Prioritization of petroleum supply chains’ disruption management strategies using combined framework of BSC approach, fuzzy AHP and fuzzy Choquet integral operator

Industries in every sector have observed tangible losses from a broad range of disruptions during recent years. Factors such as globalization and outsourcing have made supply chains more sophisticated and this makes disruption management more necessary. Any disruption in each part of supply chain makes the whole supply chain face derangement and at last, ultimate customers realize the shaped disadvantages. Since avoidance of disruption occurrence is not always possible, application of different strategies with the aid of minimization of negative effects seems necessary. That is why in this paper, different strategies for disruption management in petroleum products supply chain and suitable criteria for prioritizing them are recognized via Balanced Score Card approach measures. After that, by application of fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process and intuitionistic fuzzy Choquet integral operator, their priorities are specified in order to make a guideline for managers to set proper plans and manage such disruptions more accurately

A mixed interval type-2 fuzzy best-worst MACBETH approach to choose hub airport in developing countries: case of Iranian passenger airports

Hub airports are the ones that model networks in which most journeys go via a few central points. Famous hub airports deliver positive social and environmental impact to the communities along with economic effects. This paper is about to investigate indicators related to hub performance excellence from various angles, considering leading hub airports performance while determining the priorities in order to help airports especially in developing countries to find the way of progress. A list of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is prepared from the literature, which is prioritized using Best-Worst Method (BWM). The weights of these criteria are specified via application of interval type-2 fuzzy BWM. Then using five most important criteria, MACBETH (Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation TecHnique) ranking approach is used to analyse 19 Iranian international airports and find the most appropriate one for being hub airport. The results show Kish airport with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code “OIBK” is prior to other airports and can be chosen as the hub airport that means Iran airports holding company is suggested to focus more investments in this airport to gain fastest possible benefits of an international hub airport

Identifying the applications and requirements of using artificial intelligence in new automotive products

Artificial intelligence provides unique opportunities to improve the performance of various industries, including the automotive industry. The present study seeks to identify the applications and requirements of using artificial intelligence in new automotive products such as self-driving cars by obtaining opinions from managers and employees of domestic automotive companies through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The interviewees included 11 managers and 17 employees, of which 15 had a bachelor's degree, 11 had a master's degree, and 2 had a doctorate degree. 21 codes were identified in the applications section and 26 codes were identified in the requirements section. After conducting 28 interviews, theoretical saturation was achieved. From the codes identified in the applications section, self-driving cars and voice assistants, shared transportation, and resource allocation, expert staff, and team formation can be mentioned in the requirements section. Considering the variety of artificial intelligence applications in new car products and according to the specified requirements according to the opinions of experts, the development of a suitable platform for hard and soft technologies in an integrated manner; And government support regarding the creation of legal infrastructure can improve the development path of the current technology. Of course, in order to create a context for the successful operation of artificial intelligence in the automotive industry, all the effects of its application from different cultural and social aspects should be considered with a systematic perspective

The influence of resilience and sustainability perception on airport brand promotion and desire to reuse of airport services: the case of Iran airports

Sustainability and resilience are important in social, economic and environmental aspects. However, inspections show that in developing countries like Iran, sustainability and resilience strategies lose their significance when economic problems and high workload come to matter. This research tries to determine what factors encourage managers to consider airport sustainability in long-term and different situations. Such investigations are essential for a developing country like Iran, which has 54 airports under a central management system, which can help deploying selected strategies. Results of this study show that if passengers perceive the sustainability activities and ethical cores of an airport, they consider it more prestigious and become willing to reuse airport services for their future travels. They also turn out as evangelists and changes of the way people travel becomes visible on a wider scale. This can help managers to understand recent travel behaviour of airport passengers and enhance the airports’ performance considering different aspects equally, which are profitable for airport system, public and environment as a whole

INTERVAL TYPE-2 FUZZY DYNAMIC NETWORK DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS WITH UNDESIRABLE OUTPUTS CONSIDERING DOUBLE FRONTIERS: AN APPLICATION TO IRAN AIRPORTS’ SUSTAINABILITY EVALUATION

