Analytical Hierarchical Process Research Articles

Developing a composite index of conservation value to determine the conservation status of protected areas: The case of the Krau Wildlife Reserve and Tasek Bera Ramsar Site, Peninsular Malaysia

In Peninsular Malaysia, the various forms and contexts of assessing the conservation status of a protected area has led to inconsistent results, causing misunderstanding and uncertainty among protected area managers. Furthermore, these assessments rely heavily on the conservation value inside the protected area, despite the fact that its value is also influenced by the external environment. In this regard, using a composite index of conservation value (CICV) provides the opportunity for a more practical assessment of conservation status. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a CICV to determine the conservation status of two protected areas in Peninsular Malaysia, i.e., the Krau Wildlife Reserve and Tasek Bera Ramsar Site. Land use/land cover maps inside and outside the protected areas, developed using Landsat images from 2014, were the basis for the conservation value assessment, which employed three landscape scale indicators, i.e., naturalness, fragmentation, and connectivity. Through an analytical hierarchical process, the indicators were combined to develop a CICV inside and outside each protected area. Acceptable robustness values obtained through sensitivity analysis enabled the calculation of the CICV scores. For each protected area, the internal and external sites were then merged to calculate a net CICV. The inside, outside, and net CICV scores were used to determine the area’s conservation status on a critical value scale with the markers ‘very critical’, ‘critical’, ‘moderate’, ‘good’, and ‘excellent’. Inside the Krau Wildlife Reserve, the CICV was 88.4 %, indicating an ‘excellent’ conservation status, while its outside status is ‘critical’ with a CICV of 35 %. The net CICV of this area was 64.29 %, yielding a ‘good’ net conservation status. The CICV inside and outside Tasek Bera Ramsar Site were 35 % and 21.34 % respectively, both of which represent a ‘critical’ conservation status. The net CICV was found to be 22.52 %, suggesting that the net conservation status is ‘critical’. The results show that the external landscape of protected areas is a threat that influences the areas’ net conservation status. Therefore, a comprehensive conservation status assessment requires a composite index that integrates conservation values from the outside to help protected area managers easily understand and interpret findings, and thus, effectively coordinate conservation planning.

Unravelling barriers associated with dissemination of large-scale biogas plant with analytical hierarchical process and fuzzy analytical hierarchical process approach: Case study of India

This study explores why large-scale biogas plants are not widely installed in India despite the wealth of biomass resources. The methodology includes an extensive literature review and surveyed biogas experts in different sectors, such as private, public, and academic, to identify and rank key obstacles using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy-AHP techniques. Overall, 27 barrier elements were identified across six different categories. As perceived by different experts, except for financial barriers, notable differences were found in the relative importance of other barrier categories. Among the different barriers, competition from other fuels, subsidies, lack of financing mechanisms, and feedstock variation are the most influential. To overcome these challenges and successfully promote the growth of the biogas sector in India, a combination of financial strategies, collaborative efforts, standardized procedures, and comprehensive resource mapping were proposed. These measures can inform effective policy development and contribute to achieving numerous Sustainable Development Goals.

Resilient and Sustainable Green Technology Strategies: A Study of Morocco's Path Toward Sustainable Development

This study proposes a strategic framework to develop resilient green technology strategies for sustainable development in Morocco. The fuzzy Delphi method was applied to finalize and categorize the indicators. Twenty-three indicators were identified and grouped into five categories. Furthermore, the fuzzy analytical hierarchical process was used to compute and rank the green technology indicators. The findings indicate that the environmental capital foundation and output efficiency rank the highest among the major categories, with the regulatory measure subindicator being the most important among the twenty-three subindicators. Finally, this study assessed resilient green technology strategies to promote economic and environmental sustainability in Morocco.

