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Decision models play an important role in helping people and organizations make the best possible decision with the information and data available. One of the most important steps to business growth is supplier selection, and, regarding this topic, decision models are very useful. An incorrect supplier selection could cause financial and operational problems for a company. In addition to reducing purchase costs and improving market competitiveness, choosing the right suppliers improves user satisfaction. In this context, this study presents a literature review on a multi criteria decision model called ELimination and Choice Expressing REality (ELECTRE) applied to supplier selection. Twenty-two studies were reviewed and characterized in terms of which ELECTRE method was applied, in which industry was applied, and if it was integrated or compared with another model. The results revealed that ELECTRE is not applied solely often, and is commonly applied in hybrid manner, merged with other methods, such as AHP and TOPSIS, and these types of application result in a more robust outcome. The gathered results can lead to managers and researchers to take a deeper dive into this marginally explored topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business Interoperability has become an indisputable reality for companies who cooperate and strive for competitiveness. Supply chain management is one kind of industrial cooperation that relies on large integration and coordination by interoperability factors, which until now is missing a tool to identify and solve its problems. The present article presents a systematic methodology applying axiomatic design theory and computer simulation to: study the impact of interoperability problems on dyad performance in terms of supply chain and interoperability; and the re-design of cooperation from the findings of the performance impact study. A case study applied in an automotive supply chain is presented to demonstrate the application of this method, mapping from the actual interoperability conditions (“as-is”) to a scenario that guarantees higher levels of business interoperability (“to-be”). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural fires are currently one of the main global disasters, and Portugal is among the countries that have suffered from them for decades. These fires pose economic, environmental, and social threats to the country. A primary cause of rural fires is the burning of biomass to clear agroforestry residues. Thus, combating rural fires requires more effective forest management, particularly the removal of forest residues that serve as fuel. These residues, also known as biomass, have significant potential for energy production and biofuel use. This paper proposes a model that integrates the PROMETHEE decision-making method with the roadmapping. This proposed model includes 7 steps, including the planning of the roadmap, the definition of the decision problem, gathering information and building the roadmap. The proposed model was applied to develop a roadmap proposal for the recovery of surplus agroforestry biomass in Portugal, identifying the most emerging conversion technologies in the national context. With the roadmap developed, it was possible to understand that the recovery of surplus agroforestry biomass in Portugal involves several sectors. The energy sector is one of those that can benefit from the recovery of leftover agroforestry biomass, both from the point of view of carbon neutrality and energy independence. Forestry management is another of the great advantages of recovering leftover forestry biomass and, consequently, reducing the number of fires. In the context of recovery, combustion is the most widely used technology for producing energy or heat. The technology identified as most emerging in the upcoming years is gasification. Investment in scientific research is essential for the success of this sector, as is the development of public incentive policies and more engagement from all stakeholders. This paper conclude that valorizing agroforestry residues can reduce rural fire risks while promoting energy independence, sustainable regional development, and innovation in Portugal. • The paper proposes an integrated PROMETHEE II-Roadmap model. • The proposed model is applied to the valorization of residual agroforestry biomass in Portugal (RAFB). • Benefits of RAFB valorization include reduction of rural fires, increased renewable energy alternatives, and sustainable regional development. • An evaluation of biomass conversion technologies is performed, and gasification is identified as the most emerging. • The paper emphasizes the need in the sector for research investment, stakeholder engagement and development of supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]