Prioritizing Offshore Vendor Selection Criteria for the North American Geospatial Industry

The U.S. market for geospatial services totaled US $2.2 billion in 2010, representing 50% of the global market. Data-processing firms subcontract labor-intensive portions of data services to offshore providers in South and East Asia and Eastern Europe. In general, half of all offshore contracts fail within the first 5 years because one or more parties consider the relationship unsuccessful. Despite the high failure rates, no study has examined the offshore vendor selection process in the geospatial industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the list of key offshore vendor selection criteria and the efficacy of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for ranking the criteria that North American geospatial companies consider in the offshore vendor selection process. After the selection of the initial list of factors from the literature and their validation in a pilot study, a final survey instrument was developed and administered to 15 subject matter experts (SMEs) in North America. The SMEs expressed their preferences for one criterion over another by pairwise comparisons, which served as input to the AHP procedure. The results showed that the quality of deliverables was the top ranked (out of 26) factors, instead of the price, which ranked third. Similarly, SMEs considered social and environmental consciousness on the vendor side as irrelevant. More importantly, the findings indicated that the structured AHP process provides a useful and effective methodology whose application may considerably improve the quality of the overall vendor selection process. Last, improved and stabilized business relationships leading to predictable budgets might catalyze social change, supporting stable employment. Consumers could benefit from derivative improvements in product quality and pricing

Decision support systems for large dam planning and operation in Africa

Decision support systems/ Dams/ Planning/ Operations/ Social impact/ Environmental effects

Evaluation of Metaverse Traffic Safety Implementations using fuzzy Einstein based logarithmic methodology of additive weights and TOPSIS method

As the Metaverse’s popularity grows, its effect on everyday problems is beginning to be discussed. The upcoming Metaverse world will influence the transportation system as cross-border lines blur due to rapid globalization. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the capabilities of the Metaverse and its alternatives to traffic safety, as well as to prioritize its advantages. The case study is based on a densely populated metropolis with an extensive education system. The city’s decision-makers will have to weigh the pros and cons of the Metaverse’s effect on traffic safety. To illustrate the complex forces that drive the decision-making process in traffic safety, we create a case study with four alternatives to Metaverse’s integration into the traffic system. Alternatives are evaluated using twelve criteria that reflect the decision problem’s rules and regulations, technology, socioeconomic, and traffic aspects. In this study, fuzzy Einstein based logarithmic methodology of additive weights (LMAW) is applied to calculate the weights of the criteria. We present a new framework that combines Einstein norms and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to rank the alternatives. The findings of this study show that public transportation is the most appropriate area for implementing the Metaverse into traffic safety because of its practical opportunities and broad usage area

Technologijų perdavimo proceso aukštojo mokslo institucijose efektyvumo vertinimas

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play the key role as the link to encourage science and business partnerships within innovation systems worldwide. Notwithstanding one of the most important issue is to increase Lithuanian innovation potential. This dissertation analyses the problems of inefficient technology transfer (TT) and commercialization process, financial and human resource allocation at universities. The object of the research is the efficiency of technology transfer process (TTP) in higher education institutions. The analysis of technology transfer offices (TTOs) within the TTP allows the best model to be suggested for the evaluation of TTP as well as the improvement of TT results in the future perspective. This model is designed to assess the performance of the HEIs, to identify key indicators that demonstrate the efficiency of TTP, allowing to design future strategies to improve the efficiency of HEIs TTP financial and human capital. The goal of the dissertation is to examine TT process, propose and empirically test the efficiency evaluation model of the technology transfer process at HEIs. It is important to assess how the institutional (TTO employees, tasks, PhD-share) and regional (industry concentration, startups, patent applications) factors of TTO influence TT performance and commercialization. This research work resolves a few key tasks: 1. To conduct a theoretical analysis of the TTP (discussing the concept of the TTP and the key attributes, reviewing the foreign TT models, discussing factors encouraging the improvement of the TTP); 2. To perform a theoretical analysis of the efficiency of the TTP activities; 3. To create an original TTP efficiency evaluation model based on a comparative analysis of multicriteria research methods suitable to perform evaluation of TT activities of HEIs; 4. To conduct an empirical research and to validate the efficiency evaluation model of TTP using multicriteria research tools (FARE, TOPSIS, MULTIMOORA, COPRAS and DEA), to gather and aggregate the research data needed to evaluate the efficiency of the TTP, and to create a database for empirical research; 5. To analyse and discuss the research results of TTP, to formulate final conclusions to assess HEIs’ TTP efficiency, which would help to im-prove the performance of economic and other indicators through a more efficient allocation of financial and human resources. Analysis of research results shows that the number of employees working in TTO correlates with the number of intellectual (inventions) products that are being developed during the research and development (R&D) process.Dissertatio

