Search

Systematic and comprehensive understanding of stakeholder relationships is the key component for achieving social sustainability of brownfield regeneration (BR), which has not been recognized by existing researches. Based on the widely acknowledged idea of social networks, this paper proposes a systematic research framework for the analysis of stakeholder relationships, with a focus on the dynamic and networked nature of relationships. The relationship network of stakeholders in BR is considered from three aspects: identifying the stakeholders and relationships among them, quantifying stakeholder relationships, and analyzing relationships network structure. The proposed stakeholder relationships analysis framework uses empirical methods (i.e., interviews and surveys), rationalistic methods (i.e., fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and social network analysis (SNA)) to analyze stakeholder relationships. To demonstrate the usability of the proposed framework, we apply it to the BR in China. The results show that: (1) it is feasible to mine the relationships of stakeholders from the social network perspective; (2) from the individual network aspect, the government, developers, government are at the core of the network with the highest network centrality during the recycling and contamination treatment stage, the construction stage and the use stage, respectively; (3) from the local network aspect, different cohesive subgroups with strong linkages are formed throughout the life cycle of BR; (4) from the overall network aspect, the highest density of the use stage means that there is good cohesion among stakeholders at this stage; the centralization of the construction stage is the highest, indicating that the stakeholders have relatively concentrated network power and loose relationships. The paper puts forward suggestions for improving the network structure of stakeholder relationships, including strengthening the network relationship between the government and environmental non-government organizations (ENGOs), improving the monitoring efficiency and network status of news media, establishing a construction consulting platform that effectively serves the public and end-users, forming the alliances among end-users, the public and ENGOs and enhancing the relationship network stability. Overall, this study helps to clarify stakeholder relationships by providing a systematic framework to encourage better stakeholder engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and Analytic Network Process (ANP) methods are widely used for decision-making across various fields, and have shown success in numerous applications within human resource management (HRM). The purpose of this study is to present a systematic literature review on the applications of AHP, FAHP, and ANP in human resource management. The search process encompassed two main online databases, Scopus and Web of Science. This research covers a total of 180 application papers. To help readers extract quick and meaningful information, references are summarized in tabular format. The results showed that these methods have been applied in various domains of HRM such as performance management and appraisal, selecting human resources, talent attraction and retention, intellectual capital, workplace safety, reward management, e-HRM, green HRM, etc. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive research review has yet been conducted on the applications of AHP in HRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), thus it is pursues to improve their performance to stay in the global competitive markets through adopting an efficient manufacturing systems, one of them is lean production (LP). LP is a continuous improvement philosophy that based on using various lean activities to improve enterprise performance by eliminating various type of waste. In this paper, a Lean Level Assessment Methodology is proposed which integrated Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) to identify level of importance of lean activities and assess the level of SMEs leanness concerning five dimensions of lean activities. SMEs lean activities have surveyed through a comprehensive literature review, where twenty six lean activities have identified as the most common SMEs activities that classifying into five lean dimensions. A questionnaire was developed to collect data related to the levels of adoption of these lean activities by SMEs using a triple Likert scale. EFA was used to extract the most influencing lean activities on SMEs leanness based on questionnaire data. FAHP was used to determine the weights and the level of importance of these lean activities, while FTOPSIS was employed to investigate and assess the level of SMEs' leanness related to the five lean dimensions activities. The proposed methodology has applied in four Iraqi SMEs (A1, A2, A3, and A4) for producing healthy water and soft drink in Baghdad. The results have explained that only 19 lean activities are the most influencing on SMEs leanness. Efficient