Decision Making Trial And Evaluation Laboratory Technique Research Articles

Analysis of project complexity factors and their interdependencies in metro rail projects

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interdependence of project complexity factors (PCFs) in metro rail projects using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). The study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of project complexities factors and their relationships. The results of the study facilitate effective project planning, proactive risk management and informed decision-making by stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach This study employs a case-based method for identifying PCFs and a DEMATEL method for analyzing the interdependence of complexity factors in metro rail projects. Initially, PCFs were identified through an extensive literature review. To validate and refine these factors, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty experienced professionals, each having 5–20 years of experience in roles such as project management, engineering, and planning. Further, elevated and underground metro rail projects were purposefully selected as cases, for identifying the similarities and differences in PCFs. A questionnaire survey was conducted with various technical experts in metro rail projects. These experts rated the impact of PCFs on a five-point Likert scale, for the evaluation of the interdependence of PCFs. The DEMATEL technique was used to analyze the interdependencies of the PCFs.Findings Metro rail projects are influenced by project complexity, which significantly impacts their performance. The analysis reveals that “design problems with existing structures,” “change in design or construction” and “land acquisition” are the key factors contributing to project complexity.Originality/value The study of project complexity in metro rail projects is limited because most of the studies have studies on examining complexity in mega projects. The existing literature lacks adequate attention in identifying project complexity and its effects on metro rail project performance. This research aims to bridge this gap by examining project complexity and interdependencies in metro rail projects.

Novel criteria for sustainable use of urban spaces under bridges in cities by applying DEMATEL technique

ABSTRACTAt the beginning of the 21st century, cities suffered from high traffic density and mobility problems due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. Bridges were built to encounter these challenges. As a result, the urban voids (urban spaces under bridges) have increased tremendously. In this study, a qualitative analysis was established to understand the negative impacts of urban voids focusing on under-bridges urban spaces. Furthermore, five criteria, as well as thirty-one sub-criteria were derived from the extensive literature and previous international experiences. Additionally, a quantitative analysis was conducted through experts’ interviews. Criteria and sub-criteria were assessed using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to determine whether each criterion/sub-criteria belongs to the cause or effect group. Results indicated that the most important criterion was urban identity, as well as the most important sub-criteria belong to each criterion, were social services, investment diversity, sustainable recourses management, ICT-infrastructure, and urban integration.

Identifying and Evaluating Factors Affecting User Privacy in the Smart City Using the Meta-Synthesis Method and the Fuzzy Dematel Technique

Smart cities are becoming increasingly popular today due to various digital technologies in their infrastructure. One of the most critical challenges in the proper implementation and establishment of these cities is the violation of the security and privacy of users, which leads to citizens’ distrust and pessimism about smart city services. Many factors can affect the protection of users’ privacy. Identifying these factors helps developers understand what dimensions and aspects affect users’ privacy, through which they can provide appropriate solutions to protect the privacy of the user. Therefore, this study identifies and evaluates these dimensions. The authors proposed a novel methodology for identifying factors influencing user privacy in smart cities using the meta-synthesis method and the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). As a result of the meta-synthesis application, the authors identified seven dimensions of interest, specifically, Awareness and understanding, Trust, Self-control and personalization, Transparency, Reference standards frameworks and rules, Data management, and Security requirements. Moreover, using the DEMATEL technique and expert-based reviews, those seven dimensions were classified as cause and effect. As a result, the authors discovered that security requirements (D7) are the only cause dimension. As effect dimensions, “awareness and understanding (D1),” “data management (D6),” “trust (D2),” “frameworks and standards (D5),” “personalization and self-control (D3),” and “transparency (D4)” have been identified. Furthermore, the authors discovered that transparency is the most effective dimension in terms of affecting user privacy in smart cities. These findings may serve as guidelines for implementing the smart cities initiatives and protecting users’ privacy. This study also provides a discussion and insights for smart city developers.