USING A MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING MODEL TO EVALUATE AND SELECT AN E-COMMERCE PLATFORM

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in consumers' lifestyles and purchases, as well as businesses' online business models. Online platforms are increasingly used for shopping purposes. To evaluate and choose an e-commerce platform requires using many criteria and decision makers. Therefore, the process of evaluating and selecting an e-commerce platform is viewed as a multi-criteria decision-making problem. The objective of this study is to develop a multi-criteria decision-making model to help consumers evaluating the e-commerce platforms. In the proposed model, the ratings of alternatives and the weights of the criteria are evaluated using the linguistic variable. Simulation examples are used to show the effectiveness of the model in practice.  Keywords: Fuzzy TOPSIS, E-Commerce Platform, Mcdm, Fuzzy Sets

State-of-the-Art Report on Systems Analysis Methods for Resolution of Conflicts in Water Resources Management

Water is an important factor in conflicts among stakeholders at the local, regional, and even international level. Water conflicts have taken many forms, but they almost always arise from the fact that the freshwater resources of the world are not partitioned to match the political borders, nor are they evenly distributed in space and time. Two or more countries share the watersheds of 261 major rivers and nearly half of the land area of the wo rld is in international river basins. Water has been used as a military and political goal. Water has been a weapon of war. Water systems have been targets during the war. A role of systems approach has been investigated in this report as an approach for resolution of conflicts over water. A review of systems approach provides some basic knowledge of tools and techniques as they apply to water management and conflict resolution. Report provides a classification and description of water conflicts by addressing issues of scale, integrated water management and the role of stakeholders. Four large-scale examples are selected to illustrate the application of systems approach to water conflicts: (a) hydropower development in Canada; (b) multipurpose use of Danube river in Europe; (c) international water conflict between USA and Canada; and (d) Aral See in Asia. Water conflict resolution process involves various sources of uncertainty. One section of the report provides some examples of systems tools that can be used to address objective and subjective uncertainties with special emphasis on the utility of the fuzzy set theory. Systems analysis is known to be driven by the development of computer technology. Last section of the report provides one view of the future and systems tools that will be used for water resources management. Role of the virtual databases, computer and communication networks is investigated in the context of water conflicts and their resolution.https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/wrrr/1005/thumbnail.jp

Learning Content and Software Evaluation and Personalisation Problems

The paper aims to analyse several scientific approaches how to evaluate, implement or choose learning content and software suitable for personalised users/learners needs. Learning objects metadata customisation method as well as the Method of multiple criteria evaluation and optimisation of learning software represented by the experts' additive utility function are analysed in more detail. The value of the experts' additive utility function depends on the learning software quality evaluation criteria, their ratings and weights. The Method is based on the software engineering Principle which claims that one should evaluate the learning software using the two different groups of quality evaluation criteria - `internal quality' criteria defining the general software quality aspects, and `quality in use' criteria defining software personalisation possibilities. The application of the Method and Principle for the evaluation and optimisation of learning software is innovative in technology enhanced learning theory and practice. Application of the method of the experts' (decision makers') subjectivity minimisation analysed in the paper is also a new aspect in technology enhanced learning science. All aforementioned approaches propose an efficient practical instrumentality how to evaluate, design or choose learning content and software suitable for personalised learners needs

Decision-making in Software Evaluation: like to, want to and have to

This paper presents findings from three participative case studies in the selection of a Remote Assistance application. The needs for a Remote Assistance application were different: vanity project, commercial pressure, COVID-19 imposed travel bans. The case organisations had different motivations, different evaluation approaches and different decision flows. However, none of the organisations followed the formally described approaches of criteria definition, criteria ranking, score calculation and decision. The studies show chaotic and iterative processes which are influenced by participants’ attitudes and humours more than by formal procedures and business-school teachings. The motivations for IT-use appear to influence the decisions more than the (in-)formality of the evaluation process. The paper concludes with a discussion of the findings and proposals for further research

Planejamento de linhas de energia e a mitigação de impactos sobre a biodiversidade