manager is an important lean activity that has 58.90% level of importance. Although the four Iraqi SMEs have approximately acceptable level of leanness related the five lean dimensions, there is variation in adoption these lean dimensions activities by SMEs. SMEs management should develop a continuous improvement strategy based on utilizing SMEs' efforts and resources to improve activities of the weaker dimension for improving their competitiveness and ensuring sustainability in the rapidly changing business environment. One limitation of this paper is the difficulty in obtaining data related to lean activities and their performance through SMEs' processes and activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of the optimal equipment for discontinuous haulage systems is one of the most important decisions that need to be made when an open-pit mine is designed. There are a number of influencing factors, including natural (geological and environmental), technical, economic, and social. Some of them can be expressed numerically, in certain units of measure, while others are descriptive and can be stated by linguistic variables depending on the circumstances of the project. These factors are characterized by a high level of uncertainty, associated with both exploration and mining operations. The experience, knowledge, and expert judgment of engineers and specialists are of key importance for the management of mining processes, consistent with the issues stemming from the dynamic expansion of open-pit mines in space over time. This paper proposes an integrated model that translates all the criteria that affect the selection of the optimal solution into linguistic variables. By employing the multiple-criteria decision-making method and combining it with fuzzy logic, we developed an algorithm that addresses all the above-mentioned uncertainties inherent in various mining processes where the experience of experts forms the basis. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is used in order to deal with trending decision problems, such as mining equipment and management system selection. The entire algorithm was applied to a real case study—the Ugljevik East 1 open-pit mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop an integrated Quality–Cost–Environmental (QCE) indicator for the selection of photovoltaic panels (PVps) offered to customers, considering the following criteria: (i) quality satisfaction; (ii) cost-effectiveness; and (iii) environmental impact throughout the life cycle. The proposed QCE indicator was developed within a framework that incorporated an FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). The model test confirmed its effectiveness in choosing a PVp which combines environmental friendliness throughout its entire life cycle with satisfactory quality and a reasonable purchase price for customers. The proposed model can be utilized by individuals, businesses, and public entities for the selection of high-quality, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly PVps—thereby promoting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the important energy industries, the safe production of coal mines not only concerns the safety of employees, but also affects the sustainable development of society. Recent rescue cases have shown that the layout of material bases and the allocation of emergency materials need to be further optimized. For this problem, this paper adopts the material hierarchical reserve mode for the first time, combining the material hierarchical reserve mode, multi-level material bases selection model, and the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method to determine the optimal location of the coal mine material bases in Liaoning Province. Determine the reserve level of emergency materials through evaluation and clustering analysis of various emergency materials. Improve the traditional gravity model and construct a multi-objective planning model for multi-level material bases site selection. Apply the reserve level of emergency materials and real regional data to the site selection model, and use the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (NSGA-III) to solve the model. Then, the optimal site selection scheme was selected using FAHP, and sensitivity analysis was conducted. The research results indicate that: 1) 9 county-level, 6 city-level and 2 provincial-level material bases will be constructed; 2) location selection of material bases is not only affected by costs, but also by the density of road networks; 3) use of hierarchical material reserve mode can significantly reduce the construction cost of material bases. Compared to the traditional material reserve mode, it can reduce costs by 86.6%. Compared to a single-level material bases, it can still reduce costs by 74.7%. The research results of this paper can be used for the selection of emergency material bases and the allocation of emergency material reserves, which can reduce costs and promote the improvement of regional emergency rescue capabilities.