Low-carbon agricultural technologies improve forage and feed production in the Caatinga biome, Brazil: Characteristics, comparison, effects of climate change, resilience, local development, and food security

Adjustments in Brazilian livestock are necessary to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, since the largest source of methane comes from ruminants’ enteric fermentation, and of carbon from deforestation. Low-carbon agriculture technologies (LCAT) contribute to mitigating these emissions and this study evaluates the role of these technologies on ruminant forage production in Caatinga. A Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threats analysis was used to elucidate the main features, followed by an Analytic Hierarchical Process, ranking the LCAT, and a risk analysis. Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System (ICLFS) is the most recommended technology, followed by Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and Recovery of Degraded Areas with Pastures (RDA-P). The results can aid in the choice of the LCAT to be implemented by the smallholder in Caatinga, demonstrating the need to strengthen rural technical assistance, so that there is a real benefit to the producer and the environment.

An analytical hierarchical process approach to assessing local food preferences among foreign tourists

An analytical hierarchical process approach to assessing local food preferences among foreign tourists

Prediction of eco sustainability component using fuzzy Z numbers based ratio analysis and interval type 3 fuzzy logic system

Amid rapid global urbanization, understanding eco-sustainability challenges in megacities like Delhi is crucial both locally and globally. This study introduces a novel multi-criteria group decision-making approach, the Z-Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA), to address these complex challenges. This method prioritizes key eco-sustainability components like air quality index (AQI), water quality index (WQI), Temperature, and Precipitation, based on their impact, aiming to enhance resource allocation and environmental quality. Criteria weights are determined using fuzzy analytical hierarchical processing with Z-numbers, which manage decision-makers' uncertainty through a reliability function, illustrating their confidence levels and supporting the adaptability and effectiveness of eco-sustainability measures. A case study is conducted on seven sub-cities in Delhi examining their unique environmental impacts and urban sustainability challenges. Moreover, the most effective component of eco-sustainability say AQI is also dependent on some factors like PM10, PM2.5, SO2, O3, NO2, and CO. Considering these factors as inputs, an interval type-3 fuzzy logic system (IT3FLS) has been constructed to predict AQI, supporting timely interventions and improvements in eco-sustainability management. The IT3FLS model demonstrated exceptional precision across all Delhi sub-cities, with low root means square error (<0.05), and high R2 values (>0.94), affirming its effectiveness. To validate the Z-Fuzzy SWARA rankings, we compared them with existing Z-Fuzzy methods, consistently ranking AQI first. The IT3FLS's AQI predictions were also compared with those from fuzzy logic and advanced machine learning algorithms, demonstrating superior performance. Finally, the study underscores the managerial implications, emphasizing their role in guiding decision-making and strategy implementation.

Retraction Note: Assessment of green economic efficiency in China using analytical hierarchical process (AHP)

Retraction Note: Assessment of green economic efficiency in China using analytical hierarchical process (AHP)

Groundwater potential zone mapping using AHP and geospatial techniques in the upper Narmada basin, central India

Water scarcity occurs in the agriculturally dominated Upper catchment area of Narmada River, Central India because of the overexploitation of underground water for residential, industrial, and other uses. Delineating the Ground Water Potential Zone (GWPZ) is critical to meeting the area’s water demand. Finding the Upper catchment Narmada River groundwater potential zone is the primary goal of this study. The study uses geographical methodologies based on the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). To create a GWPZ map, ArcGIS 10.4 software compiles eight thematic layers, including elevation, slope, drainage density, geology, rainfall, soil texture, modified normalized difference water index, topographic wetness index, and land use/cover. There are five classifications for land use land cover map: Very low, low, moderate, high, and Very high. Each theme map in this study was given a weight based on its unique attributes and contribution to the GWP capacity. The AHP method, which takes into account each layer’s relative relevance regarding the others, was used to establish the weights. Four groups were created from the resulting groundwater potential map: excellent, good, moderate, and poor. According to the study, 26.05% of the basin was categorized as excellent, 34.59% as good, 23.97% as moderate, and 15.4% as poor groundwater potential.The results of this study further indicate that a sizable section of the Narmada River Basin has well to moderate groundwater potential, pointing to encouraging prospects for the area’s sustainable groundwater use. The study offers crucial insights for planners and policymakers to conscientiously harness groundwater resources, fostering sustainable development across diverse land uses in the fragile zone of the upper catchment of the Narmada, and it serves as a model for simulation in other sensitive river basins. The implications of the study are geared towards enhancing groundwater prospects, revitalizing fragile riverine ecosystems, and achieving the target outlined in Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030.

