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Competitiveness is a crucial dimension in accurate assessments of organizations' use of their resources and capabilities, which, if utilized effectively and efficiently, allow companies to achieve numerous competitive advantages. Firm level of competitiveness has assumed increasing importance, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it generates not only better organizational performance but also, in many cases, business activity survival. However, assessing competitiveness factors (CFs) is a complex, challenging endeavor given the multiple variables that influence companies' competitiveness. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation model is a necessary tool for decision makers who seek to assess their organization's competitiveness. To overcome previous research limitations, this study combines cognitive mapping and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to develop a complete, well-informed model that facilitates dynamic analyses of cause-and-effect relationships among CFs. Two in-person sessions were held with a panel of specialists in SME competitiveness, during which five clusters of CFs emerged from the discussion and knowledge shared. The results were subsequently validated by a neutral expert. The advantages and limitations of the proposed framework are also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health insurance risk analysis is crucial to the development of the insurance industry, allowing insurance companies to anticipate potential losses in health insurance's inverted product life cycle. The health insurance risk evaluation process is, however, carried out in various ways, which limits the application of transparency, fairness, and justice principles in the calculation of risk rewards. By combining cognitive mapping and measuring attractiveness by a categorical‐based evaluation technique (i.e., MACBETH, a multiple‐criteria decision analysis technique), this study sought to create a nonparametric and distinctive decision support system for individual private health insurance risk analysis. The proposed system facilitates greater transparency in the calculation of health insurance risk rewards. The results of a real‐world application of this system were analyzed and discussed in face‐to‐face group meetings with independent experts who work for two of the largest insurance companies in Portugal, thereby incorporating realism into the proposed evaluation mechanism. The advantages and limitations of this assessment framework are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blight is a concept not commonly discussed. However, blight is a problem that exists in the lives of many people, especially if they reside in urban areas. Blight originates whenever properties are neglected, contributing to both a functional and social depreciation process and ultimately leading to uninhabitable dwellings. Despite being blighted, these properties and surrounding neighborhoods often are occupied by families who fail to have sufficient income to afford residences that meet minimum standards or to live in neighborhoods free from drug trafficking and prostitution or other forms of crime. Blight may spread rapidly, thus, experts must, in a timely manner, analyze its causes, which are essential to preventing and mitigating blight problems. The purpose of this study is to seek an understanding of blight and identify its causal factors. The generic methods commonly applied in previous blight research present limitations that this study aims to overcome by using cognitive mapping and the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. This dual methodology provides a more transparent and less restrictive approach for analyzing and complying with the dynamics of cause-and-effect relationships among variables. Group debate involving a panel of specialists in this field identified six causation clusters based on the experts' experience and knowledge. The resulting framework and its application were validated both by these specialists and the head of the Territorial and Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Division of Cascais City Council Strategic Planning Department, Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population growth and rapid urbanization have consequences that are reflected in the economic, environmental, and social stability of city-residential neighborhoods. These impacts directly affect not only residents but also real estate markets and local governments. The professionals working in the latter entities have become increasingly concerned about urban sustainability and its strategic integration into their plans. Strategies have been implemented that focus on both addressing negative aspects of residential neighborhoods and enhancing positive features that can contribute to the continuous improvement of locals' living conditions. This study applies the multiple-criteria decision analysis approach and a combination of cognitive mapping and the best-worst method (BWM) to identify the most relevant criteria and use these to rank residential neighborhoods according to their sustainability. To apply the selected techniques, two group meetings were held with a panel of decision makers. The results were validated by the panel members and the Funchal City Council councilor for urbanism, who concurred that the proposed ranking system facilitates the identification of the most sustainable residential neighborhoods. The contributions and limitations of the methodological approach are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organizational literature privileges objective performance indicators often selected by researchers. There is scarce research focusing on legitimacy-challenged hybrid and microorganizations and on perceived success under exigent conditions. To address this scarcity, this study, conducted among complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) microorganizations, explores success as a subjective measure originating from managers' perceptions. For the purpose, it integrates cognitive mapping and multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA)—a methodological contribution to construct a subjective-success framework that can be helpful for contested hybrid microorganizations. Seven factors emerged, of which human capital is recognized as critical, while external factors are considered unimportant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an economic engine of contemporary societies, the real estate market needs to be carefully analyzed in terms of both urban management and private or public investment. Information on this market's behavior can facilitate the identification of turning points in societies' economic history. Analysts should focus not only on conditioning variables and other important determinants of relevance to investment evaluations but also on the impacts of each variable or factor. Measuring these effects is a key activity in decision-making processes. Given real estate's growing importance to sustainable economic growth, this study concentrates on creating a multicriteria model for evaluating large real estate investments. A constructivist, process-oriented approach was applied in group work sessions held with a panel of experts with experience in dealing with this issue. These specialists structured the problem of evaluating large real estate investments using value-focused thinking (VFT) and cognitive mapping. The best-worst method (BWM) was then applied to calculate trade-offs among decision criteria and calibrate the evaluation system. The results were presented to and validated by a representative of Instituto da Habitação e da Reabilitação Urbana (Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation), who identified the advantages and limitations of the proposed model, and suggested possible improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban renewal is imperative due to growing urbanization (i.e. , population migration into cities), requiring acceptable planning to meet peoples' housing needs and playing a key role in highlighting and satisfying societies' needs. Complex urban renewal decisions encompass environmental degradation, poverty, inequality, and inaccessibility to services. Decision makers must meet on-going challenges by transforming urban spaces so that they satisfy all constraints while satisfying residents' needs. A holistic view of urban renewal facilitates efficient strategies for meeting economic, social, and environmental obligations. Multicriteria methodology may ideally be used to develop a complete, transparent, and realistic model that identifies planning factors best resolving urban renewal efforts. Therefore, we rely on cognitive mapping, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique, and neutrosophic logic, applied by a panel of experts with experience in urban renewal planning in two group work meetings. The results were analyzed and validated by an independent specialist in this field. The contributions and limitations of this methodological framework were also examined. • This study contributes to a holistic understanding of urban renewal. • The proposed approach overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping, neutrosophic logic and DEMATEL improve understanding of causal relationships between decision criteria. • The unique use of cognitive maps, neutrosophic logic and DEMATEL supports the formulation of renewal strategies for cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real estate ecosystems are the result of symbiotic relationships between different types of real estate, including residential, commercial, or industrial properties. Maintaining a balance among these categories is essential for these ecosystems' ability to function properly. Real estate currently is largely a product of urban expansion caused by population increases and distances from primary-sector industries. The unplanned growth of urban areas can have profound consequences for local residents' health and the environment. However, when well structured, urbanization can have a positive effect on societies' well-being. The relationship between this expansion and its impact on real estate ecosystems is an extremely complex, subjective topic, so decision makers cannot apply just one solution when making plans. This study develops a multicriteria analysis model to support decision making processes, which provides a structured understanding of urban expansion effects on real estate ecosystems and deals with the inherent subjectivity and complexity of this decision problem. Cognitive mapping and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique were combined in a neutrosophic environment to incorporate uncertainty and produce a more realistic analysis system, thereby overcoming various limitations of previous research on urban expansion (e.g. , unclear way by which relevant factors/criteria are identified in most cases, and lack of analyses dealing with the dynamics of their causal relationships). Decision makers with professional experience in relevant areas collaborated to provide essential input used to create the proposed model. External experts validated the results, confirming the potential of our analysis system for real-life applications. • This study provides a holistic analysis of urban expansion, fostering its nuanced real-world understanding. • The process-oriented approach followed overcomes limitations inherent in purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping enhances the understanding of urban-expansion effects. • Integration of cognitive mapping, neutrosophic logic, and DEMATEL forms a unique analytical approach to urban expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization, high city population growth rates, technological development, environmental impacts, and human wellbeing in urban areas have over the years become increasingly challenging concerns. These trends are related to the complex, multiple factors to be considered when evaluating “smart” cities, that is, municipalities that seek to improve residents’ quality of life by combining new technologies and environmentally sustainable practices. The above tendencies thus add to the myriad of