Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Method Research Articles

Human–Computer Interaction and Participation in Software Crowdsourcing

Improvements in communication and networking technologies have transformed people’s lives and organizations’ activities. Web 2.0 innovation has provided a variety of hybridized applications and tools that have changed enterprises’ functional and communication processes. People use numerous platforms to broaden their social contacts, select items, execute duties, and learn new things. Context: Crowdsourcing is an internet-enabled problem-solving strategy that utilizes human–computer interaction to leverage the expertise of people to achieve business goals. In crowdsourcing approaches, three main entities work in collaboration to solve various problems. These entities are requestors (job providers), platforms, and online users. Tasks are announced by requestors on crowdsourcing platforms, and online users, after passing initial screening, are allowed to work on these tasks. Crowds participate to achieve various rewards. Motivation: Crowdsourcing is gaining importance as an alternate outsourcing approach in the software engineering industry. Crowdsourcing application development involves complicated tasks that vary considerably from the micro-tasks available on platforms such as Amazon Mechanical Turk. To obtain the tangible opportunities of crowdsourcing in the realm of software development, corporations should first grasp how this technique works, what problems occur, and what factors might influence community involvement and co-creation. Online communities have become more popular recently with the rise in crowdsourcing platforms. These communities concentrate on specific problems and help people with solving and managing these problems. Objectives: We set three main goals to research crowd interaction: (1) find the appropriate characteristics of social crowd utilized for effective software crowdsourcing, (2) highlight the motivation of a crowd for virtual tasks, and (3) evaluate primary participation reasons by assessing various crowds using Fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS method. Conclusion: We developed a decision support system to examine the appropriate reasons of crowd participation in crowdsourcing. Rewards and employments were evaluated as the primary motives of crowds for accomplishing tasks on crowdsourcing platforms, knowledge sharing was evaluated as the third reason, ranking was the fourth, competency was the fifth, socialization was sixth, and source of inspiration was the seventh.

Evaluation of Spaceport Site Selection Criteria Based on Hesitant Z-Fuzzy Linguistic Terms: A Case for Türkiye

The location of the spaceport is a significant factor in increasing the success of operations and reducing costs. To choose a suitable site, critical features need to be defined and evaluated. In this context, critical criteria have been collected and prioritized to determine the location of Türkiye’s spaceport. As space technologies are a new subject in Türkiye, expert evaluations include some uncertainty. To overcome this problem, a hybrid methodology based on hesitant fuzzy set theory has been developed by integrating two fuzzy multicriteria decision-making methods. By using hesitant fuzzy Z-DEMATEL, the relationships between the criteria were revealed, and the weights of the criteria were calculated by hesitant fuzzy Z-cognitive mapping method. According to the results, the most important main criteria are technical requirements, infrastructure, and cost and economy, while the most important sub-criteria are technical factors, flight safety/cruise route, and main/supporting infrastructure. To show the validity of the proposed methodology, the spherical fuzzy AHP method was employed for the same case. The comparative analysis has determined the same criteria as significant with the proposed methodology. The research would help policymakers and businesses better understand the critical criteria to spaceport site selection to catch the space race worldwide.

Areas of the Terai Arc landscape in Nepal at risk of forest fire identified by fuzzy analytic hierarchy process

Forest fire frequency has increased in South Asia in recent decades, with a growing impact on forest ecosystems. Nepal's Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) is one of the most ecologically important landscapes in Asia, hosting a great diversity of endangered flora and fauna. To better predict the threat of fire to forest ecosystems in the TAL, we identified fire-prone areas using fuzzy AHP methods. We produced a fire risk map by applying the weighted linear combination method using topographic (slope, aspect, and elevation), climatic (temperature, precipitation, and wind speed), biophysical (normalised difference vegetation index and landcover classes), and anthropogenic variables (distance to road and proximity to settlements). We then validated the map with records of past fires by applying a confusion matrix. The accuracy of our technique of fire location prediction was above 95%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.93 and AUC value of 0.83. Locations of medium to very high forest fire risk were found in around 51% of the study area, usually in the vicinity of areas affected by anthropogenic factors. This landscape-level study shows the potential of multicriteria prediction models to inform the preparation of national and regional forest fire management strategies and plans.

