Search Results (17)

Considering the characteristics of urban planning that are becoming increasingly demanding, and the trend that urban zones should meet users’ needs based on the principle of everything in one place, this paper evaluates the potentials of urban zones in Novi Sad. An expert analysis defined 25 criteria related to urban, traffic, architectural, environmental and sociological aspects to assess the current potentials of urban zones in a sustainable manner. Based on these criteria, 10 urban zones were evaluated using a multi-structure fuzzy MCDM model, including: the Fuzzy FUCOM, IMF SWARA and Fuzzy OPARA methods, and the Fuzzy Heronian Mean and Fuzzy Bonferroni operators. Fuzzy FUCOM was applied to determine the importance of the main groups of criteria, while IMF SWARA was used to determine the importance of sub-criteria, with the final weights obtained using the Fuzzy Heronian Mean operator. The Fuzzy OPARA method was implemented to determine the rankings of urban zones based on the potentials they offer. This model represents an innovation, as it is being presented for the first time in the literature. The final values of the urban zones show that Liman and the Center are the two urban zones with the greatest potential, which was confirmed through extensive verification analysis. Such modeling can provide support in the sense that the management of the city can obtain information about the shortcomings and potentials of the location, which allows for the definition of a more specific planning and development policy, based on the previously verified state. Full article

One of the crucial pillars of each state’s development strategy relates to service provision in rural areas. An adequate scope of these services is a prerequisite for uniform regional progress. Postal operators play a key role in supporting these development policies, by providing postal, financial and transportation services to each citizen in a state, regardless of place of residence. The postal network represents one of the biggest logistics networks worldwide. However, since it is not financially justified to provide services to all citizens, even to those that live in the most remote areas, the question of how to optimize the postal network is always topical. This problem is very complex because the postal units’ existence in rural areas cannot be considered just from an economic standpoint; many other criteria should be considered. The model proposed in this paper can be considered a decision-making tool designed to support policymakers in planning the postal network. First, we identify the criteria that should be considered in decision-making by an extensive literature review. We then apply the FUCOM method to determine the importance of individual criteria. Finally, we propose an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy AROMAN approach to determine which postal unit should be reorganized. Full article

The subject of this research is the evaluation of electric cars and the choice of car that best meets the set research criteria. To this end, the criteria weights were determined using the entropy method with two-step normalization and a full consistency check. In addition, the entropy method was extended further with q-rung orthopair fuzzy (qROF) information and Einstein aggregation for carrying out decision making under uncertainty with imprecise information. Sustainable transportation was selected as the area of application. The current work compared a set of 20 leading EVs in India using the proposed decision-making model. The comparison was designed to cover two aspects: technical attributes and user opinions. For the ranking of the EVs, a recently developed multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model, the alternative ranking order method with two-step normalization (AROMAN), was used. The present work is a novel hybridization of the entropy method, full consistency method (FUCOM), and AROMAN in an uncertain environment. The results show that the electricity consumption criterion (w = 0.0944) received the greatest weight, while the best ranked alternative was A7. The results also show robustness and stability, as revealed through a comparison with the other MCDM models and a sensitivity analysis. The present work is different from the past studies, as it provides a robust hybrid decision-making model that uses both objective and subjective information. Full article

