Multi-criteria Analysis Techniques Research Articles

A comparative study of progressive carbon taxation strategies: impact on firms’ economic and environmental performances

Governments all over the world adopted different forms of progressive carbon taxation strategies (for example concave, convex and linear for respectively Swedish, French, and Canadian government). These progressive strategies provide companies with different degrees of flexibility to adapt their decisions to the new environmental regulations and reduce their carbon emissions without compromising their profit. However, no existing work has compared the impact of each progressive legislation on the optimal decisions of the supply chain, its profit, and its environmental performances. In this paper, we contribute to the literature by developing four multi-period technology selection models under different forms of progressive carbon taxes. We analytically determine the optimal strategic investment timing decision under each taxation strategy. We then develop a carbon tax assessment method using multi-criteria analysis techniques to compare the efficiency of each carbon taxation form in reducing carbon emission and maximising the Supply Chain (SC) profit. We prove that the earliest green investment decision and the decision of not investing in green depend on the target carbon tax rather than the taxation form. We show that government decision about the suitable taxation form should be based on the performance of the available green technologies.

Economic Calculation and Operations Research in Terms of LNG Carriage by Water Transport: A Case Study of the Port of Bratislava

The presented manuscript discusses a specific research study examining several variants of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriage from chosen seaports to the port of Bratislava using the Danube waterway, assessing them using chosen multi-criteria analysis techniques. Two ports in Turkey and one port in Georgia are deemed export terminals. A total of twelve variants are compared, whereby the comparison is carried out based on multiple evaluation criteria defined by a panel of experts who laid particular stress on their importance. An economic calculation is performed in the first phase to assess LNG carriage in all the variants. This represents the very foundation for the multi-criteria evaluation, which is conducted using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The evaluated variants differ not only in terms of export port location, but also in relation to transport technology. As for the second phase, four distinct technologies in three different scenarios are assessed—specifically, Small-Scale (SS) LNG-C tankers—while two modes of operation (i.e., time-charter, own tanker) and a river-sea LNG tanker with an LNG barge in two versions are considered. The first version considers the use of Marine Gasoil (MGO) fuel, while the second one considers LNG use. The results obtained provide interesting findings, wherein two out of three applied methods prefer the same transport option. Thus, it can be stated that our study presents a unique approach by comparing different scenarios of LNG distribution as a commodity inland along the river Danube, specifically to Central Europe, from a variety of standpoints. The manuscript evaluates carriage using traditional MGO fuels as well as alternative LNG fuels, and also brings a comparison from a technological point of view.

A Methodological Framework for Operationalization of Flood Risk Management

Flood risk management has undergone significant transformations during the recent past. Climate change is very likely to bring a higher probability of extrememe weather events. Climate change is a significant challenge for urban growth in costal delta cities. Transformation of floodplains for urban development is a vital component of flood exposure, and changes in this component can lead to variations in flood risk. Socio ecological system conceptualizations suggests that resilience is the key to managing complex systems and to reduce vulnerability which is a result from the inherent uncertainty of flood risk. Theoretical understanding of flood risk management has advanced over the years but it is still seen that there are shortcomings in the operationalization concepts and methods. One of the main reason is lack of a common framework for clear recognition and understanding of the components of flood risk management for all stakeholders. Therefore, this research has questioned the current status of flood risk management and provide recommendations for operationalization. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a multi-criteria analysis technique that can be applied for structuring of complex decision-making problems involving multiple stakeholders, and scenarios. Therefore, this paper has developed a solution model for structuring the complexity of flood risk management and increase the certainty of the objectives of stakeholders. Result of the study has highlighted the main criteria and the sub criteria to structure the complexity of the planning process for operationalization of flood risk management.

Development of a Methodology for the Design and Management of Academic Strategy – A Holist Approach using Multi-criteria Analysis Techniques

Aim of the current research paper is to propose an innovative solution for the problematic of the holistic management of an academic strategy. The systematic bibliographic surveys conducted showed that the combination of BSC method together with a multitude of MCDA techniques constitute the most important tools for this issue. Thus, we propose a holistic process-based methodology for the management of an academic strategy which spans from its design and oversight, to interpretation issues of the academic classification of departments of Universities or between Universities where assembly bodies (Quality Assurance Unit, HAHE) are active. We claim that our methodology is of particular importance and that its use will highlight the operational quality of well organised Universities.

