Search Results (145)

Modern manufacturing systems operate in a global and competitive environment, where sustainability has become a critical driver for performance. Performance measurement, as a method for monitoring enterprise processes, plays a central role in aligning operational efficiency with sustainable development goals. Recently, a number of different frameworks, systems, and methods have been proposed for small and medium enterprises. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are known to be powerful tools which provide accurate information regarding bottlenecks and weak spots in companies. The purpose of the current study is to develop an advanced KPI selection/prioritization model and apply it in practice. The initial set of KPIs are obtained based on a literature review. The expert’s knowledge, outlier methods, and optimization of the enterprise analysis model (EAM) are utilized for reducing the initial set of KPIs. A fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is implemented for prioritization of the criteria. Five different MCDM (multi-criteria decision-making) algorithms are implemented for prioritization of the KPIs. The recently introduced RADAR method is extended to the fuzzy RADAR method, providing a flexible approach for handling uncertainties. An analysis and comparison of the rankings obtained by utilizing five MCDM algorithms is performed. The prioritized KPIs provide valuable input for improving KPIs with the highest impact in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when implementing sustainability-aligned performance metrics. Full article

Business problems today are complicated and involve considering numerous dimensions to be weighed against each other, leading to opposing goals that must be compromised on to discover the best solution. Multi-Criteria Decision Making or MCDM plays an essential role in this situation here. MCDM techniques and procedures analyze, score, and select between options that have various conflicting criteria. This systematic review investigates applications of MCDM methods within Management Information Systems (MIS) based on evidence from 40 peer-reviewed articles selected from the Scopus database. Key methods discussed are Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), TOPSIS, fuzzy logic-based methods, and Analytic Network Process (ANP). These methods were applied across MIS strategic planning, re-source assignment, risk assessment, and technology selection. The review contributes further by categorizing MCDM application into thematic decision domains, evaluating methodological directions, and mapping the strengths of each method against specific MIS problems. Theoretical guidelines are suggested to align the type of decision with an appropriate MCDM strategy. The study demonstrates how the addition of MCDM enhances MIS capability with data-driven, transparent decision-making power. Implications and directions for future research are presented to guide scholars and practitioners. Full article

Increasing environmental pollution has reinforced the necessity of implementing circular economy (CE) as a sustainable approach to reducing resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Despite the construction industry’s significant environmental impact in terms of global carbon emissions, water consumption, and biodiversity loss, only 12% of its materials exhibit circular characteristics, necessitating improvements in terms of circularity in construction projects. This study develops a CE-based decision-making model for contractor selection, focusing on off-site construction (OSC), which offers greater circularity potential than conventional construction methods. The decision-making model, established through literature analysis and expert discussions, utilizes the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate CE criteria and employ the fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to determine contractor suitability. The findings indicate that Material Circularity, Energy Circularity, and Product Circularity are the most influential criteria, with green procurement emerging as the highest-priority factor. The model was validated through a hypothetical case study involving four contractors experienced in sustainable construction. The results demonstrate the model’s capacity to produce sensitive outcomes in terms of decision-making. Full article

A business-continuity plan is crucial in providing an organization with the ability to maintain operations against possible risks. Therefore, companies should consider holistic risk management to sustain their activities and enhance their capabilities. Also, sustainability is able to eliminate the number of adverse environmental effects and increase the financial and social performance of a company. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the sustainability and risk performance pillars for logistics networks, including a business-continuity plan. For this particular aim, this study considers the ten main criteria and sixty-six sub-criteria to evaluate sustainability and risk performances in logistics operations when dealing with a business-continuity plan under uncertainty. A novel and innovative four-phased integrated procedure involving a fuzzy-based AHP method with novel linguistic scales and operators is proposed. The TOPSIS technique, part of the integrated technique, is also presented to rank the alternative cities for an urban logistics network analysis. Moreover, the criteria of transportation and information infrastructures are analyzed for logistics operations. A case study of the thirty metropolitan cities in Türkiye is conducted to determine the best logistics center for a logistics firm. Several scenario analyses are performed, and a comparison study is also carried out from the literature. This study comprehensively analyzes the problem, including sustainability, risks, renewable energy and social aspects. Based on the results from the fuzzy-based AHP method, economic, safety and hazard risk are the top three main criteria. Moreover, Istanbul, Konya and Ankara are the top three alternatives for logistic networks from the results of the TOPSIS technique. Finally, managerial and policy implications are presented for policy-makers who should pay attention to the main criteria and sub-criteria in this paper for successful logistics operations dealing with the business-continuity plan when achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

