Fuzzy TOPSIS Technique Research Articles

Cargo type selection procedure using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS techniques: 'the case of dry bulk cargo ships'

Cargo type selection is a challenging procedure in shipping and logistic industry as net freight charge profit depends on many factors involving in maritime transportation. Maximisation of the net profit is subject to determination of the factors affecting the freight account. In this study, the problem of cargo type selection was investigated for the dry bulk ship companies by using fuzzy multi criteria decision-making approaches. The evaluation process is based on identifying criteria sets and ranking them according to factor loads using fuzzy AHP and finally deciding on the best alternative that is scored by the experts using fuzzy TOPSIS technique. Results of the study revealed that the most important criteria for dry bulk cargo selection are net freight charge profit (9.85%), cargo handling conditions (6.35%), total fuel consumption per voyage (5.96%), risk of piracy and stowaways (5.08%), position for the next voyage (4.87%) and cargo handling cost (4.74%).

The evaluation of supply chain performance in the Oil Products Distribution Company, using information technology indicators and fuzzy TOPSIS technique

The evaluation of supply chain performance in the Oil Products Distribution Company, using information technology indicators and fuzzy TOPSIS technique

Ranking of companies regarding the effective factors on technology transfer using FAHP and fuzzy TOPSIS techniques

The purpose of this research is to realise how organisations have been sustaining their growth through applying technology transfer factors. Regarding the thematic nature of a research model, experts' opinion of the oil industry and companies in the oil industry have been examined in the current study which included: 1) oil pipeline and telecommunication company; 2) oil products distribution company; 3) national gas company in Semnan and Khorasan province, all have been brought for this research as a statistic population. The results obtained from both methods indicate that the oil pipeline and telecommunication company are more important than the national gas company, and the oil product distribution company. The results obtained from fuzzy AHP technique, according to the technology transfer factors, indicate that the technological feature is of most importance for the oil industry than the organisational feature, personnel feature, and industrial feature. According to the technological feature scale, it is concluded that diffusion is the most important factor among the other factors.

Ranking of companies regarding the effective factors on technology transfer using FAHP and fuzzy TOPSIS techniques

The purpose of this research is to realise how organisations have been sustaining their growth through applying technology transfer factors. Regarding the thematic nature of a research model, experts' opinion of the oil industry and companies in the oil industry have been examined in the current study which included: 1) oil pipeline and telecommunication company; 2) oil products distribution company; 3) national gas company in Semnan and Khorasan province, all have been brought for this research as a statistic population. The results obtained from both methods indicate that the oil pipeline and telecommunication company are more important than the national gas company, and the oil product distribution company. The results obtained from fuzzy AHP technique, according to the technology transfer factors, indicate that the technological feature is of most importance for the oil industry than the organisational feature, personnel feature, and industrial feature. According to the technological feature scale, it is concluded that diffusion is the most important factor among the other factors.

RANKING THE CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION TECHNIQUES BASED ON THE IDENTIFIES INDICATORS IN IRAN’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

The current study aims at identifying and ranking the creativity and innovation techniques in automotive industry of Iran. Considering the purpose of the research, the current study is practical and in terms of method it is a descriptive-survey one. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and to confirm its validity and reliability, content analysis and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient were used, respectively. Fuzzy TOPSIS technique was used to analyze data. The results of the study show that fishbone diagram has been identified as the most important creativity technique in Iran’s automotive industry and creative mutation, nominal group, Delphi, creative visualization and returning to the customer techniques stand in the next ranks.

A comprehensive criteria-based multi-attribute decision-making model for rehabilitation of water distribution systems

The main objective of this work is to develop a comprehensive criteria-based multi-attribute decision-making model to plan the rehabilitation of water networks. Among the main features of this model is the capability to simultaneously analyse comprehensive criteria for the rehabilitation of water networks; where there is a significant uncertainty within the operational data. In this model, which is called as WDSR model, using a fuzzy TOPSIS technique, it is possible to adjust the criteria based on the local conditions, and to weight them based on the group decision-making of experts. In this paper, using the WDSR model, the rehabilitation plan of the ‘Anytown’ water network is prioritised through two methods. The first method uses a predefined template of WDSR, and the second uses a local template based on the conditions within the study area. The obtained results show the potential of the WDSR in the rehabilitation planning of water networks, where is encountered with numerous criteria, a significant uncertainty in the recorded data and hesitation in group decision-making of experts. It was found that, for rehabilitation of network zones, predefined template of WDSR is preferred, while for pipe rehabilitation, it is essential to use local template layer.

