 기법을 이용하여 지표들간의 상관관계를 모델링하여 가중치를 측정하였다. 측정된 결과를 가지고, 공간 제약 없이 개인별 맞춤 운동처방을 실시간으로 알려주도록 설계 하였다. 그리고 휴대폰, 스마트폰, 노트북 등 모바일 장치를 통해 실시간으로 질환자별 맞춤 관리가 이루어질 수 있도록 환자관리시스템을 구현하고자 한다. It has become general common sense through numerous researches that exercise provides positive impacts on physical and mental health. And it has been reported that regular exercise adjusts obesity by reducing body fat and lipid levels found in the blood and ultimately, it improves human quality of life. In this study, indices for managing swimming exercise therapy were induced through prior researches and weighted value was measured by modelling correlations between indices by using fuzzy ANP (Analytic Network Process) technique. With the determined results, users can be provided with real-time individualized exercise prescription without space constraint. And patient management system was intended to be realized so that tailor-made management per patient can be established on real-time through mobile equipments such as portable phone, smart phone, notebook and etc.

A Multicriteria Spatial Decision Support System Development for Siting a Landfill in the Province of Torino (Italy)

The present paper proposes a spatial multicriteria approach for supporting Decision-Makers in the siting process of a Municipal Solid Waste landfill in the Province of Torino (Italy). In particular, the contribution illustrates the development of a Multicriteria-Spatial Decision Support System based on the integration of Geographic Information Systems and a specific Multicriteria Decision Analysis technique, named Analytic Network Process (ANP). This technique, which represents the generalization of the more well-known Analytic Hierarchy Process to dependences and feedbacks, is particularly suitable for dealing with complex decision problems which are characterized by inter-relationships among the elements at stake. The application allows the dependence relationships among the criteria to be assessed, and the relative importance of all the elements that play an influence on the final choice to be evaluated. The purpose of the study is to generate a suitability map of the area under analysis for locating a waste landfill, paying particular attention to the contribution that the spatial ANP offers to sustainability assessments of undesirable facilities. To this end, the simple network structure has been used and both exclusionary and non-exclusionary criteria have been identified and grouped into clusters. The results are obtained in the form of suitability maps analysed through ilwis 3.3 software (52North, ITC, Enschede, The Netherlands) and have been further verified through a sensitivity analysis with reference to the clusters priorities in order to test the robustness of the proposed model. The main findings of this research have proved that the spatial ANP is a useful tool to help technicians to make their decision process traceable and reliable. Moreover, this approach helps Decision-Makers to undertake a sound reflection of the siting problem. Finally, the implementation of the spatial ANP technique gives an originality value to the present research because it represents one of the first applications at both the national and international level. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of the green supply chain management practices: a fuzzy ANP approach

Environmentally responsible manufacturing, green supply chain management (GSCM), and related principles have become important strategies for companies to achieve profit and gain market share by lowering their environmental impacts and increasing their efficiency. As environment has become a key strategic consideration in supply chains, this study examines the components and elements of GSCM and suggests a novel GSCM evaluation framework. It also provides a real-case study of Ford Otosan, one of the pioneering companies about environmental subjects in Turkey, to illustrate the industrial application of our theoretical assessment model. The identified components are integrated into a strategic assessment and evaluation tool using analytical network process (ANP). The dynamic characteristics and complexity of the GSCM analysis environment make the ANP technique a suitable tool for this study. Moreover, to cope with ambiguity and vagueness of the decision maker's evaluations, the fuzzy extension of the ANP method is preferred.

Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Analytic Network Process for the assessment of different wastewater treatment systems

Multicriteria analyses (MCAs) are used to make comparative assessments of alternative projects or heterogeneous measures and allow several criteria to be taken into account simultaneously in a complex situation. The paper shows the application of different MCA techniques to a real decision problem concerning the choice of the most sustainable wastewater treatment (WWT) technology, namely Anaerobic digestion, Phytoremediation and Composting, for small cheese factories. Particularly, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and its recent implementation, the Analytic Network Process (ANP), have been considered for prioritizing the different technologies. The models enable all the elements of the decision process to be considered, namely environmental aspects, technological factors and economic costs, and to compare them to find the best alternative. The AHP and ANP techniques are applied through specific software packages with user-friendly interfaces called Expertchoice and Superdecision, respectively. A comparison of the merits obtained from the different models shows that Phytoremediation results as the most sustainable WWT technology for small cheese factories and that the use of the ANP method, which allows more sophisticated analysis to be made, succeeds in offering better results.