It is well known that the safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), such as fire and explosion, are currently a bottleneck problem for the large-scale usage of energy storage power stations. The study of water-based fire-extinguishing agents used for LIBs is a promising direction. How to choose a suitable water-based fire-extinguishing agent is a significant scientific problem. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation model, including four primary indexes and eleven secondary indexes was established, which was used in the scenario of an electrochemical energy storage power station. The model is only suitable for assessing water-based fire extinguishing for suppressing lithium iron phosphate battery fire. Based on the comprehensive evaluation index system and extinguishing experiment data, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with fuzzy TOPSIS was used to evaluate the performances of the three kinds of water-based fire-extinguishing agents. According to the results of the fuzzy binary contrast method, the three kinds of fire-extinguishing agents could be ranked as follows: YS1000 > F-500 additive > pure water. The study provided a method for choosing and preparing a suitable fire-extinguishing agent for lithium iron phosphate batteries. Full article

The transition from open pit to underground mining intensifies water-related hazards such as Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), groundwater contamination, and aquifer depletion, threatening ecological and socio-economic sustainability. This study develops an Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR) framework using a Multi-Dimensional Risk (MDR) approach to holistically assess water hazards in China’s mining regions, integrating environmental, social, governance, economic, technical, community-based, and technological dimensions. A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model combining the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) evaluates risks, enhanced by a Z-number Fuzzy Delphi AHP (ZFDAHP) spatiotemporal model to dynamically weight hazards across temporal (short-, medium-, long-term) and spatial (local to global) scales. Applied to the Sijiaying Iron Mine, AMD (78% severity) and groundwater depletion (72% severity) emerge as dominant hazards exacerbated by climate change impacts (36.3% dynamic weight). Real-time IoT monitoring systems and AI-driven predictive models demonstrate efficacy in mitigating contamination, while gender-inclusive governance and community-led aquifer protection address socio-environmental gaps. The study underscores the misalignment between static regulations and dynamic spatiotemporal risks, advocating for Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs) and transboundary water agreements. Policy recommendations prioritize IoT adoption, carbon–water nexus incentives, and Indigenous knowledge integration to align mining transitions with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water), 13 (Climate Action), and 14 (Life Below Water). This research advances a holistic strategy to harmonize mineral extraction with water security, offering scalable solutions for global mining regions facing similar ecological and governance challenges. Full article

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has significantly impacted the global construction industry, promising efficiency, cost savings, and improved project outcomes. However, its adoption in developing countries, such as Nigeria, remains inconsistent due to multiple barriers. This study aims to investigate the barriers hindering the adoption of BIM in Nigeria’s construction sector, with a view to providing strategic recommendations for stakeholders. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a comprehensive literature review with semi-structured interviews from 10 experts in Nigeria, representing both industry and academia. A hybrid analytical methodology, integrating the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), was used to analyze the data, because they provide a comprehensive framework for informed decision-making. Technical barriers are identified as the most significant challenge to BIM adoption, particularly due to difficulties in accessing advanced technology. Educational barriers also play a major role, with limited awareness among industry professionals hindering widespread implementation. Economic constraints further contribute to the slow adoption, as financial limitations impact investment in necessary tools and training. The study provides policy implications and recommendations, including the development of a national BIM evaluation framework, improved training programs, and government support for standardization. These recommendations are expected to facilitate informed decision-making among stakeholders and promote effective BIM adoption in Nigeria’s construction industry, serving as a roadmap for other developing countries facing similar challenges. Full article

This study examines the financial and operational sustainability of modernizing drainage pump station systems in Vojvodina, aiming to improve energy efficiency and adapt to climate change. Various technical and economic modernization scenarios were analyzed to identify the optimal variant (V3.1), which balances investment costs, operational efficiency, and long-term environmental benefits. The analytical approaches used include multicriteria analysis, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, the TOPSIS technique, and fuzzy logic, providing comprehensive insights into the ranking of the four proposed variants. The results indicate that Variant V3.1, which features local SCADA systems and centralized management, offers an optimal solution for modernization. This model enhances operational reliability, reduces energy costs, and contributes to the sustainable development of the region through more efficient resource utilization. The proposed approach not only meets the specific needs of Vojvodina but also provides a broader framework for assessing similar infrastructure projects in other regions. Full article

The banking sector plays a key role in the economic, social, and political development of a country. The study of the financial performance of banks is essential for investors, creditors, and other interested parties. The aim of this research was to rank the second-tier banks in Albania by financial performance using a fuzzy multi-criteria decision model (fuzzy MCDM). For the ranking of banks, eight financial criteria were taken into account during the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 for 11 banks in the Albanian banking sector. Based on the selected indicators, a decision-making model was created. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods were used in this research. The results of the FAHP method showed that the most important indicators are Equity and EBT. The results of the TOPSIS method showed that Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT) had the best indicators for the observed years. The contribution of this research is in understanding the financial operations of banks in Albania. Full article

