Analytic Network Process Research Articles

Photovoltaic Modules’ Cleaning Method Selection for the MENA Region

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are important components of the global shift towards sustainable energy resources, utilizing solar energy to generate electricity. However, the efficiency and performance of PV systems heavily rely on cleanliness, as dust accumulation can significantly obstruct their effectiveness over time. This study undertook a comprehensive literature review and carried out multiple interviews with experts in the PV systems field to propose a map for selecting the optimal PV cleaning method for PV systems within MENA region. These factors, covering meteorological conditions, the local environment, PV system design, module characteristics, dust deposition attributes, exposure time to dust, and socio-economic and environmental considerations, were employed as criteria in a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model, specifically, an Analytic Network Process (ANP). The results indicate that partially automated cleaning is the most suitable method for existing utility-scale PV projects in the MENA region. The findings provide robust guidelines for PV system stakeholders, aiding informed decision-making and enhancing the sustainability of PV cleaning processes.

Strategies To Improve Financial Technology Literacy For Millennials And Generation Z

This study analyses the problems and priorities of strategies to improve financial technology literacy, especially among Millennials and Generation Z. This mixed method study uses the analytic network process (ANP) approach. The data sources used are primary and secondary data. Interviews, questionnaires, and literature carried out data collection techniques. Interviews and questionnaires were conducted with seven informants: one regulator, three academics, and three online loan users. The study results showed that the geometric mean determined the priority of fintech literacy problems. The prioritized aspects are the need for more public understanding of online loans, interest rates, and community needs. The priority strategy in improving fintech literacy among Millennials and Generation Z in Bengkalis Regency is to carry out Sharia literacy regarding online loans, regulate online loan interest rates, and reduce the community's need for online loans. Theoretically, this study strengthens the validity of the trade-off theory and provides new insights into strategies to improve fintech literacy. Practically, it contributes to providing strategies to improve fintech literacy for stakeholders.

Analytic network process–based study of the importance and interconnectivity of facilities under volcanic ash risk

Analytic network process–based study of the importance and interconnectivity of facilities under volcanic ash risk

Investigating cross-docking criteria for raw materials with hybrid MCDM

The cross-docking process involves unloading raw materials from incoming vehicles and immediately loading them onto outgoing vehicles. This can greatly improve supply chain operations and expedite transportation to the factory. By minimizing warehouse storage expenses, space requirements, and inventory management, the process can be streamlined effectively. In industries where production profiles need to be responsive to market demands, the location of the cross-docking facility and transportation planning are crucial. This article aims to investigate the criteria for selecting a cross-docking location, using a case study of Arta Profile Company in Ardabil. The research population includes all industrial engineers and production planners in the company, with 10 industry experts selected for this study. The analytic network process (ANP) and grey complex proportional assessment (COPRAS-G) methods were used to compare and prioritize cross-docking locations. Additionally, the fuzzy DEMATEL method was used to determine the strength of connections between different locations. The COPRAS-G approach helps decision-makers make informed decisions by evaluating different options and their importance. The industry experts identified 28 criteria for this study. The results from the network analysis method showed that the most important criterion is the vehicle routing problem (VRP), with a value of 0.46. According to the ANP technique, strategic decision-making is the best option. The fuzzy DEMATEL method revealed that distribution centers are the most important factor, followed by reduced delivery/distribution operations, and finally, the cost of late or early delivery.

Striking the balance: Fiqh Bi’ah and Productive Waqf Forests (PWFs) for sustainable forest management in Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to address the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental protection in the context of productive waqf forests (PWFs). The inherent tension between forest productivity and protection necessitates a model that ensures sustainable utilization. This research proposes a novel framework by integrating fiqh bi'ah (Islamic environmental jurisprudence) with a model for PWFs development. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative approach, the analytical network process (ANP) analyzes data gathered through a literature review of Islamic environmental jurisprudence (fiqh bi'ah) on environment and waqf, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with academics, practitioners and regulators in fiqh bi'ah and waqf forest management. Findings Three potential PWFs development models emerge from the fiqh bi'ah literature; Harim (maintaining the natural forest state for intangible benefits like oxygen and biodiversity), Hima (sustainable utilization of forest products while preserving ecological components) and Ihya’ al-mawat (developing unproductive land into a future forest). The ANP analysis reveals that Hima is the most preferred model by all stakeholders, followed by Ihya’ al-mawat. The Harim model received lower preference due to limited economic potential. Additionally, experts suggest tourism-based forest management as the most suitable approach for all three PWFs models. Originality/value This study offers a novel PWFs development model grounded in fiqh bi'ah principles. By using ANP to integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives, the research provides valuable insights for sustainable and ethical management of PWFs resources, contributing to the literature on Islamic finance and business models.

