Fuzzy Analytic Network Process Research Articles

Forest fire risk zoning based on fuzzy logic and analytical network process.

Forest fires have a significant impact on human life, property safety, and ecological environment. Deve-loping high-quality forest fire risk maps is beneficial for preventing forest fires, guiding resource allocation for firefighting, assisting in fire suppression efforts, and supporting decision-making. With a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method based on geographic information systems (GIS) and literature review, we assessed the main factors influencing the occurrences of forest fires in Youxi County, Fujian Province. We analyzed the importance of each fire risk factor using the analytic network process (ANP) and assigned weights, and evaluated the sub-standard weights using fuzzy logic assessment. Using ArcGIS aggregation functions, we generated a forest fire risk map and validated it with satellite fire points. The results showed that the areas classified as level 4 or higher fire risk accounted for a considerable proportion in Youxi County, and that the central and northern regions were at higher risk. The overall fire risk situation in the county was severe. The fuzzy ANP model demonstrated a high accuracy of 85.8%. The introduction of this novel MCDA method could effectively improve the accuracy of forest fire risk mapping at a small scale, providing a basis for early fire warning and the planning and allocation of firefighting resources.

Sustainable development during economic uncertainty: What drives large construction firms to perform corporate social responsibility?

AbstractWhile the world is grappling with economic uncertainty, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been extensively studied with a focus on favorable economic conditions. This study aims to investigate and prioritize the drivers for CSR in large‐sized construction organizations during economic uncertainty. Based on the literature review and discussions with experienced professionals, 13 critical drivers for CSR were identified and categorized into four clusters. Using the combination of fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and fuzzy Analytic Network Process (DANP), drivers for CSR performance during economic uncertainty were ranked regarding their interrelationships. Among 13 drivers, the results illustrated that enhancing company reputation was the most critical driver for CSR, followed by long‐term economic benefit, employee commitment and loyalty, and credibility gain. This study expands the current understanding of CSR practices in the construction industry, shedding light on its unique characteristics during economic uncertainty.

Determination of multi-UAVs formation shape: Using a requirement satisfaction and spherical fuzzy ANP based TOPSIS approach

Multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (multi-UAVs) formation shape refers to the geometric shape when multi-UAVs fly in formation and describes their relative positions. It plays a necessary role in multi-UAVs collaboration to improve performance, avoid collision, and provide reference for control. This study aims to determine the most appropriate multi-UAVs formation shape in a specific mission to meet different and even conflicting requirements. The proposed approach introduces requirement satisfaction and spherical fuzzy analytic network process (SFANP) to improve the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). First, multi-UAVs capability criteria and their evaluation models are constructed. Next, performance data are transformed into requirement satisfaction of capability and unified into a same scale. Qualitative judgments are made and quantified based on spherical fuzzy sets and nonlinear transformation functions are developed for benefit, cost, and interval metrics. Then, SFANP is used to handle interrelationships among criteria and determine their global weights, which takes decision vagueness and hesitancy into account and extends decision-makers’ preference domain onto a spherical surface. Finally, alternative formation shapes are ranked by their distances to the positive and negative ideal solution according to the TOPSIS. Furthermore, a case study of 9 UAVs performing a search-attack mission is set up to illustrate the proposed approach, and a comparative analysis is conducted to verify the applicability and credibility.

Overhead crane bridge structure design optimization based on safety assessment

In order to achieve safe and economical design results for crane bridge structures, an optimization method with safety assessment constraints is proposed. In this approach, the limit state method is used to test the structure design. Safety assessment is conducted based on the fuzzy analytic network process, allowing the safety score of designs to be quantified. Aiming to minimize the self-weight of the bridge, the dimensions of critical sections are regarded as design variables and constraints related to the process size, strength, stiffness, stability, and safety score are imposed, utilizing the artificial hummingbird algorithm for the structure optimal design. After validating through an engineering example, the results demonstrated that under the settled safety constraints, the proposed optimization method successfully reduced the structural self-weight by 19.709%, while maintaining a safety score proximate to the original design. In comparison to optimization without safety assessment constraints, this method resulted in a 10.441% increase in weight, but its safety was significantly improved by 21.740%. This validates the effectiveness and practicality of incorporating safety assessment into structure optimization, thereby ensuring a balanced trade-off between safety and material economy in the design of crane bridge structures.

