Including multiple perspectives in participatory multi-criteria analysis: A framework for investigation

Over the past few decades, a number of participatory multi-criteria analysis methods, combining deliberative procedures with multiple decision criteria assessment techniques, have been developed to tackle complex policy problems. However, several important aspects of such methods, including the way in which different and often contrasting viewpoints should be included in the analysis, appear to have been largely neglected by previous studies. Possible problems and drawbacks that may hamper the applicability and feasibility of multi-actor multi-criteria exercises and the utility and reliability of their outcomes also deserve further investigation. This article seeks to fill this knowledge gap by proposing a conceptual framework and classification scheme that illustrates the different possible approaches for identifying the key elements of the multi-criteria problem (i.e. options, objectives/criteria, weights and scores), while dealing with different points of view. It also discusses the potential advantages, disadvantages and issues of each approach and ultimately defines the overarching factors that should orientate the selection of one specific approach over the others

A Case Series Of Todays Vertical Integration

In todays business environment outsourcing attracts considerable attention. The general rationale is that anything that is not a core competency of the firm is a candidate for outsourcing. The touted benefits are generally considered to be substantial cost savings, better productivity and more strategic use of scarce resources within the firm. In contrast, vertical integration has to some degree come to be viewed somewhat negatively the argument being that no single firm in todays competitive environment can possibly or should manage an extended enterprise. But as this series of case studies show, some firms are flourishing by going against prevailing logic and vertically integrating their supply chains

Two hydroxy pyridinecarboxylic acid derivatives as a possible chelating agents in neurodegenerative disease; equilibrium complexation studies with Cu(II), Zn(II).

The metal ion chelators 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (DQ5) and 1,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (DQ715) and Cu(II) and Zn(II) were investigated with the aim to restore the homeostasis of the brain Cu(II) and Zn(II) in neurodegenerative diseases. The proton dissociation constants of the ligands, the stability constants, and the coordination modes of the metal complexes formed were determined by pH-potentiometric, and spectral (UV–Vis and EPR or 1H NMR) methods. The results show that in slightly acidic and neutral pH range mono and bis complexes are formed through bidentate coordination of the ligands. The biological MTT-test reveals that the DQ715 ligand is able to lower the cytotoxic effect of Cu(II) in human embryonic kidney HEK-293 cells. Our studies revealed, however, that none of the chelators were efficient enough to withdraw these metal ions from the amyloid aggregates

Sustainable Case Study: United States Steel Corporation

Overall, the North American Steel Industry has made significant strides to protect our environment and preserve our resources by: reducing overall energy consumption per ton of steel by 29% since 1990; reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including CO2) by more than 25% from 1994 thru 2003; reducing air toxics volumes by more than 70% from 1994 thru 2003, and total air & water discharges by 69%; collecting and reusing of steel making by products such as: slag for road building, railroad ballasts, fertilizer, glassmaking, & other applications; coke oven & steel making gases for fuel/heat generation; increased steel manufacturing efficiencies now result in the production of 100 units of steel from 114 units of raw steel vs. 140 units previously, which has resulted in a yield improvement of 16% to 87% from 71%. These statistics indicate that the industry is doing an efficient job improving the environment in such a short span of time. Recently, United States Steel Corporation has been taking strides to improving sustainability within its corporation. Originally, U.S. Steel has always been a company that prides itself on good business practices. Today, they are taking further steps by incorporating sustainable measures to fit the trend developing in society. This is a study devoted to evaluating U.S. Steel’s current successes and failures regarding their recent sustainability practices

Sustainable Case Study: University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) mission is to provide outstanding patient care and to shape tomorrow’s health system through clinical innovation, biomedical, and health services research, and education. By operating their health system by this mission, UPMC is the leading health provider in Pittsburgh. Their vision is to create a new economic future for western Pennsylvania. They want to build a new perspective of the way people think about health care by creating new avenues in the health care field

Sustainable Case Study: Chevron Corporation

The Chevron Corporation is considered to be one of the five largest energy-producing companies in the world and they are trying to become a more sustainable company. To improve sustainability they are investing in local communities through health, education, and small business funds. They are researching and learning how they affect biodiversity, in ecosystems that they are drilling in. They are also finding ways to be more energy efficient and lower their emissions. Although there are many examples of these sustainable activities there are few concrete numbers that can be shown in order to show exactly how sustainable Chevron is

Wisconsin Energy Corporation: Case Study Of Corporate Social Responsibility

Increasing by approximately 32% a year globally over the last five years, wind energy has proven to be a clean, abundant, and cost effective renewable source of energy. Wind energy is an important part of the strategy to replace fossil fuel electricity generation. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas currently generate over 70% of the power consumed in North America. The dramatic increase in the cost for fossil fuels and the growing pressure on the world's nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have combined to position wind power as the world’s fastest growing new source of electricity generation. This case study discusses a major producer of America’s wind energy, Wisconsin Energy Corporation (WEC), and their strategies and commitments to alternative energy and a more sustainable future. The company’s “triple bottom line” including economic, social, and environmental benefits will also be evaluated

The Planning and Appraisal of Mega Transport Infrastructure Projects Delivered by Public–Private Partnerships: The Case for the Use of Policy-Led Multi-Criteria Analysis

Mega transport infrastructure projects are frequently perceived as critical to the “success” of major metropolitan, regional and national development because of their potential to affect significant socioeconomic and territorial changes. However, the mega infrastructure development literature tends to focus upon the frequent failures of such projects because of their inability to meet their original expectations. A major cause for such perceived underperformance has been attributed to the inadequacies of ex-ante project appraisal methodologies. In particular, their excessively narrow focus has prompted growing calls for broader and more transparent project appraisal frameworks. These calls coincide with a period where public private partnerships (PPPs) are growing in importance globally as the favoured procurement route for governments looking to undertake new mega transport infrastructure developments. Some see the practicalities of PPPs as placing them at odds with aspirations for more inclusive and open project appraisal with adequate consideration of the public interest. It is the authors’ contention that if introduced with broader and more systematically presented sustainability concerns, PPPs can remain compatible with such ambitions. Towards this end, this paper presents the rudimentaries of a policy-led multi-criteria analysis (PLMCA) approach to project appraisal as a means by which PLMCA can contribute to more holistic PPP procurement practices. The authors contend in the latter part of the paper that PLMCA addresses many of the limitations associated with the application of narrower decision-making and project appraisal approaches currently supporting PPPs and other more conventional procurement practices