Smart retrofitting for office buildings: Comparison of decision-making criteria between developing and developed regions

Given the constantly evolving nature of modern infrastructure, retrofitting existing buildings with state-of-the-art smart technologies presents a pivotal opportunity, enabling promising advancements in sustainability, efficiency and adaptability. Focusing on Hong Kong and Sri Lanka, which are developed and developing regions respectively, this study investigates the decision-making criteria for selecting smart systems as retrofits for office buildings. Using the analytic network process (ANP), 24 expert interviews were conducted in Hong Kong and Sri Lanka to determine the importance weights of the decision-making criteria. The findings show varied importance weights for each criterion between the two regions, with Hong Kong emphasizing upfront financial considerations, specifically 'investment cost' while Sri Lanka emphasizing long-term operational sustainability, specifically 'recurring operation, maintenance and repair cost.' Despite these differences, there are similarities in the importance of core criteria such as 'reliability of retrofit option' and 'ability to increase returns.' The lack of focus on user-centric issues in Hong Kong and implementation of retrofit projects in Sri Lanka underscore the need for decision-makers to prioritize these aspects in future projects. The principal contribution of this study is in offering insights from a thorough analysis of the importance weights of the essential criteria in making decisions regarding smart retrofitting (SR). It is also beneficial to various stakeholders, including building owners and facility managers. The cross-region study approach, enabling the investigation on both developed and developing regions, further serves as a foundation for future research aiming to explore and analyze the influence of regional difference in decision-making for SR.

A Novel Model for Sustainable Supplier Selection in the Paint and Coating Industry

Given the significance of sustainability in the current global market, doing a comprehensive and current assessment of a supplier’s sustainability might be beneficial for improving a firm’s competitiveness. This study aims to develop sustainable supplier selection criteria, examine their interrelationships, and determine the critical criteria in the paint and coating industry. This study employed a focus group discussion (FGD), the Delphi method, a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory-based analytical network process (DANP), and a measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution (MARCOS). The findings indicated that most sub−criteriasub−criteriaexperts agreed that 11 economic sub−criteria, five environmental sub−criteria, and three social sub−criteria should be considered when selecting a sustainable supplier. The results show that the most influential criteria are environmental criteria, while the critical criteria are social criteria. In addition, “Service” (E4), “Green Material” (L3), and “Health and Safety” (S1) sub−criteria should be considered to assess the supplier because they have high relation and prominence. Globally, the top five highest weighted sub−criteria are “Respect for the Law” (S2), “Health and Safety” (S1), “Worker’s Social Rights” (S3), “Waste Management” (L5), and “Environment Management System” (L1). We practically selected 12 providers from the paint and coating sector to assess the scheme’s practicality. This work introduced a novel model for selecting a sustainable supplier that helps industries understand their core criteria and sub−criteria. This will enhance the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability by evaluating suppliers based on economic, environmental, and social criteria.

Key Factors Influencing Sustainable Population Growth: A DEMATEL-ANP Combined Approach

This study highlights the importance of sustainable social demographic growth. It uses a model that combines the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) with the Analytic Network Process (ANP) to examine key factors affecting this growth and their interactions. The analysis focuses on six critical factors: economic development, education and gender equality, health services, environmental sustainability, immigration policies, and technological advancement. Experiments using government and international organization databases include comparative experiments with deep learning prediction models, ensemble learning models, Causal Inference Models, complex network analysis models, and agent-based models. Comparison metrics cover accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The results indicate that, with a data volume of 4000, the optimized model achieves an accuracy of 0.973, precision of 0.981, recall of 0.969, and an F1 score of 0.89, demonstrating the model's superior performance. The DEMATEL method analyzes the direct relationships among the factors. The results show that economic development and technological advancement have impact scores of 3.91 and 3.43, respectively, indicating their strong influence on other factors and their role in promoting sustainable demographic growth. Education and gender equality, health services, and technological advancement each have impact scores of 3.39, meaning they are significantly affected by other factors and are sensitive in the growth process. Finally, the ANP method is used to calculate the weights of each factor, determining their relative importance in sustainable social demographic growth. The results highlight that economic development level and technological advancement and innovation are core factors influencing sustainable social demographic growth, with significant direct and indirect impacts on other factors and a crucial role in the overall system. These findings provide a scientific basis for formulating relevant policies and interventions, particularly in prioritizing and strengthening economic and technological development strategies. This study offers valuable insights for research in demography, sustainable development, and social policy formulation.

