Multi-methodological Framework Research Articles

An advanced spatial decision model for strategic placement of off-site hydrogen refueling stations in urban areas

The strategic placement of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) is crucial for the successful adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) and the promotion of sustainable urban transportation. However, existing spatial decision models using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) often stop at generating suitability maps and rely on simplistic or arbitrary site placement methods, such as fixed service radii, without optimizing spatial distribution that overlook inherent uncertainties, limiting the effectiveness of the decision-making process. This study develops an advanced spatial decision model to handle uncertainty and optimize HRS placement in Prague, Czechia. The model integrates multiple methodologies: (i) Utilizing 21 criteria across accessibility, environmental, infrastructural, and socioeconomic dimensions, with criteria weights prioritized using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to manage uncertainty in expert judgments. GIS suitability analysis identified optimal areas, with 18.13% of Prague classified as highly suitable for HRS deployment. (ii) Implementing Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering to optimize site distribution and address uncertainty in HRS placement, proposing 10 optimal locations validated by a silhouette score of 0.68. (iii) Evaluating model performance through sensitivity analysis, revealing responsiveness to criteria variations. To evaluate and rank the proposed HRS locations, we integrated a Genetic Algorithm (GA) with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), optimizing the selection process by exploring a wider solution space. Additionally, accessibility analysis assessed emergency response coverage, ensuring efficient response times. This multi-methodological framework ensures a robust, data-driven approach to site selection, optimizing accessibility, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable urban transportation. It advances strategic infrastructure planning, sets a precedent for integrating advanced analytic techniques to handle uncertainty and automate site selection in spatial decision-making, and is adaptable to diverse urban contexts.

The Perfect Storm? Political Instability and Background Checks During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has been observed to have increased aggressive behavior and violence in the United States. This study tests whether political instability events propelled gun purchasing behavior through a temporally sensitive analysis based on data drawn from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and monthly data from the FBI’s NICS National Instant Criminal Background Check System. It utilizes a multi-methodological framework featuring both regression modeling and qualitative comparative analysis. While results from statistical inquiry do not lend support to significant associations of any single variable on the outcome, the comparative configurational inquiry does identify three salient pathways that brought about background check increases during COVID-19. All three solutions feature the conditions of political instability and presidential election events. Alongside these factors, mass shooting occurrences are present in two of the identified solutions. These findings reveal that COVID-19 fostered a set of conditions and the formation of a “Perfect Storm” which resulted in the greatest number of annual gun purchases in recorded history.

A spatial multi-criteria decision analysis framework to reveal vulnerabilities of areas to incidences of street robberies

Violence in public spaces is an aspect of society that demands analysis since this affects social and economic well-being. On setting out to explore the incidence of violence in public areas, this paper brings a multi-methodology framework to associate the exploratory analysis of data on street robberies with a geographic information system (GIS) and a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model. Our GIS-MCDA framework is based on a Dominance-based Rough Set Approach (DRSA) and induces the decision-maker to learn and understand the spatial, social, and demographic data on crime analysis. As a result, the study area was classified into levels of vulnerability. We found that the social interaction features, bus stops and street robberies are spatially and statistically associated. From the socio-demographic perspective, makeshift houses, the number of people who can read and write and the number of inhabitants were highlighted as dimensions to be considered when associated with crime. Finally, preferences in evaluation of areas of vulnerability tend to be pessimistic. Therefore, the multi-methodology framework makes a holistic analysis of such vulnerabilities and contributes to improve knowledge on urban spaces and how this informs detecting vulnerability to crime.