Application of Geographic Information System (GIS), for Crisis Management

Natural disasters have always existed as a natural phenomenon throughout the life of the earth. The occurrence of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, storms, etc. in most cases have destructive effects on human settlements and heavy casualties on their residents. It has destroyed the buildings and infrastructures of such areas and imposed unfortunate economic and social consequences on cities and countries. Despite many scientific advances, mankind is still not able to prevent and resist these natural events. Natural disaster management and sustainable development are considered an integrated issue today. Due to limited resources, real development will not be possible without integration with disaster reduction programs. Earthquakes as a natural phenomenon do not have adverse results by themselves. What makes this phenomenon a disaster is the lack of prevention and lack of preparation to deal with its consequences. Therefore, one of the most necessary measures is to apply "principles of crisis management". Crisis management measures can be summarized in three parts: 1. Prevention, 2. Response, and 3. Reconstruction. Therefore, the title is the most important discussion in the strategy of reducing the effects of earthquakes. In this research, we seek to find the best location for crisis management support bases in Malair City, which first identified the effective factors and criteria in the location of relief centers during a crisis. Then, the AHP model was used to determine the importance and value of each criterion and effective elements in the decision, and a questionnaire was designed and distributed among experts and specialists. In the next step, the weight of each of the decision criteria and elements was determined using the hierarchical analysis process method and Expert Choice software. Then, using the field method, figures of the studied area were updated and prepared. In the next step, all information layers were converted to raster in the geographic information system (GIS). Finally, using the Index overlay method, the layers were combined. Three locations were suggested as the best locations for crisis management support bases in Malayer City. Among them, two options, one in the eastern part of the city on Molvi Street, and the other in the southern part of the city on Motahari Street, have been proposed as the best options. In terms of accessibility, they are in a good position. An option, that has a lower score, is located in the southeastern part of the city on Sheikh Kilini Street.

The Assessment of Land Suitability for Urban Expansion and Renewal for Coastal Urban Agglomerations: A Pilot Study of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Effectively and rationally allocating land resources, while coordinating urban expansion with internal renewal strategies, is crucial for achieving high-quality regional development in coastal urban agglomerations. Land-use suitability assessment (LSA) is a key method for coastal land-use planning, but it is primarily used to delineate ecological redlines or areas for urban expansion, often overlooking the spatial analysis needed for urban renewal. This is particularly critical in coastal urban agglomerations facing land scarcity and ecological fragility. Here, we combined land use and the Analytical Hierarchical Process (to consider stakeholder priorities) in a Minimum cumulative resistance model (MCRM) to determine suitable coastal urban growth and renewal based on a suite of 12 indicators relevant to development intensity and stock space. Application to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) indicates a dominance of the Ecological Buffer Zone (70.5%), and the available stock space in the GBA comprises only 9.2% of the total area. Our modeling framework tailored different development strategies for different cities: Huizhou and Zhaoqing had space for urban expansion to varying degrees, while other cities were found to be suitable for urban renewal due to low stock space and high development intensity. Our modeling approach, incorporating stakeholder input and objective evaluation of geographic land-use information, can assist planners in improving ecological security while promoting high-quality developments in coastal areas.

