Search Results (632)

With the arrival of an aging society and the continuous extension of the human lifespan, the quality of life has not improved in a corresponding manner. People’s demand for happiness and health is increasing. As a result, a model emerged that integrates tourism and medical services, which is health tourism. This growing demand has prompted many service providers to see it as a business opportunity and enter the market. Tourism can help travelers release work stress and restore physical and mental balance; meanwhile, health check-ups and disease treatment can help them regain health. Consumers have long favored health and medical tourism because it helps relieve stress and promotes overall well-being. As people age, some consumers experience a gradual decline in physical functions, making it difficult for them to participate in regular travel services provided by traditional travel agencies. Therefore, this study aims to explore the service needs of health and medical tourism customers (tourists/patients) and the interrelationships among these service needs, so that health and medical tourism service providers can develop more customized and diversified services. This study identifies four key drivers of medical tourism services: medical services, medical facilities, tour planning, and hospitality facilities. This study uses the APA (attention and performance analysis) method to assess each dimension and criterion and utilizes the DEMATEL method with the NRM (network relationship map) to identify network relationships. By combining APA and NRM techniques, this study develops the APA-NRM technique to evaluate adoption strategies and identify suitable paths for health tourism services, providing tailored development strategies and recommendations for service providers to enhance the service experience. Full article

The exponential growth of lithium-ion battery consumption has amplified the urgency of identifying sustainable and economically viable recycling solutions. This study proposes an integrated decision-making framework based on the T-Spherical Fuzzy Einstein Interaction Aggregator DEMATEL-CoCoSo approach to comprehensively evaluate and rank battery recycling technologies under uncertainty. Ten key evaluation criteria—encompassing environmental, economic, and technological dimensions—were identified through expert consultation and literature synthesis. The T-Spherical Fuzzy DEMATEL method was first applied to analyze the causal interdependencies among criteria and determine their relative weights, revealing that environmental drivers such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation exert the most systemic influence. Subsequently, six recycling alternatives were assessed and ranked using the CoCoSo method enhanced by Einstein-based aggregation, which captured the complex interactions present in the experts’ evaluations and assessments. Results indicate that Direct Recycling is the most favorable option, followed by the Hydrometallurgical and Bioleaching methods, while Pyrometallurgical Recycling ranked lowest due to its high energy demands and environmental burden. The proposed hybrid model effectively handles linguistic uncertainty, expert variability, and interdependent evaluation structures, offering a robust decision-support tool for sustainable technology selection in the circular battery economy. The framework is adaptable to other domains requiring structured expert-based evaluations under fuzzy environments. Full article

Effective water infrastructure planning and management is key to sustainable water supply globally. This research assesses water infrastructure planning and management in Gauteng, South Africa, amid growing challenges from rapid urbanisation, high water demand, climate change, and resource scarcity. These challenges threaten the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 11; hence, an integrated approach is required for water sustainability. The study responds to a gap in the literature, which often treats planning and management separately, by adopting an integrated, multi-institutional approach across the water value chain. A mixed-methods triangulation strategy was employed for data collection whereby surveys provided quantitative data, while two sets of structured interviews were conducted: the first round to determine causal relationships among the critical success factors and the second round to validate the proposed framework. The findings reveal a misalignment between infrastructure planning and implementation, contributing to infrastructure backlogs and a short- to medium-term focus. Infrastructure management is further constrained by inadequate system redundancy, leading to ineffective maintenance. External factors such as delayed adoption of 4IR technologies, lack of climate resilient strategies, and fragmented institutional coordination exacerbate these issues. Using Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis, the study identified Strategic Alignment and a Value-Driven Approach as the most influential critical success factors in water asset management. The research concludes by proposing an integrated water infrastructure and planning framework that supports sustainable water supply. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and blockchain technologies within the digital economy presents transformative opportunities for promoting low-carbon urban development. However, a systematic understanding of how these digital innovations influence urban carbon mitigation remains limited. This study addresses this gap by proposing two research questions (RQs): (1) What are the key success factors for artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain in urban carbon emission reduction? (2) How do these technologies interact and support the transition to low-carbon cities? To answer these questions, the study employs a hybrid methodological framework combining the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) techniques. The data were collected through structured expert questionnaires, enabling the identification and hierarchical analysis of twelve critical success factors (CSFs). Grounded in sustainability transitions theory and institutional theory, the CSFs are categorized into three dimensions: (1) digital infrastructure and technological applications; (2) digital transformation of industry and economy; (3) sustainable urban governance. The results reveal that e-commerce and sustainable logistics, the adoption of the circular economy, and cross-sector collaboration are the most influential drivers of digital-enabled decarbonization, while foundational elements such as smart energy systems and digital infrastructure act as key enablers. The DEMATEL-ISM approach facilitates a system-level understanding of the causal relationships and strategic priorities among the CSFs, offering actionable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to sustainable digital transformation and carbon neutrality. Full article

