The state of the art development of AHP (1979-2017): A literature review with a social network analysis

Although many papers describe the evolution of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), most adopt a subjective approach. This paper examines the pattern of development of the AHP research field using social network analysis and scientometrics, and identifies its intellectual structure. The objectives are: (i) to trace the pattern of development of AHP research; (ii) to identify the patterns of collaboration among authors; (iii) to identify the most important papers underpinning the development of AHP; and (iv) to discover recent areas of interest. We analyse two types of networks: social networks, that is, co-authorship networks, and cognitive mapping or the network of disciplines affected by AHP. Our analyses are based on 8441 papers published between 1979 and 2017, retrieved from the ISI Web of Science database. To provide a longitudinal perspective on the pattern of evolution of AHP, we analyse these two types of networks during the three periods 1979?1990, 1991?2001 and 2002?2017. We provide some basic statistics on AHP journals and researchers, review the main topics and applications of integrated AHPs and provide direction for future research by highlighting some open questions

The state of the art development of AHP (1979-2017): a literature review with a social network analysis

Although many papers describe the evolution of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), most adopt a subjective approach. This paper examines the pattern of development of the AHP research field using social network analysis and scientometrics, and identifies its intellectual structure. The objectives are: (i) to trace the pattern of development of AHP research; (ii) to identify the patterns of collaboration among authors; (iii) to identify the most important papers underpinning the development of AHP; and (iv) to discover recent areas of interest. We analyse two types of networks: social networks, that is, co-authorship networks, and cognitive mapping or the network of disciplines affected by AHP. Our analyses are based on 8441 papers published between 1979 and 2017, retrieved from the ISI Web of Science database. To provide a longitudinal perspective on the pattern of evolution of AHP, we analyse these two types of networks during the three periods 1979–1990, 1991–2001 and 2002–2017. We provide some basic statistics on AHP journals and researchers, review the main topics and applications of integrated AHPs and provide direction for future research by highlighting some open questions

The Functional-Engineered Product-Service System (FEPSS) model

Throughout recent years, environmental perils have increased and awareness regarding such dangers has improved proportionally. In light of the growing concerns, and coupled with fiercer competition and legislation, product based solutions to meet present and future needs have been deemed insufficient to ensure the planet’s survival. Thus, the birth of integrated product-service offerings, where the product is associated to add-on services, enhancing its performance and achieving higher levels of value for the customer, as well as the manufacturer, with embedded ecological advantages. The service-oriented perspective of delivering solutions is known as Product-Service Systems (PSSs). However, despite advances in acknowledging the benefits that lie in adopting a PSS to answer consumer needs, a formal approach to developing PSS solutions is absent. This dissertation investigates the integration of product design and service design strategies into product-service offerings: overall processes for this integration are present, but the intricate steps of each phase are missing. A literature review examines the most dominant design approaches, as well as design frameworks to structure the PSS design process. The outcome of the review led to the absence of a generic design framework as existing design approaches and processes seemed adapted to a specific context and field. From the examination of the respective literature, we present a four-stage design process, entitled the Functional-Engineered Product-Service System (FEPSS) model, built on a design science approach. Ideation and task analysis, conceptual design, embodiment design, and validation and release are thoroughly detailed with the appropriate tools to define the elements of a PSS. The research then concentrates on the first two stages as they represent the core of PSS design and development process. Ideation and task analysis highlight the use of qualitative tools to define customer requirements, as well as quantitative ones, such as the Kano model, Quality Function Deployment (QFD), the fuzzy logic, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritize these requirements and define the value-creating ones as the basis of the PSS design. Conceptual design presents two approaches to define PSS concepts. The first consists of a functional decomposition approach based on adapting morphological matrices (MMs) to a product-service extending traditional MMs to include the service elements and selection of stakeholders in a product-service integrated setting. The choice of the concept is determined according to a life cycle modelling that illustrates the environmental impact of the proposed concept(s) and compares it/them to the existing offering. The second opts for the QFD for PSS tool augmented by fuzzy logic and the AHP to determine the product and service components of the PSS. Then, the use of Axiomatic Design (AD) shows how a functional decomposition and QFD for PSS can be used to develop PSS modules. Four case studies conducted in the agricultural and biomedical field illustrate the use of the FEPSS and, in particular, its first two phases. The results achieved show the potential of such an approach when implementing a PSS approach, especially in the case of a manufacturer that wants to shift from producing products to providing integrated product-service offerings. At the same time, from a more general perspective, the research work highlighted the benefits of PSSs as they allow the achievement of more sustainable solutions without decreasing the customer values

Destinação de verba para publicidade on-line considerando múltiplos atributos sob incerteza de preferências