A multi-methodological combination of the strategic choice approach and the analytic network process: From facts to values and vice versa

The paper proposes a new multi-methodological framework combining a Problem Structuring Method and a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to address the problem of composing facts and values in the decision-making process of policy making. We position our work theoretically in relation to Latour's concept of the “collective” as a potential description of the decision-making process, with its conflicts and negotiations, openings and closures. With Latour, we can say that there are no “separate chambers” in which facts (i.e., the use of public resources, different time horizons) and values (i.e., the values of different stakeholders, the legitimacy of public decisions) are discussed; rather, all these aspects are considered together in a cycle that encompasses them, progressively expanding and contracting to arrive at a tangible result: a decision. In the paper we illustrate the transposition of the concept of this cycle in our multi-methodology, the proposal of the combination of the Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) and the Analytic Network Process (ANP)—which is absent in the literature—and we then empirically test this theoretical contribution with a case study, the repurposing of a former hospital in Italy.

The Economic Evaluation of Projects as a Structuring Discipline of Learning Processes to Support Decision-Making in Sustainable Urban Transformations

This paper is based on the following research questions: i) In which way could the discipline Economic Evaluation of Projects contribute to conveying the sustainability concept in urban settings among master’s degree students? What are the methods/techniques that can support decision processes of sustainable urban transformation? In response to the two research questions, the paper proposes a multi-methodological framework as a design tool for students (future professionals) aimed at representing the decision problem from a sustainable planning perspective. Through a Problem-Based Learning approach based on a case study, the proposed framework considers: SWOT Analysis, Stakeholder Analysis (SA), Multicriteria Analysis (MCDA), Cash Flow Analysis (CFA), and the application of the Neighborhood Sustainability Assessment Tools (NSATools). The multi-methodological framework has been applied to an experimental teaching case study as part of the Economic Evaluation of Projects module demonstrating its effectiveness in terms of sustainable spatial planning and structuring of the decision process from a multi-actor perspective. Future directions of the research are aimed at tackling two major limitations of the multi-methodological framework as the need to closely reflect a real decision process through an iterative framework and the sometimes hard interpretation of some elements of urban sustainability.

A Multi-Methodological Design Framework for Roadway Illumination

Designing the most efficient roadway illumination is a strategic and complex activity, as it requires consideration of both environmental and economic factors. The aim of this study is to propose a novel structured multi-methodological framework based on the systematic application of data envelopment analysis (DEA), qualityfunction deployment (QFD), and simple additive weighting (SAW) methods to support a critical decision-making process on roadway illumination design. First, the DEA is exercised to find efficient alternatives for roadway illumination. Then customer requirements are included and satisfied by the QFD. Lastly, using the DEA method, the SAW is used to rank the alternatives which are found to be efficient. As a case study, illumination alternatives for a typical urban roadway are analysed to select the most suitable choice in terms of energy and cost effectiveness, which are of course high priorities. The results show that the proposed multi-methodological approach takes advantages of DEA, QFD, and SAW to select an efficient roadway illumination alternative. The proposed approach also supplies a simple and very well-suited decision-making tool for this type of strategic decision-making issue.

Multimethodological Framework in the Development of Traceability Systems for Food Supply Chains

Food traceability has an important role in maintaining the sustainability of the food supply chain. Every player in a food supply chain must be able to create an internal and external traceability so that the chain traceability can be formed. However, building a suitable food traceability system is not an easy task. The development of a food traceability system has been identified as a complex problem due to the difficulty of accommodating the varied characteristics of each stage in the food supply chain and the interdependence between stages in the food supply chain. Therefore, to solve these complex problems a multimethodology approach is proposed. The multimethodology approach is believed to be able to solve complex multidimensional problems. This article describes a framework for multimethodology in the development of a food traceability system that involves the integration of the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and Interpretive Structural Modeling (DEMATEL-ISM) and System Dynamics (SD). The vegetable oil industry which manages its products in bulk is an interesting case study for the development of a food traceability system because the upstream is in the commodity focused chain and the downstream is in the consumer driven value chain. Ultimately, the multi-methodological framework proved effective in answering the research question of "How to develop a suitable traceability system for the bulk vegetable oil industry?"

