A Decision-Making Approach for Ranking Tertiary Institutions’ Service Quality Using Fuzzy MCDM and Extended HiEdQUAL Model

(eattainment of excellence in institutions is maintained through the institutions’ adherence to its core values and efficient service delivery. (ese factors are very important in facilitating global development of a country and determining the world ranking of an institution. To this effect, this study presents an effective approach for evaluating and ranking quality of services in a higher institution, taking four higher institutions in Nigeria as case studies. Service quality consists of different attributes and many of them are intangible and difficult to measure, which means that using the previously known measurement approach will be insufficient. (erefore, a fuzzy method was proposed to resolve the ambiguity of the concepts and intra-uncertainty, which are associated with human judgments in decision-making. (is study adopted a contextualized service quality model for educational domain called HiEdQUAL with some extended criteria in order to evaluate the perception of service quality by respondents from the selected higher institutions: two private universities and two public universities from the south-west region of Nigeria. Four Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods: TOPSIS, Yager’s min-max, Compensatory AND, and Ordered Weighted Averaging are applied to comparatively evaluate the quality of services in the four higher institutions. (e MCDM methods are engaged independently to validate the reliability of the ranking results. (e importance weight of each performance criterion is found with Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) algorithm. (is study has been able to practically establish Ext- HiEdQUAL as a new service quality model for higher education with six concepts and 33 criteria. (e output of the Fuzzy MCDM ranking recommends institution B as the best institution to students based on the Ext-HiEdQUAL measures. Also, findings from the sensitivity analysis showed that Yager’s min-max outperform the other investigated methods in this study by being consistent and exceptionally tolerant in most instances when there is significant deviation in criteria weights

Metodologia multicritério para seleção de um veículo elétrico doméstico

Numa época em que o sector dos transportes continua a ser um dos sectores de atividade com maior consumo de energia, este é uma das principais fontes de emissão de gases com efeito de estufa (GEE), provocando elevados níveis de poluição do ar e poluição sonora. Consequentemente podem danificar gravemente a saúde humana e os ecossistemas envolventes, pelo que nós, seres humanos, temos de começar a fazer alguma coisa para mudar o estado atual do nosso meio ambiente. Por isso, os Veículo Elétrico (VE), em particular, são apresentados como ecológicos e amigos do ambiente, dado que durante a sua deslocação não emitem gases nocivos para o ambiente, tendo como objetivo principal desta dissertação, prender-se na análise de qual é o VE mais acessível nos dias de hoje para o uso próprio dele. Para tal comparação, são aplicados o método Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) e o método Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment of Evaluations (PROMETHEE) para se estabelecer um ranking de acordo com o desempenho nos critérios selecionados, devido à existência de software de implementação e facilidade de compreensão. Para a fase de estruturação do problema, a definição de critérios e respetivos pesos foi usado o método AHP e para avaliação das alternativas, dos vários modelos dos VEs, em cada um dos critérios e sua agregação foi usado o método PROMETHEE.At a time when the transport sector continues to be one of the activity sectors with the highest energy consumption, this is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas (GHG), causing high levels of air and noise pollution. As a result, they can severely damage human health and the ecosystems involved, so we humans have to start doing something to change the current state of our environment. Therefore, the Eletric Vehicle (EV), in particular, are provided as ecological and environmentally friendly, since during their displacement they do not emit harmful gases into the environment. The main goal of this dissertation is to analyze which is the most accessible which is the most affordable EV nowadays for his own use. For such comparison, the method AHP and the method PROMETHEE are applied to establish a ranking according to the performance in the selected criteria, due to the existence of implementation software and ease of understanding. For the structuring phase of the problem, the definition of criteria and respective weights was used the AHP method and for the evaluation of the alternatives, the various models of the EVs, in each of the criteria and their aggregation was used the PROMETHEE method

Multi-Attributional Decision Making in LCA & TEA for CCU: An Introduction to Approaches and a Worked Example