Development of a Methodology for the Design and Management of Academic Strategy – A Holist Approach using Multi-criteria Analysis Techniques

Aim of the current research paper is to propose an innovative solution for the problematic of the holistic management of an academic strategy. The systematic bibliographic surveys conducted showed that the combination of BSC method together with a multitude of MCDA techniques constitute the most important tools for this issue. Thus, we propose a holistic process-based methodology for the management of an academic strategy which spans from its design and oversight, to interpretation issues of the academic classification of departments of Universities or between Universities where assembly bodies (Quality Assurance Unit, HAHE) are active. We claim that our methodology is of particular importance and that its use will highlight the operational quality of well organised Universities.

Geodiversity Assessment with Crowdsourced Data and Spatial Multicriteria Analysis

This paper presents an approach to geodiversity assessment based on spatial multicriteria analysis. Instead of relying solely on weighted linear combination (WLC) for aggregating factor ratings and weights to compute a synthetic measure of geodiversity, the approach employs WLC in concert with its local version called L-WLC to provide a more comprehensive assessment approach. As part of the approach, the assessment input data comprised of geodiversity factor ratings and weights were obtained through crowdsourcing. A geoinformation crowdsourcing tool called the geo-questionnaire was used to obtain data from 57 Earth science researchers worldwide. These data served as the bases for a group assessment of geodiversity. The reliability of assessment was evaluated by means of spatially explicit uncertainty analysis. The results showed the efficacy of local spatial multicriteria analysis techniques (L-WLC) used in concert with a global technique (WLC) on the example of geodiversity assessment for Karkonosze National Park in southwestern Poland.

Assessment of impact of cyclone hazard on social vulnerability of Bhadrak District of Odisha State during Phailin Cyclone in 2013 and Titli Cyclone in 2018 using multi-criteria analysis and geospatial techniques

In India, Cyclone is considered as the most catastrophic natural hazard in the eastern coastal states. Multi –criteria analysis (MCA) technique is carried out to describe the effective utilization of geospatial techniques for assessment of impact of cyclone hazard at village level at Bhadrak district of Odisha State. Bhadrak district is severely affected by many cyclones during the period of 1999–2018. Among them Phailin Cyclone in 2013 and Titli Cyclone in the recent year 2018 has been taken to assess the social vulnerability of Bhadrak district. Based on Multi-criteria analysis technique, cyclone hazard map derived from the spatio-multi-temporal satellite data sets like RADARSAT SAR and Sentinel-1A SAR. Using microwave satellite imagery, flood hazard layers are created to show differential social vulnerability of Phailin and Titli cyclone in Bhadrak district. Study reveals that during Phailin cyclone(2013) 32% of areas of Bhadrak district across 82 villages fall under very high risk zone, 125 villages come under high risk zone, 336 villages come under moderate risk zone and 554 villages fall under low risk zone. On the other side during the cyclone Titli (2018) 19% areas were affected and around 64 villages come under very high risk zone, 110 villages fall under high risk zone, 480 villages come under low risk zone and 620 villages are less affected. The present study will be helpful for decision makers to make disaster management plan and mitigation measure to lessen the effect of cyclone in other areas also.

Creating a flexible business credit rating model using multicriteria decision analysis

AbstractTo decide for the approval or rejection of a business loan application, banks are following a rating procedure. However, in many cases this procedure is not simply and properly structured. This may lead to unpleasant results so, for a long time, banks are struggling to find quite flexible and simple rating methods, widely applicable, easily comprehensible, and modifiable from their analysts. This study presents an empirical model of mass business rating with the use of multicriteria analysis (AHP method) and other techniques. Two main scenarios of a two‐stage evaluation procedure will be analysed that demonstrate its flexibility, stability, and simplicity. The performance of this method is measured for both presented scenarios showing its capability. Furthermore, this method saves time and sources while ensuring the quality of the produced results. The outcome will be a list of rated businesses which, depending on the score they succeed in each of the two scenarios, will be approved or rejected for a business loan.