The sustainable airports play irrefutable role in making transportation systems sustainable. One of the approaches that can be used for evaluating airports’ sustainability is fuzzy data envelopment analysis (DEA). Fuzzy DEA methods have been introduced to cope with fuzziness of variables. However, it is noteworthy that fuzzy DEA is still restricted to fuzzy variables, while some of these variables are affected by uncertainty and also information granularity. Interval type-2 fuzzy sets which have characteristics of type-2 fuzzy sets and do not add any complexity to the calculation process can be applied to deal with such a problem. That is why in this paper, it is explored that how an extension of fuzzy dynamic network DEA approach based on double production frontiers helps to measure airports’ sustainability. Such an integrative approach in DEA approach is unprecedented. So, this extension of DEA is valuable from both technical and conceptual aspects.

A TYPE-2 FUZZY NETWORK DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS FOR FMCG DISTRIBUTORS’ PERFORMANCE EVALUATION WITH SUSTAINABILITY APPROACH

Because of the importance, sustainability of distribution centers in fast moving consuming goods (FMCG) sector is considered through a multi-perspective, multi-system and multi-process operation. It is explored how an extension of type-2 fuzzy network performance measurement approach helps to determine the efficiency performance of distribution centers in food and health products sector which are important products. A four-pronged approach is intended which considers management related elements, functions affecting the employees and retailers and also functions related to the environment simultaneously. This unprecedented combination makes it possible to have a comprehensive evaluation of distribution centers’ performance. Besides, type-2 fuzzy extension of SBM network approach causes it to better encounter with the vagueness of variables during analysis. Such extension is valuable from both technical and conceptual a aspect which in turn provides useful information and insights for the future design of holistic strategies connected with sustainability of FMCG supply chain as a whole

Best–worst method to prioritize indicators effective in making logistics systems more sustainable in fast-moving consumer goods industry in developing countries

Logistics systems constitute the backbone of international trade. For developing countries, establishment of sustainable logistics systems reduces costs, and makes supply chains strong to become able to compete. Without setting indicators for sustainable logistics, it is not possible to understand what policies are necessary for success. Logistics systems situations become worse in especial industries such as Fast-Moving Consuming Goods (FMCG) industry that are facing observable challenges such as old-fashioned goods or product corruption. The objective of this paper is to determine a set of indicators, which can be helpful in enhancement of sustainable logistics systems in developing countries. An initial set of indicators is determined through literature review and justified by asking experts’ opinions who have experience of management in logistics systems in developing countries such as Iran and Afghanistan, especially in logistics management in FMCG industry. The indicators are prioritized using Best–Worst Method (BWM), which is a newly introduced decision-making model. Results of prioritization of finalized dimensions and indicators by use of BWM show that “Governance” has the highest importance among dimensions and “management commitment to sustainability” is the most important indicator among all indicators. The results are applicably acceptable as we can see in business circumstances that only when managers believe in perusing sustainability principles as an important factor under each type of economic circumstance, an efficient vision will be set. Risk management has gained the least weight in this study. Based on experts’ opinions, if policies and procedures are set and performed correctly, risks will be less probable by themselves. The results help mangers in assignment of limited budgets to improvement projects related to each indicator

Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Super SBM Network DEA for Assessing Sustainability Performance of Third-Party Logistics Service Providers Considering Circular Economy Strategies in the Era of Industry 4.0