This study addresses the growing anxiety and depression among Chinese university students by evaluating and ranking music education strategies to alleviate these issues. We integrates Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). FAHP was utilized to determine the weight of factors such as academic pressures, social relationships, and cultural norms, while fuzzy TOPSIS ranked the effectiveness of music education interventions based on these weights. The results revealed that 'Mental health stigma' and 'Academic Pressures and Rigidity' are among the highest weighted factors, significantly impacting student anxiety. 'Music Appreciation and Music-Based Self-Care' emerged as the most effective strategy. These results highlight the importance of direct involvement in music-related activities for improving student mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the sustainability of material-based products now encompasses social sustainability, a vital aspect often overlooked. Even though the existing frameworks provide a starting point, they do not often differentiate between the assessment criteria when making comparisons within one specific material category, which has made sustainability assessments more focused on environmental and economic aspects. This study addresses this critical gap by pioneering a social assessment framework curated to help practitioners to choose the most sustainable cement type out of the standard cement types used in the industry. Utilizing the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and linear-scoring method, criteria weights were systematically assigned based on scoring by industry and academic experts. The findings highlight the importance of integrating social sustainability with environmental and economic factors in cement selection. Unlike traditional material selection, which primarily considers cost and performance, green material selection emphasizes the holistic impact of materials, including social factors. Variations in weightage decisions among experts highlight the influence of practical experience, research interests, and context. Functionality emerges as a crucial criterion. The ranking of cement types based on social scores places CEM II/B-M at the top, followed by CEM IV/A, CEM II/A-S, CEM II/A-V, CEM I, and CEM II/A-LL. The evolving nature of sustainability necessitates ongoing research to refine and expand existing frameworks for a more sustainable construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the global demand for sustainable development in urban areas, there is an urgent need to enhance the ecological environment of urban areas. Urban renewal through sponge cities has become an effective method for achieving this goal. As one of the most dynamic elements in urban spaces, manhole covers play a crucial role in enhancing the city's image. To facilitate urban redevelopment effectively, improve the functionality of urban manhole covers, and promote sustainable urban development, this study explores ecological design factors for urban manhole covers, providing recommendations for future designs in China. Grounded on existing literature research and the urban redevelopment planning of the central district in Maanshan City, the FAHP method was used to determine the weights of five indicators containing environmental esthetics, ecological sustainability, intelligent detection, intelligent interaction, and safety, and scientifically constructed the ecological design and evaluation index system of intelligent grass pot manhole cover. The weighted average algorithm was used to obtain the index priority ranking, and the most critical elements were selected for design and refinement. The evaluation results indicate that safety, ecological sustainability, and the enhancement of the ecological design of intelligent manhole covers show the most significant improvement. The research outcomes can be used as a reference for enhancing urban ecological environments, promoting urban regeneration, and advancing sponge city construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, etc., data centers have become a flexible load due to their adjustable capabilities and are able to take on power service. However, the existing communication architecture is monolithic and poorly adapted between services and communications, which poses a challenge for data centers to participate in power service. Firstly, this article constructs a multi-domain communication architecture for data center management systems that includes local and remote communication, and analyzes the key technologies supporting this architecture. Secondly, based on differentiated service types and communication requirements, an evaluation system for the adaptability between service and communication technology was constructed, and a communication mode adaptation method based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP)-improved CRITIC combined weighting model and grey Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was proposed to achieve the analysis of the adaptability between differentiated service and multi-domain communication technology. According to the analysis of examples, the architecture and adaptation algorithm proposed in this article provide an effective theoretical basis and solution for the selection of multi-domain communication technologies for data center management system service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Economics & Administrative Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The challenges resulting from rapid economic growth, urbanization, and increased motorization in developing nations necessitate a comprehensive and sustainable approach to urban public transport planning. While sustainable urban public transport (SUPT) planning offers a solution, the complexity of choosing suitable policy measure options remains a challenge. This study first introduces a decision support framework (DSF) that integrates the sustainable urban public transport manual (SUPTM) adopted for generating the potential SUPT policy measure options, the KonSULT knowledge base applied for providing the performance scores of each measure option for all determined criteria, and the HMADM (including FAHP, FSM, and TOPSIS) technique to create, rank, and select SUPT policy measure options tailored to medium-sized urban areas in developing nations. A case study of Khon Kaen City, Thailand, illustrates the practical application of the framework, resulting in a set of 31 (91.2%) out of the total of 34 ranked policy measure options. Comparing these prioritizations with the city's existing plan reveals a substantial agreement, which suggests the potential applicability of the DSF. Overall, the DSF marks a significant advancement in SUPT planning, which is crucial for shaping efficient, equitable, and environmentally conscious urban mobility in developing countries, which are undergoing transformative change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-learning platforms (ELPs) are revolutionizing the higher education system, as they offer tremendous potential to fulfill instructional plans, safeguard students' learning rights, and improve teaching quality. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have to consider the selection of ELPs from an organizational perspective, which involves multiple stakeholders like university administrators, students, and educators. Therefore, one can take the ELP selection as a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. This research proposes a new hybrid MCDM approach on the basis of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and the evaluation based on distance from the average solution (EDAS) method to select the best ELPs. First, from the organizational perspective, we extend the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework by adding an auxiliary resource (AR) dimension and define and prioritize 4 criteria and 14 criteria for evaluating and selecting ELPs. Second, the study uses the fuzzy set theory to process the language evaluation of experts, the FAHP method to determine criteria and sub-criteria weights, and EDAS to rank the alternatives. Finally, based on the importance-performance analysis (IPA) method, we identify the most appropriate strategic options for enhancing competitiveness. Three practical cases of China's ELP evaluation validate the proposed model's applicability and superiority by comparing to the two other classic evaluation models. In addition, through analysis, we obtain some encouraging results that provide some references for universities to formulate ELP selection policies and offer suggestions for platform producers to further optimize the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existingmultipath routing in Software Defined Network (SDN) is relatively blind and inefficient, and there is a lack of cooperation between the terminal and network sides, making it difficult to achieve dynamic adaptation of service requirements and network resources. To address these issues, we propose a multi-constraint path optimization scheme based on information fusion in SDN. The proposed scheme collects network topology and network state information on the network side and computes disjoint paths between end hosts. It uses the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to calculate the weight coefficients of multiple constrained parameters and constructs a composite quality evaluation function for the paths to determine the priority of the disjoint paths. The SDN controller extracts the service attributes by analyzing the packet header and selects the optimal path for flow rule forwarding. Furthermore, the service attributes are fed back to the path composite quality evaluation function, and the path priority is dynamically adjusted to achieve dynamic adaptation between service requirements and network status. By continuously monitoring and analyzing the service attributes, the scheme can ensure optimal routing decisions in response to varying network conditions and evolving service demands. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed scheme can effectively improve average throughput and link utilization while meeting the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and Analytic Network Process (ANP) methods are widely used for decision-making across various fields, and have shown success in numerous applications within human resource management (HRM). The purpose of this study is to present a systematic literature review on the applications of AHP, FAHP, and ANP in human resource management. The search process encompassed two main online databases, Scopus and Web of Science. This research covers a total of 180 application papers. To help readers extract quick and meaningful information, references are summarized in tabular format. The results showed that these methods have been applied in various domains of HRM such as performance management and appraisal, selecting human resources, talent attraction and retention, intellectual capital, workplace safety, reward management, e-HRM, green HRM, etc. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive research review has yet been conducted on the applications of AHP in HRM.

In the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0, the selection of Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) has emerged as a critical strategic decision for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chain operations. This paper aims to develop a new hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach based on Industry 4.0 components for selecting the best 3PL provider by integrating Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (FMARCOS). The criteria for 3PL evaluation and selection are determined with respect to literature studies and experts’ consultation. In the proposed approach, judgments of different experts are expressed by linguistic terms based on fuzzy numbers. The criteria weights are calculated by applying FAHP, then the ranking and selection of the best potential 3PL provider have been done using FMARCOS. A case study from a manufacturing company is illustrated. Finally, sensitivity analysis on the criteria weights and comparative analysis among MCDM methods (FMABAC, FWASPAS, FCOSOSO, FSAW, FCOPRAS, FTOPSIS and FVIKOR) are conducted for the validity of the results. The results indicate that the integrated FAHP and FMARCOS model offers a robust and adaptable framework for 3PL selection, enabling companies to navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0 with a strategic and informed approach. This research contributes to the evolving discourse on logistics optimization in the era of Industry 4.0 and provides practical insights for industry practitioners, academics, and policymakers.