A Multi-Criteria Analysis Based Technique to Integrate Socio Economic and Geo-Physical Aspects in Risk Sensitive Land Use Plan: A Case Study on Mirsharai Upazila, Chattogram District, Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a developing and densely populated country. The process of urbanization is increasing day by day in this country. But planned development is challenging here. Bangladesh is the largest delta in the world. Due to geographical location, Bangladesh is naturally prone to disasters. Not only that Bangladesh is also under the thread of global worming and climate change related issues. Although Bangladesh is not contributing much to global greenhouse gas increase, Bangladesh is one of the largest victims of the adverse impacts of global worming and climate change. To reduce the impact and damage it is necessary to formulate risk reduction land use plan incorporating socioeconomic and geo-physical aspects. Mirsharai is a coastal Upazila situated in Chattogram District of Bangladesh. The area is highly prone to disaster and affected by climate change related problems. So, the area is ideal for this kind of study. In this paper, socioeconomic characteristics such as affordability, investment potentiality, demand and need has been analyzed. Result shows that people’s affordability is not good in most of the places of Mirsharai Upazila but in some isolated areas like small urban area or growth centres, people’s affordability and other socioeconomic conditions are good. Geo-physical aspects such as Infrastructure, ground water recharge, water logging tendency, Road accessibility, Ground elevation, Agricultural crop pattern and Land use were used to calculate development suitability and development conflict using Multi-criteria Analysis technique. Based on development suitability and conflict 4 category were identified as highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable and less suitable area for development. Similarly, highly conflicted, conflicted, moderately conflicted and less conflicted areas for development were identified. Finally, by comparing development conflict and suitability maps, a relative development suitability map was produced marking highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable, partially unsuitable and completely unsuitable areas for development. These types of socioeconomic and geo-physical condition analysis can help making clear understanding on the study area for making risk sensitive land use plan.

Acceptability of transport emissions reduction policies: A multi-criteria analysis

Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector of New Zealand have increased rapidly over the last two and half decades despite various policy initiatives by the government. This raises questions over the acceptability and effectiveness of various policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from this sector. This study therefore investigates the mitigation potential of various transport policies while considering their costs, benefits and ethical aspects. A multi-criteria analysis technique is adopted to understand how experts (including policy advisers) perceive the costs, benefits, emissions reduction potentials and ethical priorities of New Zealand's transport policies. A total of 26 policy options are identified, and they are categorized under six mitigation policy pathways. The perspectives of experts are sought and aggregated using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) technique to compare and evaluate the mitigation policy pathways and policy options. Results demonstrate that increasing active and public transport investment is the most acceptable option followed by travel demand management, a carbon price, electric vehicle support, and support for fuel-efficient vehicles and biofuels. However, in terms of emissions reduction potential, ceasing the import of petrol and diesel cars into New Zealand by 2030 is found to be the strongest policy option. It is expected that the findings of this study will help illuminate the costs, benefits, mitigation potential and ethical aspects of various transport emissions reduction measures and assist policy advisers in identifying the most attractive policies and projects for investment.

State-of-the-art review on multi-criteria decision-making in the transport sector

Consistent decision-making requires a structured and systematic evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of different choice possibilities. For transport projects, policies or policy measures, and transport options evaluation, various multi-criteria methods have been developed and effectively applied to complement conventional cost effectiveness and cost benefit analysis. The present paper aims to present a state-of-the-art review of pertinent literature regarding multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) in the transport sector, focusing on the basic concepts and procedure for multi-criteria decision-making in the transport sector, along with its role and evaluation parameters. A large selection of over 50 papers and publications between 1982 and 2019 have been reviewed, in order to provide an insight into the uses of MCDM methods in transport applications. Most commonly used MCDM methods techniques are identified and discussed through a wide review of pertinent literature, research and case studies, leading to interesting conclusions that provide a valuable insight into the use of multi-criteria analysis techniques in transport sector related decision-making. Based on the wide range of reviewed literature, it is concluded that MCDM methods are being applied mostly to evaluate transport options rather than transport policies or projects and the most commonly used MCDM method in transport sector problems are analytic hierarchy process (AHP). • Over 50 publications between 1982 and 2019 have been reviewed. • MCDM methods are mostly suitable for problems with a discrete set or continuous sets of options. • MCDM methods are applied mostly to evaluate transport options rather than transport policies or projects. • The most commonly used MCDM method in transport sector problems is analytic hierarchy process (AHP).

Combining Arc-GIS and OWA model in flooding potential analysis (case study: Meshkinshahr city)

“Streets have been turned into rivers”; this is a news headline which we have been hearing more often recently and refers to the floodwaters flowing into cities. Therefore, the present research is aimed to analyze the flooding potential in Meshkinshahr city (located at the northwest of Iran) using ordered weighted average model, which is one of the multi-criteria analysis techniques with high flexibility in decision-making and allows the researcher to evaluate different scenarios by choosing ordinal weights within an interval of full risk-taking and full risk aversion. In this research, eight criteria were used as inputs for this model. Initial preparation of the criteria was performed by Arc GIS software as well as Arc Hydro and ArcCN-Runoff tools. Then, in the next steps, data were imported to IDRISI software. By assigning 3 ordinal weights (ANDness, ORness, and Trade-off) to the model, the outputs were obtained. Finally, significance of the model in this field was revealed and the flooding potential was presented for the considered area in the form of maps in proportion to the selected ordinal weights with a valuation domain.

