Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Method Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Distributions and Vulnerability Assessment of Highway Blockage under Low-Visibility Weather in Eastern China Based on the FAHP and CRITIC Methods

In this study, the spatiotemporal distributions of highway blockage and the low-visibility weather events in eastern China are studied by taking Jiangsu Province as an example. Based on the record table data of highway-blocking events, a vulnerability evaluation model for the highway network in Jiangsu Province is established using the weight assignment methods of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and criteria importance though intercriteria correlation (CRITIC). By using the geographic information system, the vulnerability evaluation map of road network in low-visibility weather in Jiangsu Province is finally drawn. The results show that the monthly blockage events on Jiangsu highways are more frequent in the north than in the south and are more frequent along the coast than inland, with the highest occurrence number in winter and a second peak in May. There are basically no blockage events from July to October. Traffic blockage on Jiangsu highways mainly occurs between 22:00 and 08:00 Beijing time. In the afternoon, there are almost no highway-blocking events caused by low-visibility weather. The vulnerability of highway blockage in Jiangsu Province is high in the north and low in the south and high in coastal areas and relatively low in inland. The section K6-K99 of the G30 Lianhuo Highway is the most sensitive.

Evaluation of gamification techniques in learning abilities for higher school students using FAHP and EDAS methods.

The rapid development of information technology has made a wide range of cutting-edge technologies accessible, supporting the flourishing of human existence. Modern technology has made it possible for new computer-based technological strategies like gamification. The pedagogical framework is based on the "gamification" game format, which is one of the most recent teaching strategies and has an engaging component for students. Gamification, flipped learning, and problem-based learning are three examples of the technical aspect of escape rooms. In the academic setting, gamification aims to boost student engagement and motivation in order to produce a better user experience. Gamification has been found to increase levels of participation, foster it, and improve activity outcomes. Gamification is recommended in educational settings to improve students' achievement, focus, and contentment in light of these benefits. In order to establish an effective learning environment where students may effectively improve their learning capacities and boost their performance, it can be difficult to select a higher performing technique among the available techniques due to the ongoing use of gamification techniques. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) are applied in order to determine the criterion weighting and assess the techniques in order to make a good decision. The presented paper analyzed numerous game-based learning techniques along with their applications in the educational field. Additionally, ten criteria and eight gamification methodologies are used to assess and pick the prior pertinent works. By utilizing the suggested approaches, the decision problem has been resolved. The FAHP approach is used in the suggested analysis to evaluate the criteria and determine their weights. Then, using the EDAS method, places are assigned to the chosen procedures based on their evaluation score and criterion weighting. The results of the appraisal show that the gamification technique with the highest production takes first place and is regarded as the best-performing and most successful technique. On the other hand, it is clear that the technique with the lowest production takes the bottom spot and is referred to as the least expensive and lowest performing technique. In order to increase students' motivation, which could have a substantial impact on learning, it has been discovered that gamification is a feasible strategy.

A Hybrid Evaluation Model for e-Learning Platforms Based on Extended TOE Framework

E-learning platforms (ELPs) are revolutionizing the higher education system, as they offer tremendous potential to fulfill instructional plans, safeguard students’ learning rights, and improve teaching quality. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have to consider the selection of ELPs from an organizational perspective, which involves multiple stakeholders like university administrators, students, and educators. Therefore, one can take the ELP selection as a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. This research proposes a new hybrid MCDM approach on the basis of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and the evaluation based on distance from the average solution (EDAS) method to select the best ELPs. First, from the organizational perspective, we extend the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework by adding an auxiliary resource (AR) dimension and define and prioritize 4 criteria and 14 criteria for evaluating and selecting ELPs. Second, the study uses the fuzzy set theory to process the language evaluation of experts, the FAHP method to determine criteria and sub-criteria weights, and EDAS to rank the alternatives. Finally, based on the importance-performance analysis (IPA) method, we identify the most appropriate strategic options for enhancing competitiveness. Three practical cases of China’s ELP evaluation validate the proposed model’s applicability and superiority by comparing to the two other classic evaluation models. In addition, through analysis, we obtain some encouraging results that provide some references for universities to formulate ELP selection policies and offer suggestions for platform producers to further optimize the design.

