MCDM approaches for evaluating urban and public transportation systems: a short review of recent studies

Studies related to transportation planning and development have been in the center of activities of many researchers in the past decades. Road congestions issues, economic problems, health problems and environmental problems are some examples of complex problems that can be caused by urban and public transportation in big cities. Evaluating urban and public transportation systems could help to reach effective solutions to overcome these issues. This article presents a short bibliographic review of some recent studies on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches for evaluating urban and public transportation systems. To this aim, Scopus was chosen as the database for making a search on journal articles. Scopus is trusted by major institutions in the world, and all journals covered in this database are inspected for sufficiently high quality each year. The search was made on the journal articles from 2017 to 2022 (July). The analyses presented in this study show that the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is the most used method, which has been applied to different studies in the field of urban and public transportation systems based on MCDM approaches. According to the analysis of the number of articles, Turkey is ranked 1st among different countries, and “Budapest University of Technology and Economics” (Hungary) is 1st in the ranking of institutions. Moreover, most of the articles have been published within the “social sciences” subject area. The recent trend in different studies on urban and public transportation systems shows the importance of using MCDM approaches in this field. Moreover, noticeable employment of fuzzy sets in several studies is a point that can shows the significant role of uncertainty in dealing with this type of problems

Basic Study on Flood Management Assessment in Metro Manila, Philippines

Flooding is the most frequent and damaging natural hazard worldwide. The resulting impact of flood disasters on society depends on the economic strength of the affected country prior to the disaster. The larger the disaster and the smaller the economy, the more significant is the impact. This is very clearly seen in developing countries, like the Philippines, where weak economies become much weaker after a devastating flood event. In 2009, tropical storm Ondoy, brought heavy rainfalls that produced destructive floods in the northern islands of the Philippines, leaving inconceivable damages, especially in Metro Manila, which caused the Philippine government to re-evaluate its decades\u27 worth of flood management strategies. Deliberate strategies for flood damage reduction, as well as environmental protection, may aid a country (or a community) to efficiently manage scarce resources for flood mitigation. Nevertheless, many governments lack an adequate institutionalized system for applying cost effective and reliable technologies for disaster prevention, early warnings, and mitigation, mainly due to lack of systematic and reliable flood management assessment strategies. In Metro Manila, important decision elements, such as stakeholders\u27 perception and environmental protection are often overlooked in the development of sustainable flood mitigation plans. Stakeholders can significantly contribute in achieving the desired level of prevention and protection in flood disaster-prone regions. Knowledge of the local conditions and understanding of the public\u27s perception can significantly help address the prioritization issues involved in flood management planning. However, the integration of the stakeholders\u27 perception in the appraisal of flood management systems has not yet been clearly established. In the case of environmental protection, environmental impact assessment (EIA) can provide a certain level of awareness on the benefits of environmentally sound and sustainable urban development. However, the common practice of EIA in the Philippines is generally qualitative and lacks clear methodology in evaluating multi-criteria systems. A study that deals with flood management assessment in Metro Manila is thus necessary to find solutions that may help cope with these inadequacies. This study focuses on the following main objectives: 1) to