indicators that need to be included in smart city assessments, whose intricacy hinders related decision-making processes. Based on the principles of multiple-criteria decision analysis, this paper seeks to integrate cognitive mapping and the Choquet integral to develop an assessment system that facilitates the evaluation of smart cities, which was named “SMART-C.” The research includes a panel of experts on smart cities who identifies the evaluation criteria and their respective interactions. The results of a real-life application of the assessment system developed in this paper are validated both by the panel members and a representative of the Lisboa E-Nova nonprofit association of the Lisbon City Council's Environment and Energy Department. These experts confirm that the proposed evaluation system facilitates making distinctions between cities according to how fully they develop “smartness.” The advantages and limitations of this assessment framework are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open innovation (OI) has captured increasing interest over recent decades as this approach is linked to higher level organizational ambidextrous strategy, and has become a prerequisite for achieving competitive advantages. Assessing firms’ propensity for OI has, however, turned out to be an increasingly challenging endeavor. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to the myriad of factors that influence these companies’ capability for innovation. To overcome this challenge, this paper sought to integrate two operational research/management science techniques—cognitive mapping and the Choquet integral (CI) (a nonadditive measure and information aggregator)—to identify and prioritize relevant criteria for evaluating SMEs’ propensity for OI, and improving their organizational ambidexterity. To facilitate a real-world application, information was first collected from SME managers and entrepreneurs who agreed to participate in face-to-face group meetings, allowing realism to be incorporated in the decision-making process. The results were validated by both the panel members and project director of COTEC Portugal—a leading think-and-action network for advancing technology diffusion and business innovation cooperation. The findings include that cognitive mapping facilitates the identification and understanding of cause-and-effect relationships between the determinants of OI in SMEs. The CI, in turn, introduces realism into the construction of value functions and the respective assessments of SMEs. The limitations and implications of the proposed system are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to develop a multiple-criteria decision support system for evaluating transfers of knowledge from higher education institutions (HEIs) to society at large. Drawing on a panel of knowledge transfer specialists, we developed the evaluation system by completing the three phases of the multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach. The structuring phase used the strategic options development and analysis (SODA) methodology and cognitive mapping techniques. The evaluation phase applied the measuring attractiveness by a categorical-based evaluation technique (MACBETH), which allowed us to evaluate HEIs' local and overall performance. The third phase consisted of formulating recommendations. Assuming a constructivist process-oriented stance, this research included a real-world application of the proposed system to Portuguese public HEIs. Our study demonstrates that HEI administrators can use the techniques applied to make strategic decisions when seeking to foster the transfer of knowledge to society at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social credit is a type of micro-credit aiming at fighting poverty and social inequality. Although interest in this type of credit has increased significantly over time, namely after Muhammad Yunus was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, there are few studies that address the assessment of social credit applications. This is an issue to be taken seriously primarily because the objectives of social credit differ from those of other types of credit, meaning that social credit applications should not be evaluated using the same credit-scoring systems. Assuming the baseline principles of the multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, this study combines cognitive mapping and measuring attractiveness by a categorical-based evaluation technique (MACBETH) to develop an evaluation system for social credit applications. The results show that the social-technical approach followed in this study provides value for the evaluation processes of this type of credit application as a result of the privileged contact established with a panel of credit analysts. The advantages, limitations and managerial implications of our study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of abandoned or poorly maintained properties, often with overgrowth, litter, and abandoned junk – or "neighbourhood blight" as it is sometimes referred to – is a complex and wide-ranging real estate problem. Its detrimental impact on neighbourhood property values, safety and reputation requires an elucidation of where its causes lie, which in turn requires that areas of intervention first be identified. The need is for multidimensional solutions which take into account different stakeholders' interests and perceptions. To address this need, this paper integrates cognitive mapping and multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and, based on the discussion of real world cases with a panel of urban planning experts from the Lisbon municipality in Portugal, constructs a blight intervention prioritisation index. The resulting framework was validated by the participating panel members and a representative of the city council, and is aimed at facilitating strategies for intervention and elimination of residential neighbourhood blight.