An Industry 4.0 Technology Selection Framework for Manufacturing Systems and Firms Using Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS Methods

Characterized by its resilience, connectivity, and real-time data processing capabilities, the fourth industrial revolution, referred to as Industry 4.0, is the main driver of today’s digital transformation. It is crucially important for manufacturing facilities to correctly identify the most suitable Industry 4.0 technologies that meet their operational schemes and production targets. Different technology selection frameworks were proposed to tackle this problem, several of which are complex, or require historic data from manufacturing facilities that might not always be available. The aim of this paper is to develop a novel Industry 4.0 selection framework that utilizes Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) to rank different Industry 4.0 technologies based on their economic, social, and environmental impact. The framework is also implemented on a real-life case study of a manufacturing firm to rank the different Industry 4.0 technologies required for its digital transformation based on their significance to the facility’s key performance indicators. The framework is utilized to select the top three Industry 4.0 technologies from a pool of eight technologies that are deemed important to the manufacturing firm. Results of the case study showed that Cyber-Physical Systems, Big Data analytics, and autonomous/industrial robots are the top three ranked technologies, having closeness coefficient scores of 0.964, 0.928, and 0.601, respectively. Moreover, the framework showed sensitivity towards weight changes. This is an advantage in the developed framework, since its main aim is to provide policymakers with a customized list of technologies based on their importance to the firm.

Optimisation analysis of distribution network planning based on the IVIF-AHP method

Abstract Distribution network planning is an important task in the process of power grid construction and development. Scientific and rational planning is the key factor for the economic construction and reliable operation of the power grid. Aiming at the difficulty in quantifying the weight of distribution network planning schemes, a comprehensive evaluation method of distribution network planning schemes based on the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process method is proposed. First, a comprehensive evaluation index system is established from the four aspects of power supply, namely reliability, economy, power supply quality and safety of the distribution network. Then, a comprehensive evaluation method of electricity reliability optimised by entropy weight method is adopted by analytic hierarchy process, which considers both subjective situation and objective weighting. At the same time, the comprehensive weight of the aggregation of the criterion layer and the scheme layer is calculated. Finally, the link between the aggregation matrix and the index weights of the criterion layer is used to calculate the weights of the scheme layer so that they can be sorted out. The experimental results show that the effectiveness and feasibility of the planning and analysis indicators and evaluation methods of the method proposed in this paper are verified by a numerical example.

Integrating Fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS Methods to Evaluate Operation Efficiency of Daycare Centers

As the population ages and families become less able to offer care, the need for long-term care among older people increases. Evaluation of daycare centers, which provide localized long-term care services, is essential for the growth and direction of these institutions. Nevertheless, the present evaluation indexes do not adequately emphasize the significance of each index item or the actual effectiveness of an organization’s operations and management. To solve this issue, the purpose of this research was to develop an evaluation model for the operation and administration of daycare centers. Experts were consulted to collect pertinent criteria, which were further assessed using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) techniques. The results indicated that organizational operation management was the top priority, with administrative operation management and service quality management having the largest impact on productivity. Among the 10 daycare services tested, Institution 3 was judged to have the highest score. These findings shed light on the operational management effectiveness of daycare centers and give a novel evaluation methodology for gauging the efficacy of nursing management.

Water-sand inrush risk assessment method of sandy dolomite tunnel and its application in the Chenaju tunnel, southwest of China

Sandy dolomite strata are widely distributed in the diversion tunnel of the Yuxi section of the Water Diversion Project in Central Yunnan (WDPCY). The water-sand inrush is the main failure phenomenon in the construction of sandy dolomite tunnel, which has seriously and commonly threatened the safety of the Chenaju (CNJ) tunnel in the WDPCY. In this paper, we established the discriminant matrix of the water-sand inrush risk assessment by consulting the experts, including the designers and construction personnel of the CNJ tunnel. Then, the risk assessment of water-sand inrush in the CNJ tunnel is carried out based on the proposed Fuzzy-AHP method. The results show that (1) a hierarchical model for risk assessment of water-sand inrush in sandy dolomite tunnel is constructed by criterion and index including thirteen factors. (2) The main criterion layer factors affecting water-sand inrush in the sandy dolomite tunnel are dolomite’s sandy degree and water yield. (3) The risk grade of water-sand inrush in the sections of YX49 + 089∼YX49 + 099 and YX51 + 637∼YX51 + 647 in the CNJ tunnel is V, which indicates very high risk. The assessment results are consistent with the actual engineering situation, which indicate the proposed method can provide the reference for the risk management in a similar project. Key Policy Highlights Thirteen main factors induce water-sand inrush in sandy dolomite tunnel. Characteristics of sandy dolomite mass and groundwater condition play a decisive role in sandy dolomite tunnel for water-sand inrush. A water-sand inrush risk assessment system established based on Fuzzy-AHP method is suitable for sandy dolomite tunnel.