PRIORITISATION OF FACTORS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-BASED TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION BY BANKING CUSTOMERS IN INDIA: EVIDENCE USING THE DEMATEL APPROACH

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a concept of recent origin and is accepted for banking activities such as customer service, detection of fraudulent activities, and suspicious transactions. For the successful implementation of AI in the Indian context, a deep understanding is required in terms of its need and importance compared to the traditional banking system. To date, this outlook of AI has been less focused by industry practitioners and experts for the smooth flow of operational procedures in banks for developing countries, for example, India. This study aims to unearth factors and establish a relationship among the identified factors through the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach to categorize the factors and frame the cause-and-effect relationships. Fifteen factors are identified through a literature review of existing studies, and ten experts were solicited to express their outlook on this subject. The result indicated that 'Transparency of information,' 'Perceived security of AI-based technology,' 'Social influence on customer,' 'Government regulation of AI in banks,' 'Awareness level of AI,' 'Efficiency of AI system,' 'Technical requirement,' and 'Cost of AI-based technology' were causative factors that support customer acceptance and penetration of AI in banks. The study presents a unique approach to customer acceptability towards AI in banks in developing countries using the DEMATEL technique. This study also discusses the possible area for the adaption of AI in Indian banks. The findings will support policymakers and practitioners in executing AI-based technologies in the banking sector in emerging nations.

Analysis of the suitability of the solar panels for hospitals: A new fuzzy decision-making model proposal with the T-Spherical TOP-DEMATEL method

In this study, a new fuzzy decision-making model is created to evaluate whether the solar panels are efficient to minimize energy costs of the hospitals. The weights of the criteria are calculated by considering T-Spherical fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Moreover, for the purpose of measuring the coherency of the findings, analysis results are also calculated for different t values. Additionally, by making improvements to some criticisms to the classical DEMATEL method, a new technique is created by the name of TOP-DEMATEL while integrating some steps of technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to the DEMATEL technique. The main novelty of this study is that it is analyzed whether the solar panels are effective in reducing the costs of hospitals with an original decision-making model. It is concluded that generating own energy in the long run is the most crucial item according to both T-Spherical fuzzy DEMATEL and TOP-DEMATEL methods. The analysis results are quite similar for different t values. This situation gives information about the coherency and reliability of the findings. This situation gives information that the solar panels should be taken into consideration for the hospitals because they will minimize energy dependency of the hospitals. On the other side, the results of T-Spherical fuzzy TOP-DEMATEL indicate that the high initial investment cost is the second most critical factor in this respect. This finding is quite different by comparing with the results of T-Spherical fuzzy TOP-DEMATEL. Hence, it is seen that cost effectiveness should also be taken into consideration for the decision of generating the solar panels in the hospitals.

From linear to a circular economy in the e‐waste management sector: Experience from the transition barriers in the United Kingdom

AbstractE‐waste generation is rising apace, and it is estimated that e‐waste production could reach 74.7 Mt by 2030. Hence, it is essential to develop tactics and methodologies for the formal management and treatment of e‐waste. The implementation of the concepts of a circular economy (CE) has been perceived as an efficient methodology for the efficacious management of such waste; however, the transition process from the linear economy to CE still involves several barriers. There are only a few studies that have integrated the concept of CE with e‐waste management for sustainability. This study will focus on the UK's household e‐waste management sector to identify and analyze the key barriers that impede the transition of the UK's e‐waste management sector to the CE model. For this purpose, a team of experts was formulated and their expertise was captured using the Decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology. The DEMATEL technique employs critical evaluation principles, measures the weights of the evaluation criteria, and helps in finding the most critical barriers through a visual structural model. The DEMATEL method also categorizes the factors into cause‐and‐effect groups and utilizes a visualization model to simplify the interdependence and intensity of the impacts of the various factors. The results revealed that the “Lack of processing technologies,” “Lack of returns and profits,” “Lack of expert knowledge,” “Lack of effective guidance and standards for the proper collection methods,” and “Lack of proper knowledge” are the most significant barriers obstructing the adoption of CE in the management of e‐waste in the United Kingdom. Thus, the government needs to take strong actions to give financial support in terms of incentives to the stakeholders for effective e‐waste handling.