Aggregation methods in group decision-making refer to techniques used to combine the individual preferences, opinions, or judgments of group members into a collective decision. Each aggregation method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best method to use depends on the specific situation and the goals of the decision-making process. In certain cases, final rankings of alternatives in the decision-making process may depend on the way of combining different attitudes. The focus of this paper is the application and comparative analysis of the aggregation operators, specifically, arithmetic mean (AM), geometric mean (GM), and Dombi Bonferroni mean (DBM), to the process of criteria weights determination in a fuzzy environment. The criteria weights are determined using Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (F-MCDM) methods, such as Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP), Fuzzy Pivot Pairwise Relative Criteria Importance Assessment (F-PIPRECIA), and Fuzzy Full Consistency Method (F-FUCOM), while the final alternative ranking is obtained by Fuzzy Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (F-WASPAS). A comparison of aggregation operators is done for the real case of location selection problem for a used motor oil transfer station in the regional center of Southern and Eastern Serbia, the city of Niš. The results obtained in this study showed that the views of different experts and application of a certain aggregation approach may have a significant impact on the values of criteria weight coefficients and further on the final ranking of alternatives. This paper is expected to stimulate future research into the impact of aggregation methods on final rankings in the decision-making process, especially in the field of waste management. 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 present age is moving through Industry 4.0 with massive technological developments. Supply chains have become digital, keeping sync with consumer demands and preferences. The recent pandemic has reinforced the need of embracing digital technologies in managing supply chains effectively. Therefore, it is necessary that supply chains adopt 5G mobile technologies. In this regard, the present study aims to discern the critical issues for the successful adaptation of 5G technologies for supply chain management (SCM) in developing countries such as India. The success factors for the adaptation of 5G in Indian supply chains are derived from the discussions made in the related past work regarding the challenges of implementing 5G technology. Then, the listed factors are finalised through initial rounds of face-to-face discussions with a focus group of five experts. Then, a q-rung-orthopair-fuzzy (qROFS)-based rating scale is used to rate the success factors. A new qROF-weighted-neutrality-average (q-ROFWNA)-based full-consistency method (FUCOM) approach for multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problems involving group decision making is utilised to find out the critical success factors. Based on the comparative analysis of 17 success factors (grouped into four main factors), the spectrum availability, awareness of technology and usage, the development of supporting technologies and smart cities, and skill development are found to be the top five critical factors for the successful adaptation and implementation of 5G technologies in SCM. We further carry out a sensitivity analysis and validation test and observe that our model provides a reliable and stable solution. Full article

Today, e-commerce allows consumers access to a wide range of products on the global market, quick and convenient selection, purchase, ordering, and payment of products. Consumers expect to receive the products they bought online, very quickly, at favorable prices and delivery conditions. However, it is often not possible, because global supply chains are realized over large geographical distances, with a whole range of disruptions and challenges that need to be successfully overcome. With the aim of efficiently delivering products and meeting consumer expectations, retailers often leave this job to specialized and resilient logistics companies better known as fourth-party logistics (4PL) providers. On this occasion, it is necessary to conduct a very thorough evaluation of the logistics provider based on appropriate scientific approaches and models. In this paper, a new hybrid approach for the evaluation of resilient 4PLs was proposed, with the aim of providing appropriate support for the decision-making system on product delivery in e-commerce. The hybrid approach is based on the fuzzy full consistency method (FUCOM), evidence theory (ET), rule-based transformation (RBT), and weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) methods. The proposed model was tested and applied to an example of an online retailer, which sells and delivers products originating from China and the countries of the Far East to the market of the Western Balkans and Southeastern Europe. Five 4PL providers were evaluated and ranked according to 10 criteria. According to the results, the most important criterion was IT capabilities, while the least important was cooperation. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine whether the final ranking will change. The obtained results showed that the proposed methodology represents a valuable decision support tool that can be used for solving not only the problem described in this paper but also similar problems. Full article

Sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) have become increasingly popular in cities with environmental problems to reduce pollution, often caused by urban transportation. Therefore, this study aims to provide a practical framework for the selection decisions of final measures and policies to be carried out to achieve SUMP workspace goals using a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology. Alternatives are created with the strategic “pillar”, which was first adopted by the Podgorica city council. With the measurements in this pillar, the main criteria and the recommended measures for these measures create sub-criteria. Secondly, a Fuzzy Full Consistency Method (F-FUCOM) was used to determine the weights of the main and sub-criteria. The Fuzzy Combined Compromise Solution (F-CoCoSo) method was then applied to rank the alternatives. “The implementation and assurance of the SUMP” and “establishing a system for regular data collection, monitoring and evaluation of selected mobility indicators” were decided as the most important main and sub-criteria with weights of 0.286 and 0.1079, respectively. The findings suggest that the comprehensive planning for sustainable urban mobility alternative is first and the valorization of cycling potential alternative is second. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis confirms the validity, robustness, and effectiveness of the proposed framework. The applied methodology has the potential to assist decision makers in the process of developing SUMPs. Full article