Measuring the status of audit documentation indicators by using Internet-based technologies

Currently, the lack of a comprehensive model regarding the use of Internet-based technologies in the formation of auditors' work is clearly felt. In fact, the main problem of this research is the necessity of an all-round look at the potential applications of Internet-based technologies on the formation of auditors' work; Because in most of the previous researches, it has only been proved that digital technologies have a positive effect on audit performance, and issues such as background factors, intervening factors, and strategies necessary for implementing digital technologies in the field of auditing have received less attention. The purpose of the current research is to measure the status of audit documentation indicators using Internet-based technologies. The current research is descriptive-analytical in terms of method and practical in terms of purpose. Fuzzy Dimetal and Fuzzy ANP techniques have been used for data analysis. The results obtained from Dimetal Fazi have shown that the influence of the index of "organizational factors" on audit documentation using Internet-based technologies is more than other indicators and the index of "management factors" is the next priority. . Also, the effectiveness of the "regulatory factors and technology" index is more than other indices. Also, the results of fuzzy ANP have shown that the index of organizational factors is in the first priority, the index of long-term relationships is in the second priority, and the rest of the indicators are in the third priority.

Development of a goal programming model based on fuzzy QFD and ANP for supplier selecting and order allocation

Development of a goal programming model based on fuzzy QFD and ANP for supplier selecting and order allocation

Utilizing the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process Technique to Prioritize Safety Challenges in Construction Projects

Utilizing the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process Technique to Prioritize Safety Challenges in Construction Projects

Utilising the fuzzy analytic network process technique to prioritise safety challenges in construction projects

Utilising the fuzzy analytic network process technique to prioritise safety challenges in construction projects

Identification and Prioritization of Factors Affecting the Cultural Model of Good Governance in Bodies Overseeing Government Performance Using Fuzzy ANP Method

Identification and Prioritization of Factors Affecting the Cultural Model of Good Governance in Bodies Overseeing Government Performance Using Fuzzy ANP Method

Evaluating the campus climate factors using an interval type-2 fuzzy ANP

Evaluating the campus climate factors using an interval type-2 fuzzy ANP

Development of a new index for assessing the inherent safety level of chemical processes using a multi-criteria fuzzy decision-making approach

Estimating and evaluating the inherent safety of processes pose a significant challenge in the field of inherent safety. Indicators are commonly employed tools to address this challenge. However, one of the weaknesses of risk-based indicators is their assumption of equal weight and importance for all indicators, despite the fact that the impact of each indicator may vary. This study aimed to investigate whether assigning weights to indicators can enhance the performance of inherent safety indices. To achieve this objective, all indicators that influence inherent safety were identified through systematic literature review and expert interviews. Subsequently, the final weights of these indicators were determined using multicriteria decision-making methods such as BWM, DEMATEL, and fuzzy ANP. By integrating these indicators, a Weighted Inherent Safety Index (WISI) was developed, accompanied by two subsidiary inherent safety indices: process inherent safety (consisting of 5 indicators) and chemical material inherent safety (consisting of 9 indicators). The WISI index serves as a quantitative measure to assess various synthesis routes of a chemical substance and determine the safer option during the conceptual design phase. In a case study, the production process of methyl methacrylate involving 6 different synthesis routes was selected, and the WISI index was applied to validate its effectiveness. Overall, this approach introduces a novel perspective to enhance the performance of inherent safety indices by assigning appropriate weights to indicators, thereby promoting a more comprehensive evaluation of process safety.

APPLICATION OF FUZZY ANALYTICAL NETWORK PROCESS IN DETERMINING THE CHOICE OF AREAS OF INTEREST

The Untan Statistics Study Program offers students a choice of areas of interest to develop competencies, attitudes, and skills. This study aims to analyze the decision to determine the choice of field of interest according to lecturers and students using the Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (FANP) method. A combination of ANP methods and Fuzzy logic, FANP is used to model and analyze complex networks of several factors determining the choice of areas of interest. The step in this study begins with the determination of the criteria and sub-criteria used for tissue formation. Then a comparison was carried out in pairs using the Fuzzy scale, so that the calculation of the global weight value of each criterion and sub-criteria was obtained. The resulting weight can be used for decision making. Data in research affects the opinions of lecturers and students. The decision obtained using the FANP method in this study is in the opinion of lecturers and students that the fields of business and finance are priority alternatives with the highest weight of 44.5%. The second priority with a weight of 37.5%, namely social and industrial interests, and the environmental and disaster sector occupies the last priority with a weight of 18%.