Analiza uzročno-posledičnih veza među izazovima koji ometaju usvajanje Industrije 4.0 kroz DEMATEL tehniku

Industries must be more innovative than ever before to face rising global competition and stay in the market today. These now aim to enhance operational efficiency by using different advanced technology tools and techniques of Industry 4.0, satisfying the varying customer needs with products of the highest quality offered at minimal costs. With different bottlenecks faced in industrial operations, the large-scale adoption of such systems faces multiple impediments relevant to the country's socioeconomic make-up, and therefore, nine pertinent barriers deterring India's transition to Industry 4.0 with varying interdependencies and importance are identified. Data collected from multiple industry experts is subsequently analyzed using the DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) technique to identify the key barriers having the biggest influence over India's industrial landscape based on their cause effect value and importance scores. The study conclusively ends with discussing the analysis findings for use in solving complex industry problems and identifying new roles, work environments, and skills required in different domains for the adoption of systems of Industry 4.0 in India.

Forecasting delay-time model for Saudi construction projects using DEMATEL–SD technique

Construction delays are common in the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to develop a simulation forecasting model for the delay time in Saudi projects by considering ten previously identified factors. This study employs a systematic, integrated approach of the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology and system dynamics (SD) to reflect the ten factors that impact project delay. The DEMATEL technique is used in this study to solve the difficulty of systematically developing a causal loop diagram within the SD modelling process. The developed SD model is tested for consistency and extreme conditions. It is then validated and applied using three case studies (an academic building, administrative building, and infrastructure project) in Saudi Arabia by comparing the actual and fitted progress curves of each case study. The results show that the proposed model can be a respectable aid to project managers in forecasting Saudi projects wherein the actual monthly progress follows an S-curve. In this regard, three satisfaction conditions are introduced to check the project progress in the S-curves. In addition, this study provides a systematic approach combining the DEMATEL and SD techniques, which can simplify the SD modelling process in the future. Furthermore, the study methodology can be repeated in other countries.

Assessment of risk factors causing delays in road construction in Egypt

Delays are a common problem in the global construction industry, affecting the development of the road construction industry, particularly in developing countries. Where, the construction industry faces a lot of risk factors that can contribute to project delays, particularly during COVID-19. The road projects risk management framework was used to identify potential risk categories that could impede the success of road construction in Egypt. On the other hand, road construction in Egypt faces numerous challenges with increasing unexpected parameters throughout the project life cycle. In other words, unanticipated risk factors have a significant impact on the success of project execution. As a result, the study’s primary goals are to investigate the majority of the risk factors that cause road construction delays in Egypt. The impact of numerous risk factors has changed the delays in road projects as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world. As a result, the study incorporates previously unstudied factors. As well, the research has sought to investigate the new severity of risk factors during coronavirus infection. Moreover, risk breakdown structures have classified the risk factors into several categories. They include consultant risk, design risk, equipment risk, material risk, owner risk, contract risk, contractor risk, labor risk, external risk [coronavirus effects and others] and operational risk. The strategy employed in the paper is to incorporate the DEMATEL technique and risk analysis into the statistical model. Whereas the risk analysis prioritizes risk based on the evaluation of each specific project risk. Additionally, this approach has been able to create connections between risks, which may make it easier to understand the likelihood and severity of project risk than if the risks were just considered isolated events. Furthermore, the pilot survey is divided into two stages, the first of which is based on risk analysis to identify the most significant risks. As a result, the identification of the high-risk for each category has been researched. The second survey was issued to risk management by evaluating the importance of risk factors and creating causal relationships among components using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. Finally, it is noticed that operational risk and external risk caused by the effects of the coronavirus have the greatest impact on the delay of road projects.

