Search Results (8)

To effectively deal with the uncertainty of value assessments of industry-characteristic universities, this paper proposes a new fuzzy multi-attribute assessment method. Firstly, we define the complex cubic fractional orthotriple fuzzy set (CCFOFS) for expressing ambiguous information and present some basic operational rules and information measures. Then, we present the complex cubic fractional orthotriple fuzzy Dombi-weighted power-partitioned Muirhead mean (CCFOFDWPPMM) operator, which combines the superiority of the Dombi operations, power average (PA) operator, and partitioned Muirhead mean (PMM) operator. Further, a multi-attribute assessment method is constructed based on the CCFOFDWPPMM operator and the Integrated Determination of Objective Criteria Weights (IDOCRIW) method. Furthermore, we constructed a novel assessment index system for the construction of first-class disciplines. Finally, this paper verifies the validity and applicability of the method by applying the novel multi-attribute assessment method to a practical case of first-class discipline construction in industry-characteristic universities. Full article

Assessing the new quality productive forces (NQPF) of new energy vehicle (NEV) companies is crucial for promoting the sustainable development of the NEV industry. This paper systematically evaluated and analyzed the NQPF of Chinese listed NEV companies from 2018 to 2022 using a novel multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model. To address limitations in traditional MCDA models, such as unbalanced weight distribution, insufficient ranking differentiation, and incomplete identification of key influencing factors, this study introduced a new model, IDOCRIW-PROBID (integrated determination of objective criteria weights—preference ranking on the basis of ideal-average distance). First, an evaluation index system tailored to NEV companies’ NQPF was developed. Then, the IDOCRIW method was used to objectively assign weights to the indicators, enhancing the scientific rigor of the weight distribution. The PROBID method was employed to rank companies based on their NQPF, identifying differences between them. Additionally, an obstacle degree model was introduced to analyze key influencing factors, compensating for the traditional MCDA model’s limitations in this regard. The results showed, first, that the proposed IDOCRIW-PROBID model has a high degree of consistency with the classical Entropy-TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) model in terms of ranking the results (correlation coefficient = 0.91), and that IDOCRIW-PROBID offers higher differentiation compared to other MCDA models, validating its reliability and superiority. Second, during the study period, the development levels of NQPF in Chinese listed NEV companies varied significantly, with most companies at a low level of development and showing a downward trend, indicating that companies face considerable challenges in improving their NQPF. Third, the obstacle degree analysis revealed that R&D lease fees, R&D depreciation and amortization, and direct R&D investment were the primary factors hindering NQPF growth. This research provides theoretical support and decision-making insights for strategic optimization in NEV companies and informs government policy formulation. Full article

Thedistribution of products stands out as one of the pivotal activities for logistics companies in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and other geopolitical events. Intense competition compels companies to efficiently execute their logistical processes, with cross-docking emerging as a frequently applied solution. However, the location of cross-dock terminals in urban areas remains a problem insufficiently addressed in the literature, with a dearth of studies and models tackling this issue. This paper introduces a novel and innovative model for locating cross-dock terminals based on the CI-DEA–IDOCRIW–MABAC (Composite Indicators–Data Envelopment Analysis-Integrated Determination of Objective Criteria Weights–Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison) methods. In the process of defining input indicators, the following three sources were utilized: relevant literature, practical insights from logistics experts, and the knowledge and experience of the authors. Eight inputs and three outputs were considered (the number of users in the observed channel; the area served by the channel; the average distance a vehicle travels in one delivery; the required number of vehicles; labor availability; competition; construction, and expansion possibilities; proximity to the main infrastructure and traffic facilities; the average number of deliveries; average delivered quantity; and service level). The model underwent testing in a case study analyzing nine distribution channels (areas within the observed urban zone). The results indicated that alternative A4 (in the southwest area) ranked the highest since it was the best-ranked in accordance with the most important criteria, suggesting that the terminal is best located in the southwest zone. The accuracy of the results was confirmed by company management. By developing a completely new model and addressing the identified gap in the literature, this paper provides unequivocal scientific contributions. Full article

In the realm of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems, the selection of a weighting method holds a critical role. Researchers from diverse fields have consistently employed MCDM techniques, utilizing both traditional and novel methods to enhance the discipline. Acknowledging the significance of staying abreast of such methodological developments, this study endeavors to contribute to the field through a comprehensive review of several novel weighting-based methods: CILOS, IDOCRIW, FUCOM, LBWA, SAPEVO-M, and MEREC. Each method is scrutinized in terms of its characteristics and steps while also drawing upon publications extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. Through bibliometric and content analyses, this study delves into the trend, research components (sources, authors, countries, and affiliations), application areas, fuzzy implementations, hybrid studies (use of other weighting and/or ranking methods), and application tools for these methods. The findings of this review offer an insightful portrayal of the applications of each novel weighting method, thereby contributing valuable knowledge for researchers and practitioners within the field of MCDM. Full article

