DEMATEL-based Network Process Research Articles

Curriculum Development for Enhancing the Imagination in the Technology Commercialization Process

The imagination capability in technology commercialization is the key success factor for innovation. However, higher education in general and engineering-related curricula in particular, has offered limited courses incorporating imagination. A complete and well-verified curriculum that will enhance the imagination capability in technology commercialization is critical and imperative to resolve the problem. Thus, this research summarizes possible course modules and the criteria for evaluating and selecting the core modules based upon a literature review. Final criteria were defined by using the modified Delphi method. The influence relationships of each criterion on the others were derived by the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). Subsequently, the derivation of critical criteria, a weight was defined for each criterion by using the DEMATEL-based Network Process (DNP). Finally, the correlations between the criteria and the course modules were derived by using the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). Based on the analytic results, QFD, TRIZ, and SCAMPER courses were recognized by the experts as important for enhancing engineering students’ imagination capabilities.

Disaster Recovery Site Evaluations and Selections for Information Systems of Academic Big Data

The most dramatic factor shaping the future of higher education is Big Data and analytics. In the Big Data era, the explosive growth of massive data manipulations imposes a heavy burden on computation, storage, and communication in data centers. Increasing uncertainties in information system availability have become a daily serious problem. An appropriate evaluation and selection of the right information system disaster recovery (DR) site can ensure business continuity and investment optimization. Therefore, this research aims to establish an analytic framework for evaluating, selecting DR sites for academic Big Data. The proposed analytic framework is consisting of the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), DEMATEL-based network process (DNP) and VIsekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) methods. An empirical study based on a real Big Data DR application of an Asian high-performance computer center’s evaluation and selection of DR sites for academic Big Data will be used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed framework. The analytic results can serve as a foundation for information technology (IT) administrators’ strategies to reduce the performance gaps of a DR site for Big Data manipulations in general, and academic Big Data manipulations in special.

UTAUT2 Based Predictions of Factors Influencing the Technology Acceptance of Phablets by DNP

The smart mobile devices have emerged during the past decade and have become one of the most dominant consumer electronic products. Therefore, exploring and understanding the factors which can influence the acceptance of novel mobile technology have become the essential task for the vendors and distributors of mobile devices. The Phablets, integrated smart devices combining the functionality and characteristics of both tablet PCs and smart phones, have gradually become possible alternatives for smart phones. Therefore, predicting factors which can influence the acceptance of Phablets have become indispensable for designing, manufacturing, and marketing of such mobile devices. However, such predictions are not easy. Meanwhile, very few researches tried to study related issues. Consequently, the authors aim to explore and predict the intentions to use and use behaviors of Phablets. The second generation of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) is introduced as a theoretic basis. The Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) based Network Process (DNP) will be used to construct the analytic framework. In light of the analytic results, the causal relationships being derived by the DEMATEL demonstrate the direct influence of the habit on other dimensions. Also, based on the influence weights being derived, the use intention, hedonic motivation, and performance expectancy are the most important dimensions. The analytic results can serve as a basis for concept developments, marketing strategy definitions, and new product designs of the future Phablets. The proposed analytic framework can also be used for predicting and analyzing consumers’ preferences toward future mobile devices.

Evaluating and Enhancing Three-Dimensional Printing Service Providers for Rapid Prototyping Using the DEMATEL Based Network Process and VIKOR

During the past years, the three-dimensional printing (3DP) has become a dominant rapid prototyping (RP) technology due to its very viable process in terms of cost, speed, and sales of related equipment. Nowadays, numerous 3DP based RP services are available. Because of the capability, service quality, and pricing of the services varies, how to select a suitable 3DP based RP service provider is very critical to the companies being engaged in new product developments. However, the issue was seldom studied. To resolve this problem, a hybrid multiple-criteria decision making (HMCDM) framework for evaluating and enhancing an appropriate 3DP based RP service provider based on the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) based Network Process (DNP) as well as VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) was proposed. The analytic framework was verified as feasible by an empirical study based on the opinions being provided by 3DP and RP experts. The well-verified framework can serve as the basis of future evaluation, selection, and enhancement of 3DP based RP service providers.