Dealing with Uncertainties in MCDA

This chapter presents various approaches to incorporating formalmodelling of risks and uncertainties into multi-criteria decision analysis,in a theoretically valid but also operationally meaningful manner. Weconsider both internal uncertainties (in the formulation and modellingof the decision problem), and external uncertainties arising fromexogenous factors, but with greater attention paid to the latter. Aftera broad discussion on the meaning of uncertainty, we first reviewapproaches to sensitivity analysis, which is particularly, although notexclusively, relevant to internal uncertainties. We discuss the role,but also some limitations, of representing uncertainties in formalprobabilistic structures, linked also to concepts of expected (multiattribute) utility theory. Such probability/utility approaches may be usedin explicitly identifying a most preferred solution, or simply to eliminatecertain courses of action when stochastically dominated (in varioussenses) by others. In some contexts it may be useful to view minimizationof various risk measures as additional criteria in more standard MCDAmodels, and we comment on advantages and disadvantages of suchapproaches. Finally we discuss the integration of MCDA with scenarioplanning, in order to deal with deeper uncertainties (not easily if at allrepresentable by probability models), particularly in a strategic planningcontext. The emphasis throughout is on the practice of MCDA rather thanon esoteric theoretical results.<br/

How Information Systems Assist the Management of the Supply Chain in an Emerging Country Like Brazil

Part 1: Knowledge Discovery and SharingInternational audienceIT has an important role in the performance of companies, provides a flow of information that makes the supply chain become more robust and resilient, without compromising efficiency. Most companies are applying IT systems, mainly in Supply Chain Management (Supply Chain Management - SCM) to enhance their performance in competitive global markets. The research is important because it will provide a study of what are the IT systems used to manage the supply chain and likely future trends. To achieve the objective of this work was carried out a survey with consultants and professionals in IT and supply chain who work in large companies. To collect the data needed for analysis, we used the exploratory research of a qualitative nature. Thus, we can conclude that the use of IT in the supply chain directly impacts in the areas of planning, manufacturing suppliers, customers and delivery

Selecting Theoretical Models for IT and Supply Chain through a Bibliometric Research

Part 1: Knowledge-Based Performance ImprovementInternational audienceThe objective of this research is to identify the major works in IT and supply chain and selecting the main theoretical models for analysis. A literature search was performed on the major knowledge bases to determine and select the conceptual models being used. This resulted in the choice of Gunasekaran et al model. SCOR (https://supply-chain.org) and GSCF (http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/scforum). As a result, we analyze these three mentioned models. The research is important because it provided a bibliographical study on the use of information technology in managing supply chain by means of theoretical models