A study on the comparison of technical indicators used in stock price prediction with the BAHP method

Savers want to direct their savings to investment areas where they can get maximum efficiency. This is the most basic feature that a rational investor should have. Stock investors also want to manage their investments with this thought. In this respect, investors conduct detailed research on the sector and stock they plan to invest in. Predictions regarding the possible price formation of the stock in the future is one of these studies. In the finance literature, there are many indicators, ratios, analyzes, indicators and oscillators developed for the future price prediction of the stock. In this study, technical indicators used by licensed professional stock investors were obtained by taking expert opinion. These indicators were conveyed to the experts again to get their opinions with the help of the fuzzy comparison matrix and the experts were asked to compare the variables. The data obtained were analyzed with the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method and the technical indicators and ratios used by the experts were listed according to a certain hierarchy. As a result of the analysis, it has been determined that the most important ratio in the stock price estimation process is the MV/BV ratio. While EBIT is the second most important ratio in stock price prediction, P/E is the third most important indicator.Savers want to direct their savings to investment areas where they can get maximum efficiency. This is the most basic feature that a rational investor should have. Stock investors also want to manage their investments with this thought. In this respect, investors conduct detailed research on the sector and stock they plan to invest in. Predictions regarding the possible price formation of the stock in the future is one of these studies. In the finance literature, there are many indicators, ratios, analyzes, indicators and oscillators developed for the future price prediction of the stock. In this study, technical indicators used by licensed professional stock investors were obtained by taking expert opinion. These indicators were conveyed to the experts again to get their opinions with the help of the fuzzy comparison matrix and the experts were asked to compare the variables. The data obtained were analyzed with the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method and the technical indicators and ratios used by the experts were listed according to a certain hierarchy. As a result of the analysis, it has been determined that the most important ratio in the stock price estimation process is the MV/BV ratio. While EBIT is the second most important ratio in stock price prediction, P/E is the third most important indicator.

Evaluation and design of dining room chair based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP

From the perspective of user needs, a design evaluation system for dining room chairs that can meet user needs was established. Based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the user needs of a dining room chair were quantitatively analyzed by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Moreover, the comprehensive weight ranking of 14 factors in the object hierarchy was obtained, which provided the design focus and quantitative indexes for designers in the early stage of dining room chair design. Then, in the later stage of dining room chair design, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method was used to quantitatively evaluate the three design schemes and obtain the optimal design scheme. The experimental results showed that the user needs evaluation results were positively correlated with the “excellent” grade in the FAHP method. This indicated that the evaluation system realized a symmetry, reliability, and effectiveness between the user needs evaluation and FAHP. Therefore, it can be concluded that this evaluation system based on AHP and FAHP proposed in this study has reliability and validity, and it can be used for design evaluation to judge the popularity of products, enhance the competitiveness of products, and reduce product design costs.

Analysis of Management Models of Regional Ports in the Republic of Croatia

Seaports play a crucial role in the transportation and logistics chain, and their development and optimization require significant investments in infrastructure, superstructure, human resources, and management. To ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of these investments, it is essential to implement a well-designed port management model. This model should be based on the criteria used to guide the selection process and ensure that the chosen model aligns with the needs and objectives of the port, stakeholders, and community. This study aims to determine the optimal criteria and management model for the regional seaports in the Republic of Croatia. Port management experts’ opinions were obtained through a questionnaire, and data were analyzed using the AHP and fuzzy AHP methods. The results showed that the criterion of functionality is optimal for choosing the appropriate management model, while the most favorable management model is the coordinated decentralized model. The results obtained by both methods were the same. Different criteria and management models, with similarities and differences between the obtained results and the provisions of the National Development Plan of Ports Open to Public Transport of Regional and Local Significance, are discussed and highlighted.