Wind farm site suitability assessment & validation using geospatially explicit multi-criteria approach: A case study of South Sikkim, India

ABSTRACT Determination of optimal location for wind farm is a challenging task influenced by several decision criteria and factors subject to human. This case study done proposes an integrated decision support framework to investigate the spatial wind farm suitability based on F-AHP (Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchy Process) together with Q-GIS (Quantum-Geographic Information System) tool. Firstly, spatial analysis and integration of nine-exclusion factors were included to identify the unsuitable sites. Next, F-AHP-based MCDM (Multi Criteria Decision Making) analysis was employed to obtain criteria weights of seven evaluation factors. Unlike traditional AHP method, the proposed F-AHP method is much flexible to deal with intermediate linguistic variable. F-AHP results reveal that wind speed is the most important criteria followed by power Tr. lines with weighted value of 33.05% and 20.95% respectively. The thematic suitability map was developed on Q-GIS platform to classify from “least suitable” to “most suitable” classes. The final suitable map indicates 26.09 km2 and 138.42 km2 area are most suitable and highly suitable respectively for wind farm establishment. This study is also supported with ground measurement wind resource data collected through a WMS (Weather Monitoring Station) installed at “most suitable” region of suitability indexed class.

Determination of Logistics Risk of Palm Cooking Oil Using Fuzzy Delphi Method and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process

Determination of risk sources and risk indicators is carried out by conducting literature studies and expert assessments. The results of the expert assessment are processed using the Delphi fuzzy and AHP fuzzy methods. The Delphi fuzzy method is used to make decisions regarding risk sources and risk indicators based on expert opinion. The AHP fuzzy method is used to determine the weight and priority order of risk sources and risk indicators for palm cooking oil logistics. The risk sources obtained based on the study of the literature are as many as 10 risk sources which are then selected 8 risks that are approved by experts. While the risk indicators obtained based on the study of the literature are as many as 34 indicators, then as many as 23 indicators are considered important by experts. Based on the risk weight assessment, the order of risk with the highest weight is supply risk with a weight of 0.2803, partnership risk with a weight of 0.1619, production risk with a weight of 0.1576, storage risk with a weight of 0.1262, technology risk with weight of 0.93, transportation risk with a weight of 0.0811, infrastructure risk with a weight of 0.0603 and market risk with a weight of 0.0395.

A Delphi fuzzy analytic hierarchy process framework for criteria classification and prioritization in food supply chains under uncertainty

Effectively managing food supply chains is critical for ensuring food security and safety. Identifying and prioritizing the criteria affecting food supply chain performance is imperative to manage uncertainty and avoid undesirable consequences in Supply Chain Management (SCM). This study aims to identify and prioritize critical criteria affecting food supply chains under uncertainty. We use the Delphi method to choose the predominating criteria classified into four groups: Resilience and Flexibility, Transparency and Traceability, Communication and Collaboration, and Regulation and Standardization. The fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method is used next to prioritize the selected criteria based on their significance. The results show investment in research and development, transparency and traceability, risk-sharing and collaboration among stakeholders, are the top criteria for food supply chain security and safety. These findings contribute to formulating and developing effective strategies for securing food supply chains.

Production of Flood Risk Maps of Inebolu Basin Using Different Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Methods

Flood events, which are considered as natural disasters, cause significant loss of life and property throughout the world. In order to be fully prepared for the flood, which is a disaster of meteorological origin, it is necessary to create flood risk susceptibility maps. Flood risk susceptibilities are values determined by considering different criteria that may cause flooding. Determining the weights of these criteria is also a problem that needs to be addressed. Due to the hierarchical structure of the aforementioned criteria, the problem of determining flood risk sensitivity was deemed suitable to be modeled as a fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem, and a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) based model was used in this study. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in basin studies is increasing day by day. Geographic Information Systems are used to collect, process and analyze existing data in order to identify potential risk areas. In this study, flood risk susceptibility maps of the İnebolu Basin, located within the borders of Kastamonu province in the west of the Black Sea Region of Turkey, were created by using different fuzzy analytic hierarchy process methods and the obtained results were compared with each other.

Integrated approach for occupational health and safety (OHS) risk Assessment: An Empirical (Case) study in Small enterprises

Like large and medium industries, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management has become a highly demanding issue for Small Enterprises (SEs) under the backdrop of numerous and varied diseases and accidents. However, any systematic OHS risk assessment model is still lacking in SEs. This study is initiated to develop a comprehensive model by integrating Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). A total of 16 sub-criteria under 3 criteria were chosen using focus group discussions with several experts. The weights of the sub-criteria were determined using FAHP method, which were further used to score the present conditions of the SEs. Three input variables and one output variable were selected for generating FIS model. The FIS model for OHS risk assessment was established after constructing fuzzy membership functions and fuzzy inference rules.This model was implemented in five SEs of Bangladesh for validation. The risk scores were calculated and among the five enterprises, one was found highly risky, and three were moderately risky. Expectedly, this model will assist the safety professionals and managers to design effective workplace health and safety management strategy and programs.