The complexity of assessment is a significant problem in designing renewable energy source (RES) products, especially when one wants to take into account their various aspects, e.g., technical, environmental, or social. Hence, the aim of the research is to develop a model supporting the decision-making process of RES product development based on meeting the criteria of quality, environmental impact, and social responsibility (QES). The model was developed in four main stages, implementing multi-criteria decision support methods such as DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution), as well as criteria for social responsibility and environmental impact from the ISO 26000 standard. The model was tested and illustrated using the example of photovoltaic panels (PVs): (i) five prototypes were developed, (ii) 30 PV criteria were identified from the qualitative, environmental, and social groups, (iii) the criteria were reduced to 13 key (strongly intercorrelated) criteria according to DEMATEL, (iv) the PV prototypes were assessed taking into account the importance and fulfilment of their key criteria according to TOPSIS, and (v) a PV ranking was created, where the fifth prototype turned out to be the most advantageous (QES = 0.79). The main advantage of the model is its simple form and transparency of application through a systematic analysis and evaluation of many different criteria, after which a ranking of design solutions is obtained. QES ensures precise decision-making in terms of sustainability of new or already available products on the market, also those belonging to RES. Therefore, QES will find application in various companies, especially those looking for low-cost decision-making support techniques at early stages of product development (design and conceptualization). Full article

Against the backdrop of digital transformation, this study constructs an analytical framework for the influence mechanism of the data-driven dynamic capabilities of foreign trade SMEs from the perspective of digital intelligence immunity, aiming to clarify the complex relationships among influencing factors and multi-combination paths for capability improvement. The research employs the fuzzy AHP-DEMATEL method to quantify the complex influence relationships among factors and uses fsQCA to analyze the configuration paths of high-level data-driven dynamic capabilities. Results show that digital intelligence management and analysis, digital intelligence supervision and early warning, and digital intelligence ecosystem are key drivers of data-driven dynamic capabilities, with digital intelligence talents serving as a guarantee and digital foundation as a foundation. The study identifies the following two core paths for forming high-level capabilities: “management–talent–ecology collaboration” and “early warning–technology–mechanism enhancement.” It concludes that foreign trade SMEs should strengthen digital intelligence management and ecological construction, improve early warning mechanisms, and adopt multi-pronged approaches to build data-driven dynamic capabilities, providing a theoretical basis for their digital transformation and capability upgrading. Full article

In light of the persistent environmental degradation driven by fossil fuels, developing new energy sources is essential for achieving sustainability. The recent surge in electric vehicle adoption has underscored the significance of new energy batteries. However, the supply chains of new energy battery manufacturers face multiple sustainability risks, which impede sustainable practice adoption. To tackle these challenges, leanness philosophy is an effective tool, and Industry 5.0 enhances its efficacy significantly, further mitigating sustainability risks. This study integrates the supply chain, leanness philosophy, and Industry 5.0 by applying quality function deployment. A novel four-phase hybrid MCDM model integrating the fuzzy Delphi method, DEMATEL, AHP, and fuzzy VIKOR, identified five key sustainability risks five core leanness principles, and eight critical Industry 5.0 enablers. By examining a Chinese new energy battery manufacturer as a case study, the findings aim to assist managers and decision-makers in mitigating sustainability risks within their supply chains. Full article

As industrial companies transition from the Industry 4.0 stage to the more human-centric and resilient Industry 5.0 paradigm, there is a growing need for structured assessment tools to prioritize modern technologies. This paper presents an integrated multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach to support the strategic assessment of technologies from three complementary perspectives: economic, organizational, and technological. The proposed model encompasses six key transformation areas and 22 technologies representing both the Industry 4.0 and 5.0 paradigms. A hybrid approach combining the DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) and PROMETHEE II (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation) methods is used to identify cause–effect relationships between the transformation areas and to construct technology rankings in each of the assessed perspectives. The results indicate that technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and supporting IT systems play a central role in the transition process. Among the Industry 5.0 technologies, hyper-personalized manufacturing, smart grids and new materials stand out. Moreover, the economic perspective emerges as the dominant assessment dimension for most technologies. The proposed analytical framework offers both theoretical input and practical decision-making support for companies planning their transformation towards Industry 5.0, enabling a stronger alignment between implemented technologies and long-term strategic goals. Full article