develop a heuristic analytical strategy that helps identify priority concerns in the flood management systems of Metro Manila using a perception-based appraisal, and 2) to develop a systematic and rational evaluation scheme that would help incorporate environmental assessment in the appraisal of flood mitigation measures. To achieve the first objective, an analytical assessment approach was developed to identify and analyze the flood management gaps using the questionnaire-based stakeholders\u27 perception obtained during the aftermath of the tropical storm Ondoy. For the second objective, a quantitative analytical approach was developed for EIA to further enhance the evaluation process in the planning of flood mitigation projects. This dissertation is composed of six chapters: Chapter 1 is the introduction, which contains the background, motivation, and objectives of this study. A comprehensive review of literature and a description of the scopes and methods were presented in this chapter. Chapter 2 focuses on the performance of the flood management systems in Metro Manila. A brief description of the flood management systems used in Metro Manila, before and during the aftermath of tropical storm Ondoy, was provided. The nature and characteristics of the tropical storm, as well as its effects on the flood management systems, were presented in this chapter. A multi-criteria gap analysis technique was developed to examine the flood disaster risk reduction (FDRR) management systems, which is demonstrated using a questionnaire-based database to obtain an explicit representation of the systems\u27 strengths and weaknesses. In this study, 14 out of 17 municipalities in Metro Manila were investigated. Results revealed that small to medium scale flood management gaps exist within the 14 assessed municipalities. Chapter 3 further explores the potential of a multi-criteria gaps assessment technique in the evaluation of FDRR management systems in Metro Manila. Perception-based assessment is inherently vague and imprecise, which often operates in a fuzzy environment. To cope with this, a fuzzy-based analytical approach was proposed to handle the uncertainties in the evaluation process of flood management gaps. The new approach is demonstrated using the same database in Chapter 2. The results reveal that the municipal-based FDRR management systems in Metro Manila are insufficient in terms of flood disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Larger gaps were found in the emergency response mechanism of the disaster preparedness management system. Chapter 4 deals with the EIA of nine planned structural flood mitigation measures (SFMMs) in Metro Manila. A modified rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) technique was proposed to systematically and quantitatively evaluate the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of the planned SFMMs. The distribution of impacts of each SFMM was estimated for each environmental component of the 4 environmental categories. Based on the results, most of the negative and positive impacts of SFMMs occur during their construction and operation phases, respectively. The modified RIAM approach provided a clear panoramic view of the environmental impacts of each assessed SFMM. Chapter 5 presents a new EIA approach that provides enhancement to the modified RIAM technique in Chapter 4. A utility-based assessment approach using the RIAM technique, coupled with a recursive evidential reasoning approach, was proposed to rationally and systematically evaluate the ecological and socio-economic impacts of 4 planned SFMMs in Metro Manila. This new approach quantitatively characterized the overall impact of each of the planned SFMMs which can provide the means for benefit maximization and optimization. Results show that the overall environmental contributions of each of the planned SFMMs is generally positive, which indicate that the utility of their positive impacts would generally outweigh their negative ones. The results also indicated that the planned river channel improvements have higher environmental benefits than the planned open channels. Chapter 6 presents the overall conclusions and recommendations for the assessment of flood management systems in Metro Manila, including the future research works.首都大学東京, 2014-09-30, 博士(工学), 甲第421号首都大学東