An Integrated Approach to Constraints Theory and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) in Construction Projects (Case Study)

The research endeavors to harness the benefits stemming from the integration of constraint theory into construction project management, with the primary goal of mitigating project completion delays. Additionally, it employs fuzzy analysis to determine the relative significance of fundamental constraints within projects by assigning them appropriate weights. The research problem primarily revolves around two key issues. Firstly, the persistent utilization of outdated methodologies and a heavy reliance on workforce experience without embracing modern computerized technologies. Secondly, the recurring problem of project delivery delays. Construction projects typically encompass five fundamental constraint types: cost restrictions, time constraints, administrative and legal limitations, technical and design constraints, and environmental constraints. To address these issues, a field study was conducted, focusing on the development of a housing complex in Qa'imaqamiya, Al-Mada'in district, Bismayah. The researchers propose a three-stage methodology to tackle these challenges. In the initial stage, the theory of accelerated activities is applied to all concurrent implementable tasks. Subsequently, the second stage introduces a hierarchical analysis process, known as FAHP, to quantify the importance of each constraint. Finally, in the third phase, fuzzy logic is employed to calculate the projected duration and associated costs for each activity, ensuring project execution and delivery within agreed-upon timeframes. After applying the proposed methodology, there is a reduction in completion time by up to (23%). Research Type: Research Paper

Groundwater Potential Zone Mapping with an Integrated Approach of AHP and GIS Techniques for Koraiyar Basin, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

The overexploitation of groundwater resources and the obvious effects of climate change are putting the world's water supplies under tremendous strain. Evaluating groundwater potential and aquifer productivity is more critical than ever before due to the growing need for drinkable water for people, farms, and factories. Due to its speed and ability to give first-hand knowledge on the resource for future developments, GIS-based studies have lately become quite popular in groundwater research. The purpose of this research is, thus, to identify the groundwater potential. The present investigation made use of a GIS in tandem with the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) method. Lithospheric, geomorphological, land use/cover, lineament density, drainage density, rainfall, soil, and slope were the eight thematic layers that were produced and researched in order to define the groundwater potential zone. Each class in thematic maps is given a weight based on its attributes and water potential capacity, as estimated by the AHP technique. As a result, the groundwater potential zone map was categorized into five levels: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. A medium groundwater potential zone spanning 180.28 km2 of the river basin was determined by the research. The low groundwater potential zone covers 140.44 km2 and the high groundwater potential zone 117.39 km2. Within the basin, there are 127.57 km2 of territory classified as having very low potential and 97.49 km2 as having very high potential.

Development of a total quality management framework for the mobile network operations Centre

Telecommunication is one of the most fast-paced and rapidly changing sectors globally. This study develops a total quality management (TQM) framework for mobile network operation centres (NOC) to aid in network surveillance and fault management processes for a 5G transmission network. A systematic literature review was conducted using academic articles in journals and conference papers sourced from the EBSCOHost database. A fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (FAHP) was used as a multi-criteria decision-making tool to determine which criteria and factors are of the highest ranking for the development of the TQM framework. Data collection and control sheets were ranked higher, making them critical to the framework. This shows that, without good data, no problems can be identified, visualised, analysed, and solved and processes will not be improved. Process improvement is ranked last, showing it is of the lowest priority compared to the other criteria. This however, does not imply that in TQM it is of lower priority, as it is needed to keep meeting the needs of the customers. The framework includes how the TQM tools and techniques can be used in collecting, visualising, analysing, solving problems, and improving processes.