Evaluating the Factors of Green Finance to Achieve Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Targets in China: A Delphi and Fuzzy AHP Approach

Green finance (GF) is a vital strategy implemented by China to minimize carbon emissions to achieve targets of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Thus, the objective of this study is to reduce carbon emissions by developing green finance practices in China. This study identifies, evaluates, and ranks the factors and sub-factors of green finance because it is the core issue for sustainable development. In this regard, this study utilizes the Delphi and fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method to analyze the main factors and sub-factors of green finance. The Delphi method finalizes the 6 factors and 26 sub-factors after a thorough investigation. The FAHP method was used to assess and rank the identified factors and sub-factors of green finance. The findings show that the political (POF) is the most crucial factor of green finance in the Chinese economy. The economic (ECF) and environmental (ENF) factors are ranked second and third important factors. The further results of the FAHP reveal that ecological and political identification (POF1), political stability (POF3), and climate commitments (POF2) are the top-ranked sub-factors of green finance. The results specify that green finance development is a very crucial strategy to minimize carbon emissions.

Analysis of Stock Selection Model Strategy in Indonesia's Capital Market

The impact of investor behavior and decision-making on investment interest in the Indonesian capital market is ultimately tied to the stock selection model used to form an optimal portfolio. Therefore, this study aims to develop an optimal stock selection model in the Indonesian capital market. And thus, the novelty of this study relates to other studies that demonstrate how to improve investment decisions in the capital market in Indonesia. Whereas previous research focused solely on the associations between variables, this study examines the variables themselves. This investigation was carried out in the Greater Jakarta of Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi). This research utilizes the Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) methodology. FAHP is the combination of AHP and a fuzzy concept approach. The FAHP method uses qualitative and quantitative data to make decisions. The data collection method employs primary data from the Survey Questionnaire and discussions, secondary data consisting of market data, stock price movement data from the Indonesia Stock Exchange, Indonesian Central Securities Depository, Bank Indonesia, and empirical literature about stock selection models. The results of the analysis indicate that forming the optimal portfolio in the Indonesian capital market involves predicting the price or stock return using a single factor that is thought to impact security. The primary objective assumed to be realized by the optimal portfolio formation approach on the Indonesian capital market is the optimization of stock combinations. Keywords: investor behavior, investor decision-making, capital market, investment, stocks

Comprehensive performance evaluation of high embankments in heavy-haul railways using an improved extension model with attribute reduction algorithm

Effectively evaluating high-embankment deformation and stability is important for heavy-haul railway safety. An improved extension model with an attribute reduction algorithm was proposed for the comprehensive evaluation method. First, a hierarchical evaluation system for high embankments in heavy-haul railways was established using the attribute reduction algorithm, which includes the principal component analysis, maximum information coefficient, coefficient of variation, and improved Dempster-Shafer evidence theory. Furthermore, the improved extension model was used to evaluate high-embankment performance in heavy-haul railways. In this improved extension model, the combination weighting method, an asymmetric proximity function, and the maximum membership principle effectiveness verification were used. Finally, three high embankments in a Chinese heavy-haul railway were studied. The results illustrate that the main influencing factors for high-embankment performance in a heavy-haul railway are annual rainfall, annual temperature, and 21 other indicators. The performance of the three embankments is level III (ordinary), level II (fine), and level III (ordinary), respectively, indicating that these embankments have generally unfavourable performance. The three embankments’ performance matches field measurements, and the proposed method outperforms the Fuzzy-AHP method, cloud model, and gray relational analysis. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method in assessing the high-embankment performance under heavy axle loads.

Students engagement in distant learning: How much influence do the critical factors have for success in academic performance?

