Development, test and comparison of two Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis(MCDA) models: A case of healthcare infrastructure location

When planning a new development, location decisions have always been a major issue. This paper examines and compares two modelling methods used to inform a healthcare infrastructure location decision. Two Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) models were developed to support the optimisation of this decision-making process, within a National Health Service (NHS) organisation, in the UK. The proposed model structure is based on seven criteria (environment and safety, size, total cost, accessibility, design, risks and population profile) and 28 sub-criteria. First, Evidential Reasoning (ER) was used to solve the model, then, the processes and results were compared with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). It was established that using ER or AHP led to the same solutions. However, the scores between the alternatives were significantly different; which impacted the stakeholders‟ decision-making. As the processes differ according to the model selected, ER or AHP, it is relevant to establish the practical and managerial implications for selecting one model or the other and providing evidence of which models best fit this specific environment. To achieve an optimum operational decision it is argued, in this study, that the most transparent and robust framework is achieved by merging ER process with the pair-wise comparison, an element of AHP. This paper makes a defined contribution by developing and examining the use of MCDA models, to rationalise new healthcare infrastructure location, with the proposed model to be used for future decision. Moreover, very few studies comparing different MCDA techniques were found, this study results enable practitioners to consider even further the modelling characteristics to ensure the development of a reliable framework, even if this means applying a hybrid approach

Location Planning of Urban Distribution Center under Uncertainty: A Case Study of Yogyakarta Special Region Province, Indonesia

Purpose: The paper aims at proposing a framework of hybrid spatial-fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making and demonstrating application of the framework to evaluate and select the appropriate location for Urban Distribution Center in Yogyakarta Special Region Province, Indonesia. The study has been inspired by the need to evaluate the Urban Distribution Center initiative, i.e., Jogja Inland Port by local government that has been hampered due to lack of participating companies. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed framework consists of two steps of analysis. First, spatial analysis to generate alternative locations using weighted Geographical Information System data; second, fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making to select the best location. Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution was applied to deal with multi-criteria, multiple stakeholders, and uncertainty. Accessibility, security, connectivity of multi-modal transport, costs, environmental impact, proximity to customers, proximity to suppliers, resource availability, expansion possibility, service quality, are taken as the decision criteria. Local government of Yogyakarta province, practitioners, and logistic expert, are involved as representative participants in evaluating the Urban Distribution Center location of Yogyakarta Special Region Province. Findings: The proposed framework has indicated that the Jogja Inland Port is not the best alternative. A joint warehouse managed by a group of private companies located in Berbah (Sleman district) appears to be the best alternative location for Urban Distribution Center. Consistent results are also found by using other approaches (Intuitionistic Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution and Set Pair Analysis). Research limitations/implications: In addition to the government, expert, and practitioners that involved in this study, future research could engage local residents as decision makers to refine the results, as various stakeholders may come up with different preferences. Practical implications: From a practical point of view, the application of combined approach (integrating spatial analysis using weighted Geographical Information System data and fuzzy multi-criteria decision making) is a promising approach in dealing with Urban Distribution Center location problem which is characterized by multi-criteria, multiple stakeholders, spatial-related issues, and uncertainty. Social implications: The unsuccessful establishment of Jogja Inland Port implies that Urban Distribution Center location problem is a complex system, involving multifaceted factors that should be considered simultaneously. Originality/value: The research proposes a framework to evaluate and select the appropriate location for Urban Distribution Center through combined approach of weighted Geographical Information System data and fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making which involves relevant stakeholders.Peer Reviewe

A holistic multi-methodology for sustainable renovation

A review of the barriers for building renovation has revealed a lack of methodologies, which can promote sustainability objectives and assist various stakeholders during the design stage of building renovation/retrofitting projects. The purpose of this paper is to develop a Holistic Multi-methodology for Sustainable Renovation, which aims to deal with complexity of renovation projects. It provides a framework through which to involve the different stakeholders in the design process to improve group learning and group decision-making, and hence make the building renovation design process more robust and efficient. Therefore, the paper discusses the essence of multifaceted barriers in building renovation regarding cultural changes and technological/physical changes. The outcome is a proposal for a multi-methodology framework, which is developed by introducing, evaluating and mixing methods from Soft Systems Methodologies (SSM) with Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). The potential of applying the proposed methodology in renovation projects is demonstrated through a case study

Assessing the Vulnerability of the Human and Natural Systems and Prioritizing Alternatives to Reduce Vulnerability at Mt. Kasigau, Kenya.