Against the backdrop of the energy revolution, global energy demands are rising. Solar–wind hybrid energy storage plants (SWHESPs) are undoubtedly a research hotspot in this field for enhancing energy efficiency. However, the primary challenge in constructing SWHESPs is site selection. This paper aims to comprehensively investigate the site selection process for SWHESPs and determine the optimal site scientifically and objectively by considering various aspects, including technology, society, environment, and economy. This study employs a literature review and the Delphi method to establish the site selection index system of SWHESPs. The triangular fuzzy number (TFN) is used in relative similarity as an objective weight, while the Decision-Making Test and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is used as a subjective weight. The comprehensive weights are computed using the Lagrange optimization method. Additionally, the options are ranked and evaluated using Geographic Information System (GIS) and the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) methods based on prospect theory. The study also performs comparative and sensitivity analyses to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Proper siting can optimize the efficiency of resource use, which not only helps achieve more efficient use of clean energy but also promotes local economic development and job creation. Full article

Amid the increasing complexity of urban risks, urban parks not only serve ecological and recreational functions but are increasingly becoming a critical spatial foundation supporting public psychological resilience and social recovery. This study aims to systematically evaluate the daily adaptability of urban parks in the context of micro-risks. The research integrates the theories of “restorative environments,” environmental safety perception, urban resilience, and social ecology to construct a five-dimensional framework for perceived resilience, encompassing resilience, safety, sociability, controllability, and adaptability. Additionally, a dynamic feedback mechanism of perception–behavior–reperception is introduced. Methodologically, the study utilizes the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to identify 17 core indicators, constructs a causal structure and weighting system using DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP), and further employs the VIKOR model to simulate public preferences in a multi-criteria decision-making process. Taking three representative urban parks in Guangzhou as empirical case studies, the research identifies resilience and adaptability as key driving dimensions of the system. Factors such as environmental psychological resilience, functional diversity, and visual permeability show a significant path influence and priority intervention value. The empirical results further reveal significant spatial heterogeneity and group differences in the perceived resilience across ecological, neighborhood, and central park types, highlighting the importance of context-specific and user-adaptive strategies. The study finally proposes four optimization pathways, emphasizing the role of feedback mechanisms in enhancing urban park resilience and shaping “cognitive-friendly” spaces, providing a systematic modeling foundation and strategic reference for perception-driven urban public space optimization. Full article

Production involves processes such as raw material extraction, energy consumption, and waste management, which can lead to significant environmental consequences. Therefore, supplier selection based not only on technical performance but also on environmental sustainability criteria has become a fundamental component of eco-friendly manufacturing strategies. Moreover, in the selection of electric vehicle batteries, it is essential to consider customer demands alongside environmental factors. Accordingly, selected suppliers should fulfill company expectations while also reflecting the “voice” of the customer. The objective of this study is to propose an integrated approach for green supplier selection by taking into account various environmental performance requirements and criteria. The proposed approach evaluates battery suppliers with respect to both customer requirements and green criteria. To construct the relational structure, the DEMATEL method was employed to analyze the interrelationships among customer requirements (CRs). Subsequently, the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) model was used to establish a central relational matrix that captures the degree of correlation between each pair of supplier selection criteria and CRs. Finally, to evaluate and rank alternative suppliers, the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy VIKOR (IT2 F-VIKOR) method was applied. The hybrid approach proposed by us, integrating DEMATEL, QFD, and IT2 F-VIKOR, offers significant improvements over traditional methods. Unlike previous approaches that focus independently on customer preferences or supplier criteria, our model provides a unified evaluation by considering both dimensions simultaneously. Furthermore, the use of Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic enables the model to better manage uncertainty and ambiguity in expert judgments, yielding more reliable results compared to conventional fuzzy approaches. Additionally, the applicability of the model has been demonstrated through a real-world case study, confirming its practical relevance and robustness in the selection of green suppliers for electric vehicle battery procurement. Full article