AbstractThis research identifies the critical factors of student engagement and distance learning that will improve academic performance during a pandemic. The fuzzy Delphi method and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method are applied to this research, which is a multicriteria decision‐making technique. A survey is conducted and evaluated based on experts' opinions. The social constructivism theory was selected to be applied here; it supports student engagement and distance‐learning factors' relationships with academic performance. After the analysis, the six most significant factors are evaluated. It is observed that Social isolation (C1), Technology effectiveness (C2), Social status enhancement (C3), Student Competency (C4), Motivation (C5), and Satisfaction (C6) are the highest‐ranking factors that increase academic performance. On the basis of the results, it is suggested that management's primary responsibility is to provide training and guidance to instructors/teachers to enhance, motivate the students, and create opportunities for every student to improve their academic performance in a pandemic situation through distance learning.

A sustainable shipping management framework in the marine environment: Institutional pressure, eco-design, and cross-functional perspectives

The shipping industry plays a vital role in the world trading system and in maintaining the stability of global supply chains. However, we cannot ignore the damage it brings to the marine environment. With a focus on protecting the marine environment, the sustainable development of shipping companies has also drawn growing attention. This study examines the sustainable shipping management practice system and develops a comprehensive framework to evaluate the significance of influencing elements and prioritizes those factors. This paper adopts a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process method. It establishes a total of 11 sub-index systems from three aspects: the external policy pressure of shipping companies, the ecological design of shipping services, and the cross-functional green management within shipping companies. We used the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to analyze data collected from 37 experts in the Chinese shipping industry. The findings show that external policy pressure is the most critical factor influencing sustainable shipping management, followed by eco-design and cross-functional green management. These factors have a big impact and provide management references for shipping company managers and policymakers. They also give the government a company perspective when creating pertinent regulations.

Importance evaluation model of launch site equipment based on FAHP-entropy weight theory

In order to solve the problem of lack of quantitative basis for determining the maintenance priority of space launch site facilities, an equipment importance evaluation method based on FAHP-entropy theory was proposed. Firstly, the influencing factors and scoring criteria for the importance evaluation of space launch site facilities and equipment were designed. Secondly, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and entropy method were used to assign subjective and objective weights to the evaluation factors, and then the weights were combined to determine the priority of each factor. Finally, the evaluation index of equipment importance was calculated by linear weighted summation, and the approximate solution of equipment importance was obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. Taking the swing rod system equipment as an example, the importance evaluation results are in line with the reality, and the quantitative basis for the decision-making of its maintenance mode can be provided.

Manufacturing process risk analysis model considering human and organizational factors

In the manufacturing process, human errors will lead to defective products, even result in safety accidents. In this paper a manufacturing process risk analysis model considering human and organizational factors is built by integrating Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) with Bayesian Network (BN). The human and organizational factors (HOF) causing process failure is qualitatively analyzed by HFACS. Then risk of the HOF is estimated by BN method, with the conditional probability of BN nodes evaluated by Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) method. The proposed method is illustrated using an example study.

Prioritization of habitat construction materials on Mars based on multi-criteria decision-making

Mars is the most accessible planet in the solar system for habitation and could serve as a base for exploring more distant planets. Space agencies and scientists worldwide continue exploring Mars to gain more geologic and atmospheric information in preparation for constructing space habitats. The harsh planetary conditions of Mars require the development of new or modified methods for building infrastructure and formulating binders. Each type of concrete has advantages and disadvantages, and we need to find the best binder for use in construction on Mars.In this study, eight construction materials, including Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), sulfur concrete, geopolymer, sintered material, polymer-bound regolith, products of geo-thermite reactions, regolith-based magnesium oxychloride, and microbial-induced calcite precipitation, are reviewed according to 14 criteria. The criteria are availability, shipping, water requirement, technical working conditions, curing time, temperature, total required energy, strength, durability, cosmic radiation shield (density and hydrogen content), additives needed, sustainability, safety, and recyclability. We applied the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach to assign a weighting to each criterion. Finally, we used three multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to determine the most suitable mortar for construction under the harsh conditions on Mars.The results show that if the general conditions of Mars are considered uniform such as different temperatures and geologies dependent on location, geopolymer concrete is the best material for construction based on Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), and Weighted Aggregates Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) methods, and sintered material concrete and sulfur concrete are equally ranked second. Correspondingly, five concretes of Portland cement, products of geo-thermite reactions, regolith-based magnesium oxychloride, polymer-bound regolith, and microbial-induced calcite precipitation are the most efficient construction materials, respectively. In addition, using the Fuzzy AHP method, the criteria of shipping and sustainability have the highest and lowest weighting, respectively, in the decision-making process. The use of MCDM methods and inductive analysis provides a scientific approach that enables the comparison of the potential of several space concrete materials for better decision making in future research and construction within the next 10–20 years.

