A hierarchical model to enhance financial and strategic performance of an oil and gas company in Malaysia

Purpose – The purpose of this study intends to develop a hierarchical model through prioritisation of the core competencies with respect to competitive advantage, financial and strategic performance for an oil and gas company in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – Mixed method approach used in the present research. Initially, interviews were conducted to solicit information about the company’s core competencies, competitive advantage, and financial and strategic performance. The interview findings used for questionnaire development to rank core competencies with respect to competitive advantage, financial and strategic performance. The survey results were analysed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a mathematical model and is synthesised using Super Decisions Software. Findings – The study developed a hierarchical model and can be set as a benchmark for prioritising core competencies, with respect to competitive advantage, financial and strategic performance for oil and gas companies. Practical implications – The prioritisation results will help the company considered in the present research and also the similar companies to optimise their resources and energy to focus on the desired and the most influential core competencies. Social implications – As the oil industry develops competitive advantage, its success will cascade down to stimulate the nation’s growth, support industry and services expansion and eventually develop the nation. Originality/value – This study is a first of its kind in using AHP to rank core competencies with respect to competitive advantage, financial and strategic performance for an oil and gas company. The results can be used by oil and gas companies to enhance their overall performance

An Integrated Approach for Supplier Evaluation and Selection using the Delphi Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): A New Framework

Supplier selection is one of the most critical processes in supply chain management (SCM). Most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face difficulties choosing the best supplier using conventional methods. A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is proposed in supplier selection. This proposed framework integrates the Delphi technique as a data-gathering tool and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as the MCDM methodology for data analysis; both were used to select an effective supplier. This project applies the Delphi technique, allows experts to select the main criteria, and compares the trade-offs between the available alternatives depending on the main criteria. The criteria selected were price, delivery time, online ranking, rejection rate, and flexibility. Using the AHP approach, the criteria's weights were then assigned. The highest was for the price (43.84%), followed by the rejection rate (21.81%), online ranking (19.27%), delivery time (9.44%), and flexibility (5.64%). Lastly, a new framework was suggested using the weighted criteria collection for supplier selection

Multi-level, Multi-stage and Stochastic Optimization Models for Energy Conservation in Buildings for Federal, State and Local Agencies

Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) project selection is made difficult given real-world constraints, limited resources to implement savings retrofits, various suppliers in the market and project financing alternatives. Many of these energy efficient retrofit projects should be viewed as a series of investments with annual returns for these traditionally risk-averse agencies. Given a list of ECMs available, federal, state and local agencies must determine how to implement projects at lowest costs. The most common methods of implementation planning are suboptimal relative to cost. Federal, state and local agencies can obtain greater returns on their energy conservation investment over traditional methods, regardless of the implementing organization. This dissertation outlines several approaches to improve the traditional energy conservations models. Any public buildings in regions with similar energy conservation goals in the United States or internationally can also benefit greatly from this research. Additionally, many private owners of buildings are under mandates to conserve energy e.g., Local Law 85 of the New York City Energy Conservation Code requires any building, public or private, to meet the most current energy code for any alteration or renovation. Thus, both public and private stakeholders can benefit from this research. The research in this dissertation advances and presents models that decision-makers can use to optimize the selection of ECM projects with respect to the total cost of implementation. A practical application of a two-level mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) improves the current best practice for agencies concerned with making the most cost-effective selection leveraging energy services companies or utilities. The two-level model maximizes savings to the agency and profit to the energy services companies (Chapter 2). An additional model presented leverages a single congressional appropriation to implement ECM projects (Chapter 3). Returns from implemented ECM projects are used to fund additional ECM projects. In these cases, fluctuations in energy costs and uncertainty in the estimated savings severely influence ECM project selection and the amount of the appropriation requested. A risk aversion method proposed imposes a minimum on the number of “of projects completed in each stage. A comparative method using Conditional Value at Risk is analyzed. Time consistency was addressed in this chapter. This work demonstrates how a risk-based, stochastic, multi-stage model with binary decision variables at each stage provides a much more accurate estimate for planning than the agency’s traditional approach and deterministic models. Finally, in Chapter 4, a rolling-horizon model allows for subadditivity and superadditivity of the energy savings to simulate interactive effects between ECM projects. The approach makes use of inequalities (McCormick, 1976) to re-express constraints that involve the product of binary variables with an exact linearization (related to the convex hull of those constraints). This model additionally shows the benefits of learning between stages while remaining consistent with the single congressional appropriations framework

Estimating the effectiveness of a mobile phone network's deferred revenue calculated through the use of a business automation and support system