Determination of Warehouse Locations for Logistics Services in an Integrated City Spatial System (Case Study in Bekasi City)

Human needs consisting of clothing, food, shelter and medicines will increase every year and require services. There are many planning changes in the digital era, so it is necessary to study the location theory of logistics service storage warehouses in the city spatial system. This study aims to identify the characteristics of existing logistics services, examine the determination of the location of existing logistics service storage warehouses and become an opportunity for logistics service players who wish to be located in the region. This study uses location theory for location determination, nearest Neighbour ratio analysis and analytical hierarchical process in determining the criteria and alternative locations for logistics service storage warehouses. The results of the analysis in the identification of characteristics, namely location, company operations, company management, settlement patterns affect the distribution pattern of logistics services. Then the more dominant criterion is the market with the value obtained (0.542) because in carrying out any business activity, you have to see who is the market for the business activities being carried out. At the location of the case study as a sample, namely Jatiraden (0.618) which has the most potential according to criteria related to market, cost, human resources, infrastructure and institutions. The conclusions obtained for operational matters using three-wheeled vehicles in the distribution of logistics services are an alternative in distributing uniform residential areas. More loads and easier mobility because the accessibility of vehicles in uniform residential patterns tends to be wide. Suggestions that can be conveyed in determining the location and making any business activity must be seen from the urban area planning. So that stakeholders can refer to the city's spatial planning system, so that policies made by the government can be compatible and aligned with logistics service companies.

A life cycle-based comparison study of sludge recycling technology incorporating subjective and objective evaluations

Inadequate land capacity and low sludge recycling rates have become a major global environmental challenge. Low organic sludge content and inadequate waste management policy mean that there is an urgent need to improve sludge solutions in China, which has the world's largest WWT capacity. Decision-makers face difficulties in selecting sustainable sludge-to-resource technologies given the existence of multiple social, environmental and economic objectives, and also in optimizing the allocation of sludge between different available technologies. In this paper we used a combined analytic hierarchic process (AHP) and entropy weight (EW) method to evaluate four recycling technologies: aerobic composting (AC), dry-incineration (DI), hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and pyrolysis (PY), in terms of five economic, environmental and land resource indicators. The results showed that human toxicity was viewed as the most important indicator, while economic value of sludge product was the least important. HTC had the best overall performance of the evaluated technologies while PY was the least attractive. However, all four sludge recycling technologies showed greater potential for reducing carbon emissions and human toxicity than landfilling when sludge dewatering was included. Sensitivity analysis showed that adjustments to AHP weights only had a limited impact on the technical ranking. Finally, the result was further verified by a particle swarm optimization algorithm. Considering capacity constraints, the optimal proportion of the four technologies was found to be 44.9%, 42.7%, 0 and 12.4% for HTC, DI, PY and AC respectively. The paper demonstrates the effectiveness of combining subjective and objective methods to evaluate multiple indicators, providing decision-makers with a practical analysis framework for waste technology selection.

Using the analytic hierarchical process to investigate the impact of training on KPIs in an SME: A case study in the printing industry

This paper proposes an AHP and BSC based approach for evaluating the impact of training investments on KPIs in a manufacturing SME in Chile. The analytic hierarchy is structured in three steps: initial analysis (economic factors), organisational analysis (observation) and the impact of training investment on the economic factors in the initial analysis, in terms of the key performance indicators in each step. The aim of this study is to serve as a first stage in the development of an integrated approach linking key performance indicators (KPIs) to training plans, in order to obtain a working process that can be used to determine the weighted impact of training on KPIs, with a view to calculating the return on training investment in a future second stage of research. This paper integrates a theoretical approach with analytic hierarchical process (AHP) methodology. This new approach has been called hierarchical participatory action analysis (APAJ) and is carried out in five steps. APAJ was found to be a more realistic tool for assessing the cost-effectiveness of training in an organisation. A case study focusing on an SME operating within the printing sector is provided to demonstrate the practical application of the proposed methodology.