Stakeholders are increasingly aware of the aspect of sustainability, and the fact that the circular economy facilitates the achievement of sustainable development goals. They place pressure on supply chains to become sustainable, and for this reason, third-party logistics (3PL) service providers, as specialized professionals, play a vital role in sustainable supply chain management. Although developments in technology in the era of Industry 4.0 have been effective at directing 3PLs along the path towards sustainability, integrated management of forward and reverse logistics systems in order to achieve a circular economy and to become sustainable remains a problem, even in developed countries. However, benchmarking and using the experiences of others can help to speed up this path at a minimal cost. An interval type-2 fuzzy super-slack-based measure network DEA was developed to make such benchmarking possible. Governance style, staff behavior, environmental management systems, and social elements are considered, alongside the principles of the circular economy, in order to compare the sustainability performance of 17 3PLs with respect to different aspects through the application of the developed DEA model. Proper benchmarking with respect to strategies and operations of the 3PLs that are recognized as efficient makes it possible for these 3PLs to overcome obstacles and progress at a lower cost. The results show that 3PLs do not have a comprehensive sustainability strategy that is coordinated with an overall vision of the total supply chain. An investigation into the development of a framework with multiple steps for the guidance of 3PLs, as well as the whole supply chain, towards sustainability in the Industry 4.0 era would be a fruitful next study

Developing Dynamic Network DEA Approach and its Combination with Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets Theory Case of Passenger Airports’ Performance Based on Sustainability Principles

Abstract: Fuzzy DEA methods have been introduced to deal with the fuzziness of variables. Although, some of these variables are affected by uncertainty and also information granularity, the membership function of fuzzy set is certain and this contrasts with the fuzzy concept as a whole. Type-2 fuzzy sets are introduced because of this and their membership functions have the nature of fuzzy type-1. The calculations of type-2 fuzzy sets are very complicated. However, interval type-2 fuzzy sets which have the characteristics of type-2 fuzzy sets and do not add any complexity to the calculation process can be applied to deal with such a problem. That is why in this paper, it is explored that how an extension of interval type-2 fuzzy dynamic network DEA approach helps to measure airports’ sustainability. Sustainable airports play an irrefutable role in making transportation systems sustainable. Such an integrative approach in DEA models is unprecedented. So, this extension of DEA is valuable from both technical and conceptual aspects. Introduction: Airports are an essential component of aviation (Knudsen, 2004). The importance of airports becomes clearer when it comes to the fact that aviation traffic is more than before and, therefore, sustainability becomes difficult. While, various studies have suggested that the sustainability of airports is essential to improve the performance of these systems, improve the living conditions of the public and increase the airport's credit (Brian, 2005; ICAO, 2012; SAGA, 2015). Paying attention to the concept of sustainability in managing airports has various benefits, such as increased competitiveness by purifying activities, reducing operating costs, and reducing costs for life cycle of materials and equipment, better use of assets, utilization newer and better technologies, reducing asset development costs, getting more support from the community, improving working conditions and, as a result, improving employee productivity, reducing environmental risks, health, safety and promotion (SAGA, 2015; Bretzke, 2013; TRB, 2012; ACARE, 2011; Too, Earl, 2010). For the reasons mentioned, it can be said that it is necessary to pay attention to the sustainability of the passenger airports of the country. Certainly, before adopting any approach, the current situation must be assessed correctly. Various methods have been used to evaluate performance, but Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is one of the most widely used methods (Azizi et al., 2004). Data envelopment analysis is a functional and nonparametric method that allows consideration of various components as input and output or intermediate activities (Bray et al., 2015). However, no research has been found to determine the performance of airports in accordance with the principles of sustainability in Iran.  Materials and Methods: Type-2 fuzzy Dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used to assess the performance of Iran’s passenger airports based on sustainability development. By use of Dynamic Network Data Envelopment Analysis, one can see how the different parts of a decision unit can be linked. It also shows how the past performance of a decision-making unit can affect its current performance. In this type of data envelopment analysis, the function of the decision-making unit is transmitted through time-based intermediaries to the next period. Thus via using dynamic data envelopment analysis method, it is possible to consider the activities of different parts of a decision unit and also the efficiency with respect to time periods. However, the point is that in the real world, due to the increasing socioeconomic complexity and the inherent ambiguity of human thinking, there is no possibility of precise determination of many of the components. For this reason, type-2 fuzzy theory is employed that its membership function is the fuzzy of the first type. Since the complexity of calculations while using type-2 fuzzy set is high, interval type-2 fuzzy is applied. The 20 most popular passenger airports in Iran are selected to evaluate their performance in accordance with the principles of sustainability principles and via the help of the developed DEA model.  Results and Discussion: Results of investigation show that Larestan Airport is the most efficient one among all and the last rank is allocated to the Isfahan airport considering fixed return to scale while in variable return to scale, Shiraz airport gets the last rank. The efficiency intervals of airports such as Larestan, Gorgan, Rasht and Yazd have little difference in two modes of return to scale. For this reason, we can say that there is no significant function inefficiency about these airports. But this difference is more evident in the efficiency of airports such as Mashhad. Airports, whose performance is generally low or are inefficient, are able to provide a groundbreaking improvement with appropriate benchmarking. Since airports operate in different conditions, difference in climatic conditions and the in workforce etc. should be considered while benchmarking.   References ACARE (Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe) (2011). "Flight path 2050 Europe’s Vision for Aviation". Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Azizi, H., Kordrostami, S., & Amirteimoori, A. (2015). "Slacks-based measures of efficiency in imprecise data envelopment analysis: An approach based on data envelopment analysis with double frontiers". Computers & Industrial Engineering, 79, 42-51. Azizi, H., Jafari Shaerlar, A., & Farzipoor Saen, R. (2014). "A new Approach for Considering a Dual-Role Factor in Supplier Selection Problem: DEA with efficient and inefficient frontiers". Journal of production and operation management. 6(2), 129-144. Bray, S., Caggiani, l., & Ottomanelli, M. (2015). "Measuring transport systems efficiency under uncertainty by fuzzy sets theory based Data Envelopment Analysis: theoretical and practical comparison with traditional DEA model". Transportation Research Procedia, 5, 186 – 200. Bretzke, W.R. (2013). "Service Quality Versus Sustainability: A New Conflict of Objectives". Information Technology in Environmental Engineering Part of the series Environmental Science and Engineering, Springer, 179-190. Brian, E. (2005). "The Modern Airport Terminal: New Approaches to Airport Architecture". 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) (2012). "Sustainable Future for Aviation: ICAO Rio+20 Global Initiative". http://climate-l.iisd.org/news/icao-publishes-booklet-for-rio20-decision makers (accessed 14.09.2015). Knudsen, F.B. (2004). "Defining Sustainability in the Aviation Sector". Brussell: Eurocontrol Experimental Centre. SAGA (Sustainable Aviation Guidance Alliance) (2015). "Learn". http://www.airportsustainability.org/learn, (accessed 16.12.2015). Transport Research Board (TRB) (2011). "Critical Issues in Aviation and the Environment 2011". Washington, DC: TRB. Too, L., & Earl, L. (2010). "Public transport service quality and sustainable development: a community stakeholder perspective". Sustainable Development. 18(1), 51-61