Evaluation of the positive impacts of e-customs implementations on foreign trade by fuzzy AHP method

This study aims to evaluate the positive impacts of e-customs implementations on international trade and rank these impacts hierarchically according to their importance weights. For this purpose, Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was applied to analyze the importance weights of each impact. Data were collected from the experts by conducting a survey prepared following the study's research method. Questionnaire forms were structured within the conceptual model framework created in line with the literature review and expert decisions. Questionnaires were sent via e-mail to the experts and fully completed seven of them were included in the analysis. Results of the study demonstrate that the Time criterion has the highest impact on e-customs implementations among the main criteria. Besides, the first three important impacts of e-customs implementations among the sub-criteria are ease of transactions, reduced bureaucracy, and faster transactions. The findings obtained from this study are supposed to contribute to the studies concerning e-customs applications.

Failure probability assessment of emergency safety barriers integrating an extension of event tree analysis and Fuzzy type‐2 analytic hierarchy process

AbstractLiquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage fires and explosions occur due to uncontrolled gas leaks and the gradual breakdown of associated safety barriers. By installing an effective safety barrier, these accidents can be greatly reduced. However, this study assesses the probability of failure of emergency safety barriers (ESBs) to help decision makers understand how they can support decisions to reduce the risks associated with LPG storage. In this context, an extension of the event tree analysis is proposed named emergency event tree analysis (EETA). The aim of this paper is to develop an integrated approach that uses interval type‐2 fuzzy sets and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and emergency event tree analysis to handle uncertainty in the failure probability assessment of emergency safety barriers (ESBs). In addition, a case study on the failure probability assessment of the emergency safety barriers of the LPG plant in Algeria based on the proposed methodology is provided and carried out to illustrate its effectiveness and feasibility. The results demonstrated the ability of interval type‐2 fuzzy sets and the AHP method to provide highly reliable results and to evaluate the failure probability of emergency safety barriers in emergencies situations. However, the classical event tree analysis (CETA) does not take into account the possibility of assessing the emergency consequences of different accident scenarios. Consequently, it only allows you to estimate the occurrence probability of accident scenarios. The results of this study show that the value of the probability of failure of the emergency safety barriers can be used to estimate the probability of occurrence of emergency consequences under different accident scenarios, improved the reliability and help prioritize emergency improvement measures. The study provides scientific and operational references for analyzing emergency consequences of the various accident scenarios in all fields such as petrochemical, maritime industry, and health occupational.

Evaluation of the Criteria and Attribute of Public Transport Services of Kathmandu using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

This paper depicts the different criteria and attributes of various public transport services that run in Kathmandu. Buckley’s fuzzy-AHP method was used to determine the weights of criteria. Twenty Experts, who include Multi Stakeholders from Policy Makers to Researchers to Academicians to Advocates, were consulted to evaluate the criteria to construct pairwise comparison matrix. An overall ranking of the Hierarchy priorities of criteria and attribute was a result of this AHP analysis. The result of the research is weightage for each criterion and its respective attributes. From the analysis, criteria “Safety of Vehicles” has gained the highest weightage. The criteria and attributes will be used as elements to improve the user’s satisfaction of the Public Transport.

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Using GIS and Fuzzy AHP on an Indicator-Based Approach

This study aims at integrating GIS method and fuzzy AHP to evaluate the impact of climate change under the vulnerability concept. The results of this empirical study in Da Nang city have significant scientific contribution to the generation of comprehensive indicators for assessing the vulnerability in coastal cities in Central region of Vietnam. The approach of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in climate change vulnerability assessment has been examined considering three main components of vulnerability which are exposure to hazards, local sensitivity and adaptive capacity. GIS-based approach was applied to generate a set of indicators and the fuzzy AHP method was investigated for determination of the weighted scheme for parameters included in the climate vulnerability assessment. The study results indicate that the coastal districts including Son Tra and Ngu Hanh Son districts are most vulnerable to climate change due to high exposure, high sensitivity and limited adaptive capacity. On the contrary, the district with high level of adaptive capacity such as Hai Chau district is usually ranged in low level of vulnerability. The results confirm the importance of enhancing adaptive capacity in responding to the impact of climate change.