Introduction: The present research was conducted at the University of Delhi in 2017. Method: Websites were ranked on the basis of feedback from unbiased experts. Later, we proposed an integrated approach by combining ordered weighted averaging (owa) operator with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fahp) for budget allocation. Results: A numerical example related to a company, which deals with consumer goods and wants to advertise on few e-commerce websites is discussed at the end of the paper. Budget distribution is decided by solving multi-objective maximum-dispersion-minimum-variance (mdmv) owa and fahp method. Conclusions: The proposed methodology aids managerial decisions made by handling multiple attributes simultaneously through industry experts’ opinion, and using a simple proportional rule for allocating budget. Originality:  The conventional methods based on reach maximization, exposure or profit cannot meet the budget allocation needs of the modern advertising planning. Firstly, they do not take into consideration multiple attributes of media. Secondly, they do not incorporate the expert opinion and their preferences. To address these problems, we propose a multi-attribute method based on the advertising budget allocation method to divide the budget into individual websites. The attributes under consideration are: system quality, content quality, usage, trust, customer support, online customer feedback, and personalization. Limitations: In this study, we used a mdmv-owa operator in fuzzy environment but in future occasions, it may be extended to intuitionistic fuzzy domain. Introducción: la presente investigación se realizó en la Universidad de Delhi, India, en 2017. Método: se clasifican los sitios web según la retroalimentación de expertos imparciales. Más adelante, proponemos un enfoque integrado que combina el operador de promediado ponderado ordenado (owa) con el proceso de jerarquía analítica difusa (fahp) para la asignación presupuestaria. Resultados: al final se analiza un ejemplo numérico relacionado con una empresa que se dedica a bienes de consumo y quiere publicitar en sitios web de comercio electrónico. Se decide cómo distribuir el presupuesto utilizando el método combinado de máxima dispersión y mínima varianza (mdmv), owa y fahp. Conclusiones: la metodología propuesta ayuda a tomar decisiones gerenciales al manejar múltiples atributos simultáneamente a partir de la opinión de expertos de la industria, y emplear una regla proporcional simple para asignar el presupuesto. Originalidad: los métodos convencionales basados en la maximización del alcance, la exposición o los beneficios no cumplen con las necesidades de asignación de presupuesto de la planificación publicitaria moderna. En primer lugar, no toman xen consideración los múltiples atributos de los medios. En segundo lugar, no incorporan la opinión de los expertos y sus preferencias. Para abordar estos problemas, proponemos un método de múltiple atributo basado en el método de asignación de presupuesto publicitario para dividir el presupuesto en sitios web individuales. Los atributos que se tienen en cuenta son: calidad del sistema, calidad del contenido, uso, confianza, atención al cliente, comentarios de los clientes en línea y personalización. Limitaciones: en este estudio utilizamos un operador mdmv-owa en un entorno difuso, pero en ocasiones futuras se puede extender al dominio difuso intuicionista.Introdução: a presente pesquisa foi realizada na Universidade de Deli, na Índia, em 2017.Método: as páginas web são classificadas conforme o feedback de especialistas imparciais. Depois, propomos um enfoque integrado, que combina o operador de média ponderada ordenada (owa) com o processo analítico hierárquico difuso (fahp) para a destinação de verba.Resultados: finalmente, um exemplo numérico relacionado com uma empresa que se dedica a bens de consumo e quer fazer publicidade em páginas web de comércio eletrônico é analisado. Utiliza-se o método combinado mdmv (maximum-dispersion-minimum-variance, na sigla em inglês), owa e fahp para decidir como distribuir a verba.Conclusões: a metodologia proposta ajuda a tomar decisões gerenciais ao manejar múltiplos atributos, simultaneamente, a partir da opinião de especialistas da indústria, e empregar uma regra proporcional simples para destinação de verba.Originalidade: os métodos convencionais, baseados na maximização do alcance, na exposição ou nos benefícios, não cumprem com as necessidades de destinação de verba do planejamento publicitário moderno. Em primeiro lugar, não consideram os múltiplos atributos dos meios. Em segundo lugar, não incorporam a opinião dos especialistas e as suas preferências. Para abordar esses problemas, propomos um método de múltiplos atributos, baseado no método de destinação de verba publicitário, para dividir as verbas em páginas web individuais. Os atributos que são levados em conta são: qualidade do sistema, qualidade do conteúdo, uso, confiança, atenção ao cliente, comentários dos clientes na rede e personalização.Limitações: neste estudo, foi utilizado um operador mdmv-owa em um entorno difuso, mas em ocasiões futuras é possível expandir ao domínio difuso intuicionista

Fuzzy Approach in Ranking of Banks according to Financial Performances

Evaluating bank performance on a yearly basis and making comparison among banks in certain time intervals provide an insight into general financial state of banks and their relative position with respect to the environment (creditors, investors, and stakeholders). The aim of this study is to propose a new fuzzy multicriteria model to evaluate banks respecting relative importance of financial performances and their values. The relative importance of each pair of financial performance groups is assessed linguistic expressions which are modeled by triangular fuzzy numbers. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Process (FAHP) is applied to determine relative weights of the financial performances. In order to rank the treated banks, new model based on Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) is deployed. The proposed model is illustrated by an example giving real life data from 12 banks having 80% share of the Serbian market. In order to verify the proposed FTOPSIS different measures of separation are used. The presented solution enables the ranking of banks, gives an insight of bank's state to stakeholders, and provides base for successful improvement in a field of strategy quality in bank business