Linhas de energia são infraestruturas necessárias para suprir a crescente demanda energética, sendo inúmeros os benefícios socioeconômicos gerados pela expansão desse sistema. Contudo, em decorrência da extensão e da heterogeneidade ambiental por onde passam, são responsáveis por gerar diferentes impactos no ambiente, representando uma ameaça à biodiversidade sobretudo quando os aspectos ambientais são negligenciados nas fases iniciais de planejamento. Considerando que grande parte dos impactos ambientais persiste ao longo da operação das linhas, é preciso dar atenção à malha energética em operação, promovendo ações adequadas de mitigação de seus impactos. Esta tese de doutorado foi elaborada com a intenção de qualificar o conhecimento e a pesquisa sobre a forma como as linhas de energia impactam o ambiente no qual estão inseridas, contribuindo para a melhor integração dos aspectos ambientais no seu planejamento e visando a mitigação de diferentes impactos. No capítulo 1 proponho uma abordagem para traçar rotas de linhas de transmissão que garantam o evitamento de impactos através da melhor incorporação de variáveis ambientais relacionadas à integridade da vegetação ainda na fase de planejamento de projeto. Também identifico segmentos de rota com consenso entre as perspectivas de engenharia e ambiental. A identificação dessas áreas de coincidência indica locais de menor conflito entre as duas perspectivas e tem potencial de otimizar a tomada de decisão de projetos individuais. No capítulo 2 proponho um modelo conceitual que permite uma avaliação preliminar do risco de eletrocussão de aves no Brasil, resultado da combinação da exposição (densidade de infraestruturas elétricas dentro da área de distribuição das espécies) e da suscetibilidade da avifauna (características morfológicas e comportamentais associadas a um maior risco de eletrocussão). Essa abordagem permite identificar áreas de alto risco de eletrocussão bem como espécies mais vulneráveis. No capítulo 3 apresento evidências de morte por eletrocussão em redes de média tensão da arara-azul-de-lear (Anodorhynchus leari), espécie indicada como prioritária em relação ao risco de eletrocussão no capítulo anterior. Ao descrever possíveis causas e padrões dos registros de fatalidades, promovo o reconhecimento das eletrocussões como uma nova ameaça à espécie e recomendo possíveis alternativas de mitigação. No capítulo 4, descrevo os principais aspectos estruturais e funcionais de estradas e linhas de energia, revisando brevemente as semelhanças e dissimilaridades nos tipos e magnitude de impactos dessas duas malhas sobre a biodiversidade. Adicionalmente, destaco algumas lacunas de conhecimento que, quando preenchidas, poderão fortalecer nossa capacidade de predizer, prevenir ou remediar os impactos dessas duas infraestruturas lineares que co-ocorrem regularmente. Essa tese explora abordagens que podem ser adaptadas e utilizadas em um contexto de tomada de decisão, referente tanto ao planejamento e expansão da malha quanto ao licenciamento ambiental dos projetos individuais. Essa tese também tem importantes contribuições sob a perspectiva da Hierarquia de Mitigação de impactos, com algumas de suas diferentes etapas contempladas nos capítulos aqui apresentados.Power line planning and impact mitigation measures on biodiversity. Power lines are infrastructures continuously expanding worldwide to supply the human population’s demands for electricity. Poorly planned power line networks may represent a risk for biodiversity by crossing sensitive areas, resulting in different impacts such as habitat loss and degradation, and by promoting wildlife fatalities. Considering that part of the impacts persists throughout the operation phase, it is also necessary to pay attention to the installed energy grid, promoting efficient impact mitigation measures. This doctoral thesis was elaborated to improve the knowledge and the research on how power lines impact the environment in which they are installed, contributing to a better integration of environmental aspects in its planning and aiming at the mitigation of different impacts. In Chapter 1 I present a systematic approach to compare alternative routes of power lines and indicate the route with the lowest environmental impact, focusing on the avoidance of forest loss. Additionally, I identify route segments where a consensus between engineering and environmental considerations exists. This procedure identifies geographic-divergent segments, enabling the early identification of areas with potential conflicts where impact minimization needs to be negotiated. In Chapter 2 I develop a framework to model the risk of bird electrocution in Brazil as an interaction between the species-specific exposure to power lines (pole density within a species distribution range) and susceptibility (morphological and behavioral traits associated with electrocution hazards). This study identifies spatial patterns of bird electrocution, highlighting priority areas of electrocution susceptibility, electrocution risk, and the more vulnerable species to this impact. In Chapter 3 I report electrocution deaths of the endangered Lear’s Macaw, a species indicated as priority in relation to the risk of electrocution in the previous chapter. I describe possible causes and patterns of fatality records, highlight the importance of considering electrocution risks as an overlooked threat, and I suggest some effective and efficient mitigation measures aimed at reducing the impact of power lines along the species distribution area. In Chapter 4 I briefly remark the main structural aspects of roads and power lines considering their attributes, global extension, effect zone, and I shortly review the similarities and differences in the top-five impact categories common to both. In addition, I identify some knowledge gaps that should be further explored in power line and road research agenda. This thesis explores approaches that can be adapted and used in a decision-making context, regarding planning and network expansion and environmental licensing of individual projects. This thesis also has important contributions from the Mitigation Hierarchy perspective, with some of its different steps covered in the chapters presented here