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent economic crisis led to significant changes in the real estate market; one of which was a shift toward home rental (rather than buying). Real estate investors have an important role in the growth of the rental market. However, there are often hindrances to investing for residential rental purposes. In order to overcome these barriers, they first need to be identified and understood. With this in mind, the main focus of this investigation was the creation of a conceptual model, through fuzzy cognitive mapping, to identify and understand the cause-and-effect relationships between the factors that represent an obstacle to real estate investments for residential rental purposes. The results show that cognitive maps can be of great use for the structuring of complex decision problems, minimizing the number of factors left out of the decision-making process. In particular, the tenant risk behavior, property location and associated costs (for the owner) were identified as the main obstacles to real estate investment. The practical implications of the model, as well as the advantages and limitations of the process followed, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residential safety and perceptions thereof directly influence the daily habits of an area's residents, as well as its levels of economic activity, and the revenue generated and traded in its real estate. These variables, in turn, impact the flows of local population, and ultimately the socio-economic development of the region. Although residential safety, and its determinants in particular, have been widely studied, many of the existing contributions recorded are seen as restrictive in terms of the manner in which the evaluation criteria are identified, and the relationships between them analyzed. The current study aims to address these issues, through the integrated application of cognitive mapping techniques and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Based on group sessions involving a panel of urban planners and residential safety experts, and taking on a constructivist approach, a residential safety evaluation system was created, tested and validated, revealing promising results for the identification of the safest residential areas. The advantages and limitations of the methodological proposal presented are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sense of safety is an increasingly important factor when choosing residential spaces. This study sought to develop a multiple-criteria evaluation system for classifying urban residential areas based on their exposure to crime. By combining cognitive mapping and the measuring attractiveness by a categorical based evaluation technique (MACBETH), the research focused on increasing transparency in the process of classifying these spaces. This could facilitate the identification of appropriate improvement initiatives and, thereby, the reduction of crime rates. Based on a real-world application, information was first collected from crime, urbanism, and real estate experts who deal with crime-related challenges daily. The data were analyzed and discussed by an expert panel in face-to-face group meetings, which incorporated realism into the proposed evaluation mechanism. The results were validated both by the panel members and the chief superintendent of operations and deputy national director of Portugal’s Public Safety Police. This study demonstrated that cognitive mapping facilitates the identification of cause-and-effect relationships between a sense of safety and determinants of criminality and develops a better understanding of these links. MACBETH, in turn, introduces realism into the calculation of the relevant trade-offs. The limitations and managerial implications of the proposed system are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As interest in sustainability-related issues has increased over recent years, so too hasurbansustainability risen to the fore, in academic, practitioner, and policymaking circles alike. Urban sustainability requires a balance between environmental concerns, the economy, and social development in urban areas. However, over the years, there has been an exponential increase in urban density, accompanied by increased economic activity and high levels of consumption, which have hindered urban planning and made the sustainable management of urban areas more difficult. It has therefore become increasingly necessary to combine the interests of the various stakeholders involved in – or affected by – urban planning measures, in order to achieve a balance between their needs, those of the environment and future generations, and the need for economic development. Sustainability evaluation models can in this sense be considered a baseline condition for sustainable development. However, most existing evaluation systems present limitations in terms of criteria identification and the calculation of the respective trade-offs. To address these issues, the current study aims to combine cognitive mapping and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritize the determinants of sustainable development in urban areas. The advantages and limitations of our proposal are also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid technological evolution has become a great challenge for businesses and societies due to the openness provided by new digital technologies, platforms, and infrastructure and to the impacts of these innovations on how people work and live. The concept of a super-smart society (i.e. , Society 5.0) comprises a fresh way to apply these innovations, in which human beings contribute to adapting technologies to daily activities in their society and making Society 5.0 ideas applicable to different areas of each individual's life. Digital transformation and technological innovation are basic components of this paradigm. This study sought to develop a decision-support model that can help companies structure and prioritize new business opportunities within Society 5.0 contexts. The analysis system relies on a constructivist approach that promotes debates between specialists and combinations of methodologies such as cognitive mapping and interpretive structural modeling. The results highlight the most important areas in which new