A Phase-Based Roadmap for Proliferating BIM within the Construction Sector Using DEMATEL Technique: Perspectives from Egyptian Practitioners

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has not been sufficiently proliferated in the developing construction communities. This is owing to the lack of incorporating the key success factors (KSFs) of BIM implementation in a phase-based roadmap to support implementing BIM in practice on a step-by-step approach. With this in mind, this work aims at (1) defining the KSFs for implementing BIM within the developing economies’ socio-economic environment, (2) investigating the interrelationships among the KSFs, and (3) establishing the KSFs in a phased approach to devise a roadmap for their implementation on a step-by-step basis. First, 18 KSFs for implementing BIM have been specified by systematically investigating the pertinent literature and interviewing six well-qualified practitioners in BIM from Egypt, as a developing country. Second, from ten Egyptian BIM experts, data on the influences of the KSFs on each other have been gathered, employing a matrix format-based questionnaire. Third, the experts’ evaluations have been processed, utilizing the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. Proficiently, DEMATEL through its causal diagram portrayed the cause-and-effect relations map of the KSFs. Besides, it divided the KSFs into four clusters, each of which signifies a phase in the BIM implementation journey along with its corresponding priority as well as the priorities of the KSFs that it encompasses. The causal diagram indicated that phase one related KSFs of the BIM implementation journey: research and development investments, senior management support, and firm’s fiscal support contribute to the whole success of the developed BIM implementation roadmap. This study equips construction practitioners in the developing economies with a four-phased roadmap for applying the KSFs of BIM implementation journey in practice on a step-by-step basis. This contribution helps in better prioritizing their decisions and optimizing the allocation of their resources when applying BIM in their business. Hence, at a fast pace, BIM can be proliferated in those countries.

Determining the Development Strategy and Suited Adoption Paths for the Core Competence of Shared Decision-Making Tasks through the SAA-NRM Approach.

Shared decision making (SDM) is an interactive process that involves patients and their healthcare professionals reaching joint decisions about medical care through negotiation. As the initiators of medical decision-making in daily routine, physicians should be aware of and concerned about the SDM process. Thus, professional competency development for SDM has become increasingly critical for physicians’ training. Therefore, this study investigates the professional competency and the important competency development aspects/criteria of SDM tasks through expert interviews and literature research. The study adopts the SAA (satisfaction-attention analysis) method to assess the status of competency development aspects/criteria and determine the NRM (network relation map) based on the DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) technique. The results demonstrate that the CE (concept and evaluation) aspect is the dominant aspect, and the CR (communication and relationship) aspect is the aspect being dominated. The CE aspect influences the aspects of SP (skill and practice), JM (joint information and decision making) and CR, and the SP aspect affects the aspects of JM and CR. Then, the JM aspect affects the CR aspect. The study also suggests suitable adoption paths of competency development for SDM tasks using the NRM approach. It provides recommendations and strategic directions for SDM competency development and sustainable training programs.

Establishing the Competency Development and Talent Cultivation Strategies for Physician-Patient Shared Decision-Making Competency Based on the IAA-NRM Approach

Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative process involving patients and their healthcare workers negotiating to reach a shared decision about medical care. However, various physician stakeholders (attending physicians, medical residents, and doctors in post-graduate years) may have different viewpoints on SDM processes. The purpose of this study is to explore the core competence of physicians in performing SDM tasks and to investigate the significant competency development aspects/criteria by applying the literature research and expert interviews. We adopt the IAA (importance awareness analysis) technique for different stakeholders to evaluate the status of competency development aspects/criteria and to determine the NRM (network relation map) based on the DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) technique. The study combines the IAA and NRM methods and suggests using the IAA-NRM approach to evaluate the adoption strategies and common suitable paths for different levels of physicians. Our findings reveal that SDM perception and practice is the primary influencer of SDM competence development for all stakeholders. The current model can help hospital administrators and directors of medical education understand the diverse stakeholders’ perspectives on the core competence of SDM tasks and determine common development plans. It provides strategic directions for SDM competency development and talent cultivation programs.