Decision analysis under uncertainity for sustainable development

Aplicat embargament des de la data de defensa fins el 31 de desembre de 2019Policy-making for sustainable development becomes more efficient when it is reliably backed by evidence-based decision analysis. Concretely, this is crucial in the planning of public services delivery. By translating "raw" data into information, decision analysis illuminates our judgment, and ultimately the policies we adopt. In the context of public services provision, decision analysis can support the prioritization of policy options and the monitoring of progress. However, most models are deterministic - that is, they do not consider the uncertainty in their evidence. These "incomplete" models, through their impact in policy decisions, can ultimately lead to an inefficient use of resources. The main barriers to a wider incorporation of uncertainty are: (i) the complexity of the approaches currently available, and (ii) the need to develop methods tailored to the specific decision problems faced in public services delivery. To overcome these limitations, this thesis intends to facilitate the incorporation of uncertainty in the evidence into decision analysis for sustainable development. We propose two methods. First, a non-compensatory multi-criteria prioritization under uncertainty model. Given multiple criteria and uncertain evidence, the model identifies the best policy option to improve service provision for sustainable development. The non-compensatory nature of our model makes it an attractive alternative to the widely used composite index approach. Second, a compositional trend analysis under uncertainty model to monitor service coverage. By considering the non-negativity and constant-sum constraints of the data, our model provides better estimates for measuring progress than standard statistical approaches. These two methods are validated in real case studies in the energy, water and health sectors. We apply our prioritization model to the context of strategic renewable energy planning, and the targeting of water, sanitation and hygiene services. Furthermore, we use our trend analysis model to the global monitoring of water and sanitation and child mortality. Our results emphasize the importance of considering and incorporating uncertainty in the evidence into decision analysis, particularly into prioritization and monitoring processes, both central to sustainable development practice.La formulación de políticas para el desarrollo sostenible es más eficiente cuando está respaldada por un análisis de decisiones basado en evidencia. Esto es especialmente crucial en la planificación de la prestación de servicios públicos. Al transformar los datos "brutos" en información, el análisis de decisiones ilumina nuestro juicio y, en última instancia, las políticas que adoptamos. En el contexto de la provisión de servicios públicos, el análisis de decisiones puede apoyar la priorización de las políticas públicas, así como el monitoreo del progreso. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los modelos son deterministas, es decir, no consideran la incertidumbre presente en la evidencia. Estos modelos "incompletos" pueden, a través de su impacto en las decisiones políticas, conducir a un uso ineficiente de los recursos. Las principales barreras para una incorporación más amplia de la incertidumbre son: (i) la complejidad de los enfoques actualmente disponibles, y (ii) la necesidad de desarrollar métodos adaptados a los problemas de decisión específicos a la planificación de los servicios públicos. Para superar estas limitaciones, esta tesis pretende facilitar la incorporación de la incertidumbre presente en la evidencia en el análisis de decisiones para el desarrollo sostenible. Proponemos dos métodos. Primero, un modelo de priorización multicriterio no compensatorio bajo incertidumbre. Dados múltiples criterios y evidencias con incertidumbre, el modelo identifica la mejor política para mejorar la provisión de servicios para el desarrollo sostenible. La naturaleza no compensatoria de nuestro modelo lo convierte en una alternativa atractiva al enfoque de índices compuestos ampliamente utilizado. Segundo, un modelo de análisis de tendencias composicionales bajo incertidumbre para monitorear la cobertura de los servicios. Al considerar las restricciones de no negatividad y de suma constante de los datos, nuestro modelo proporciona mejores estimadores para medir el progreso que los enfoques estadísticos estándar. Estos dos métodos se validan en casos de estudio reales en los sectores de energía, agua y salud. Aplicamos nuestro modelo de priorización al contexto de la planificación estratégica de energías renovables y de los servicios de agua, saneamiento e higiene. Además, utilizamos nuestro modelo de análisis de tendencias para el monitoreo global del accesso a agua y saneamiento, así como de la reducción de la mortalidad infantil. Nuestros resultados enfatizan la importancia de considerar e incorporar la incertidumbre de la evidencia en el análisis de decisiones, particularmente en los procesos de priorización y monitoreo, ambos centrales para la práctica del desarrollo sostenible.Postprint (published version