business opportunities can arise, thereby demonstrating that the proposed model is a valuable tool for incorporating a future orientation into business technological innovation initiatives. • This study contributes to the identification of new business opportunities in Society 5.0 contexts. • The proposed system overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • ISM improves the understanding of causal relationships between new business opportunities in Society 5.0 contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rapid population growth and urbanization have a strong impact on individuals' well-being. These trends are currently important topics in city management. As a significant driver of digitalization, technological development has been found to have great potential as a mitigator of a wide range of issues that cities face. To ensure the available technologies are being correctly used, municipalities need to measure their degree of digitalization. This assessment is also important to improve city officials' understanding of areas that need interventions so that cities can be managed better and provide their residents with a better quality of life. This study applies the baseline principles of the multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach to develop a decision-support system that facilitates urban digitalization evaluations. The results rely on insights provided by a panel of experts in this area, who used cognitive mapping and the best worst method (BWM) to identify important evaluation criteria within urban digitalization and to analyze their cause-and-effect relationships. The final outcomes were validated by the panel members and representatives of the Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses (i.e. , National Association of Portuguese Municipalities) and the Agência National de Inovação (i.e. , National Innovation Agency). These specialists confirmed that the evaluation system developed facilitates city differentiation in key areas of urban digitalization. The advantages and limitations of the proposed procedures are also discussed. • This study contributes to a holistic understanding of urban digitalization. • The proposed system overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping improves the selection of evaluation criteria. • BWM allows criteria weights to be calculated. • The system created allows urban digitalization to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intangibility of banking services makes the evaluation of service quality and customer convenience difficult to measure. This paper aims to construct an integrated evaluation system for retail banking service quality and convenience at the bank branch level by combining cognitive mapping with measuring attractiveness by a categorical based evaluation technique. We strive to introduce transparency in the decision making process and add to the performance literature in retail banking. Strengths, weaknesses and practical applications of our multiple criteria evaluation system are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

[Display omitted] • This study contributes to a holistic understanding of digital transformation. • AI, digital transformation and cybersecurity are hot topics in the banking sector. • The proposed approach overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping and DEMATEL improve understanding of causal relationships. Traditional banking institutions are currently under great pressure from their stakeholders to adapt to new technologies. However, due to this sector's inherent nature, data security cannot be jeopardized. Users must place great trust in their bank branches—a necessary feature of relationships between banking institutions and their clients. Banks' reputation also directly affects their success, ability to attract new customers, and retention of existing ones. These issues mean that making decisions regarding how to deal with the challenges of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and cybersecurity into the banking sector is quite complex. This study sought to develop a realistic decision-support model by combining cognitive mapping and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method in order to address this topic. Group sessions with an expert panel were conducted to apply the methodological procedures, thereby allowing realism to be incorporated into the final results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world's population has grown rapidly. Thus, new challenges have arisen in terms of people's quality of life, natural resources renewal, and urban environment sustainability. The smart city concept was developed to deal with these challenges by incorporating new technologies in order to find solutions that preserve cities' environment while promoting their residents' wellbeing. However, for cities to be truly "smart", they should be evaluated, and, to that end, determinants that facilitate their creation need to be identified. This study thus sought to combine cognitive mapping and the system dynamics approach to find which factors foster smart city success, as well as the cause-and-effect relationships among these determinants. In two groupwork sessions, a panel of experts identified a wide range of smart city determinants and analyzed the dynamics of their relationships. The results were validated by the panel members and senior representatives of Cascais and Évora City Councils, Portugal, who confirmed that the analysis system developed provides a deeper understanding of this research context. The advantages and limitations of the proposed framework are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Often cities are tainted by degraded areas, abandoned and vandalized buildings, and vacant plots, which is commonly called "blight". Blight is a complex problem with varied consequences requiring integrated decision making at both individual and community levels. This is an important issue since residents of blighted areas live in environments that directly influence their quality of life, values and behaviors. This study conducts an economic, social, and