Application of Multicriteria Decision-Making Methods in Railway Engineering: A Case Study of Train Control Information Systems (TCIS)

In order to improve its position in the transport market railway, as a complex system, it has to fulfill a number of objectives such as increased capacity and asset utilization, improved reliability and safety, higher customer service levels, better energy efficiency and fewer emissions, along with increased economic viability and profits. Some of these objectives call for the implementation of maximum values, while some of them require minimum values. Additionally, some can be expressed quantitatively, while some, for example, customer service, can be described qualitatively through a descriptive scale of points. The application of MCDM in railway engineering can play a significant role. Therefore, the major objective of this chapter is the review of the application of MCDM methods in railway engineering. As one of the means in achieving the objectives of railways and above all the utilization of capacity are Train Control Information Systems (TCIS). Based on that, the aim of this chapter is the evaluation of the efficiency of TCIS in the improvement of railway capacity utilization through defined technical-technological indicators. The non-radial Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model for the evaluation of TCIS efficiency in improvement of utilization of railway capacity using the selected indicators is proposed. The proposed non-radial DEA model for TCIS efficiency evaluation in using railway capacity could be applied to an overall network or for separate parts of railway lines

Enhancing Evacuation Planning in Public Buildings: Optimising Egress Location and Protection

Effective evacuation strategies are crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals during emergencies and disasters. Despite significant progress in evacuation planning, the intricate dynamics of disaster scenarios and uncertainties inherent in such situations need to be better incorporated in planning egress locations to enhance safety in buildings. This work focuses on strategically locating egress points within public buildings, acknowledging their pivotal role in facilitating secure evacuations. Optimising egress points improves evacuation efficiency and minimises associated risks, significantly improving evacuation. This research introduces an innovative approach that integrates optimisation models, addresses decision-making complexities, explores practical applications, and considers potential attack scenarios. The study explores evacuation dynamics across diverse scenarios, elevating preparedness, and safety protocols to protect public assets and lives. Developing mixedinteger programming models establishes a foundation for optimising egress locations. MCDM is then employed, leveraging the F-AHP to address uncertainties in egress selection. Practicality is realised through integrating Revit and AnyLogic software, facilitating assessment through BIM and ABM. A stochastic BP model is formulated, addressing both Defender and Attacker perspectives for enhanced egress strategies. This model strategically allocates resources to fortify egresses, ensuring occupant safety during evacuations. Contributions further optimisation approaches, fortification strategies, and progressive enhancements in evacuation planning. These collectively address key challenges and gaps in existing literature, enhancing evacuation efficiency and public safety during emergencies. The research bridges gaps in existing approaches, providing a framework for future investigations into optimising evacuation strategies, enhanced disaster preparation, and further advancements in the field

The pre-positioning of humanitarian aid: the warehouse location problem

The overarching objective of this thesis is to explore the warehouse location decision problem by considering regional and specific site attributes in the unique context of humanitarian relief organisation. This is to fill the gaps the revealed in the current understanding of location decision problem, particularly the lack of studies attempting to investigate humanitarian pre-positioned location decision problem with qualitative attributes opposed to the many previous studies focused on computerised optimisation model absence of the human judgements. Specifically, this research develops into case studies of the international humanitarian organisations selecting the warehouse attributes and locating the alternative warehouse locations. International humanitarian relief organisation aiding the refugees participated in the case study of the regional location selection problem for pre-positioned warehouse with five major attributes and 25 sub-attributes. Six international humanitarian relief organisations based in Dubai, UAE participated for specific warehouse location selection problem with five major attributes and 30 sub-attributes. The overall research design adopted in this thesis is as follows. First, the coherent humanitarian warehouse location decision attributes were developed in the basis of a literature and semi-structured interviews with practitioners whose organisation practice pre-positioned warehouse operation system. Secondly, two case studies were conducted for constructing the hierarchy structure for warehouse evaluation for regional and specific site location. In the first case study, 11 managerial level officers participated to construct the regional warehouse location decision attributes and evaluated the warehouse location for the organisation. In the second case study, panel members were form by 11 decision-makers from six different organisations constructed the hierarchical structure of the specific site warehouse location attributes for the evaluation. Thirdly, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is executed to acquire criteria weights and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is employed to obtain the final ranking of the warehouse locations. Fuzzy set theory is adopted in the evaluation to deal with the fuzziness of decision-makers‟ preferences in decision making. In conclusion, this thesis extends the body of knowledge in pre-positioned warehouse location problem in the humanitarian relief logistics context by suggesting a MADM location method, AHP and TOPSIS, integrated with fuzzy set theory to understand the priority preference of regional (macro) and specific site (micro) warehouse location attributes and the selection of the optimal warehouse

Knowledge Capturing in Design Briefing Process for Requirement Elicitation and Validation

Knowledge capturing and reusing are major processes of knowledge management that deal with the elicitation of valuable knowledge via some techniques and methods for use in actual and further studies, projects, services, or products. The construction industry, as well, adopts and uses some of these concepts to improve various construction processes and stages. From pre-design to building delivery knowledge management principles and briefing frameworks have been implemented across project stakeholders: client, design teams, construction teams, consultants, and facility management teams. At pre-design and design stages, understanding the client’s needs and users’ knowledge are crucial for identifying and articulating the expected requirements and objectives. Due to underperforming results and missed goals and objectives, many projects finish with highly dissatisfied clients and loss of contracts for some organizations. Knowledge capturing has beneficial effects via its principles and methods on requirement elicitation and validation at the briefing stage between user, client and designer. This paper presents the importance and usage of knowledge capturing and reusing in briefing process at pre-design and design stages especially the involvement of client and user, and explores the techniques and technologies that are usable in briefing process for requirement elicitation