The goal of this research was to examine the vulnerability of the human and natural systems to anthropogenic threats and environmental changes at five villages (Kiteghe, Makwasinyi, Jora, Bungule, and Rukanga) in Mt. Kasigau, Kenya. To accomplish this goal, three research objectives were pursued: (1) to assess the vulnerability of the human system, (2) to assess the vulnerability of the natural system, and (3) to assist the community in identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing ways for reducing vulnerability. These three objectives linked together and are structured in three manuscripts in this dissertation.This study adapted a vulnerability framework that conceptualized vulnerability as a function of ‘exposure’, ‘sensitivity’, and ‘adaptive capacity’. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is a multi-criteria decision-making tool is used to structure vulnerability into a hierarchical format and to build a vulnerability assessment and reduction model based upon the benefits, costs, opportunities, and risks criteria in order to evaluate each alternative.Results from this study illustrated that adaptive capacity and exposure played a critical role in determining the social and environmental vulnerability among the five villages. Therefore, measures to reduce vulnerability should emphasize these two components of vulnerability, especially for the most vulnerable village. Additionally, the vulnerability reduction model that was used by the community identified environmental conservation as the most preferred alternative for reducing vulnerability. The information derived from this research can help local policymakers, non-governmental organization, and other practitioners who are interested in developing policies that promote sustainable development.Lastly, this place-based dissertation research contributes to the discipline of geography by emphasizing how vulnerabilities vary across space and time. It also advances the body of knowledge in vulnerability and sustainability studies through bridging the gap between socio-ecological and biophysical dimension of vulnerability. The need to understand the issue of vulnerability was essential if we are to realize sustainable development. Hence, this study advances sustainability literature by identifying the economic, social, and environmental factors of vulnerability that create barriers to sustainable development at the community level (e.g., village). In this regard, this study could play a vital role in creating a platform for scholars who are interested in vulnerability and sustainability studies

Multicriteria decision making for enhanced perception-based multimedia communication

This paper proposes an approach that integrates technical concerns with user perceptual considerations for intelligent decision making in the construction of tailor-made multimedia communication protocols. Thus, the proposed approach, based on multicriteria decision making (MDM), incorporates not only classical networking considerations, but, indeed, user preferences as well. Furthermore, in keeping with the task-dependent nature consistently identified in multimedia scenarios, the suggested communication protocols also take into account the type of multimedia application that they are transporting. Lastly, this approach also opens the possibility for such protocols to dynamically adapt based on a changing operating environment and user's preferences

Land suitability analysis to assess the potential of public open spaces for urban agriculture activities

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geospatial TechnologiesIn a world increasingly dominated by cities and an accelerated urban sprawl, urban agriculture emerges as an alternative for the continuous stock and food supply that urban population demands. This thesis aimed to identify and evaluate potential available areas in public locations for implementing urban agriculture practices within the urban perimeter of the city of Bogota in Colombia. The methodology was conducted using variables reflecting the physical, environmental and socioeconomic components of the area. Two approaches were implemented to evaluate a land suitability analysis for urban agriculture to alleviate urban poverty by increasing food security and nutrition in the study area. The first approach was based on expert knowledge combining GIS with multicriteria decision making analysis (MCDM) using analytical hierarchical process (AHP) method, estimating that 21% of the study area presents highly suitability conditions for implementing urban agriculture activities. The second approach was developed using supervised machine learning algorithms for classification models based on historical data of the current sites, where urban agriculture activities were being implemented in the city, showing that 18% of the study area is in high suitability conditions for the implementation of urban agriculture activities. Both approaches indicated that the areas of excellent suitability are located in the South and Southwestern parts of the study area, emphasizing its congruence with the areas with the lowest socioeconomic levels in the city. It was found that approximately 2% of the study area has available spaces in public locations with a significant potential for urban agriculture practices. Three projected scenarios were simulated where 10%, 30% and in the most utopic case 50% of these spaces would be used for urban agriculture activities and the vegetable productivity in tons of five of the most popular crops grown was estimated