This worked example considers only the elements of the whole process relevant for the integrated assessment in greater detail. This worked example builds on a prior study, covering CO2 to methanol conversion, and as such a more detailed overview of the technology can be found there. A brief overview of the methanol technology is included for familiarization, along with details on the alignment approach taken to ensure that a ‘preference-based’ integration can be completed. The focus of this worked example is the application of multi-attribute decision making (MADM) approaches and their potential use within combined LCA & TEA studies. The practical part of this examples sees the application of one MADM method to a multi-criteria problem with relevancy in CCU that utilizes the outputs of both an LCA & TEA study.This worked example has been released at an intermediate timeframe within the CO2nsistent project, fitting in between the release of version 1.1 and 2.0 of the ‘Techno-economic Assessment & Life Cycle Assessment Guidelines for CO2 Utilization’. This means the subject matter of this worked example (combined assessment, in particular multi-criteria approaches to decision analysis/making) remains to a degree uncovered by the overarching guidelines associated with this project until the release of version 2.0. As such this worked example will include more contextual sections than has been typical in previous examples, in part bridging the gap until a more detailed guidance section on combined assessment can be included in version 2.0. This does not mean that no guidance can be drawn from version 1.1 of the guidelines document in the intermediate timeframe. Version 1.1 contains some guidance on both combined LCA & TEA studies (see section A) and the individual TEA section itself also contains a brief section and guideline rules on multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) for use within the field. Ultimately this guidance is useful even for application in a combined study, as ultimately the same concept applies with the complication of needing to ensure that both the LCA & TEA study are aligned with suitable precision.Global CO2 InitiativeEIT Climate-KIChttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/167009/3/Multi-attributional Decision-Making in LCA and TEA for CCU and Worked Example.pdfedda1cab-631e-4ed3-880e-28ed1c223cc3SEL

Vindkraft ved E18

Wind turbine technology is a field that has experienced significant innovation and technical progress over the last decades. Because of this, such projects are more feasible now than ever, particularly from a technical perspective. However, as wind turbines become more widespread people’s opinions of them have in some instances changed for the worse. This means that decision makers must assess other factors than wind speed when considering site locations. It proves difficult to assess which factors should be considered when choosing a location, and how they should be weighted. This master’s thesis investigates the factors that determine suitability for wind farm locations. Using this information, a case study is conducted investigating the suitability of the area surrounding highway E18 between Grimstad and Kristiansand. To obtain this information a literature review was conducted on similar scientific works. Primarily, works utilizing a variation of multi-criteria decision analysis and geographic information systems (GIS-MCDA) were considered. The suitability factors that were most prevalent in these studies were included in this study. Furthermore, the case study contained a similar methodology, using expert teams to procure a suitability map of the study area to produce comparable results. In addition, the literature review was extended to contain more local studies, and a semi-structured interview was carried out. This extension of the methodology was done to cover topics of local relevance. Mainly, these revolve around the local opinion on wind farms, which is an issue not covered to great extent in the foreign literature. Public opinion is highly relevant for this study, but these attributes are problematic to quantify in a GIS-MCDA. Expectedly, it was found in the literature that wind speed is the most prioritized criteria. While some experts from the survey concurred, some also considered distance to urban areas as the most important factor. Regardless of this finding, there was strong agreement amongst all sources that there is an abundance of consideration decision-makers must be aware of when choosing a site location. These include the aforementioned factors, as well as distance to infrastructure, slope and many more. The most prominent attributes were included in the GIS-MCDA-model. The result shows limited suitability for wind farms in most of the study area. However, four suitable areas were identified. These areas need further examination before regulatory authorities can approve a project there

Vindkraft ved E18

Wind turbine technology is a field that has experienced significant innovation and technical progress over the last decades. Because of this, such projects are more feasible now than ever, particularly from a technical perspective. However, as wind turbines become more widespread people’s opinions of them have in some instances changed for the worse. This means that decision makers must assess other factors than wind speed when considering site locations. It proves difficult to assess which factors should be considered when choosing a location, and how they should be weighted. This master’s thesis investigates the factors that determine suitability for wind farm locations. Using this information, a case study is conducted investigating the suitability of the area surrounding highway E18 between Grimstad and Kristiansand. To obtain this information a literature review was conducted on similar scientific works. Primarily, works utilizing a variation of multi-criteria decision analysis and geographic information systems (GIS-MCDA) were considered. The suitability factors that were most prevalent in these studies were included in this study. Furthermore, the case study contained a similar methodology, using expert teams to procure a suitability map of the study area to produce comparable results. In addition, the literature review was extended to contain more local studies, and a semi-structured interview was carried out. This extension of the methodology was done to cover topics of local relevance. Mainly, these revolve around the local opinion on wind farms, which is an issue not covered to great extent in the foreign literature. Public opinion is highly relevant for this study, but these attributes are problematic to quantify in a GIS-MCDA. Expectedly, it was found in the literature that wind speed is the most prioritized criteria. While some experts from the survey concurred, some also considered distance to urban areas as the most important factor. Regardless of this finding, there was strong agreement amongst all sources that there is an abundance of consideration decision-makers must be aware of when choosing a site location. These include the aforementioned factors, as well as distance to infrastructure, slope and many more. The most prominent attributes were included in the GIS-MCDA-model. The result shows limited suitability for wind farms in most of the study area. However, four suitable areas were identified. These areas need further examination before regulatory authorities can approve a project there