Fuzzy Approach in Ranking of Banks according to Financial Performances

Evaluating bank performance on a yearly basis and making comparison among banks in certain time intervals provide an insight into general financial state of banks and their relative position with respect to the environment (creditors, investors, and stakeholders). The aim of this study is to propose a new fuzzy multicriteria model to evaluate banks respecting relative importance of financial performances and their values. The relative importance of each pair of financial performance groups is assessed linguistic expressions which are modeled by triangular fuzzy numbers. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Process (FAHP) is applied to determine relative weights of the financial performances. In order to rank the treated banks, new model based on Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) is deployed. The proposed model is illustrated by an example giving real life data from 12 banks having 80% share of the Serbian market. In order to verify the proposed FTOPSIS different measures of separation are used. The presented solution enables the ranking of banks, gives an insight of bank's state to stakeholders, and provides base for successful improvement in a field of strategy quality in bank business

A Review of User-Centred Design Methods for Designing a Portable Oil Spill Skimmer

Boom and skimmer are mechanical techniques in Oil Spill Response and Recovery (OSRR) that collect oil from the water surface. However, there are several drawbacks of using boom and skimmer, such as the oil could pass over the boom during strong wind and high tides. Moreover, the currently available oil skimmer designed by the engineers is heavy-duty; in consequence, it is ineffective in shallow water. Thus, there is a need to develop a portable oil spill skimmer to complement the current drawbacks. Several journals on the fabrication of the oil spill skimmer were reviewed. Findings from literature shows that the development of oil spill skimmer lacks user requirements when designing a portable oil spill skimmer. This article provides a systematic review of Kansei Engineering and the Analytical Hierarchy Process in the product development process. Therefore, Kansei Engineering and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) can be incorporated in the early stage of designing a portable oil spill skimmer. This paper also includes the application of Kansei Engineering and AHP in design research articles. Findings from observed articles indicate a lack of design and development technologies relating to products for environmental protection; the AHP and Kansei Engineering application is somewhat lacking. Moreover, the fabrication of an oil spill skimmer focuses more on technical specifications and includes fewer user requirements. As a result, the characteristics such as ease of use, robustness, and safety cannot be evaluated. The AHP and Kansei Engineering methodology can be extended to the design and manufacture of products for environmental protection

A fuzzy decision-making approach for evaluation and selection of third party reverse logistics provider using fuzzy ARAS

Business environment is full of ups and down and this makes companies to develop different ways of using resources. By expanding life cycle of products, these ways can be cost effective and not harmful for environment. As Reverse Logistics (RL) uses a product after end of its life, it reduces pollution, therefore it has been considered as a part of sustainable development. The core goal of current research is developing a framework by which it evaluates Third Party RL Provider (3rdPRLP) using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) based on Fuzzy Additive Ratio ASsessment (FARAS). Thirty-seven criteria were identified, which are classified into seven main criteria. The main criteria were ranked as follows: product lifecycle position C1, RL process function C2, organizational performance C3, organizational role of RL C4, IT system and communication C5, general company consideration C6, geographical location C7. Market coverage, destination, financial considerations, integrated system, reclaim, efficiency and quality, and growth are each group’s dominant sub-criteria. In addition, the current research helps the logistics managers to better understand the key attributes’ complex relationships in the environment of decision-making. First published online 21 January 202

A review of user-centred design methods for designing a portable oil spill skimmer

Boom and skimmer are mechanical techniques in Oil Spill Response and Recovery (OSRR) that collect oil from the water surface. However, there are several drawbacks of using boom and skimmer, such as the oil could pass over the boom during strong wind and high tides. Moreover, the currently available oil skimmer designed by the engineers is heavy-duty; in consequence, it is ineffective in shallow water. Thus, there is a need to develop a portable oil spill skimmer to complement the current drawbacks. Several journals on the fabrication of the oil spill skimmer were reviewed. Findings from literature shows that the development of oil spill skimmer lacks user requirements when designing a portable oil spill skimmer. This article provides a systematic review of Kansei Engineering and the Analytical Hierarchy Process in the product development process. Therefore, Kansei Engineering and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) can be incorporated in the early stage of designing a portable oil spill skimmer. This paper also includes the application of Kansei Engineering and AHP in design research articles. Findings from observed articles indicate a lack of design and development technologies relating to products for environmental protection; the AHP and Kansei Engineering application is somewhat lacking. Moreover, the fabrication of an oil spill skimmer focuses more on technical specifications and includes fewer user requirements. As a result, the characteristics such as ease of use, robustness, and safety cannot be evaluated. The AHP and Kansei Engineering methodology can be extended to the design and manufacture of products for environmental protection