Analysis of critical success factors for blockchain technology implementation in healthcare sector

PurposeRecently, blockchain technology (BT) has resolved healthcare data management challenges. It helps healthcare providers automate medical records and mining to aid in data sharing and making more accurate diagnoses. This paper attempts to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for successfully implementing BT in healthcare.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is methodologically structured in four phases. The first phase leads to identifying success factors by reviewing the extant literature. In the second phase, expert opinions were solicited to authenticate the critical success factors required to implement BT in the healthcare sector. Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was employed to find the cause-and-effect relationship among the third phase’s critical success factors. In phase 4, the authors resort to validating the final results and findings.FindingsBased on the analysis, 21 CSFs were identified and grouped under six dimensions. After applying the DEMATEL technique, nine factors belong to the causal group, and the remaining 12 factors fall under the effect group. The top three influencing factors of blockchain technology implementation in the healthcare ecosystem are data transparency, track and traceability and government support, whereas; implementation cost was the least influential.Originality/valueThis study provides a roadmap and may facilitate healthcare professionals to overcome contemporary challenges with the help of BT.

Towards flood risk mapping based on multi-tiered decision making in a densely urbanized metropolitan city of Istanbul

• The AHP and ANP were performed to assess hazard and vulnerability, respectively. • DEMATEL technique was integrated to define the ANP structure for criteria assessment. • Focus group discussions were conducted at each level of the framework refinement. • Income level and education level have highest weights in vulnerability cluster. • Return period of a storm event is the most significant criteria in hazard cluster. Multi-dimensional risk assessment strategies aided by the active participation of stakeholders are essential to combat flood events for metropolitan cities. This study aims to prioritize the districts of Istanbul regarding flood hazard, flood vulnerability, and flood risk with a multi-tiered comprehensive decision-making procedure. The proposed framework was enriched by focus group discussion, which was conducted through the professionals dealing with flood risk management in Istanbul. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to evaluate hazard criteria while the vulnerability criteria were subjected to the analytical network process (ANP). The structure of the ANP was adjusted by adopting the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. VIKOR (Visekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) method was employed to obtain district scores. Findings highlighted the income level, education level, and population density criteria regarding vulnerability cluster, while the return period of a storm event, storm water pipe network and imperviousness were the most significant hazard criteria. Sensitivity analysis of the VIKOR method also showed the robustness of the adopted methodology and the stability of the computed results under diverging conditions. The proposed generic framework can be replicated in other densely urbanized metropolitan cities and corresponding recommendations could assist decision-makers in achieving sustainable development goals.

An Evaluation of the Advertising Media Function Using DEA and DEMATEL

Since a large amount of food industry advertising budget is spent on advertising media, it is necessary to ensure the appropriateness of the media program to choose the media more effectively. One of the factors in evaluating advertising media is efficiency. Considering the various indices affecting the efficiency of advertising media, this study uses the DEMATEL technique to investigate the relationship between these indices and the DEA to evaluate and rank the efficiency of them. The DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) is a mathematical technique that calculates the efficiency of multiple decision-making units based on multiple inputs and outputs. The DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) technique is used to construct an influential network relation map to indicate the relationship among criteria. The results indicate that newspapers, magazines, radio, internet, and social networking sites, outdoor advertising, and television are the most efficient advertising media in the food industry, respectively.

Maritime Environment Assessment and Management Using through Balanced Scorecard by Using DEMATEL and ANP Technique.

Previous studies have found that the occurrence of maritime accidents often lacks a sound environment management mechanism. The reason is that maritime safety needs management functions to promote each other. This study aims to assess the risk analysis of maritime accidents, applying balanced scorecard (BSC) concepts integrating decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) with analytic network process (ANP). The empirical results are that the balanced scorecard could be applied as a maritime procedure management method in maritime risk analysis. A total of 30 questionnaires were collected via scholar questionnaire, and five criteria or key factors for strengthening risk assessment of marine accidents were determined. According to the application of BSC, the risk analysis criteria constructed can assist maritime authorities to reduce the maritime accidents.