Multi-criteria analysis for the selection of advanced oxidation technologies in the treatment of emerging pollutants

Although there is technical information on the efficiency of advanced oxidation technologies (TAOs) at the laboratory level, in some cases at the pilot level and few on a large scale, it is not easy to select the most appropriate technology for an effluent, since the selection of technology depends on the characteristics of the contaminated water. Through the application of the multicriteria analysis technique, this article proposes a scale of TAOs for the complementary treatment of water contaminated with contaminants emergent (CE). The chosen alternatives were the technologies with peroxide (H2O2), Ozone (O3) and Fenton (Fe/H2O2) processes, the evaluation criteria were electric energy consumption (EEO), technological maturity level, complexity of design / operation and cost of operation. The technology most recommended by AHP is ozone and peroxide / UV with a difference of 8.6% in the frequency in the evaluation of the criteria. For the AHP-TOPSIS methodology, peroxide / UV is the key technology over ozone with a difference of 31.4% in the frequency of selection.

Curbing the car: the mitigation potential of a higher carbon price in the New Zealand transport sector

ABSTRACTCarbon dioxide emissions from New Zealand’s transport sector have experienced rapid growth since 1990. In this paper, we investigate the scope for a targeted price signal to curb emissions growth and help deliver on the country’s Paris Agreement pledges. Cost burdens on various income groups are investigated, and experts’ opinions are elicited to evaluate two types of carbon price policies (i.e. a carbon tax and an increase in the current ETS price). We use two methodological approaches in this paper. Estimates of the social cost of carbon and the price elasticity of fuel demand are used to understand the mitigation potential of a higher carbon price, while a multi-criteria analysis technique is used to understand experts’ preferences between an ETS and a carbon tax. The findings are that with a price elasticity of transport fuel demand of around −0.7, a carbon price between NZD 100 (USD 65) per tonne of carbon dioxide (tCO2) and NZD 235 (USD 153)/tCO2 could reduce transport emissions by between 33% and 44% in 2030, respectively, from the 2016 level. The (uncompensated) cost-burdens on lower income households due to a hypothetical price of NZD 100/tCO2 and NZD 235/tCO2 are estimated to be around NZD 531 (USD 345)/year and NZD 670 (USD 436)/year per household respectively. Experts marginally favoured a carbon tax over an ETS because the revenue collected through a carbon tax could be utilized in a more holistic way to offset the tax burden on lower income households and fund emissions reduction technologies and infrastructures.Key policy insightsA carbon price of NZD 235 (USD 153)/tCO2 implying a fuel price of NZD 3/litre (USD 1.95/litre) could reduce transport emissions by 44% in 2030 from the 2016 level.A fuel price of NZD 3/litre is comparable to fuel prices in the early 1980s, when these were at a historic high.A carbon price of NZD 235 (USD 153) would increase the annual domestic transport expenditure of lower income households by NZD 670 (USD 436), a 42% increase.A carbon tax is marginally preferred by interviewed experts to an increase in prices under the current ETS.

Weak or Strong Sustainability in Rural Land Use Planning? Assessing Two Case Studies through Multi-Criteria Analysis

This paper addresses the debate regarding weak versus strong sustainability in the field of rural land use planning. Both concepts correspond to opposing paradigms on sustainability and both their fundamentals of economic roots and comparative analyses from a theoretical point of view enjoy a contrasting trajectory. However, their inclusion in land use planning has been an issue not sufficiently studied despite their relevance in the field of local development and sustainability. The aim of this study is to shed light on this gap by exploring the assessment of the degree of sustainability in rural land use planning. To this end, two case studies involving forestry in the Basque Country (Spain) have been analyzed based on a multi-criteria analysis technique. As a result, we have observed the importance of setting thresholds in the valuations of the criteria, as well as the effect of varying such thresholds above the compensability degree.

Modelo de auditoría para evaluar la gestión de mantenimiento de activos físicos

La auditoría de mantenimiento permite identificar las oportunidades de mejora en las actividades que esté realizando una empresa para mantener o restaurar a los activos físicos a las condiciones de funcionamiento deseadas por sus usuarios. La finalidad del presente trabajo es proporcionar una herramienta que permita aplicar una auditoría de mantenimiento a cualquier tipo de organización como por ejemplo empresas industriales, hospitales entre otros. El proceso de auditoría propuesto consta de cuatro fases: planear, hacer, verificar y actuar, de acuerdo con las directrices de la norma ISO 19011. Los criterios del instrumento de evaluación se definieron mediante la técnica Delphi y posteriormente se ponderaron mediante la técnica de análisis multicriterio denominada Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Determinado el cuestionario a utilizarse se lo ejecutó de acuerdo con la planificación y se realizó un diagnóstico del estado de la gestión de mantenimiento de una empresa cementera del Ecuador, obteniéndose como resultados de la auditoría 62 conformidades y tres no conformidades, por lo que la empresa alcanzó una valoración del 92%, equivalente a una gestión de mantenimiento “cuasi satisfactoria”. Además, se logró identificar que existe potencial para mejorar aspectos relacionados con: recursos humanos de mantenimiento, control de la gestión de mantenimiento, planificación y programación de mantenimiento, para obtener el 100% de conformidades.