Multi-attribute fire safety evaluation of subway stations based on FANP – FGRA – Cloud model

With the rapid development of subway network, the fire safety of subway stations is becoming outstandingly important in the operation process. But there seem to be few studies developing quantitative models in the existing approaches. To this end, this study aims to develop a multi-attribute hybrid method by combining Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP), and Fuzzy Grey Relational Analysis (FGRA) with Cloud model to evaluate fire safety of them. This research comprehensively sorts out and identifies high-frequency hazard factors associated with fire accidents at stations from personal, equipment, environmental and management aspects, and simultaneously explores dependencies and interactions among them. Seven typical transfer stations of Changsha subway network in China are studied by using the proposed approach, and the results show that: (1) the fire safety order from the best to the worst determined is FBH (A2), SWGY (A7), CSRS (A6), YWZ (A1), HTL (A5), HJT (A4) and WYGC (A3); (2) through comparing the results obtained by the proposed method with that determined fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy sum weighted method, it is proved that the method developed in this study is reliable and effective; and (3) sensitivity analysis indicates that the ranking order of stations is influenced by the fluctuation of criterion and sub-criterion weights.

An Integrated Fuzzy Analytic Network Process and Fuzzy Regression Method for Bitcoin Price Prediction

Predicting the prices of cryptocurrencies is more complicated than that of classical financial assets because they do not seem to have reached the maturity stage of their life. In addition, many known and unknown factors may affect Bitcoin prices; these factors and their importance seem to be changing faster than other financial assets. Therefore, the data used to predict the prices of cryptocurrencies can be considered big data challenging to manage due to their volume, variety, and variability. This study presents an integrated approach to managing the data when predicting the Bitcoin price. We first prepare a list of factors affecting the Bitcoin price. We then use the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) to screen these factors and select the most important ones based on the experts’ opinions. The selected factors are considered independent variables affecting the Bitcoin price. Next, we extract a fuzzy regression model using the historical data in which the Bitcoin price is considered the dependent variable. Finally, this model is validated with different confidence levels, and the appropriate level is selected to predict the Bitcoin price. The results show that Bitcoin prices fall within the forecasting intervals obtained from the fuzzy regression model for a 99% confidence level. Unlike crisp regression models, the fuzzy regression model used in this study does not predict the Bitcoin price as a crisp value; instead, it predicts the price as an interval value. The contributions of this study are fourfold: (1) identifying the factors affecting the Bitcoin price and investigating their mutual impacts on each other; (2) determining the most influential factors using the FANP method; (3) using fear and greed as essential sentimental independent variables in regression to predict the Bitcoin price; (4) and predicting the Bitcoin price as an interval instead of a crisp value.

Drought risk assessment: The importance of vulnerability factors interdependencies in regional drought risk management

Recognizing the vulnerability factors is essential in assessing the drought risk of a region. Moreover, considering the interactions and interdependencies between the vulnerability factors will generate a more accurate and realistic analysis. The present study tries to depict the interdependencies between vulnerability factors and their covering effect on each other. Kashkan River basin in the west of Iran has hydrological, physical, social, and cultural diversity; hence, one of the main goals of the current research is to evaluate drought risk and detect its affecting factors in each rural district. Twelve vulnerability factors were selected and standardized based on regional risk management. To model interdependencies of vulnerability factors, the integration of the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) and Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was compared with the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Process (FAHP). The Drought Vulnerability Index (DVI), a weighted aggregation of factors, was multiplied by the Drought Hazard Index (DHI) to obtain a drought risk map. Based on the results, FANP-DEMATEL modifies the risk severity of 20 % of districts. Both methods introduce the western part of the basin with intense risk levels, indicating the irrefutable effect of the hazard index on drought risk maps. The scarcity of hydrological factors can cause profound risk changes in both methods. Furthermore, comparing weighting scenarios revealed that, in some cases, sophisticated weighting methods can be replaced by logical weighting strategies.