Thesis (MComm (Logistics))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mobile phone networks form an integral part of economic and social development globally. Mobile phones have become an everyday part of life and it is hard to imagine a competitive economy without the availability of mobile communications. Emerging markets benefit most from the implementation of mobile technology and growth trends are outperforming earlier predictions. The most popular and sustainable payment model used by mobile phone networks in emerging markets is the pre paid mechanism used for the distribution of airtime. This mechanism brings about unique challenges for networks in emerging markets. In this thesis the importance of the mobile phone network pre paid value channel is introduced through an analysis of pre paid revenue. A brief introduction is given to the systems and products that contribute to the functioning of the pre paid value channel. The revenue generation process is described with regards to the pre paid sector of the market and an in-depth explanation of the importance of deferred revenue is given, how it is recorded and what role it fulfils in the generation of revenue. The complexity of the network environment, both technical and operational makes the use of a business automation and support system (BSS) a necessary tool for effective execution of tasks and processes within the network environment. These systems record information from a wide spectrum of available technical network resources and use this information to automate the flow of network products. The use of such a system for the calculation of deferred revenue is suggested. Saaty‟s Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) algorithm and the Elimination and Choice Expressing Reality (ELECTRE) method are used to compare the newly proposed method for the calculation of deferred revenue using a BSS. Using Saaty's algorithm to estimate the effectiveness of deferred revenue as reported through the use of a BSS yields favourable results for the proposed method. This helps to bridge the gap in the poorly researched mobile telecommunications industry. ELECTRE is used to substantiate the findings of the model using AHP and meaningful tests are done to motivate correctness and accuracy of the results obtained throughout. Most importantly, the findings were shared with academic and industry experts, adding meaningful resemblance to the goals set out to achieve.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Mobiele foon netwerke is wêreldwyd 'n onlosmaakbare deel van ekonomiese en sosiale ontwikkeling. Mobiele fone is deel van ons alledaagse lewe en dit is moeilik om 'n kompeterende ekonomie te bedink sonder die beskikbaarheid van mobiele kommunikasie. Ontluikende markte trek die meeste voordeel uit die implementering van mobiele tegnologie en groeitendense vertoon beter as wat vroeër voorspel is. Die mees gewilde en volhoubare betaalmetode wat deur mobiele foon netwerke in ontluikende markte gebruik word, is die voorafbetalingsmeganisme wat vir die verspreiding van lugtyd gebruik word. Hierdie meganisme bring unieke uitdagings vorendag in ontluikende markte. Die tesis beskryf die belangrikheid van die mobiele foon netwerk voorafbetalingswaardekanaal deur 'n analise te maak van vooruitbetalingsinkomste. 'n Kort oorsig oor die sisteme en produkte wat bydra tot die funksionering van die vooruitbetalingswaardekanaal word verskaf. 'n Beskrywing van die inkomste-genereringsproses vir die vooruitbetaling-sektor van die mark word verskaf en 'n in-diepte verduideliking van die belangrikheid van uitgestelde inkomste, hoe dit vasgelê word en watter rol dit speel in die generering van inkomste word verduidelik. Die kompleksiteit van die netwerkomgewing, beide op 'n tegniese en operasionele vlak, maak die gebruik van 'n besigheidsoutomatisering en ondersteuningsisteem (BSS) 'n noodsaaklike instrument vir die effektiewe uitvoer van take en prosesse binne die netwerkomgewing. Hierdie sisteme stoor informasie vanuit 'n wye spektrum van beskikbare tegniese netwerkbronne en gebruik die inligting om die vloei van netwerkprodukte te outomatiseer. Die gebruik van sodanige sisteem word voorgestel vir die berekening van uitgestelde inkomste. Saaty se Analitiese Hierargie Proses-algoritme (AHP) en die Eliminasie en Realiteit-Deur-Keuse Uitdrukkingsmetode (ELECTRE) word gebruik vir die vergelyking van die voorgestelde metode vir die berekening van uitgestelde inkomste deur middel van 'n BSS. Die gebruik van Saaty se algoritme om die effektiwiteit te bereken van uitgestelde inkomste soos gemeld deur die gebruik van 'n BSS, lewer gunstige resultate vir die voorgestelde metode. Dit vul 'n leemte in die swak nagevorsde mobiele telekommunikasie industrie. ELECTRE word gebruik om die bevindinge van die AHP-model te substansieer en betekenisvolle toetse word deurentyd gedoen om die korrektheid en akkuraatheid van die resultate te motiveer. Die belangrikste aspek van die navorsing is dat die bevindinge gedeel is met kenners binne die akademie sowel as die industrie, wat nou aansluit by die doelstellings wat aanvanklik beoog is

Fuzzy multicriteria analysis and its applications for decision making under uncertainty