Internet of things and its challenges in supply chain management: a rough strength- relation analysis method

Internet of Things application (IOT) in supply chain management is becoming imperative and can shape a strategic competitive advantage. Albeit, different challenges appear through this application, most of the previous studies consider less about these challenges and focus on the advantages of IOT. To overcome this defect, different challenges that a supply chain may face as whole are determined based on systematic literature review and expert opinions. Then, a rough group decision-making and trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is applied. Advantages of the proposed model are that both internal strength and external influence of challenges and also vagueness and ambiguity of experts’ opinions are simultaneously noticed to completely show the importance of these challenges. The results show that challenges such as lack of strategy and scenario planning in IOT, storage issues, lack of security and lack of privacy are of great importance. So, these challenges should have a higher priority in attracting attention and resources. These results help managers to be equipped to face with main challenges in their path toward IOT in their supply chains. Accordingly some practical suggestions for managers are discussed in this paper, such as starting the journey toward IOT step by step, planning for a data storage system which is appropriate for big data, setting up a security policy to prevent out-coming problems caused by lack of security and privacy inherited by IOT, conducting a privacy or security risk assessment, minimizing the data collection and retain and testing the security measures before launching the products, and establishment of a legal framework to construct a problem-solving network in such a messed up and dynamic environment for processing such complicated huge data