Healthcare waste (HCW) management is an intricate issue upon which numerous factors, such as technical, economic, environmental, and social factors, have an impact. A determination on the best treatment method for HCW management can be viewed as a challenging multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem in which various options and evaluation criteria are considered. One critical concern when assessing HCW treatment (HCWT) methods is the representation and treatment of dubious data. In this paper, we present a q-rung orthopair fuzzy full consistency method double normalization-based multi-aggregation methodology called q-ROF-FUCOM-DNMA to solve MCDM problems with q-rung orthopair fuzzy information (q-ROFI). In the proposed approach, criteria weights are estimated through the full consistency method (FUCOM) and a ranking of the alternatives is obtained through the double-normalization-based multi-aggregation (DNMA) method with q-ROFI. A HCWT method assessment issue was considered in order to clarify the relevance of the proposed approach. Five HCWT methods, including chemical disinfection, microwave disinfection, incineration, autoclaving (steam sterilization), and reverse polymerization, were considered as alternatives. The results show that autoclaving (steam sterilization) is the most efficient HCWT method. Furthermore, we performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the stability of the proposed approach. Additionally, we compared the presented approach with existing methods. Full article

Smartphones have become an inevitable part of every facet of modern society. The selection of a particular smartphone brand from multiple options that are available is a complex and dynamic decision-making problem, involving multiple conflicting criteria that are associated with imprecise asymmetric information imposed by the uncertainty of the consumers. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid full consistency method (FUCOM) and a combinative distance based assessment (CODAS) based on the multi-criteria group decision-making (MAGDM) framework in the Fermatean fuzzy (FF) domain for smartphone brand selection. We derive the criteria using the UTAUT2 (unified theory of acceptance and ese of technology) model. A group of 15 decision makers (DMs) participated in our study. We compare 14 leading smartphone brands in India and find that the brands having superior features of a good quality and selling a brand image at a affordable price outperform other smartphones. To check the validity of our framework, we compare the results using extant multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models. We observe our model provides a consistent solution. Furthermore, we carry out a sensitivity analysis for ascertaining the robustness and stability of the results generated by our model. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that our proposed framework delivers a stable and robust solution. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to help decision-makers choose the location of a logistics platform with sustainability perspectives. This study presents a compensatory and partially compensatory approach to build composite indicators, using mainly fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods. In the first instance, the fuzzy full consistency method (F-FUCOM) was used to calculate the weight of the criteria and sub-criteria. In the second instance, two aggregation methods, namely the fuzzy multi-attribute ideal-real comparative analysis (F-MAIRCA) and the fuzzy preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (F-PROMETHEE), were used to rank the location of a logistics platform. The novelty of the work lays in studying the impact of limited sustainability and weak sustainability on the location of a logistics platform. In this respect, the aggregation of various sustainability criterion in fuzzy compensatory and partially compensatory composite indicators is an innovative and interesting approach used to locate a logistics platform. The obtained results show that economic sustainability is the most important criterion for the selection of a logistics platform, followed by the environmental criterion. Obviously, the F-MAIRCA and F-PROMETHEE methods provided the same ranking orders. Finally, sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the proposed approach. Full article

Sustainable traffic system management under conditions of uncertainty and inappropriate road infrastructure is a responsible and complex task. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), there is a large number of level crossings which represent potentially risky places in traffic. The current state of level crossings in BiH is a problem of the greatest interest for the railway and a generator of accidents. Accordingly, it is necessary to identify the places that are currently a priority for the adoption of measures and traffic control in order to achieve sustainability of the whole system. In this paper, the Šamac–Doboj railway section and passive level crossings have been considered. Fifteen different criteria were formed and divided into three main groups: safety criteria, road exploitation characteristics, and railway exploitation characteristics. A novel integrated fuzzy FUCOM (full consistency method)—fuzzy PIPRECIA (pivot pairwise relative criteria importance assessment) model was formed to determine the significance of the criteria. When calculating the weight values of the main criteria, the fuzzy Heronian mean operator was used for their averaging. The evaluation of level crossings was performed using fuzzy MARCOS (measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution). An original integrated fuzzy FUCOM–Fuzzy PIPRECIA–Fuzzy MARCOS model was created as the main contribution of the paper. The results showed that level crossings 42 + 690 (LC4) and LC8 (82 + 291) are the safest considering all 15 criteria. The verification of the results was performed through four phases of sensitivity analysis: resizing of an initial fuzzy matrix, comparative analysis with other fuzzy approaches, simulations of criterion weight values, and calculation of Spearman’s correlation coefficient (SCC). Finally, measures for the sustainable performance of the railway system were proposed. Full article