Parametric analysis of dry machining process using a novel integrated multi-attribute decision making approach

In most of the machining processes, the complexity arises in the selection of the right process parameters, which influence the machining process and output responses such as machinability and surface roughness. In such situations, it is important to estimate the inter-relationships among the output responses. One such method, Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is applied to study the inter-relationships of the output responses. Estimation of proper weights is also crucial where the output responses are conflicting in nature. In the current study, DEMATEL technique is used for estimating the inter-relationships for output responses in machining of EN 24 alloy under dry conditions. CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) method is used to estimate the weights and finally the optimal selection of machining parameters is carried out using Techniques for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The model developed guides the decision maker in selection of precise weights, estimation of the inter relationships among the responses and selection of optimal process parameters.

Evaluating the lithium-ion battery recycling industry in an emerging economy: A multi-stakeholder and multi-criteria decision-making approach

Lithium-ion battery (LIB), a prime residual energy source for electric vehicles (EVs), entails a market showing exponential growth with the rising global push towards electric mobility. However, such an increase leaves us with ‘big battery waste problem’ as these LIBs approach their end-of-life (EoL). Moreover, despite the availability of technologies for complete recycling of used LIBs, the lack of authorized recycling facilities and poor policy framework would hinder sustainable mobility. This study focuses on a multi-stakeholder perspective in compiling and synthesizing the key barriers and enablers of LIB recycling within the PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal) framework. The barriers and enablers are identified using a systematic literature review and a 3-stage Delphi study on various experts from the LIB recycling industry in India. Grey theory is blended with DEMATEL (decision making trial and evaluation laboratory) technique to evaluate interdependencies among the constituting factors. It is followed by a comparative assessment that highlights the essence of different stakeholder perspectives. The results indicate inadequacy in recycling regulations in government policies and take-back schemes in the stakeholder business model as the most significant barrier and enabler, respectively. The current work proposes a decision-making framework defining multi-stakeholder roles for effective LIB recycling in an emerging economy.

Evaluating biometrics by using a hybrid MCDM model

Biometrics has been developing for decades in diverse industries, such as consumer electronics, internet of things, financial industry, etc. The purpose of this research is to build a decision-making model to evaluate and improve the performances of biometrics for administrators to design and make suitable biometric systems. This paper adopts a hybrid multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) model, comprising decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and DEMATEL-based analytic network process (called DANP) to probe into the interrelationship and influential weights among criteria of biometrics. According to DEMATEL technique, the empirical results indicate that criteria of biometrics have self-effect relationships. The dimension of biometrics that administrators of biometrics should enhance first when improving the performances is usability. The criterion of universality with the highest influencing value to systematically affect all other evaluation factors is what administrators of biometrics should comprehensively consider. In the top three criteria for evaluation by DANP, biometric systems with the most influential weight is the criterion that can be improved to have higher recognition rates for increasing the performances of biometrics, followed by biometric conditions and permanence.

Assessing Trade Attractiveness Using International Marketing Environmental Factors and Fuzzy DEMATEL

International market entry of entities can be through exporting, licensing, franchising, partnering and strategic alliance, acquisition and Greenfield venture. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs’) initial international market entries are limited to exporting. Hence, assessing the international marketing environment is essential for deciding the pre-export or initial export stages of going international. It also needs favourable policies to support the trade growth of SMEs between countries. Hence, this research study aims to develop a quantitative approach for assessing the international trade attractiveness between regions with physical, political, economic, sociocultural and technological (PPEST) variables and the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. This research study is novel in its approach for identifying the prominence causal variables of trade attractiveness by applying the Fuzzy DEMATEL technique. The results revealed that ‘focusing on the development of new technologies’ and ‘Physical distribution and communication network’ were the core factors influencing the trade attractiveness between the regions. Furthermore, directions for policy implementation and research expansion in this domain were also presented.