A fuzzy ANP-based criticality analyses approach of reliability-centered maintenance for CNC lathe machine components

Calculation of the criticality score and its analysis are important for the reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) of CNC lathe machine components. The tools of a CNC lathe machine include complex critical part and sub-systems. The reliability of parts decline due to the independent system fault. To identify the essential components of CNC lathe machine tools, a system level component criticality analysis method is proposed. In this study, a comprehensive framework of criticality-based RCM implementation through experimentation of a CNC-lathe machine is proposed. The criticality of machine components were identified by investigating their dependency on the criteria and sub-criteria. Five main criteria were found effective for the criticality of the components which are the cost, complexity, sustainability, functional dependency, and safety impacts. Fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) approach was employed to evaluate criticality scores for eleven-component of a CNC lathe machine. This is a preliminary study and aims to contribute to the literature and practitioners in many ways. The primary focus of our method lies in its capability to predict criticality values for a manufacturing system in absence of historical maintenance data relying on the expertise/intuition of the operator(s) for decision making for the predictive maintenance of the system with the help of fuzzy ANP approach. It was found that the turret was the most critical component with a metric of 0.0641 which was also found to be over 3 times more critical than the least critical hydraulic system, which had a criticality metric of 0.0187. This novel FANP framework provides a credible solution to real-world RCM scheduling and can be applied to any manufacturing system-related application.

Fuzzy Techniques and Adjusted Mixture Design-Based Scenario Analysis in the CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam) Subregion for Multi-Criteria Decision Making in the Apparel Industry

This research paper presents an all-encompassing methodology for multi-criteria decision-making in the apparel sector, with the particular objective of aiding in the determination of the most appropriate location within the CLMV subregion. The research is conducted in three crucial stages. The process began with the administration of a survey to proprietors of garment businesses in both Thailand and the CLMV countries. This survey resulted in the compilation of an exhaustive list of site-selection criteria and sub-criteria. Based on the findings of subject matter-expert interviews, Cambodia (C), Vietnam (V), and Myanmar (M) were identified as feasible alternatives. Subsequently, the questionnaire criteria and sub-criteria were evaluated utilizing the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (Fuzzy ANP), which involved the utilization of meticulously designed pair-wise comparison matrices and local priorities. Five specialists from the Thai entrepreneurial community affirmed the effectiveness of Fuzzy ANP and expressed interest in expanding manufacturing operations in the CLMV subregion. The optimal location for Thai apparel manufacturers was subsequently determined using the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS). The results indicated that Vietnam is the most favorable option. In order to improve the dependability of results, an amended mixture-design scenario analysis was implemented. This analysis assessed the sensitivity and dependability of the proposed model in different scenarios, ensuring its applicability in real-world situations. In contrast to traditional models, this study integrates managerial judgments and preferences into the decision-making procedure, thereby accounting for the complex interdependencies among numerous criteria. The suggested methodology functions as a beneficial instrument for decision-makers, both domestic and international, as it integrates effortlessly into the organizational structure of the CLMV region. By harmonizing objectives pertaining to data acquisition, manipulation, retention, and dissemination, this framework not only enables enhanced decision-making processes, but also optimizes system efficiency.

Ranking Agility Factors to Reliably Sustain a Green Industrial Supply Chain Using the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process and Ordinal Priority Approach

Suppliers can achieve high levels of supply chain sustainability by improving the related factors. An agile supply chain can support sustainability. Identifying and ranking agility factors in the SAIPA company in Iran to reach a sustainable and green supply chain is the primary purpose of this study. SAIPA is an automotive company with an extensive supply chain. The data were quantitative, and the collection was completed by reviewing the literature and questioning experts. The FANP and the OPA methods were the tools used to analyze the data. These methods are proper for facing multiple-criteria decision-making problems, as in the case of this paper. We first identified the factors (capabilities, enablers, and attributes) using a literature review. After that, we gathered the data for ranking analysis by collecting the opinions of SAIPA’s organizational experts using a pairwise comparison questionnaire for the FANP and a prioritizing list for the OPA. Both methods showed that “Quickness” is the capability with the highest priority. “Customer Sensitivity” was the most critical enabler, and “Accurate customer-based measures” was the most significant attribute of the FANP analysis. The OPA results showed that “Information Management” was the first enabler, and “Efficient funds transfer” took first place among all the attributes. Managers should pay more attention to these factors to develop agile supply chains in the SAIPA company. The results also showed that the methods proposed for multi-attribute decision-making problems like the FANP have shortcomings, such as difficulties completing the pairwise comparison matrix due to burdensome data collection in cases similar to the one in this study with many factors.