Supplier evaluation using hybrid multiple criteria decision making approach

In the face of acute global competition, supplier management is rapidly emerging as a crucial issue to any companies striving for business success and sustainable development. To optimise competitive advantages, a company should incorporate ‘suppliers’ as an essential part of its core competencies. Supplier evaluation, the first step in supplier management, is a complex multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problem, and its complexity is further aggravated if the highly important interdependence among the selection criteria is taken into consideration. The objective of this paper is to suggest a comprehensive decision method for identifying top suppliers by considering the effects of interdependence among the selection criteria. Proposed in this study is a hybrid model, which incorporates the technique of analytic network process (ANP) in which criteria weights are determined using fuzzy extent analysis, Technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) under fuzzy environment is adopted to rank competing suppliers in terms of their overall performances. An example is solved to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the suggested model.

An integrated analytic approach for Six Sigma project selection

Six Sigma is regarded as a well-structured methodology for improving the quality of processes and products. It helps achieve the company’s strategic goal through the effective use of project-driven approach. As Six Sigma is a project-driven methodology, it is essential to prioritize projects which provide maximum financial benefits to the organization. Generating and prioritizing the critical Six Sigma projects, however, are real challenges in practice. This study aims to develop a novel approach based on a combined ANP and DEMATEL technique to help companies determine critical Six Sigma projects and identify the priority of these projects especially in logistics companies. First of all the Six Sigma project evaluation dimension and components are determined. Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach is then applied to construct interrelations among criteria. The weights of criteria are obtained through analytic network process (ANP). An empirical case study from logistics industry is used to explore the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Using the fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) for Balanced Scorecard (BSC): A case study for a manufacturing firm

Balanced Scorecard (BSC), which is used as a strategic evaluation tool, is a method of determining business performance using lagging and leading indicators on the basis of vision and strategies. The method suggests that business performance should be evaluated not only by using financial indicators but also simultaneously considering non-financial indicators. It has been revealed in the review of relevant literature that despite the satisfying levels achieved in conceptual and theoretical dimension of Balanced Scorecard, the method has some deficiencies in terms of implementation on a quantitative basis and that there remain some problems to be resolved. Subject of this study covered the measurement and evaluation dimension of BSC. In the scope of the study, BSC approach was integrated with fuzzy ANP technique so as to determine the performance level of a business on the basis of its vision and strategies. Proposed model has shown that performance indicators with different structures included in BSC approach can be consolidated with the help of fuzzy ANP technique.

An analytic network process approach for locating undesirable facilities: An example from Istanbul, Turkey

Locating an undesirable facility is a sophisticated problem, for the evaluation procedures involve several objectives and the solution to the problem calls for some compromises to be made between probable conflicting criteria. This paper addresses the problem of undesirable facility location selection using the analytic network process (ANP), a multi-criteria decision-making technique. The ANP technique enables us to consider both qualitative and quantitative criteria as well as the interdependencies and feedbacks. A number of criteria (benefits, opportunities, costs and risks) and their sub-criteria are considered for siting a new facility with which this study has dealt. The questions of what criteria would be considered and what the interdependencies between these criteria and their weights would be were discussed and determined via interviews with some competent authorities of the Istanbul Municipality and of two environmental organizations. Four representative locations were evaluated and the most convenient one was selected. This was followed by the sensitivity analyses of the results.

COTS evaluation using modified TOPSIS and ANP

This paper models the COTS evaluation problem as an MCDM problem and proposes a five-phase COTS selection model, combining the technique of ANP (analytic network process) and modified TOPSIS (technique for order performance by similarity to idea solution). This article discusses using the ANP to determine the relative weights of multiple evaluation criteria. The modified TOPSIS approach is used to rank competing products in terms of their overall performance. To illustrate how the approach is used for the COTS evaluation problem, an empirical study of a real case is conducted. The case study demonstrates the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed evaluation procedure.

Evaluating environmentally conscious business practices

Corporate environmental management is becoming more strategically oriented. With increased emphasis on the natural environmental by organizational stakeholders, including governments, stockholders, customers, employees and communities, the need for explicit consideration and incorporation of environmental strategy within corporate strategy has never been more critical to the organization. With such programs as design for the environment, total quality environmental management, life cycle analysis, green supply chain management, and ISO 14000 standards gaining notoriety, the operational and strategic decisions for environmental managers and businesses is becoming more complex. This paper integrates these elements and their attributes into a strategic assessment and decision tool using the systems with feedback or analytical network process (ANP) technique first introduced by Saaty. The ANP technique, which has been sparingly investigated by researchers or applied by practitioners is useful for modeling dynamic strategies systemic influences on managerial decisions.