Assessing and improving the quality of education in universities can play a prominent role in developing countries. This study aims to demonstrate an extensive methodology with a related algorithm for assessing the quality of education in Water Resource Engineering (WRE) based on Klein’s learning model and using the hybrid fuzzy-AHP-TOPSIS (FAT) method. Four out of the top ten universities in Iran, including Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT), Shiraz University (SU), and Khajeh Nasir al-Din Toosi University of Technology (KUT), are considered as case studies. First, participants answered questions based on Klein’s model so that the weight coefficients according to the fuzzy-AHP technique were extracted. Second, these coefficients were transferred to the TOPSIS environment, where the previously prioritized criteria were utilized to select the ideal solution. Finally, the relative closeness of universities (CC) as a performance evaluation criterion in the form of CC(IUST) = 0.54, CC(AUT) = 0.49, CC(SU) = 0.45, and CC(KUT) = 0.39 was obtained. The sensitivity analysis was performed based on the number and type of Klein’s qualitative criteria on the model, and Fourier series expansion curves were used to better compare the results of the proposed algorithm. The presented algorithm in this research can be a good basis for education assessment models in universities. Full article

The furniture-manufacturing industry is pressured to improve quality, productivity, and profitability, particularly within increasingly volatile market conditions. This study is focused on the development of methods for optimizing production processes in a furniture-manufacturing company through the application of an integrated risk management framework. By integrating Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) with advanced multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, specifically fuzzy AHP, fuzzy TOPSIS, and fuzzy WINGS, a hybrid model is developed to identify, prioritize, and address critical failure points while accounting for complex interdependencies. Significant failure modes, such as order inaccuracies and delivery delays, are revealed as key findings and are found to notably affect productivity and customer satisfaction. The proposed model’s ability to capture cascading effects and a nuanced prioritization enables a more precise risk assessment, thereby supporting resilience and process efficiency in the furniture-manufacturing sector. This approach is shown to not only optimize production but also provide a foundation for applying such hybrid models in other industries to manage sector-specific interdependencies effectively. Full article

Background: This study introduces a novel supply chain management (SCM) model tailored for the hospital industry in Thailand. The model emphasises the integration of third-party logistics (3PL) providers to streamline supply-processing-distribution (SPD) functions. By outsourcing non-core activities like SPD to 3PL providers, hospitals can enhance their operational efficiency, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on core tasks and ultimately improving service delivery. Methods: This research employed a dual methodology, combining an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with a Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS). These approaches evaluated various SCM models based on multiple hospital logistics performance attributes. Results: The AHP results highlighted on-time delivery, patient safety, utilisation rate, and emergency procurement as critical criteria for selecting the optimal model. Fuzzy TOPSIS analysis identified the SCIII: W-G-H model as the most suitable for implementation in Thai hospitals. This model incorporates a centralised warehouse for negotiation leverage, a Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO) for cost efficiency, and regional SPD hubs for effective inventory management and rapid responses to demand fluctuations or emergencies. Conclusions: Adopting this SCM model is expected to significantly enhance supply chain performance, reduce operational costs, and improve the quality and safety of patient care in Thai hospitals. Full article

Globalization increases the potential for business expansion, which creates more opportunities in the market. The competition and expansion in the market create varieties of products to satisfy human needs and make it more difficult for the product planner to maintain huge piles of stock, resulting in high inventory costs to meet customer demands on time. Product portfolio optimization, as a tool of strategic management for companies in the competitive market, plays a vital role, helping businesses to constantly strive to maximize their returns while minimizing risks. This study explores Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) by using real-world applications of the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy TOPSIS, which offer a comprehensive approach by integrating quantitative and qualitative factors, to evaluate and prioritize products within a company’s portfolio, specifically focusing on the product of lead–acid storage batteries from a renowned organization in Bangladesh, aiming to provide valuable insights for businesses seeking to enhance their decision-making processes and achieve sustainable growth. Full article

The transformative impact of technological advancements has ushered in a new era in education, digitizing traditional learning approaches into accessible E-learning platforms. In the context of India, where students increasingly rely on digital education, the multitude of available platforms has introduced a challenge: selecting the most suitable one. This project addresses this concern by providing information on the optimal E-learning platform. The selection is based on critical criteria such as cost-effectiveness, user experience, technological factors, assessment methods, and the quality of education. To determine the significance of each criterion and rank them, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP) method is employed. Subsequently, the Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy-TOPSIS) is utilized to evaluate and identify the best E-learning platform. The key findings from this research aim to guide students, educators, and institutions in making informed decisions about E-learning platforms, ultimately enhancing the digital learning experience for Indian students. Full article

Urban green infrastructure plays a significant role in sustainable development and requires proper land management during planning. This study develops a valuation model for urban green infrastructure in land management, focusing on Zagreb’s 17 city districts. The fuzzy AHP method was used to calculate the weighting coefficients for a suitable set of criteria, and the TOPSIS method was used to select the priority city districts for implementing green infrastructure. The research results are relevant to decision makers, who can utilize them to prioritize areas for the development and implementation of green infrastructure. The green infrastructure index calculated in this study can be compared with other spatial and land data for effective spatial planning. Full article