environmental analysis regarding impacts, intermediation and eradication of blight. The complexity of blight requires an analysis encompassing both objective and subjective variables. Also, this study addresses limitations of prior research by applying a methodology that combines cognitive mapping and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. Study results include a multi-criteria analysis system based on the inputs provided by a panel of experts. Although process-oriented, where results generally are not applicable from one application to another, our approach resulted in blight-caused impacts being allocated to four major clusters: governance ; construction and real estate market ; social dimensions and security ; and health and environment. The findings were presented to and validated by a board member of the Instituto de Habitação e da Reabilitação Urbana (Institute of Housing and Urban Renewal of Portugal). Advantages and limitations of our approach are also discussed. • This study provides a holistic understanding of urban-blight impacts. • The approach overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping and DEMATEL improve understanding of blight's impact. • The dual methodology use sheds new light on the blight topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study contributes to a holistic understanding of urban blight. • The proposed approach overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping and DEMATEL improve understanding of cause-and-effect relationships between decision criteria. • The combined use of cognitive maps and DEMATEL supports the formulation of anti-blight intervention strategies. Urban blight has been the subject of numerous worldwide studies. However, because of blight's complexity, direct relationship with ​​urban planning and multifaceted associated variables, studies targeting certain aspects of blight require detailed conceptualization and structure to facilitate decision-making processes that address blight. Many urban, socio-economic and cultural externalities associated with blight need to be addressed in developing viable intervention strategies for prevention, attenuation and eradication. Identifying and simplifying the complex issues associated with blight is important as their intricacy creates difficulties for decision makers. We simplify the blight problem by using unique techniques for structuring complex decision problems (i.e. , problem structuring methods (PSMs)). This methodology is based on multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) principles, as well as a combination of participatory techniques (i.e. , decision conferencing and cognitive mapping). In a subsequent phase, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique is used to enable the development of a more realistic, transparent analysis model for blight intervention strategies. This study assumes a constructivist logic, so both objective and subjective elements are included. The proposed methodology's advantages and limitations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of identifying and analyzing proactive measures for the prevention of urban blight is complicated by its complexity and death of data. Blight affects people's lives in many ways, including economically, socially, psychologically, and physically. The phenomenon comprises many factors, including making appropriate identification and eradication decisions that are challenging to analyze and structure. This study took a constructivist stance and sought to develop a new approach to urban blight to complement the existing literature. The methodology combined cognitive mapping techniques applied in decision conferences, and the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory technique based on the multiple-criteria decision analysis approach. This integrated approach facilitated the development of a multi-criteria model that identifies proactive anti-blight measures in a more complete, transparent way. This dual methodology enables incorporating objective and subjective elements, and field specialists' knowledge and experiences, thereby reducing important decision criteria omissions. Additionally, this approach generates a transparent visualization of relationships among criteria. Identified blight determinants can be used to prevent blight, and improve the quality of life in the affected areas. These strategies were carefully analyzed by two independent experts from the Direção Geral do Território (General Directorate of the Territory of Portugal). The advantages and limitations of the proposed methodology are also deliberated. • This real-world study contributes to a holistic understanding of urban blight. • The process-oriented approach followed overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping and DEMATEL improve the understanding of proactive anti-blight strategies. • No prior research was found that has adopted the proposed methodology in this study context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban blight often is prominent in urban environments. It consists of real estate degradation to the extent that blighted residential properties, unfortunately, may provide housing only for the poorest social classes. Urban blight reduces real property values in urban neighborhoods and urban centers, reduces business investment and increases unemployment. Urban blight is not static, but continuously changing, either getting worse or improving. Thus, it is an issue of growing concern for urban decision makers who may attempt to determine its causes. Determining causes of urban blight facilitates the development of strategic measures for the prevention and potential eradication of this phenomenon. This study seeks to bolster the identification of factors that cause urban blight and makes important contributions to both the academic communities and society at large. By combining fuzzy cognitive mapping and the system dynamics approach, our proposal facilitates the identification of urban blight determinants and the development of alternatives to control and eradicate them. Data used in our study were provided by a