Modelling Natural Capital: A Proposal for a Mixed Multi-criteria Approach to Assign Management Priorities to Ecosystem Services

Investment in natural capital is increasingly necessary and urgent considering the increasing loss of global bio- diversity and the associated social and economic losses. Ecosystem services are tools for quantifying the stock of natural capital and there is great concern about their assessment and valuation. However, there remains a substantial gap between the large amount of information available about ecosystem services and the information required to support decisions and this undermines the efficiency of their management. Multi-criteria analysis techniques can be very useful to efficiently develop decision-making processes to properly channel investment and optimize the costs associated with conservation. This paper proposes an innovative mixed methodology for multi-criteria analysis to assign priorities to ecosystem services in protected areas in terms of importance and vulnerability. The model was applied by a group of experts to prioritize 20 ecosystem services in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. In order to collect and analyze the individual valuations, a mixed method of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Goal Programming (GP) was used, and to aggregate the valuation criteria, a Joint Relevance Index (JRI) was used, which presents the relative importance of each service in an aggregated way. The results show that conservation policies should be primarily directed towards life-cycle maintenance and water conditions. Depending on the vulnerability of the services, conservation policies should be channeled towards provisioning services related to wild animals and wild plants. Considering the relative importance of services in the park, priority should be oriented to life-cycle maintenance, water conditions and intellectual interaction with the environment.

Application of geo-spatial Analytical Hierarchy Process and multi-criteria analysis for site suitability of the desalination solar stations in Egypt

Water is the most crucial inputs for sustainable development. Water shortage is the primary current and future world issue. Egypt is facing a severe water crisis dilemma in recent years. The rapid population growth and economic development in Egypt lead to increasing pollution and environmental degradation of water quality, availability, and accessibility. Climate change could worsen the crisis. Water desalination using solar cells was considered an optimal solution to water shortage as Egypt is located in the arid climate zone with a high rate of the sun shining hours nearly all year. The objective of this paper was to highlight the suitable areas for the installation of future solar desalination stations in Egypt as a necessity to sustain water resource management. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) techniques were the main tools to map suitable sites for the installation of solar desalination cells. The suitability was ranked in five categories starting from very high to very low suitability. Results showed that approximately 10.9% (106,424.87 km2) of the area is classified as very high suitability, 13.7% (134,412.7 km2) high, 17% (166,146.36 km2) moderate, 40.2% (393,351.96 km2) low and 18.2% (178,558.48 km2) as very low for installing desalination stations. These results suggested promoting the use of solar energy in the construction of solar water desalination projects as a strategic option to cope with future estimates of water shortage in Egypt.

MACONT: Mixed Aggregation by Comprehensive Normalization Technique for Multi-Criteria Analysis

MACONT: Mixed Aggregation by Comprehensive Normalization Technique for Multi-Criteria Analysis

Suitability assessment using multicriteria spatial decision support system for the existing landfill sites of Chittagong City, Bangladesh

Solid waste management is a great concern in the urban areas of the developing countries. A sanitary landfill is an essential facility for efficient management of solid waste to control unpleasant odor, disease-spreading pathogens, and disposable mass. Chittagong, the second largest city in Bangladesh with an ever-increasing population, has three landfill sites within the metropolitan area. The sites are near the residential areas. The waste collection, transportation, and disposal techniques for landfilling are not well established in the city. As a result, solid wastes are randomly thrown into lowlands, rivers, streets, and open drains in an uncontrolled manner. Consequently, these waste deposits act as breeding ground of various disease vectors, such as rats, mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and pathogenic microorganisms. The leachate also contaminates groundwater due to improper linear design of the landfills. Therefore, the human health of the city dwellers is at risk due to the contaminated environment of the city. In the present study, the suitability of the existing landfill sites of the city has been evaluated using GIS-based multicriteria analysis technique. The importance of relevant parameters required for landfill site selection has been determined using multicriteria weighted average method. Then, the individual map of each parameter was created and overlaid all maps of different parameters to assess suitability of the landfill sites in terms of suitability score using ArcGIS.