Integrasi Analytic Network Processing dan Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution sebagai Perancangan Strategi dalam Meningkatkan Daya Saing pada Perguruan Tinggi XYZ

Seizing consumer preferences is crucial for organisations amidst increasingly intense competition. Success in this competition depends on the product's ability to fulfil customer needs and wants. All universities in Indonesia are faced with similar challenges, namely how to formulate and plan for their future in the face of ever-evolving societal changes. To respond to this challenge, it is necessary to develop a strategy that increases the competitiveness of universities. From the literature review, the criteria for increasing the competitiveness of the XYZ Institute are obtained, namely, product, price, place, promotion, people, process, physical evidence. Each criterion, through the brainstorming, is broken down into sub-criteria. The process to determine the right strategy design can be done in many methods, and among them are the ANP (Analytical Network Process) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. The results of weighting the criteria using the ANP method using the Super Decisions software are then ranked using the TOPSIS method. The result is that the three best strategies are to improve the Product, namely, Alumni Quality (score 0.713397108), followed by improving Promotion, namely, the Institute accreditation score (score 0.709584147) and the People aspect, namely, student input selection (score 0.704887758).

Evaluating Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods for Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems: A Systematic Review

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods provide a framework for addressing sustainable forest management challenges, especially under climate change. This study offers a systematic review of MCDM applications in forest management from January 2010 to March 2024. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze trends in MCDM use and geographic distribution. Thematic content analysis investigated the appearance of MCDM indicators supplemented by Natural Language Processing (NLP). Factorial Correspondence Analysis (FCA) explored correlations between models and publication outlets. We systematically searched Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, CrossRef, and OpenAlex using terms such as ‘MCDM’, ‘forest management’, and ‘decision support’. We found that the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) were the most commonly used methods, followed by the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE), the Analytic Network Process (ANP), GIS, and Goal Programming (GP). Adoption varied across regions, with advanced models such as AHP and GIS less frequently used in developing countries due to technological constraints. These findings highlight emerging trends and gaps in MCDM application, particularly for argan forests, emphasizing the need for context-specific frameworks to support sustainable management in the face of climate change.

The Impact Analysis of the Construction of the Indrapura - Kisaran Toll Road in Asahan Regency

This study investigates the impact of toll road construction on society, with economic, social, and environmental variables. Using interview methods and questionnaires to 398 respondents in seven affected sub-districts, the data collected was analyzed using the Smart-PLS (Partial Least Square) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) methods. The results of the study show that the construction of toll roads has a significant positive impact on economic and social aspects, while the impact on environmental aspects is negative but not significant. The construction of toll roads also increases job opportunities and income for the surrounding community. Based on the hypothesis, economic and social aspects have a positive effect on the impact of development, while environmental aspects show a negligible negative influence. In conclusion, the construction of the Indrapura-Kisaran toll road brings significant economic and social benefits to the people of Asahan Regency, although more attention is needed to the environmental impact caused.

Choosing the Best Sustainable Prefabricated Building Systems Using the Analytical Network Process (ANP) Technique

Attention should be paid to prefabricated construction, as the consumption of raw materials in traditional construction is large and affects the country's resources and economy. Sustainable prefabricated building systems in Iraq suffer from a clear weakness in management due to the use of old methods and a lack of focus on important management criteria. This research addresses this issue by modeling the analytical network process (ANP) technique to select the best types of systems. By reviewing the general literature, 80 indicators were identified within the 12 relevant categories. These indicators formed the basis of a closed questionnaire distributed to 90 experienced respondents. Three prefabricated building systems were identified based on the structural composition (load-bearing wall system, frame system, and box system). The expert questionnaire was analyzed using the ANP technique and the Sustainability Index (SI) for each system was found using the Excel program and it was found that the best sustainable prefabricated building system is the box system. This research helps to improve the management of prefabricated building projects and increase speed, quality, pollution, and reduce the cost of housing in Iraq, which suffers from high costs

A Generalized Method for Deriving Steady-State Behavior of Consistent Fuzzy Priority for Interdependent Criteria