Tourism is an economic activity with great contribution for the development of many countries. To develop rural areas, tourism is especially important and need to be improved in these areas. The Government of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina has decided to have tourism improvement as one of main objectives in their development strategy focusing on better conditions for development of tourism. Investments in tourism should be applied to the entire area of the Brčko District. Since Brčko District mainly consists of rural areas, it is necessary to invest in rural tourism. The first step of this study was to determine the tourist potential of rural areas. The determination of rural tourist potential in Brčko District was carried out with the assistance of the Brčko District Government. For this purpose, the method of expert decision-making was used, and three experts were selected who evaluated six rural settlements. To obtain results based on expert evaluation, two multi-criteria methods were used: the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) for determining the importance of criteria and the fuzzy Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to the COmpromise Solution (MARCOS) method to rank rural settlements in terms of their tourism potential. The results showed that the settlement of Bijela has the best rural tourist potential, while the settlement of Grbavica has the least potential. The results obtained by applying this model showed how rural tourism in Brčko District can be improved. The research model for testing the tourism potential has shown good results and can be applied in other branches of tourism with some adaptation to certain branches of tourism. Full article

Trends of globalization very often cause the emergence of phenomena that asymmetrically affect the overall sustainability of the transport system. In order to predict certain situations and potentially be able to manage the transport system, it is necessary to manage risk situations and traffic safety in a timely manner. This study has conducted an investigation which implies defining the level of safety of a total of nine sections of two-lane roads. The main aim of the paper is to create a new multiphase model consisting of CRITIC (The CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation), Fuzzy FUCOM (Full Consistency Method), DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis), and Fuzzy MARCOS (Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to the COmpromise Solution) methods for determining the level of traffic safety on road sections under the conditions of uncertainty. In order for the created model to be adequately applied, eight parameters were created, and they were classified through four inputs and four outputs. To calculate the significance of the inputs, the CRITIC method based on the symmetric correlation matrix was used, and taking into account the nature of the outputs, the Fuzzy FUCOM method based on averaged values using the fuzzy Bonferroni Mean (BM) operator was applied to determine their weights. To determine the degree of safety, the DEA model was created. After that, the Fuzzy MARCOS method was used in order to determine the final ranking of the remaining five sections of the road network. Finally, the verification of results was performed through three phases of Sensitivity Analysis (SA). Full article

Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) possess many natural resources that can be exploited for the development of medical tourism. The offer of medical tourism in B&H is focused on spa tourism. B&H has 16 registered spa-centers offering different types of services. This study provides a complete overview of the assessment of the current state of spa-centres using expert decision-making and methods of multi-criteria analysis. An innovative and novel MCDM model based on integration of the FUCOM (full consistency method) and fuzzy MARCOS (Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution) methods was used. The model consists of 16 alternatives and eight sustainable criteria. The results of this research have shown that the spa-centers of Ilidža near Sarajevo, Fojnica and Vrućica have the best assessments of the current situation and prerequisites for sustainable business. These spa-centers should be a benchmark to other spas providing direction on how to improve their business to be more sustainable and competitive in the market. These results were confirmed by a sensitivity analysis with two approaches used. The first approach was to compare the results obtained by the fuzzy MARCOS method with other fuzzy methods, and the second approach was to examine the influence of the application of different weights on the final ranking of the spa. The results of this study can serve spa-canter managers to understand the position of their spa-centers in order to exploit advantages they have and eliminate the shortcomings to improve their business. Full article