Hi, May AI help you? An analysis of the barriers impeding the implementation and use of artificial intelligence-enabled virtual assistants in retail

Artificial Intelligence enabled Virtual Assistants (VAs) are evolving rapidly, offering promising opportunities to provide personalized shopping assistance and 24/7 frontline service. They can reduce the workload of human employees while delivering a seamless customer experience. Despite these benefits, the adoption of AI VAs as a retail marketing channel is patchy. The objective of this study is to reveal the multidisciplinary factors impeding the adoption of AI VAs in retail using the Fuzzy AHP method. Seven main barriers and thirty-seven sub-barriers are identified, classified, and ranked. Findings reveal that customer-related barriers are the most significant. These are followed by technical and financial barriers that retailers face in implementing AI chatbots.

Crisp and fuzzy appraisal of tenderer’s qualifications in public works procurement in Turkey

PurposeIn Turkish public procurement practice of construction works, only bidders whose capabilities on each qualification criteria meet prescribed thresholds are taken into evaluation; however, final evaluation disregards contribution of contractor’s abilities to the delivery of project. The purpose of this study is to assign reasonable weights to qualification criteria stated in Public Procurement Law applicable for work contracts by the method of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with crisp and fuzzy numbers and evaluate the results. Having optimum quality structures to obtain value for money and giving weight to environmental concern in tender evaluation stage can assist sustainable economy.Design/methodology/approachTo introduce qualifications of tenderers to evaluation process, a survey was conducted among 20 public procurement specialists at Public Procurement Authority of Turkey. AHP and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) methods were used to obtain the weights for qualifications.FindingsIn any method used in the study, experience became the most important criterion after bid price. Facility, machine and equipment criterion became the second and annual turnover criterion became the third most important criterion.Research limitations/implicationsThe set of qualification criteria used in this study is confined by Turkish Public Procurement Law and secondary regulations. However, as Public Procurement Law is in accordance with European Union directives, the conclusions of the study should not be considered to be geographically limited by the borders of Turkey. Also, professional to take part in the survey were randomly selected from the Public Procurement Specialist working at Public Procurement Authority.Social implicationsThe outcomes of the study may improve sustainability through public procurement.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study offering weights for tenderer’s qualifications to be used in a multi-criteria decision-making process for contractor selection in public work procurement process in Turkey.

Evaluation of key performance indicators of Indian airlines using fuzzy AHP method

Due to intense competition, decreasing profit margins and demanding customers in the air transport business, airlines have to measure their performance in order to remain competitive as well as sustainable in the airline market. The performance of an airline depends on many factors these are known as key performance indicators (KPIs). This study makes an attempt to evaluate the KPIs of airlines. Evaluation of KPIs is done using a combined approach based on fuzzy theory and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. A case example of Indian airlines is conducted to illustrate the proposed model applicability. The results of the study indicates that the priority order of the KPIs is SSR > OMR > CR > FBR, which show that safety and security related indicators are found most important in this priority list and financial and business related parameters ranked last. This study makes an important contribution to various airline companies by solving significant problems in order to enhance their performances in the competitive market with proposed methodology. This proposed method considered fuzzy framework that can handle impreciseness and uncertainty. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to test the robustness of the proposed model.