Small and Medium Enterprises SME play a crucial role in the global economy through their contribution in countries economy and creation of employment opportunities, and their success heavily relies on the implementation of efficient manufacturing systems like Lean Production(LP). LP is a continuous improvement philosophy based on various lean activities for improving enterprise lean performance. A fuzzy model that integration Fuzzy Consistency Algorithm (FCA) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was proposed as a comprehensive framework to assess the levels of importance and priority of nineteen SME lean activities that categorized into the related five related lean dimensions. FCA was used to construct the fuzzy pairwise comparison matrix to ensure obtaining consistent experts judgment, whereas FAHP was applied to identify the level of importance and priority of lean activities. Identifying the level of importance of lean activities will be contributed in focuses SME efforts in the improvement process on the most important lean activities to ensure effective resource allocation and foster continuous improvement process and offer a practical tool for enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability. The proposed model was applied in Iraqi SME. The result showed that FCA is an efficient approach to construct a consistent judgment matrix. Efficient manger, Kaizen team, supplier relationship, execution customer suggestions and customer satisfaction job rotation are the most important lean activities with level of importance 58.90%, 21.30%, 49.80%, 38.50%, 41.20% respectively. The proposed model can be used for small or medium size enterprise for various production industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present market trend of prioritizing safety and dependability at competitive rates has prompted the pharmaceutical and medical sectors to search more biocompatible, sustainable, and safe supplies. This paper seeks to achieve the most demanding criteria for pharmaceutical product safety, production capabilities, and performance standards. Hence, in order to avoid contamination, these sectors have set strict controls on the materials used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and medical equipment. The purpose of this work is to introduce the FAHP-FTOPSIS technique, which offers an innovative and systematic way to selecting pharmaceutical bearing materials, filling research gaps, and enhancing pharmaceutical equipment design. The crucial issue of selecting appropriate bearing ring materials for pharmaceutical applications is addressed in this work. This research suggests the use of fuzzy logic as an innovative and successful technique to addressing this issue. Fuzzy logic is used to handle and evaluate linguistic data linked with the performance criteria of various materials such as PEEK, PTFE, Acetal, Stainless Steel, and Nylon6. A preference-based approach was used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of five commonly used materials for bearing rings. This included a direct comparison of different polymers, which are gaining favor in the pharmaceutical device sector, and stainless steel, that have traditionally been used for pharmaceutical equipment. The assessment was performed using the FAHP (Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process), which assigned performance weight criteria as follows: C1 (0.128, 0.153, 0.139), C2 (0.082, 0.041, 0.019), C3 (0.425, 0.107, 0.371), C4 (0.528, 0.215, 0.089), C5 (0.137, 0.072, 0.036), C6 (0.092, 0.153, 0.172), C7 (0.063, 0.049, 0.032), C8 (0.048, 0.25, 0.049), and so on. Then, the FTOPSIS (Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) was used to rank the alternatives, with the following results revealing the order: PEEK > Acetal > Nylon 6 > Stainless Steel > PTFE. This novel technology has the potential to improve the precision of material selection, therefore enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of pharmaceutical equipment and processes. The results clearly indicate that PTFE-based bearings surpass metallic ones in several aspects, including corrosion resistance, quiet operation, and minimal routine maintenance requirements. Remarkably, the calculated weight criteria align closely with the manufacturer's provided data. This innovative hybrid approach, combining FAHP (Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process) and FTOPSIS (Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), has the potential to simplify and optimize new product designs for pharmaceutical devices, reducing costs in the process. These findings highlight the efficacy of the FAHP-FTOPSIS technique in addressing the hitherto unexplored challenge of selecting suitable bearing component materials for specific applications. This approach offers a promising avenue for enhancing pharmaceutical device performance and reliability, marking a significant advancement in this field.

This paper aims to develop an integrated Quality–Cost–Environmental (QCE) indicator for the selection of photovoltaic panels (PVps) offered to customers, considering the following criteria: (i) quality satisfaction; (ii) cost-effectiveness; and (iii) environmental impact throughout the life cycle. The proposed QCE indicator was developed within a framework that incorporated an FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). The model test confirmed its effectiveness in choosing a PVp which combines environmental friendliness throughout its entire life cycle with satisfactory quality and a reasonable purchase price for customers. The proposed model can be utilized by individuals, businesses, and public entities for the selection of high-quality, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly PVps—thereby promoting sustainable development.