A corrosion assessment methodology based on triangular intuitionistic fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (TIFCE) with analytic network process (TIFANP): An application to external corrosion of the storage tank floor

The increasing demand for oil, natural gas, and green energy has led to massive construction of storage and transportation infrastructure, and the resulting corrosion problems have attracted increasing attention. The complexity of the factors influencing corrosion and the uniqueness of infrastructure pose great challenges to the inspection, assessment, and prediction of corrosion. This challenge is reflected in the large number of influencing factors and the intricate interrelationships between them, which often require the involvement of experts in the assessment. However, due to reasons such as incomplete data and the complexity of corrosion mechanisms, there is uncertainty in the expert's judgment. To address this problem, this work proposes a multilevel, multi-index framework for corrosion evaluation. This framework integrates both analytic network process and comprehensive evaluation method under an intuitionistic fuzzy environment. It uses the triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers-based analytic network process (TIFANP) to establish and analyze the weights of the interactive and employed triangular intuitionistic fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (TIFCE) to address the subjective judgment and uncertainty issues in corrosion evaluation. The introduction of the intuitionistic fuzzy concept effectively handles the uncertainty in corrosion assessment. To verify the feasibility and practicability of the framework, it was applied to external corrosion assessment of the floor of a crude oil storage tank. Soil corrosion, cathodic protection, coating protection, and stray current interference were considered the main factors influencing the external corrosion of the storage tank floor. The assessment results were consistent with the open-tank inspection. This work can provide valuable information for storage tank operation, corrosion protection, and maintenance to reduce economic losses and safety accidents caused by the corrosion of crude oil tank floors.

Investigation of the Effects of Shipping Performance Factors on Ship Types by Fuzzy DEMATEL and ANP Methods

Uluslararası rekabet ve düzensiz piyasa döngülerine sahip denizcilik sektöründe, rekabet üstünlüğü kurmak isteyen gemicilik işletmeleri için önemli unsurların başında gemicilik performansı gelmektedir. Gemicilik performansları, günümüzde BIMCO tarafından yönetilmekte olan gemicilik anahtar performans göstergeleri/faktörleri (Shipping KPIs) projesi kapsamında sunulan kritik performans göstergeleri kullanılarak değerlendirilebilmektedir. Gemicilik işletmelerinin, gemilerin ve gemi filolarının performans ölçüm ve değerlendirmelerini yaparak mevcut uygulamalardaki eksiklikleri belirlemesi ve bu eksiklikleri gidererek optimum performansa ulaşılması rekabette avantaj sağlayacaktır. Bu kapsamda, gemicilik işletmeleri açısından, gemicilik performansına etki eden faktörlerin önem derecelerini, aralarındaki etkileşim düzeylerini ve bu faktörlerin gemi türlerine olan etkilerini ortaya çıkartmak amacıyla yapılan bu çalışmada, çok kriterli karar verme yöntemlerinden FDEMATEL ve ANP yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Sekiz temel Shipping KPIs ile gemicilik performansının değerlendirilmesinde önemli oldukları düşünülen ‘‘bilgi yönetim performansı ve dijitalleşme performansı’’ faktörleri değerlendirmeye alınmıştır. Araştırma bulguları, gemicilik performansı faktörleri arasında en önemli ve diğer faktörlerle etkileşimi yüksek olan faktörlerin sırasıyla ‘‘F7-teknik’’, ‘‘F4-seyir emniyeti’’ ve ‘‘F5-operasyonel’’ performans olduğunu ve performans açısından da ‘‘S3-konteyner gemilerinin’’ en yüksek performansa sahip gemi türü olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada Shipping KPIs faktörlerine yeni faktörler ilave edilerek Shipping KPIs faktörlerinin önem düzeyleri, aralarındaki nedensel ilişkiler ve bu faktörlere göre gemi türlerinin performansları, çok kriterli bulanık bütünleşik bir modelle ilk kez incelenmiştir.