Severity Assessment of Problems in Turkish Building Audit System: A Fuzzy AHP Approach

The Building Audit system (BAS) has often been criticized due to its various drawbacks by researchers, construction practitioners, and professional chambers. Existing studies, however, do not comprehensively investigate the problems seen in Turkish BAS. Since the decision-makers are provided with little knowledge about the drawbacks of the system, they can barely develop new strategies to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. To bridge this gap, this study aimed to identify the drawbacks seen in the implementation of the Turkish Building Audit System (BAS). In addition, the severity of each drawback was also determined to further provide comprehensive guidance to policymakers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Initially, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify problems of Turkish BAS. Identified problems were then validated through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions with the participation of 12 experts who have diverse experience in the related field. Later, a questionnaire survey was designed to measure the severity of each problem/drawback and the data was collected from 15 construction practitioners. The data were then analyzed using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method to measure the severities of problems seen in Turkish BAS. Then, the problems were prioritized based on their severities. At the final step, sensitivity analysis was conducted to measure the robustness and reliability of the results derived from the FAHP method. Results revealed that problems such as “Lack of practical knowledge of technical staff”, “Absence of site supervisor at the site” “Political pressure” and “Neglecting technical specifications and procedures” were determined as the most severe problems that need urgent attention of decision-makers. It is highly believed that this study will guide decision-makers for the improvement of existing legislation. Additionally, it is also believed that practitioners will take necessary precautions beforehand by using the outputs of this study.

A Comparative Analysis of Applied FMADM in a Serious Games Evaluation Model

In recent years, Serious Games are being used as an innovative pedagogical strategy to achieve more effective learning in various fields of knowledge, but in order to use them effectively, it is essential to evaluate them systematically to obtain solid evidence of their impact. To this end, the integration of fuzzy multi-attribute decision making (FMADM) methods will be beneficial for the evaluation of Serious Games in order to weight their evaluation criteria according to the desired context, as these FMADMs have the capacity to take into account the imprecision and uncertainty of human judgements. In this paper, we will present a comparative analysis of various fuzzy multi-attribute decision making (FMADM) techniques, namely the fuzzy DEMATEL and fuzzy SWARA methods applied in the Serious Games evaluation model in which the fuzzy AHP method has been used. In order to find the ranking of various dimensions responsible for better decision making and the ability to accurately reflect human judgment for the evaluation of Serious Games in a given context. According to the results obtained, we find that the fuzzy AHP method was the best suited to our decision problem, despite the identical ranking of the criteria obtained.

Application of fuzzy analytical hierarchy process for choosing the best project cost estimation in the Gresik district

The purpose of this research is to make an application for cost estimation of road construction projects in the Gresik district. This project is a collaboration with civil engineering and informatics to make an application using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). Many times the project manager gets bids from many contractors to complete a single project. Cost estimation is a determinant element and becomes a guide to formulating policies that can be taken primarily in determining the number of investment costs or the budget that must be allocated annually and can be made the best suggestion to the project manager which contractor can provide the greatest benefit to the project manager. There are several studies that have developed applications for cost estimation, and some have even involved experts to validate the output of the application. However, this study combines five studies as FAHP calculations and two experts to assess the results of the application. FAHP in this research has five criteria, there are drainage, earthworks, grained pavement and cement pavement, paved pavement, and structure. The FAHP method can be implemented in selecting the best project that can provide the lowest raw material purchase price and give the best profit to the project manager, which can be shown by the Application FAHP with the lowest Total Score value. This process is carried out by the admin doing pairwise comparisons with the AHP scale, transforming the pairwise comparison matrix into the TFN scale, calculating the fuzzy synthesis value (Si), the vector value (V), and the defuzzification ordinate (d'), input the project budget that has been implemented (or last year), normalization, calculating the consistency ratio and calculating the best cost estimation as a total score FAHP.