Interdependent criteria play a crucial role in complex decision-making across various domains. Traditional methods often struggle to evaluate and prioritize criteria with intricate dependencies. This paper introduces a generalized method integrating the analytic network process (ANP), the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and the consistent fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (CFAHP) in a fuzzy environment. The Drazin inverse technique is applied to derive a fuzzy total priority matrix, and we normalize the row sum to achieve the steady-state fuzzy priorities. A numerical example in the information systems (IS) industry demonstrates the approach’s real-world applications. The proposed method derives narrower fuzzy spreads compared to the past fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) approaches, minimizing objective uncertainty. Total priority interdependent maps provide insights into complex technical and usability criteria relationships. Comparative analysis highlights innovations, including non-iterative convergence of the total priority matrix and the ability to understand interdependencies between criteria. The integration of the FANP’s network structure with the fuzzy DEMATEL’s influence analysis transcends the capabilities of either method in isolation, marking a significant methodological advancement. By addressing challenges such as parameter selection and mathematical complexity, this research offers new perspectives for future research and application in multi-attribute decision-making (MADM).

A novel hybrid decision-making framework based on modified fuzzy analytic network process and fuzzy best–worst method

A novel hybrid decision-making framework based on modified fuzzy analytic network process and fuzzy best–worst method

Implementation of Quality 4.0 framework in the electronics sector using ANP and QFD methodologies

PurposeQuality 4.0 is essential to the Industry 4.0 framework, notably in the electronics sector. It evaluates product quality in real-time using automatic process controls, quality tools and procedures. The implementation of Quality 4.0 criteria in the electronics industry is the subject of this study’s investigation and analysis. In this study, nine Customer Requirements (CRs) and 18 Design Requirements (DRs) have been defined to adopt Quality 4.0, aiming to increase yield while reducing defects. This study has developed a Quality 4.0 framework for effective implementation, incorporating the People, Process and Technology categories.Design/methodology/approachMany CRs and DRs of Quality 4.0 exhibit interdependencies. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) considers interdependencies among the criteria at various levels. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) can capture the customer’s voice, which is particularly important in Quality 4.0. Therefore, in this research, we use an integrated ANP-QFD methodology for prioritizing DRs based on the customers' needs and preferences, ultimately leading to better product and service development.FindingsAccording to the research findings, the most critical consumer criteria for Quality 4.0 in the electronics sector are automatic systems, connectivity, compliance and leadership. The Intelligent Internet of Things (IIOTs) has emerged as the most significant design requirement that enables effective control in production. It is observed that robotics process automation and a workforce aligned with Quality 4.0 also play crucial roles.Originality/valueExisting literature does not include studies on identifying CRs and DRs for implementing Quality 4.0 in the electronics industry. To address this gap, we propose a framework to integrate real-time quality measures into the Industry 4.0 context, thereby facilitating the implementation of Quality 4.0 in the electronics industry. This study can provide valuable insights for industry practitioners to implement Quality 4.0 effectively in their organizations.

Research on the Application Maturity of Enterprises’ Artificial Intelligence Technology Based on the Fuzzy Evaluation Method and Analytic Network Process

The aim of this study was to study the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on enterprises in terms of strategy, technology, business operations, and organizational management. This study used grounded theory analysis to identify the influencing factors of AI technology application maturity in Chinese enterprises. Taking Chinese film and television enterprises as an example, this study constructed an AI technology application maturity evaluation index system for enterprises based on the analytic network process (ANP) and evaluated the application maturity of AI technology in enterprises in terms of enterprise strategy, technology, business operations, and organizational management. To comprehensively evaluate and empirically analyze the application maturity of enterprise AI technology, this study calculated the index weight based on the ANP, and combined it with the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to construct a comprehensive evaluation model. The research results showed that intelligence strategy was the element that was believed to be most affected by the maturity of enterprise AI technology. For technology, intelligence technology and equipment were the elements that were believed to be affected the most. For business operations, smart shooting was the element that was believed to be affected the most. With respect to organizational management, corporate culture was the element that was believed to be most affected. The results showed that the proposed methods for evaluating the application maturity of enterprise AI technology are scientific and effective. The results of this study provide a reference for promoting the application of AI, implementing the intelligence transformation, and enhancing the core competitiveness of enterprises.

