Projective Market Model Approach to AHP Decision-Making

In this paper we describe market in projective geometry language and give definition of a matrix of market rate, which is related to the matrix rate of return and the matrix of judgements in the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). We use these observations to extend the AHP model to projective geometry formalism and generalise it to intransitive case. We give financial interpretations of such generalised model and propose its simplification. The unification of the AHP model and projective aspect of portfolio theory suggests a wide spectrum of new applications such extended model.Comment: APFA 6 - Applications of Physics in Financial Analysis 6th International Conference, 4-7 July 2007, Lisbon, Portuga

Methods of tropical optimization in rating alternatives based on pairwise comparisons

We apply methods of tropical optimization to handle problems of rating alternatives on the basis of the log-Chebyshev approximation of pairwise comparison matrices. We derive a direct solution in a closed form, and investigate the obtained solution when it is not unique. Provided the approximation problem yields a set of score vectors, rather than a unique (up to a constant factor) one, we find those vectors in the set, which least and most differentiate between the alternatives with the highest and lowest scores, and thus can be representative of the entire solution.Comment: 9 pages, presented at the Annual Intern. Conf. of the German Operations Research Society (GOR), Helmut Schmidt University Hamburg, Germany, August 30 - September 2, 201

Strategy management through quantitative modelling of performance measurement systems

This paper is based on previous works on performance measurement and on quantification of relationships between factors which affect performance. It demonstrates how tools and techniques developed can be used to evaluate the performance of alternative strategic choices through a quantitative approach to modelling of performance measurement systems. The paper provides a brief background to the research problem and preceding works. The tools and techniques used are briefly introduced. Use of these tools and techniques to evaluate the performance of alternative manufacturing strategies is demonstrated. Finally, the capability of the approach to deal with dynamic environments is demonstrated using sensitivity analysis

A framework for the selection of the right nuclear power plant

Civil nuclear reactors are used for the production of electrical energy. In the nuclear industry vendors propose several nuclear reactor designs with a size from 35–45 MWe up to 1600–1700 MWe. The choice of the right design is a multidimensional problem since a utility has to include not only financial factors as levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and internal rate of return (IRR), but also the so called “external factors” like the required spinning reserve, the impact on local industry and the social acceptability. Therefore it is necessary to balance advantages and disadvantages of each design during the entire life cycle of the plant, usually 40–60 years. In the scientific literature there are several techniques for solving this multidimensional problem. Unfortunately it does not seem possible to apply these methodologies as they are, since the problem is too complex and it is difficult to provide consistent and trustworthy expert judgments. This paper fills the gap, proposing a two-step framework to choosing the best nuclear reactor at the pre-feasibility study phase. The paper shows in detail how to use the methodology, comparing the choice of a small-medium reactor (SMR) with a large reactor (LR), characterised, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (2006), by an electrical output respectively lower and higher than 700 MWe

Balancing consistency and expert judgment in AHP

The various mechanisms that represent the know-how of decision-makers are exposed to a common weakness, namely, a lack of consistency. To overcome this weakness within AHP (analytic hierarchy process), we propose a framework that enables balancing consistency and expert judgment. We specifically focus on a linearization process for streamlining the trade-off between expert reliability and synthetic consistency. An algorithm is developed that can be readily integrated in a suitable DSS (decision support system). This algorithm follows an iterative feedback process that achieves an acceptable level of consistency while complying to some degree with expert preferences. Finally, an application of the framework to a water management decision-making problem is presented. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Thanks to the support of the project IDAWAS, DPI2009-11591, of the Spanish Direccion General de Investigacion of the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion, and ACOMP/2010/146 of the Conselleria de Educacion of the Generalitat Valenciana. The use of English in this paper was revised by John Rawlins.Benítez López, J.; Delgado Galván, XV.; Gutiérrez-Pérez, JA.; Izquierdo Sebastián, J. (2011). Balancing consistency and expert judgment in AHP. Mathematical and Computer Modelling. 54(7-8):1785-1790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcm.2010.12.023S17851790547-

Inconsistency of the judgment matrix in the AHP method and the decision maker's knowledge

In this paper we propose a method for a quantitative estimation of the decision maker's knowledge in the context of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in cases, where the judgment matrix is inconsistent. We show that the matrix of deviation from the transitivity condition corresponds to the rate matrix for transaction costs in the financial market. For the quantitative estimation of the decision maker's professionalism, we apply the Ising model and thermodynamics tools.Comment: 17 page

Breastfeeding practices among Arab women living in the United States

Background: Arab women‟s breastfeeding practices, including exclusive breastfeeding, are shaped by cultural and religious values and beliefs. Many studies have investigated breastfeeding practices among Arab mothers in their Arabic countries, but no published studies were identified that looked at these practices in Arab women living in the United States. The purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore breastfeeding practices including exclusive breastfeeding among Arab women living in the United States. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 90 Arab mothers was used. Participants were recruited from the Muslim Community Association of Ann Arbor, MI; Islamic Institute of Knowledge, Dearborn, MI; Michigan Islamic Academy; and Entesar‟s Beauty Salon, Ann Arbor, MI. Results: The results of this study showed low levels of exclusive breastfeeding, as well as early introduction of supplementations. Conclusions: A health education program related to exclusive breastfeeding is needed targeting Arab mothers in the U.S