Vindkraft ved E18

Wind turbine technology is a field that has experienced significant innovation and technical progress over the last decades. Because of this, such projects are more feasible now than ever, particularly from a technical perspective. However, as wind turbines become more widespread people’s opinions of them have in some instances changed for the worse. This means that decision makers must assess other factors than wind speed when considering site locations. It proves difficult to assess which factors should be considered when choosing a location, and how they should be weighted. This master’s thesis investigates the factors that determine suitability for wind farm locations. Using this information, a case study is conducted investigating the suitability of the area surrounding highway E18 between Grimstad and Kristiansand. To obtain this information a literature review was conducted on similar scientific works. Primarily, works utilizing a variation of multi-criteria decision analysis and geographic information systems (GIS-MCDA) were considered. The suitability factors that were most prevalent in these studies were included in this study. Furthermore, the case study contained a similar methodology, using expert teams to procure a suitability map of the study area to produce comparable results. In addition, the literature review was extended to contain more local studies, and a semi-structured interview was carried out. This extension of the methodology was done to cover topics of local relevance. Mainly, these revolve around the local opinion on wind farms, which is an issue not covered to great extent in the foreign literature. Public opinion is highly relevant for this study, but these attributes are problematic to quantify in a GIS-MCDA. Expectedly, it was found in the literature that wind speed is the most prioritized criteria. While some experts from the survey concurred, some also considered distance to urban areas as the most important factor. Regardless of this finding, there was strong agreement amongst all sources that there is an abundance of consideration decision-makers must be aware of when choosing a site location. These include the aforementioned factors, as well as distance to infrastructure, slope and many more. The most prominent attributes were included in the GIS-MCDA-model. The result shows limited suitability for wind farms in most of the study area. However, four suitable areas were identified. These areas need further examination before regulatory authorities can approve a project there

Smart grid replication : handbook for India

India has embarked on an ambitious sustainable development pathway by applying a multipronged approach spanning several sectors from developing smart cities to enabling electric vehicles. In the power sector, it is necessary to transform and prepare the grid at both the transmission and distribution levels to ensure the success of India’s sustainability journey. Implementation of innovative smart grid projects will enable India to reach its ambitious sustainability goals. However, a multitude of challenges in rolling out these novel solutions on a nationwide scale continue to persist. The handbook contains insights and tools that will aid implementation and replication of innovative smart grid projects in India. Therefore, this handbook provides its readers with the following: Insights into opportunities and barriers in replicating smart grid projects in India; A framework for selecting use cases based on their relevance to India; The CBA tool to assess the costs and benefits of smart grid use cases in India; The SRA tool to assess the scalability and replicability of smart grid use cases in India; Insights from applying the abovementioned tools to both European and Indian case studies

Multicriteria methodologies for the appraisal of smart grid projects when flexibility competes with grid expansion

The severe consequences expected due to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events call for improving the environmental sustainability of our society. The electricity sector is pivotal in the path toward a climate-neutral society. Nowadays, the massive use of renewable energy sources requires that electricity demand follows energy production. Demand has to be flexible, as well as the renewable generation and the grid infrastructures. The power system has to assume a decentralised structure and integrate the transportation and cooling and heating sectors. All customers connected to the electrical grid have to contribute to the power system management and participate in the related markets. The power system has to become smart; all technical and market processes have to be digitalised to enable new functionalities and services. The power system transformation requires rethinking planning and operation practices to accommodate the changes and take advantage of the related opportunities. The novel features and services available in the active and flexible power system will influence the customers' daily habits; therefore, the impacts generated by planning initiatives will cross the power system borders by impacting society as a whole. Since the power system will be operated closer to its technical limits, it is crucial to enhance the management of uncertainties by the increased accuracy of load and generation forecast. This thesis addresses the ongoing power system transformation by focusing on the distribution system, which will face unprecedented changes. This thesis concerns novel approaches for appraising the project initiatives based on the use of the users' flexibility connected to the grid. Traditional appraisal tools are no longer effective; therefore, decision-makers have to be supported with tools capable of capturing the complexity of the future power system in which flexibility measures compete with grid expansion. In this thesis, an assessment framework for smart grid initiatives which combines the cost-benefit analysis and the multi-criteria analysis proposed. Based on international guidelines, this framework allows for a systematic and simultaneous assessment of tangible and the intangible impacts considering conflicting criteria. To complete the assessment framework, a novel methodology which combines Regret Theory and multi-criteria analysis is proposed. The proposed methodology represents one of the main contributions of this dissertation. It supports the decision-maker to identify the most valuable option by decomposing the complex decision-making problem of smart grid planning and rejecting personal biases by avoiding the need for defining the evaluation criteria relevance. However, the stakeholders’ perspective can be included in terms of constraints for the minimax optimisation problem. In conclusion, the contribution of the thesis is to provide decision-making support tools for strategical power system planning. The research activities described in this document have been aimed at supporting system operators and regulatory bodies by providing tools for smart grid project appraisal and improving the accuracy of power system studies considering the novel context features