Agglomeration effects or port-related benefits? (Re)Location patterns of basic maritime industries: the case of Dalian City, China

ABSTRACT To identify the impacts of both port relocation and agglomeration effects on the spatial patterns of basic shipping service industries, a multimethodological framework was employed to identify maritime clusters, the colocation patterns between pairs of shipping service industries, and the determinants of the (re)location of shipping service firms. Taking Dalian Port as a case study, the firm-level (re)location data of 6 types of shipping services were collected and analysed. The results showed that although a maritime cluster appeared around the new port area, no significant colocation patterns were found, and the shipping service firms preferred the existing maritime cluster to the new port area.

Combining Value-Focused thinking and soft systems methodology: A systemic framework to structure the planning process at a special educational needs school in Brazil

Soft systems methodology (SSM) is a well-known Problem Structuring Methods that has proven effective when tackling problematic situations. To model different perceptions of a problematic situation, SSM encourage stakeholders to propose possible transformation likely to improve the situation. The more transformations compiled the richer the process become; but in practice, managing higher number of transformations presents a challenge. Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) is an approach designed to obtain and structure stakeholders’ value-based objectives. In an SSM application, stakeholders ascribe their value-based objectives to the transformations proposed; we propose a multi-methodological framework in which VFT analysis is added to a revised version of SSM (Re-SSM). This allows to reduce the transformations to a manageable number. We applied the (Re-SSM)-VFT framework to a single case-study to structure/define policies/practices in planning the inclusion of students with special educational needs in a Brazilian Federal High School. In applying the framework, we found that from more than 40 initial SSM transformations only 8 transformations were needed to reach 4 out of 5 objectives. Results suggest that it is possible to save time/effort in the planning process by considering transformations associated with the stakeholders’ value-based objectives enabling efficient systemic plans, aligned with their expectations.

FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT FOR DYNAMIC SYSTEM VALIDATION

Validation is one of the most important stages of modeling, and it is a necessity before utilizing the model for further analyses. Especially for the studies that start with conceptual models, the validation process is more complex than others. In this study, we used a multi-methodology approach to develop a framework to support the conceptual model development and validation in System Dynamics (SD) modeling. In the proposed framework, we integrated methods from SD methodology with methods from the Analytic Network Process (ANP). The proposed framework was then used for clinical laboratory performance analysis. The purpose was to use the proposed framework to conduct structural validity of the SD model, to prioritize Clinical Laboratory (CL) performance indicators, and capture their relations. Results indicate that the proposed framework can be used to generate an enriched and validated conceptual model for a CL performance system that can be useful for healthcare decision-makers. Also, the proposed multi-methodology framework can be applied to any complex systems to validate the conceptual models.

Low carbon building performance in the construction industry: a multi-method approach of system dynamics and building performance modelling

The construction industry contributes significantly to energy consumption and carbon emissions. Moreover, people spend more time inside buildings, so their health is increasingly influenced by indoor environmental conditions. When considered through these lenses, the concept of total building performance can span energy consumption, the associated CO2 emissions, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ). At the individual project level, building underperformance with respect to energy and IEQ is frequent, and the ex post performance gap is partially attributed to the construction project management and operations phase of the building lifecycle. This underperformance motivates the research of this paper into the construction process outcomes in terms of energy performance and IEQ, and ways to reduce the performance gap. The paper develops a multi-methodology framework to analyse the effect of building development project process on energy performance and IEQ from an operations management perspective. The framework couples system dynamics modelling of construction project management to building performance modelling. The paper details the way they are coupled, the application steps and data requirements, so that they can be applied on a case by case basis. The aim is to combine operations management to building performance disciplines and deliver insights for industry practitioners and policy makers.

A framework to identify and overcome barriers in launching sustainable energy projects in the Iranian industrial sector

Iranian resistance economy policy embodies a strong focus on sustainable development and, respectively, in energy sustainability. A major issue in implementing the policy is how to facilitate the deployment of sustainability initiatives and eliminate existing barriers. This paper presents a framework for identifying and attempting overcoming these barriers using soft systems methodology (SSM). The proposed framework also integrates other methods and is called compound sustainable energy launching (CSEL). This multi-methodology framework aims not only eliminating energy sustainability barriers but also an efficient assignment of capital investment on such initiatives. Applicability of the framework is analysed on three Iranian companies of the industrial sector, for which main conclusions are presented and discussed.

