Selecting target market by similar measures in interval intuitionistic fuzzy set

The selection of the target market plays vital role in promoting the marketing strategies of companies. We presented is a method for target market selection. We introduce some novel similarity measures between intuitionistic fuzzy sets and the novel similarity measures between interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets. They are constructed by combining exponential and other functions. Finally, we introduce a multi-criteria decision making model to select target market by using the novel similarity measure of interval intuitionistic fuzzy sets

Approaching Sustainability in Engineering Design with Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis

This research aimed to the establishment of a general methodological framework, via which the "fuzzy" and "debatable" goal of sustainability can be practically achieved in engineering design. In-depth literature review on the sustainability concept was first conducted in an attempt to grasp its philosophical essence from various interpretations and distinct implementations. The application of the proposed framework was addressed by developing or identifying specific building block techniques, each of which accomplish a different task, such as criteria-attribute mapping, preference modeling, and search. The proposed building block techniques were selected based on systematic comparisons among a wide range of alternative methods and tested by case studies or test problems. Sustainability is a multiplex property of an integrated system. The key to make a reality of sustainability in engineering design is to properly handle its complex nature and deeply rooted conflicts. In this work, Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was proven ideal for filling the vacuum of a general operational framework. To implement this framework, a four-step procedure needs to be first performed to formulate a sustainability-oriented design into a "standard" Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem. The proposed attribute hierarchy "Stressor-Status-Effect-Integrality-Well-being" and the 4-class metric classification scheme could help engineers to accomplish such a task in the environmental dimension. The achievement of the final "sustainable" design relies on making appropriate decisions. A MAVT-based technique developed in this study provides a rational and informed way of solving the decision problems with a discrete set of explicitly known alternatives. For Multi-Objective Programming (MOP) problems featuring an infinite and implicitly characterized alternative space, the proposed Ordinal Ranking-based Genetic Algorithm (ORGA) offers a desired searching tool by generating uniformly sampled solutions that are feasible and globally Pareto optimal.School of Chemical Engineerin

The utilization of key performance indicator appraisal for logistics outsourcing : a case of Defy appliances.

Master of Commerce in Management. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2017.Background: Companies and customers around the world are embracing the trend of outsourcing their logistics requirements to outside logistics service providers. That being said, KPI appraisal can be regarded as an effective and reliable technique as to how a manufacturing company can measure the performance of its 3PL providers. Purpose: This research determined what factors motivate companies in their decisions to outsource their logistics needs to external logistics service providers as well as understand the logistics outsourcing process used to select 3PL providers. Moreover, the purpose of this research understood how performance measurement adds value to Defy’s operations and how KPI appraisal improves Defy’s relationships with its 3PL providers. This research also discovered a distinct list of KPIs that can be used by Defy in its efforts to measure the performance of its transporters. Lastly, the aim of this research is to examine the risks of logistics outsourcing and the remedial strategies that can be utilized to combat these risks. Methodology: This research is descriptive in nature and a case study approach was adopted. The empirical study included in-depth interviews with the executive and senior management of Defy whereby the use of open-ended questions were adopted to provide insight into the various facets of logistics outsourcing at Defy Appliances. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select the participating company and its participants. Findings: The findings of this research indicated that there are eleven motivating factors that drive logistics outsourcing. Defy can also utilize a logistics outsourcing process that comprises seven steps. Additionally, this research determined that there are ten KPIs that Defy’s senior management can use to gauge the performance of its 3PL providers. Lastly, there are thirteen dangers that Defy can encounter in its efforts to outsource its logistics requirements, however, Defy has eleven remedial strategies to combat the dangers. Contribution: The field of logistics outsourcing and KPI appraisal is dynamic. There is a dearth of research dealing with KPI appraisal as a tool for successful logistics outsourcing in the leading companies of South Africa’s appliances industry. Therefore, it is envisaged that this research will play a momentous role in the field by offering fresh insights as well as contributing to the body of knowledge concerning logistics outsourcing and KPI appraisal

The Knowledge of Good: Critique of Axiological Reason

This book presents Robert S. Hartman’s formal theory of value and critically examines many other twentieth century value theorists in its light, including A.J. Ayer, Kurt Baier, Brand Blanshard, Paul Edwards, Albert Einstein, William K. Frankena, R.M. Hare, Nicolai Hartmann, Martin Heidegger, G.E. Moore, P.H. Nowell-Smith, Jose Ortega y Gasset, Charles Stevenson, Paul W. Taylor, Stephen E. Toulmin, and J.O. Urmso