An Investigation on Benefit-Cost Analysis of Greenhouse Structures in Antalya

Significant population increase across the world, loss of cultivable land and increasing demand for food put pressure on agriculture. To meet the demand, greenhouses are built, which are, light structures with transparent cladding material in order to provide controlled microclimatic environment proper for plant production. Conceptually, greenhouses are similar with manufacturing buildings where a controlled environment for manufacturing and production have been provided and proper spaces for standardized production processes have been enabled. Parallel with the trends in the world, particularly in southern regions, greenhouse structures have been increasingly constructed and operated in Turkey. A significant number of greenhouses are located at Antalya. The satellite images demonstrated that for over last three decades, there has been a continuous invasion of greenhouses on all cultivable land. There are various researches and attempts for the improvement of greenhouse design and for increasing food production by decreasing required energy consumption. However, the majority of greenhouses in Turkey are very rudimentary structures where capital required for investment is low, but maintenance requirements are high when compared with new generation greenhouse structures. In this research paper, life-long capital requirements for construction and operation of greenhouse buildings in Antalya has been investigated by using benefit-cost analysis study

Improving Flood Management Planning Decisions through Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis: A Case Study of Health and Safety Facility Management in Kelantan, Malaysia

This thesis investigates interactions in optimising Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) applications in flood decisions through interconnected studies, enhancing understanding of complex relationships and their implications. Based on Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of MCDA application trend in water-related disaster management, Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) is the common technique employed. According to Disaster Management Phase, mitigation is the primary focus, highlighting gaps in other phases. Future exploration of its potential in other phases and feasibility of alternative techniques is suggested for beneficial practical application. Chapter 3 focuses on criteria selection for FMP through experts’ interview and SLR. The Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal (PESTEL) analysis framework clusters the criteria, identifying 40 final criteria as potential and trade-off factors. Integrated domains are less represented, suggesting a framework coupling MCDA and PESTEL for criteria selection in the future. Building on 40 criteria identified, Chapter 4 analyses the criteria using AHP and Quadrant Matrix Analysis with experts. Results revealed the importance of complementing criteria importance and certainty for better decisions. The Weather Reflection model introduced enhances the proposed framework for criteria analysis, significantly benefiting decision-makers. Chapter 5 explores integrating spatial and MCDA techniques as a Decision Support System (DSS). A conceptual framework with five phases facilitates DSS development is proposed, which is adaptable to various domains. A DSS prototype developed in Chapter 6 based on previous chapter, which employed four MCDA techniques. Its functionality is assessed through case studies, determining feasible locations for future hospital buildings. The prototype’s acceptability is validated based on Content Validity Index (CVI) thresholds, thus aiding flood decision planning. Collectively, these studies advance practical MCDA applications, offering actionable insights for decision-makers navigating MCDA challenges. By proposing frameworks for criteria selection, analysis, and DSS, and presenting a validated prototype, this thesis contributes to interdisciplinary knowledge, optimising MCDA in flood planning

Intelligent Mobility in Smart Cities

Smart Cities seek to optimize their systems by increasing integration through approaches such as increased interoperability, seamless system integration, and automation. Thus, they have the potential to deliver substantial efficiency gains and eliminate redundancy. To add to the complexity of the problem, the integration of systems for efficiency gains may compromise the resilience of an urban system. This all needs to be taken into consideration when thinking about Smart Cities. The transportation field must also apply the principles and concepts mentioned above. This cannot be understood without considering its links and effects on the other components of an urban system. New technologies allow for new means of travel to be built, and new business models allow for existing ones to be utilized. This Special Issue puts together papers with different focuses, but all of them tackle the topic of smart mobility