Waqf Management in Pesantren: A Case Study of Lembaga Wakaf Daarut Tauhiid

Waqf, as an instrument for wealth distribution in Islam, must have an impact on people's well-being. However, in actuality, waqf collection and management in Indonesia is substandard. As a result, as a nazir, the Lembaga Wakaf Daarut Tauhiid Institution must be able to collect and administer waqf assets properly. The purpose of this research is to analyze the waqf institutions' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and dangers, as well as to develop strategies for collecting and managing waqf assets in the Wakaf Daarut Tauhiid Institution. In this study, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) with a SWOT structure system was applied. The most influential feature of strenth was discovered to be the presence of figure. The most serious shortcoming is a lack of education and outreach to prospective waqf. The most crucial feature of the possibility is the high potential of waqf. The most potent part of threat is waqf faith in waqf organizations. The approach for effective waqf asset management prioritizes the promotion of waqf initiatives using social media. The created plan is designed to serve as a guide for stakeholders in creating future policies.

Analytic network process (ANP) based decision support tool for nuclear power plant location and reactor type selection

The nuclear energy industry has seen a resurgence due to interest in sustainable energy. Regulatory agencies are evaluating innovative technology and facility designs for the first time in a long time. The nuclear energy business needs a workable instrument for decision-making in light of the shift in public and regulatory opinion. This study has two main motivations. The first is to determine the set of criteria to be used in determining suitable locations for a nuclear power plant (NPP) to be established in Turkey and to determine suitable regions with Analytic Network Process (ANP) based analyzes in the light of these criteria. The second is to select the most suitable nuclear reactor type for the specified location. Plant efficiency and lifetime vary depending on the reactor type used. For this reason, in the study, both the location of the nuclear power plant and the selection of the appropriate reactor type for the plant were evaluated together. In this context, a criterion set consisting of 3 main criteria and 20 sub-criteria to be used in NPP installation location and reactor selection was determined. In the study, site selection was made by focusing on economic, social and technical factors, and reactor selection was made by focusing on technical factors. Giresun, Trabzon, Rize and Artvin provinces located in the Eastern Black Sea region were evaluated for NPP installation. For reactor selection, we focused on reactor types according to their coolants and in this context, PWR, PHWR, GCR and BWR reactors were examined. NPP location and reactor selection in the study; It was realized as Giresun (PWR) > Rize (PWR) > Trabzon (BWR) > Artvin (BWR).

Application of GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Hydro-Geomorphological Factors for Flash Flood Susceptibility Mapping in Bangladesh

Flash floods are one of the most prevalent natural disasters, triggering deadly damage to homesteads, crops, infrastructure, road networks, communications, and the natural environment in the Haor (Wetland) region of Bangladesh. The purpose of the study aims to identify eleven (11) hydro-geomorphological driving factors, namely elevation, slope, aspect, rainfall, land use and land cover (LULC), lithology, soil type, topographic wetness index (TWI), NDVI, distance from the river, and drainage density, which are being explored for mapping flood-prone areas. This research has produced a flash flood susceptibility map using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Analytical Network Process (ANP), which are interactive decision-making approaches under multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in ArcGIS 10.8. The findings of this study showed that the susceptibility to flood hazards differs significantly among the seven Haor districts. As a result of the ANP and AHP, a more significant proportion of the Haor region is moderately susceptible to flooding (8685.09 to 9275.15 sq. km.), whereas 35.34% to 38.32% (7069.70 to 7668.67 sq. km.) accounts for high susceptible to flooding. Furthermore, 200 flood locations were identified in the northeast Haor region, where 140 (70%) randomly selected floods were used for training, and the remaining 60 (30%) were employed for validation purposes. The validation results showed that the AHP model had greater prediction accuracy (AUROC = 92.1%) than the ANP (AUROC = 88.5%) model. Therefore, the study findings can be helpful for researchers, academics, policymakers, and planners for sustainable flood mitigation strategies, particularly in Haor areas.

An Empirical Study of Sustainable Development Model for Recreational Fishery Based on Multiple Perspectives

ABSTRACTTo analyze the sustainable development of recreational fisheries, this study constructs an evaluation model by employing resource‐based theory, service‐dominant logic, and consumer value cocreation. Data are collected using a questionnaire survey of offshore platform operators, government officials, and scholars with expertise in tourism, leisure, and recreation. Furthermore, the decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and DEMATEL‐based analytic network process (DANP) methods are adopted to evaluate the causal relationships between the dimensions and criteria and their magnitudes of influences. The results show that recreational fishery operators in Penghu believe that improving the evaluation dimension of service experience should have the highest priority, while officials and scholars consider marine environmental value as the most important for sustainable development. The evaluation model and analysis results will be provided to Penghu offshore platform operators to improve the service experience items provided by recreational fishery through designing high‐value recreational fishery experiential activities.