The aim of the present study is to propose a new approach for evaluating and comparing European countries using indicators of the children physical activity and the human development index. The Global Matrix 3.0 on physical activity for children and youth and human development index data on the 18 European countries were used. MADM (multi-attribute decision making) approach was applied for this task. The criteria weights calculated by applying the weight balancing method—weight balancing indicator ranks accordance (WEBIRA). New methodology of interval entropy is proposed for determining the priority of criteria separately in each group. The novel approach of $\alpha$-cuts for recursive procedure of ranking the alternatives was used. For comparison, three alternative entropy-based methods—entropy method for determining the criterion weight (EMDCW), method of criteria impact LOSs and determination of objective weights (CILOS) and integrated determination of objective criteria weights (IDOCRIW) were applied to address this MADM problem. Cluster analysis of European countries carried out using results obtained by all above methods. Comparison of the MADM methods revealed that three alternative methods assigned negligible values to whole group of criteria. Meanwhile, WEBIRA family methods performed the ranking of European countries according to the interrelation of the two groups of criteria in a balanced way. Thus, when addressing MADM tasks with two or more naturally related sets of criteria, it is appropriate to apply criteria adapted for that purpose, such as WEBIRA. Full article

The application of multiple criteria decision-making methods (MCDM) is aimed at choosing the best alternative out of the number of available versions in the absence of the apparently dominant alternative. One of the two major components of multiple criteria decision-making methods is represented by the weights of the criteria describing the considered process. The weights of the criteria quantitatively express their significance and influence on the evaluation result. The criterion weights can be subjective, i.e., based on the estimates assigned by the experts, and the so-called objective, i.e., those which assess the structure of the data array at the time of evaluation. Several groups of experts, representing the opinions of various interested parties may take part in the evaluation of criteria. The evaluation data on the criterion weights also depend on the mathematical methods used for calculations and the estimation scales. In determining the objective weights, several methods, assessing various properties or characteristics of the data array’s structure, are usually employed. Therefore, the use of the procedures, improving the accuracy of the evaluation of the weights’ values and the integration of the obtained data into a single value, is often required. The present paper offers a new approach to more accurate evaluation of the criteria weights obtained by using various methods based on the idea of the Bayes hypothesis. The performed investigation shows that the suggested method is symmetrical and does not depend on the fact whether a priori or posterior values of the weights are recalculated. This result is the theoretical basis for practical use of the method of combining the weights obtained by various approaches as the geometric mean of various estimates. The ideas suggested by the authors have been repeatedly used in the investigation for combining the objective weights, for recalculating the criteria weights after obtaining the estimates of other groups of experts and for combining the subjective and the objective weights. The recalculated values of the weights of the criteria are used in the work for evaluating the quality of the distant courses taught to the students. Full article

This study compares screw joints made of different materials, including screws of different diameters. For that purpose, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 mm diameter steel screws and various parts made of aluminum (Al), steel (Stl), bronze (Brz), cast iron (CI), copper (Cu) and brass (Br) are considered. Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods such as evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS), simple additive weighting (SAW), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) are utilized to assess reliability of screw joints also considering cost issues. The entropy, criterion impact loss (CILOS) and integrated determination of objective criteria weights (IDOCRIW) methods are utilized to assess weights of decision criteria and find the best design alternative. Numerical results confirm the validity of the proposed approach. Full article

Urbanization has a massive effect on the environment, both locally and globally. With an ever-increasing scale of construction and manufacturing and misuse of energy resources come poorer air quality, growing mortality rates and more rapid climate change. For these reasons, a healthy and safe built environment is ever more in demand. Global debates focus on sustainable development of the built environment; a rational approach to its analysis is multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods. Alternative MCDM methods applied to the same problem often produce different results. In the search for a more reliable tool, this study proposes that a system of MCDM methods should be applied to a single problem. This article assesses 21 neighborhoods in Vilnius in the context of a healthy and safe built environment in view of the principles of sustainable development. MCDM methods were used for this purpose: entropy, Criterion Impact LOSs (CILOS) and Integrated Determination of Objective Criteria Weights (IDOCRIW) methods were used to determine the objective weights of the criteria, while expert judgement determined the subjective weights. With the overall weights determined, the Vilnius neighborhoods were assessed through the application of COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS), Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) methods. The final results were then processed using the rank average method, Borda count and Copeland’s method. Full article