Selecting Demolition Waste Materials Disposal Alternatives Using Fuzzy TOPSIS Technique

This article describes how in developing countries, millions of tons of construction and demolition wastes (CDWs) are lost every year due to lack of knowledge of recycling significance and/or procedures. Despite the high value of CDWs, high percentage of this waste is either dumped illegally or disposed in the landfills. Disposal methods should consider saving natural resources and maintaining the environmental conditions through maximizing the value of CDWs. This article aims at choosing the most sustainable disposal alternative using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Process, considering several sustainability measure indicators. The research introduces a list containing the most relevant and significant sustainable indicators that affect the selection of alternative for disposal of CDWs. Then, fuzzy TOPSIS technique is applied considering the significant indicators on each alternative to rank and choose the best alternative for disposal of CDWs.

Innovations in the olive oil sector: A fuzzy multicriteria approach

In recent years many technological innovations have been introduced into the olive oil sector, both into the farming system (high and super high density olive orchard) and into oil extraction techniques. As a result players in the sector have to consider different scenarios and have to evaluate many alternatives considering a number of economical, environmental and social criteria. In this paper we present a multicriteria approach in a fuzzy contest in which decision makers provide the assessment of alternatives and the evaluations of weights for criteria having recourse to linguistic variables. We consider a Triple Bottom Line model in a Multicriteria Fuzzy contest making use of the Triangular Fuzzy Theory in order to represent the decision makers’ linguistic evaluations of criteria and alternatives. Starting from the decision makers’ evaluations we compute the ranking of alternatives using the Fuzzy TOPSIS technique and we present a sensitivity analysis of the results. Results show that though there is no aggreement tor evaluate the best solution concerning cultivation systems, on the other hand, as to extraction processes, it is a common opinion to consider de-pitting as the best solution from an environmental, economic and social point of view. Anyhow, analisyng the final ranking, the combination of centuries-old olive orchard and de-pitting oil extraction is the best solution in absolute terms. This study highlights as innovations in olive oil sector, often developed only in an economic perspective, should be well investigated also in an environmental and social point of view. Despite the fact that it is not trivial to determine the best solution in absolute, sustainability should be taken in consideration in decision-making processes, especially in public policies both from a global and local point of view.

Using SWAT and Fuzzy TOPSIS to Assess the Impact of Climate Change in the Headwaters of the Segura River Basin (SE Spain)

The Segura River Basin is one of the most water-stressed basins in Mediterranean Europe. If we add to the actual situation that most climate change projections forecast important decreases in water resource availability in the Mediterranean region, the situation will become totally unsustainable. This study assessed the impact of climate change in the headwaters of the Segura River Basin using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) with bias-corrected precipitation and temperature data from two Regional Climate Models (RCMs) for the medium term (2041–2070) and the long term (2071–2100) under two emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Bias correction was performed using the distribution mapping approach. The fuzzy TOPSIS technique was applied to rank a set of nine GCM–RCM combinations, choosing the climate models with a higher relative closeness. The study results show that the SWAT performed satisfactorily for both calibration (NSE = 0.80) and validation (NSE = 0.77) periods. Comparing the long-term and baseline (1971–2000) periods, precipitation showed a negative trend between 6% and 32%, whereas projected annual mean temperatures demonstrated an estimated increase of 1.5–3.3 °C. Water resources were estimated to experience a decrease of 2%–54%. These findings provide local water management authorities with very useful information in the face of climate change.