A HOLISTIC MULTI-METHODOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE RENOVATION

A review of the barriers for building renovation has revealed a lack of methodologies, which can promote sustainability objectives and assist various stakeholders during the design stage of building renovation/retrofitting projects. The purpose of this paper is to develop a Holistic Multi-methodology for Sustainable Renovation, which aims to deal with complexity of renovation projects. It provides a framework through which to involve the different stakeholders in the design process to improve group learning and group decision-making, and hence make the building renovation design process more robust and efficient. Therefore, the paper discusses the essence of multifaceted barriers in building renovation regarding cultural changes and technological/physical changes. The outcome is a proposal for a multi-methodology framework, which is developed by introducing, evaluating and mixing methods from Soft Systems Methodologies (SSM) with Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). The potential of applying the proposed methodology in renovation projects is demonstrated through a case study.

From problem structuring to optimization: A multi-methodological framework to assist the planning of medical training

Medical training is an intricate and long process, which is compulsory to medical practice and often lasts up to twelve years for some specialties. Health stakeholders recognise that an adequate planning is crucial for health systems to deliver necessary care services. However, proper planning needs to account for complexity related with the setting of medical school vacancies and of residency programs, which are highly influenced by multiple stakeholders with diverse perspectives and views, as well as by the specificities of medical training. Aiming at building comprehensive models with a potential to assist health decision-makers, this article develops a multi-methodological framework to assist the planning of medical training under such a complex environment. It combines the structuring of the objectives and specificities of the medical training problem with a Soft Systems Methodology through the CATWOE (Customer, Actor, Transformation, Weltanschauung, Owner, Environment) approach, and the formulation of a Mixed Integer Linear Programming model that considers all relevant aspects. Considering the specificities of countries based on a National Health Service structure, a multi-objective planning model emerges, informing on how many vacancies should be opened/closed per year in medical schools and in each specialty. This model aims at (i) minimizing imbalances between medical demand and supply; (ii) minimizing costs; and (iii) maximizing equity across medical specialties. A case study in Portugal is explored so as to illustrate the applicability of the proposed multi-methodology, showing the relevance of proper structuring for planning models having the potential to inform health decision-makers and planners in practice.

Assessing urban quality: a proposal for a MCDA evaluation framework

The paper focuses on the assessment of urban design quality and sustainable urban spaces. In particular, the study is concentrated on the evaluation of urban quality provided by a good design of open spaces, including green areas, walkable areas and squares. In fact, despite the advancement of research during the past two decades and empirical evidence about the relationship among quality of life, quality of open spaces and urban sustainability, there is still a lack of studies on urban quality assessment. This paper brings forward a multidimensional methodology for assessing the quality of open spaces. More precisely, the contribution of this research is the proposal of a multidimensional and multi-methodological framework for assigning a numerical score to the quality of open spaces. The Multi-Attribute Value Theory has been used for addressing the problem under investigation with the aim of defining a synthetic index for the measurement of the urban quality of open spaces on the basis of different attributes, namely (a) accessibility; (b) liveability; (c) vitality and (d) identity. The methodology has been applied on a recently renovated district in the city of Milan, Italy. The proposed multi-methodological framework provides a robust basis for running different kind of analysis and for supporting policy and investment decisions both in the private and in the public sector.