Hazard assessment model of ground subsidence coupling AHP, RS and GIS – A case study of Shanghai

Urban ground subsidence (GS) causes ground elevation loss, threatens the safe operation of various facilities, and affects surface runoff and hydrological circulation. Therefore, it is vital to monitor the current status of GS to predict and evaluate potential risks to sustainable urban development. Sentinel SAR images from 2019 to 2020 combined with the data from the 2019–2020 Statistical Yearbook were used as data sources. Based on PS-InSAR and SBAS-InSAR, GIS was integrated with the AHP method. A ground subsidence risk evaluation index (REI) suitable for Shanghai was developed regarding three aspects of the amount of accumulated land subsidence (RS obtained): subsidence rate, and terrain elevation. The vulnerability evaluation index (VEI) was established from five aspects: population density, GDP per unit area, the proportion of construction land, viaduct density, and metro density. We introduced the fuzzy AHP method to complete the risk assessment of ground subsidence in Shanghai and obtained the ground subsidence hazard index (GSHI). We used GIS superimposed remote sensing images to visualize the individual evaluation indicators REI, VEI, and GSHI. Using GIS superimposed remote sensing images, various evaluation indicators and GSHI were visualized. Based on the evaluation results, targeted prevention and control recommendations are provided. The results of this research can provide a basis for scientific decision-making regarding Shanghai’s territorial spatial planning and socio-economic development.

Analysis of Online Turkish Language Instructor Competencies by Fuzzy Delphi and Analytical Hierarchy Process

Distance and online education have required instructors to acquire new skills and competencies for language teaching. This research aimed to determine online Turkish language instructor competencies. It comprised two stages in which Fuzzy Delphi and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods were used. In the first stage, 52 competencies under seven categories were compiled from the literature by applying the Fuzzy Delphi technique. In the second stage, the AHP method was used to determine the significance and weight of the competencies. There were five competencies in the “technical” category, three in the “individual” category, six in the “management and planning” category, three in the “material” category, nine in the “communication” category, eight in the “learner autonomy” category, and four in the “privacy and security” category. The findings suggested that “communication” was essential competence, and that “pedagogical” competence was more critical than “technical” competence. Furthermore, it was revealed that the instructors did not regard “autonomy” as competence. It also can be inferred that the instructors’ “individual” competencies were not considered very important.

Evaluating the Renewal Degree for Expressway Regeneration Projects Based on a Model Integrating the Fuzzy Delphi Method, the Fuzzy AHP Method, and the TOPSIS Method

As the volume and scale of urban expressways continue to increase, renewal remains a concern for urban development. The renewal and decision-making of an urban expressway need to be endowed with new concepts to adapt to the rapid development of cities. Nevertheless, in addition to considering road factors such as facility conditions, driving conditions, and environmental protection, the existing evaluation system lacks comprehensive consideration of factors that improve resilience and adapt to future urban development, and it lacks a quantifiable general update evaluation system. Thus, the establishment of a comprehensive renewal indicator system and a mixed evaluation framework is a challenge. This study proposes an evaluation framework of expressway renewal indicators that integrates the three dimensions of macro, meso, and micro based on the fuzzy Delphi method, the fuzzy AHP method, and the TOPSIS method. A q-rung orthopair fuzzy linguistic set was used to handle expert uncertainty information in the process of conducting fuzzy evaluations. The indicators were refined into general and quantifiable evaluation indicators to improve their versatility. Moreover, the renewal value of expressways was measured and calculated using the TOPSIS method, and four renewal intervals were divided according to the calculation results. As a result, 28 renewal indicators were screened out, and the five factors with the greatest impact on renewal were the demand for transport development, the renewal of facility and service functions, the upgrading of institutional resilience, structural renewal, and economic development. The model was applied to eight expressways in Shanghai to calculate the renewal degree value and divide the renewal status. The model could identify the renewal needs of each road to guide the renewal decision. This study proposes an evaluation model to measure urban expressway renewal studies and provides a reference for urban renewal in the area of sustainable development

Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process methods in changing the damming level of a small hydropower plant: Case study of Rosko SHP in Poland

Small hydropower plants are one of the most important renewable energy sources that do not degrade and consume natural resource. The paper presents a case study of an already operating small hydropower plant (SHP) and a potential increase in its energy production by raising the damming level. Three variants were defined and subjected to detailed analysing. The analyses used the Fuzzy AHP methodology (FAHP), which allowed for identifying the variant that has the best chance of being implemented in the context of administrative, legal and social realities of the country where an SHP is located. The adopted solution will increase electricity production by 108.78 MWh annually, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 86000 kg CO2. The described methodology is of general use and can be applied in any country in the world.