Weighting Criteria and Prioritizing of Heat stress indices in surface mining using a Delphi Technique and Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS Method

BackgroundHeat stress as a physical harmful agent can increase the risk of health and safety problems in different workplaces such as mining. Although there are different indices to assess the heat stress imposed on workers, choosing the best index for a specific workplace is so important. Since various criteria affect an index applicability, extracting the most effective ones and determining their weights help to prioritize the existing indices and select the optimal index.MethodsIn order to achieve this aim, present study compared some heat stress indices using effective methods. The viewpoints of occupational health experts and the qualitative Delphi methods were used to extract the most important criteria. Then, the weights of 11 selected criteria were determined by Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process. Finally, fuzzy TOPSIS technique was applied for choosing the most suitable heat stress index.ResultsAccording to result, simplicity, reliability, being low cost, and comprehensiveness were the most determinative criteria for a heat stress index. Based on these criteria and their weights, the existing indices were prioritized. Eventually, wet bulb glob temperature appropriated the first priority and it was proposed as an applicable index for evaluating the heat stress at outdoor hot environments such as surface mines.ConclusionsThe use of these strong methods allows introducing the most simple, precise, and applicable tool for evaluation the heat stress in hot environments. It seems that WBGT acts as an appropriate index for assessing the heat stress in mining activities at outdoors.

Evaluation and survey of knowledge management tools using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS techniques

Knowledge management (KM) has recently played a critical role in management and economics. The experts have tried to develop and promote KM ideology in order to maintain competitive advantage and improve the organisational use of IT (Lin et al., 2007). This paper presents an application of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) used to select the most appropriate tool to support KM. The model of this study is tested on a sample of 12 experts in automobile companies in Iran. In this study, KM tools (Knowledger, share point portal server, eRoom) are prioritised according to the KM tools variables with criteria (cost, functionality, and vendor) and cost, functionality, vendor sub-criteria using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS methods. The results indicate that within Iran automobile industry, Knowledger is more important than eRoom and share point portal server for automobile manufacture industry.

Empirical study on electronic government in developing countries by using fuzzy Delphi and TOPSIS techniques

The recent implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in public sector services (called electronic government) has increasingly led to simplification of the services provided by today's governments and governors consequently are trying to optimise the efficiency of services by segmentation and prioritisation of service sectors. Hence, the main objective of this research is to reconsider and prioritise government e-services in 10 groups including education, healthcare, communication, transportation, law and justice, culture and religion, agriculture and ecology, security and citizenship rights, finance and business services. The research methods used to study e-government are practical and disruptive surveys. Moreover, the fuzzy TOPSIS technique has been employed to examine these sectors. The research findings suggest that alongside other services, governments must more closely consider education and healthcare services as priority areas in establishing e-government. We also provided some practical implications as well as recommendations for governors and policy makers.

Evaluation and survey of knowledge management tools using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS techniques

Knowledge management (KM) has recently played a critical role in management and economics. The experts have tried to develop and promote KM ideology in order to maintain competitive advantage and improve the organisational use of IT (Lin et al., 2007). This paper presents an application of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) used to select the most appropriate tool to support KM. The model of this study is tested on a sample of 12 experts in automobile companies in Iran. In this study, KM tools (Knowledger, share point portal server, eRoom) are prioritised according to the KM tools variables with criteria (cost, functionality, and vendor) and cost, functionality, vendor sub-criteria using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS methods. The results indicate that within Iran automobile industry, Knowledger is more important than eRoom and share point portal server for automobile manufacture industry.

Empirical study on electronic government in developing countries by using fuzzy Delphi and TOPSIS techniques

Empirical study on electronic government in developing countries by using fuzzy Delphi and TOPSIS techniques

Using of FAHP and fuzzy TOPSIS techniques for prioritising of Iranian banks to customer relationship management factors

The purpose of this research is to realise how organisations have been sustaining their growth through applying customer relationship management. Considering that Mellat, Melli and Central Saderat banks in Semnan have been brought for this research as statistic population, the number of experts participating in the study is 30 persons who were interested in improving discussion. The main tools used for gathering the data in this study were bank records and questionnaire. In this study, banks including private bank, state-owned bank, semi-private bank were ranked regarding to sub-scales related to different levels of customer relationship management factors and strategy, organisational performance, customer, process, infrastructure, technology sub-criteria of banking industry by using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy TOPSIS. The results obtained from both methods indicate that private bank is more important than semi-private bank and owned state bank in the banking industry. According to the customer relationship management factors, it is concluded that strategy is superior to other factors and then customer, organisational performance, process, infrastructure and technology are at the next rank, respectively. According to the strategy scale, it is concluded that strategic alliance is more important than other factors.