Background: Emerging economies face a strategic imperative to transform their supply chains, aiming for economic resilience, environmental responsibility, and social inclusivity. Methods: This study, employing the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method, identified and prioritized key drivers for this sustainable transformation. Results: Expert input from supply chain professionals in various industrial sectors revealed five critical factors: top management commitment, stakeholder engagement, regulatory alignment, technological capability, and internal integration. Notably, technological capability and internal integration emerged as the most influential causal drivers, acting as crucial enablers for deeper, systemic change. These findings offer actionable insights for decision-makers in designing more effective transition strategies for logistics and supply chain systems, especially amidst rapid industrialization and escalating sustainability pressures. Conclusions: This research significantly contributes to the growing literature on strategic supply chain redesign, providing practical guidance for firms navigating sustainability transitions within complex, resource-constrained environments. Full article

A reasonable water price for interbasin water transfer projects (IWTPs) is vital for solving the problem of unequal water use among different water users caused by different water source supply prices, promoting external water transfer consumption, and ensuring the stable and equitable project operation. However, the formulation of the water price is influenced by many factors, and it is necessary to identify the key factors and their interactions in the water prices formulation for IWTPs. In this study, we identified 15 factors that affect it. This paper used the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to analyze the causal relationships and importance levels among the influencing factors. A four-level hierarchical structural model was established using an interpretive structural model (ISM), which intuitively displayed the hierarchical structure and pathways of each factor. The role of each influencing factor was determined by using MICMAC. Finally, the grey relational analysis method was used to identify the top five key factors: the socioeconomic development level, diversification of water resources, water demand of water users, cost of the project’s water supply, and national policies and regulations. Strategies to improve the formulation of water prices have also been proposed. The results show that the top five factors influencing the water price for IWTPs are the socio-economic development level, diversification of water resources, water demand of water users, cost of the project’s water supply, and national policies and regulations. The water price should be formulated based on the water resource cost, supply–demand relationships of water resources, and policy objectives to ensure scientific and reasonable cost allocation and differentiated pricing. For water-transfer projects with strong public welfare, the government may lower water prices through financial subsidies to alleviate the burden on water users. Full article

Today, companies face complexities and uncertainties that make it difficult to manage various risks. One of the important tools for achieving success in water supply projects is the proper implementation of risk management processes and activities throughout the project’s make-span. Risk identification and assessment are two important steps in project risk management. In this research, the Fuzzy DEMATEL and Fuzzy ANP as well as Artificial Neural Network methods are exploited for the analyzing and ranking of environmental risks of water supply projects. Risks are classified and then prioritized by the Fuzzy ANP and Artificial Neural Network methods into four main categories, including technical, organizational, project management, and external risks. The weight of each of the technical, organizational, project management, and external risks using the ANP method was obtained as 0.31, 0.26, 0.25, and 0.18, respectively, and the following weights were obtained using the Artificial Neural Network: 0.42, 0.27, 0.22, and 0.09, respectively. The results show that although the exact weights differed between methods, especially for technical and external risks, the overall prioritization of risk categories followed a broadly consistent pattern. In addition, the risk associated with the suppliers obtained the highest weight among the external risks; the risk associated with the high cost of materials gained the highest weight among the organizational risks; the risk associated with the requirements acquired the highest weight among the technical risks; and finally, the risk associated with communication achieved the highest weight among the project management risks. The method presented in this research helps project managers and decision-makers in the water supply industry to make a better and more realistic risk assessment by considering the mutual effects of project risks. Full article

The prioritization of healthcare projects in Colombia’s Meta Department was conducted using an integrated decision-making model that combines the Analytic Network Process and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory. This multicriteria approach systematically evaluates interdependencies among strategic criteria while incorporating expert judgments to improve resource allocation and promote equity and accessibility in health services. The analysis identified the reconstruction of the healthcare center in Puerto Gaitán as the highest-priority intervention, followed by the expansion of the municipal hospital in Acacías and the establishment of an emergency regulation center. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between infrastructure development and the reduction of populations with unmet basic needs, emphasizing the crucial role of physical infrastructure in advancing health equity. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the model under varying parameters. The integrated methodology proved particularly valuable for capturing complex interrelationships among criteria, balancing technical and equity considerations, and supporting transparent, evidence-based decisions for health investment planning in regional contexts that require both immediate responses and long-term system strengthening. Full article