A systemic framework based on Soft OR approaches to support teamwork strategy: An aviation manufacturer Brazilian company case

The paper reports on the application of a combination of Operational Research (OR) approaches to a real-world case of re-designing the strategy of a department management team, in an aircraft manufacturing organisation in Brazil. We combine approaches from “Soft” OR Problem Structuring Methods in a multi-methodological framework arguing that this helps to discuss, develop and implement a new departmental strategy. The proposed framework uses elements of Soft Systems Methodology; Strategic Options Development and Analysis to understand and structure the situation; Value-Focused Thinking to define the means and objectives; and Value-Focused Brainstorming to highlight the potential solutions. We conceptualise a four-phased systemic framework linking elements of the above four “Soft” OR approaches and apply it to a real-world case in a department where a new team leader was appointed with the specific brief to improve the departmental strategy and its performance in general. Findings suggest that combining the approaches into a framework encourages trust and participation from stakeholders which, in practice, is translated into an improved strategy for the organisation. A reflection on the multi-methodological approach is proposed. Conclusions and points for further research are suggested.

Probabilistic Analysis of the Impact of Vessel Speed Restrictions on Navigational Safety: Accounting for the Right Whale Rule

The Right Whale Sighting Advisory System (RWSAS) is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries program designed to reduce collisions between vessels and critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The vessel speed restriction that is part of the RWSAS presents navigation stakeholders with numerous challenges, owing to concerns about increased risks of ship grounding and collisions within ports. In this paper, we present a multi-methodology framework for assessing the impact of the vessel speed restriction on navigational safety. Empirically, we base our discussion in a first-order analysis of ship grounding risk for the Charleston Entrance Channel. Our analysis proceeds in three parts. We begin by using fault and event tree analyses to assess a relevant set of grounding-related event progression and failure probabilities. The influence of alternative vessel speed restrictions on ship grounding risk are then explored via a Bayesian network model that utilises the previously specified fault and event tree models for its partial specification and enumeration. Our analysis suggests that the speed restriction can, under certain reasonable assumptions, be seen to adversely impact the risk of ship grounding accidents in the Charleston Entrance Channel. We conclude with a summary of our findings and recommendations for future research.

Strategic decisions in transport: a case study for a naval base selection in Brazil

A decision on a military strategic environment, such as the selection of a new naval base, is a complex process and involves various criteria. In this context, few studies are available on the problems of military-naval transport decisions. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a maritime transport case study using a multi-methodology framework in a process of strategic decision making in logistics. Through a review of the literature, normative documents from the Brazilian armed forces, and interviews with military officers, criteria and preferences were identified and a hierarchical structure was constructed for a case study in the Brazilian Navy–the location of the second Fleet Headquarters. The results indicated that Sao Marcos Bay, in Maranhao State, was the best location among the alternatives. The multi-criteria approach was shown to be a valuable tool in assisting the decision making process and to understand the trade-offs between strategic and operational criteria in a transport decision.

A Critical Realist and Multimethodology Framework for Product Placement Research

This article contributes to the existing literature by examining the appropriate philosophical and methodological foundations for research in marketing communication that has yet to be discussed. In particular, this article argues that the ontological, epistemological, and methodological underpinnings of a critical realist paradigm could be a meaningful alternative to the predominant positivism in product placement research. Under a critical realist framework, several unexplored areas in product placement research are identified and a multimethodology approach is proposed to expand the scope of knowledge in the field. The discussion ends with some ethical concerns and the major contributions to the discipline with regards to Habermas's three worlds: the material, social, and personal worlds.

PartiSim: A multi-methodology framework to support facilitated simulation modelling in healthcare

Discrete event simulation (DES) studies in healthcare are thought to benefit from stakeholder participation during the study lifecycle. This paper reports on a multi-methodology framework, called PartiSim that is intended to support participative simulation studies. PartiSim combines DES, a traditionally hard OR approach, with soft systems methodology (SSM) in order to incorporate stakeholder involvement in the study lifecycle. The framework consists of a number of prescribed activities and outputs as part of the stages involved in the simulation lifecycle, which include study initiation, finding out about the problem, defining a conceptual model, model coding, experimentation and implementation. In PartiSim four of these stages involve facilitated workshops with a group of stakeholders. We explain the organisation of workshops, the key roles assigned to analysts and stakeholders, and how facilitation is embedded in the framework. We discuss our experience of using the framework, provide guidance on when to use it and conclude with future research directions.