Multicriteria decision making refers to selecting or ranking alternatives from available alternatives with respect to multiple, usually conflicting criteria involving either a single decision maker or multiple decision makers. It often takes place in an environment where the information available is uncertain, subjective and imprecise. To adequately solve this decision problem, the application of fuzzy sets theory for adequately modelling the uncertainty and imprecision in multicriteria decision making has proven to be effective. Much research has been done on the development of various fuzzy multicriteria analysis approaches for effectively solving the multicriteria decision making problem, and numerous applications have been reported in the literature. In general, existing approaches can be categorized into (a) multicriteria decision making with a single decision maker and (b) multicriteria group decision making. Existing approaches, however, are not totally satisfactory due to various shortcomings that they suffer from including (a) the inability to adequately model the uncertainty and imprecision of human decision making, (b) the failure to effectively handle the requirements of decision maker(s), (c) the tedious mathematical computation required, and (d) cognitively very demanding on the decision maker(s). This research has developed four novel approaches for effectively solving the multicriteria decision making problem under uncertainty. To effectively reduce the cognitive demand on the decision maker, a pairwise comparison based approach is developed in Chapter 4 for solving the multicriteria problem under uncertainty. To adequately meet the interest of various stakeholders in the multicriteria decision making process, a decision support system (DSS) based approach is introduced in Chapter 5. In Chapter 6, a consensus oriented approach is presented in multicriteria group decision making on which a DSS is proposed for facilitating consensus building in solving the multicriteria group decision making problem. In Chapter 7, a risk-oriented approach is developed for adequately modelling the inherent risk in multicriteria group decision making with the use of the concept of ideal solutions so that the complex and unreliable process of comparing fuzzy utilities usually required in fuzzy multicriteria analysis is avoided. Empirical studies of four real fuzzy multicriteria decision making problems are presented for illustrating the applicability of the approaches developed in solving the multicriteria decision making problem. A hospital location selection problem is discussed in Chapter 8. An international distribution centre location problem is illustrated in Chapter 9. A supplier selection problem is presented in Chapter 10. A hotel location problem is discussed in Chapter 11. These studies have shown the distinct advantages of the approaches developed respectively in this research from different perspectives in solving the multicriteria decision making problem

Análisis de valor en la toma de decisiones aplicado a carreteras

Con frecuencia los modelos de evaluación aplicados a carreteras consideran aspectos relativos a la funcionalidad, seguridad, comodidad del usuario, medioambiente, etc. Sin embargo, dichos aspectos pocas veces son evaluados de forma integrada o asociada.Para evitar esta carencia, se hace necesario relacionar otras variables de igual importancia a través de un índice de valor. El cual, es definido como una medida de solución respecto al beneficio obtenido de la alternativa estudiada.El objetivo de esta tesis se centra en la aplicación de una metodología de toma de decisión en el ámbito de carreteras, evaluando su sostenibilidad a través de un "índice de valor".Para conseguir este objetivo, se parte de un modelo estructurado en tres ejes: requerimientos, componentes y el ciclo de vida. El eje de requerimientos comprende los objetivos, metas y necesidades que debe cumplir la carretera. En el eje de componentes se han de definir los diferentes elementos que la conforman (capa rodadura, estructura, etc.). Y en el eje de ciclo de vida se atiende la vertiente temporal del proyecto, y a partir de la intersección de estos ejes se realiza la valoración.Para llevar a cabo esta valoración, la metodología establece varias etapas: la construcción del árbol de requerimientos (análisis previo), calificación de la respuesta de la alternativa con respecto a un indicador, construcción de la función de valor, ponderación (pesos) en cada nivel jerárquico, cálculo del valor de la alternativa y el análisis de sensibilidad. Aportando rigurosidad al método con la aplicación de distintas herramientas matemáticas como el Analytical Hierarchy Process (A.H.P.).Para potencializar la propuesta primeramente se examina un caso práctico para la construcción de una carretera. Además, con el objeto de verificar la versatilidad de la herramienta metodológica en otros ámbitos, se ha desarrollado un caso práctico en el entorno universitario.Frequently the evaluation models applied to highways consider aspects regarding the functionality, security, comfort of the user, environment, etc. Nevertheless these aspects not very often are evaluated in an integrated or associated way. In order to avoid this deficiency, it is made necessary to relate other variables of equal importance through a value rate. This is defined as a measurement of solution with respect to the obtained benefit of the studied alternative. The objective of this thesis concentrates in the application of a methodology of decision making in the scope of highways, evaluating its sustainability through a "value rate". In order to secure this objective, part of a model structured in three axes: requirements, components and the service life. The axis of requirements includes the objectives, goals and needs that must fulfill the highway. In the axis of components are defined the different elements conform that it (asphalted course, structure, etc.). And in the axis of service life the temporary slope of the project is taken care of, and from the intersection of these axes the valuation is realized. In order to carry out this valuation, the methodology establishes several stages: the construction of the tree of requirements (previous analysis), qualification of the answer of the alternative with respect to an indicator, construction of the value function, consideration (weights) in each hierarchic level, calculation of the value of the alternative and the sensitivity analysis. Contributing rigor to the method with the application of different mathematical tools like the Analytical Hierarchy Process (A.H.P.). In order to potentials the proposal firstly a practical case for the construction of a highway is examined. In addition, with the intention of verifying the versatility of the methodological tool in other scopes, a practical case in the university surroundings has been developed