panel of urban blight experts, and allowed for the identification of the following major causes of urban blight: deficiencies in sociability and/or culture ; unfavorable economic and financial factors ; policy and/or administrative shortages ; lack of urban regeneration ; insecurity for people and assets ; and building and/or surroundings defects. The results of our decision-support system were analyzed and validated by an independent expert who works for the Lisbon City Council in Portugal. Recommendations for future research are also provided. • This study allows for a holistic understanding of urban blight. • The proposed approach overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping and system dynamics improve variables selection and understanding. • The combined use of cognitive maps and system dynamics supports anti-blight strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People are increasingly concerned about environmental issues. This concern presents new challenges for companies and impels them to incorporate environmental sustainability into their business strategies. However, smaller companies, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have often been prevented from considering environmentally friendly investments beyond those legally required because these firms lack a holistic perspective on sustainability. They also have a limited perception of the interdependence of corporate, economic, and environmental business components. The long-term survival of SMEs could be significantly strengthened by a holistic understanding based on integrated methods that facilitate the identification and representation of determinants of environmental conduct. These methods would further help to enhance these companies' competitive advantages. This study sought to use fuzzy cognitive mapping techniques and the system dynamics (SD) approach to carry out analyses of determinants of environmental conduct in SMEs. The results show that this dual methodology enriches the decision-making process as it enables SME managers and decision makers to anticipate and analyze the consequences of their environmental conduct decisions. The results were validated by both the department head and a board member of Portugal's Regional Proximity and Licensing Department of the Institute for the Support of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Innovation (IAPMEI in Portuguese). Static and dynamic analyses were carried out to test and more fully develop the proposed framework. • A holistic framework is developed to analyze SMEs' environmental behaviors. • Cognitive mapping improves the selection of evaluation criteria. • The understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships is enhanced. • System dynamics enhances analyses of SME environmental conduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing interest in sustainable tourism (ST), the actual implementation of sustainability practices within the tourism sector remains sporadic. Performance evaluation has emerged as a viable solution for this problem, but no universal ST assessment model has yet been developed for this purpose. Various authors have proposed different approaches, but these still exhibit limitations, especially regarding criteria selection and weighting. This study sought to create an assessment system for ST by combining cognitive mapping and the Choquet integral (CI), providing a rational, transparent foundation for the selection and weighting of evaluation criteria. The development of the proposed assessment system involved group meetings with a panel of ST experts, as well as a final validation session with a senior representative of the Portuguese Tourism Confederation. The results of a practical application of the system developed show that its process-oriented nature facilitates the ranking of tourism regions according to their degree of sustainability (i.e. , Lisbon and Tagus Valley is the Portuguese tourism region with the most ST, whereas Alentejo comes last compared to the other alternatives). No prior research was found that has applied cognitive mapping and the CI in this study context, and new insights into ST can be obtained through an analysis of the cause-and-effect relationships between evaluation criteria. The contributions and implications of the proposed system are also discussed. • A system is developed to facilitate the evaluation of sustainable tourism. • Cognitive mapping improves the selection of evaluation criteria. • The Choquet integral allows criteria coalition to be modeled. • The system created differentiates tourist regions based on their sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An evaluation system is developed to measure city sustainability and livability. • The understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships is enhanced. • Cognitive mapping improves the selection of evaluation criteria. • The use of cognitive maps and AHP enhances city livability evaluations. The real estate industry is an important indicator of national economic growth and development, which is influenced by the environment in which it operates. Various countries have been seriously affected by the most recent international financial crisis. Nevertheless, regardless of the challenges some cities currently face and the impacts on their sustainable livability, urban real estate is still of interest to investors. Given this context, researchers have sought to develop and apply methods of evaluating sustainable livability in cities. However, most practical applications have been hampered by methodological limitations (e.g. , how to select and weight criteria in evaluations), which has hampered progress in this area. The present study thus aimed to develop a knowledge-based decision support system to evaluate city sustainability and livability in a transparent and informed way. To achieve its goal, this research combined cognitive mapping techniques and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Based on real-world data, the advantages and limitations of this integrative evaluation system are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]