Suitable sites for groundwater recharge structures in the north region of Gujarat state using analytical hierarchical process and weighted overlay analysis: A comparative approach

Suitable sites for groundwater recharge structures in the north region of Gujarat state using analytical hierarchical process and weighted overlay analysis: A comparative approach

An advanced dual-layered framework for sustainable supply chain performance

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the sustainable supply chain performance indicators. At a macro level, the identification of the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) performance indicators is done through exhaustive literature survey and interviews with experts. Furthermore, these indicators are evaluated through a hybrid approach, i.e. total weighted interpretive structural modelling (TWISM) followed by analytic hierarchical process (AHP). Design/methodology/approach Micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India are a major contributor to nation’s GDP. However, this sector struggles to comprehend benefits from implementation of SSCM due to a lack of appropriate performance evaluation metrics. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the body of knowledge in SSCM by proposing and evaluating a set of SSCM performance indicators. Findings The paper highlights the SSCM performance indicators and concludes that business strategies, implementation planning and impact of stakeholders are the top SSCM performance indicators (SPIs). Therefore, the decision-makers must initially focus on strategic requirements which foster the implementation of SSCM, thereby ensuring profitability for all stakeholders. Research limitations/implications Although the proposed framework was validated through a case study on Indian automobile component manufacturing MSMEs, future research would explore the extension of the framework to other industries. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the application of the novel TWISM-AHP tool. Furthermore, the SPIs identified in the study, consider the integration of the triple bottom line from the MSME perspective. The TWISM-AHP analysis will be beneficial for SC decision-makers to enhance the SSCM performance based on the identified indicators and their criticality.

Gradation optimization of AC-20 asphalt mixture based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and comprehensive evaluation method

The aggregate gradation of asphalt mixture is one of the most important factors affecting the service life of asphalt pavement. In order to study the gradation of asphalt mixture with the best comprehensive performance, this study puts forward a new method of mineral aggregate gradation optimization based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and comprehensive evaluation method, aiming at the multi-level and multi-index evaluation of the road performance of asphalt mixture. First, the orthogonal test design method is applied to design nine target gradations with coarse aggregate (&amp;gt;4.75 mm) and fine aggregate (&amp;lt;4.75 mm) of AC-20 (asphalt concrete) mixture serving as two factors and the upper, middle, and lower positions of the gradation curve as three levels, and then the road performance test research is carried out. Second, a comprehensive model for evaluation of road performance of mineral aggregate gradation is established. A fuzzy complementary judgment matrix is constructed, and the index weights of each level and the hierarchical total ranking weight are calculated. Then, the membership function is introduced into the comprehensive evaluation model for the road performance of mineral aggregate gradation, and the membership values of each index of asphalt mixture road performance are obtained. Finally, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to find out the comprehensive evaluation value of the road performance of the nine graded asphalt mixtures, and the mineral aggregate gradation is optimized. The research results show that the 1# gradation of the asphalt mixture has the highest comprehensive road performance evaluation value, and the combination of the fuzzy hierarchical analysis process and comprehensive evaluation method can more objectively and comprehensively evaluate the comprehensive road performance of the asphalt mixture and provide a useful reference for the optimal selection of asphalt mixture mineral gradation.

The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) approach to study the tourist choice behavior in rural southern India: Promoting responsible tourism practices

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the prioritization of the services marketing mix and compare the outcomes between first-time and repeat visitors in selecting a rural destination. Six rural tourism destinations were selected from four different southern states of India. Approximately 512 respondents consisting of 292 first-time visitors and 220 multiple-time visitors participated in a questionnaire survey carried out from May 2023 to October 2023. Multicriteria method, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied to examine the prioritisation of services marketing mix components and ranking is done concerning the reason behind choosing a particular rural destination. The present study reveals that many new visitors favor rural tourist locations due to their affordability and variety of experiences. In addition, repeat visitors also choose rural areas based on the native resident’s attitude, customer service, cultural orientation, training, language proficiency, information and communication processes and facilities and services. Efficient marketing is important for promoting tourism in rural destinations and increase the arrival of tourists . The article also proposes the adoption of responsible tourism practices, which are essential for protecting cultural assets and ensuring that local populations get fair and equal benefits from tourism. The research also provides significant insights to destination management firms on the formulation of services marketing mix strategies, policy choices, and initiatives aimed at expanding rural tourism in India.