Extension of TODIM for decision making in fuzzy environment: a case empirical research on selection of industrial robot

In order to facilitate decision making in robot selection problem, in this paper, an efficient fuzzy-based multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) tool has been highlighted. TODIM coupled with generalised fuzzy numbers (GFNs) set theory (fuzzy-TODIM) has been utilised here to determine the most preferable robot among all possible candidate alternatives. The results obtained thereof, have been compared to that of existing fuzzy-TOPSIS technique. We also propose a new formulation of fuzzy-TODIM (F-TODIM) by exploring the concept of similarity measure (between two fuzzy numbers) in order to compute relative gain and loss for pairs of alternatives with respect to a particular criteria. Similar ranking order of the alternative robots as obtained (in comparison with the F-TODIM formulation based on fuzzy distance measure) exhibits that fuzzy degree of similarity can fruitfully be utilised to evaluate dominance between two alternatives.

Decision making under uncertainty using PEES–fuzzy AHP–fuzzy TOPSIS methodology for landfill location selection

The location selection for landfill municipal solid waste is an important issue in waste management. Selection of the optimal location requires consideration of multiple alternative solutions and evaluation factors because of system complexity. Further, ranking of the alternative locations and selection of the most optimal and efficient locations for landfill waste are an important multi-criteria decision-making problem. In this study, the candidate locations for landfill are determined based on Political, Economical, Environmental and Social factors are assessed through decision-makers’ opinion and by the methodology that incorporates fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS). Specifically, the fuzzy AHP technique is applied to determine the weights of selected criteria impacting the location selection process, and the fuzzy AHP is adapted to model the linguistic vagueness and ambiguity, which can also be expressed as triangular fuzzy numbers. Furthermore, fuzzy TOPSIS technique is employed to rank the alternative locations. The applicability of this methodology is demonstrated by a case study of landfill waste location selection in the region of Casablanca, Morocco, and the results are compared with other techniques. Finally, to complete the treatment, a sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the impact of the preferences given by decision-makers to choose the best location.

Evaluation of Tourism Investment Priorities in Zoroastrian Villages of Yazd Province, Iran

Rural tourism is a form of tourism that has received more attention in recent years. Investment in rural tourism can be useful for improving the lives of local community. Among provinces of Iran, Yazd has the potential for development of rural tourism because of its unique cultural and climatic features. In this study, 4 Zoroastrian villages including Rahat Abad, Cham, Mobarakeh and Mazrae Kalantar were studied from different aspects to be prioritized for tourism investment. This study is an applied research that used qualitative and quantitative data. First, through the study of literature and interviews with experts, the weight of the different criteria for investment in rural tourism was determined using AHP technique. Then local people were interviewed and Fuzzy TOPSIS technique was used to measure quantitative indicators. The results show that Mazrae Kalantar received the highest score (0.73) and was the best village for investment. Rahat Abad, Mobarakeh and Cham, respectively, have the next places for tourism investment priorities.

Prioritisation and performance evaluation of employees at strategic human resource management process using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS methods

Human resources are the most important assets for every organisation and their ways of behaviour, operation, activities and functions could lead to the improvement the organisation. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of employees in universities of Iran. The model of the study is tested on a sample of 15 experts of the universities in Iran using FAHP and fuzzy TOPSIS techniques. The main instruments used for gathering the data in this study were university records and questionnaire. We believe that fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS methods are both appropriate for the aim of selecting university employees as the best performers. Results show that in Iran's universities, the state-owned university employees are the most important subcategory of university employees, while partially private university and private university employees are at the next lower level of importance respectively.

Comparative evaluation of GSCM practices in automotive components manufacturing firms of India: a fuzzy TOPSIS approach

Managing process of greening the whole supply chain encompasses careful and critical examination of supply chain members, upstream and downstream supply chain members. This paper provides comparative evaluations of GSCM practices in automotive components manufacturing firms of India towards effective green supplier selection by taking a real world problem. GSCM practices were sorted from extensive review of literature and structured questionnaire was formed; and the data was collected from selected firms to evaluate their current GSCM practices adoption. A fuzzy TOPSIS technique has been applied for comparative evaluations of GSCM practices in selected four automotive components manufacturing firms and to rank these selected firms. The influence of preferences provided by decision makers has also been analysed using sensitivity analysis to examine and demonstrate the robustness of the adapted methodology. Our study has implications for SC practitioners/managers to solve MCDM problems related to effective implementation of GSCM practices in firms.