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Selecting the most preferred software for teaching power systems engineering at the undergraduate level is a complex problem in developing countries, and it requires making an informed decision by compromising on various criteria. This study proposes a multi-criteria framework to determine the most preferred software solution for instructing undergraduate power system modules using the Fuzzy-ARAS (additive ratio assessment) method and expert opinions. Twelve evaluation criteria were used to evaluate eight widely used software packages. A questionnaire was designed to capture views from professionals in academia and industry on the criteria weights and ranking of software options. Linguistic terms were used to represent the experts' judgment, and weights were assigned to each criterion. The Fuzzy-ARAS multi-criteria decision approach was applied to obtain ratings for each software alternative. Based on the result, MATLAB emerged as the most preferred software for instructing power systems analysis, whereas MATPOWER (V 8.0) was rated as the least preferred choice. In addition, the Fuzzy-TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) approach was used, producing a separate ranking; the most preferred software was MATPOWER, while the least preferred software was NEPLAN (V 360 10.5.1). A new coefficient that combines the findings of the two approaches was suggested to reconcile the ranks. The combined ranking aligns with the result of the Fuzzy-TOPSIS method by returning MATLAB as the most preferred, while the least preferred software was NEPLAN. This study significantly contributes to the choice of software for undergraduate power systems analysis instruction by providing direction to educators and institutions looking for software solutions to improve undergraduate power systems analysis education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outsourcing in logistics is an important step to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. In this sense, it is possible to come across outsourcing in many areas of logistics processes. One of the outsourcing steps is the decision to select the software. Choosing the right software can affect the market share of the organization and the implementation time, effort, and cost. The findings of this research will help the marketing and sales teams of software product companies to develop key points and also enable end users to make informed decisions in selecting software packages for the organization. In this study, the studies in the literature were examined through the Scopus database, and co-citation analysis was performed using the VOSviewer program. As a result of the analysis, the articles analyzed were divided into four clusters and explained.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has a high prevalence and complex condition in China and has a significant risk to the physical and mental health of adolescents. The establishment of finite element models based on patient medical images can effectively analyze spinal stresses, simulate the recovery effects of different treatments, and provide a scientific basis for the selection of patient treatment modalities. However, there are many different ways to build finite element models and no unified standard has been formed yet; the quality of models varies and the validation methods need to be improved. OBJECTIVE: The current status of modeling studies in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in recent years is reviewed in terms of software selection, modeling of key structures (vertebral body, disc, ligament, and trunk models), and material allocation. The research progress of model validation is outlined from the perspectives of geometry, comparison of existing literature, and experimental validation. The deficiencies and development directions of finite element models are summarized to provide references for related studies. METHODS: The first author searched the Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases in December 2021 for relevant literature published from January 2010 to the present, using “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, finite element, biomechanics” as Chinese and English search terms. The highly cited authoritative articles were traced, and finally 83 articles were included for analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Finite element analysis method can reconstruct the three-dimensional model of spine, simulate the physiological state of spine through biomechanical analysis, and provide theoretical basis and scheme reference for conservative treatment and surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. (2) The establishment method of finite element model in China is different from that outside China. Domestic researchers use full spinal CT to reconstruct the vertebrae through reverse engineering and establish intervertebral discs, ligaments, articular cartilage endplate, up and down structure according to the model of vertebrae. However, the foreign researchers use multiple plane X-ray devices such as the EOS imaging system, which is lack of description of the model establishment process. (3) Although the specific software selection in the process of model building is different, the software classification includes medical image processing software, three-dimensional modeling software and finite element analysis software. (4) The finite element material assignment of vertebrae and intervertebral discs has formed a unified standard, but the material assignment of ligament model is also different due to different unit settings, and the assignment of ligament will significantly affect the results of the model. (5) The verification methods of finite element models mainly include geometric verification compared with original medical images, mechanical verification compared with existing literature results and clinical trial verification of finite element analysis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation is a tool that can be used to predict and evaluate the performance of mining systems. It has been used for various applications such as fleet optimization in underground mining, comparison of timing and efficiency between drills, and mine-to-mill production systems. Due to the availability of a large number of simulation tools, careful selection should be made depending on the type of problem to be simulated. The study presented in this paper aims to compare two different simulation tools, AutoMod and SimMine, by comparing the two underground loading models created. This is achieved by analysing different equipment alternatives for possible future conditions when the mine depth increases. Both tools produce statistically equivalent results for simulated production. The paper presents a discussion regarding the choice of software and based on the study, SimMine is recommended for easy, fast modelling, whereas AutoMod, with its wider palette of software features and facilities provided, is recommended for more enhanced and detailed mining simulations. The study is based on the mining operation in the Kiirunavaara underground mine in Sweden, and the simulation is conducted based on a fixed production target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotic process automation (RPA) is a technology for office automation to imitate human behaviour when interacting with computers to perform digitized tasks manually, such as opening and closing applications, reading documents, entering data, and sending e-mails. As with any new digital technology answering the question of where to start and what is the right software, is challenging. In the case of RPA, the question of where to start depends on the selection of the business process to be automated and optimized. There are approaches for process selection in research, but they are relatively complex and have not been validated in practice. To fill this gap, we have simplified the process selection method and validated it on a practical example. We also present a simple method to select the appropriate RPA software. The criteria selection and evaluation were done with the Pairwise Comparison and Benefit Value Analysis method. This approach is relatively easy to follow and to apply in practice and thus also closes a gap in applied research.

Robotic process automation (RPA) is a technology for office automation to imitate human behaviour when interacting with computers to perform digitized tasks manually, such as opening and closing applications, reading documents, entering data, and sending e-mails. As with any new digital technology answering the question of where to start and what is the right software, is challenging. In the case of RPA, the question of where to start depends on the selection of the business process to be automated and optimized. There are approaches for process selection in research, but they are relatively complex and have not been validated in practice. To fill this gap, we have simplified the process selection method and validated it on a practical example. We also present a simple method to select the appropriate RPA software. The criteria selection and evaluation were done with the Pairwise Comparison and Benefit Value Analysis method. This approach is relatively easy to follow and to apply in practice and thus also closes a gap in applied research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The software selection process in the context of a big company is not an easy task. In the Business Intelligence area, this decision is critical, since the resources needed to implement the tool are huge and imply the participation of all organization actors. We propose to adopt the systemic quality model to perform a neutral comparison between four business intelligence self-service tools. To assess the quality, we consider eight characteristics and eighty-two metrics. We built a methodology to evaluate self-service BI tools, adapting the systemic quality model. As an example, we evaluated four tools that were selected from all business intelligence platforms, following a rigorous methodology. Through the assessment, we obtained two tools with the maximum quality level. To obtain the differences between them, we were more restrictive increasing the level of satisfaction. Finally, we got a unique tool with the maximum quality level, while the other one was rejected according to the rules established in the methodology. The methodology works well for this type of software, helping in the detailed analysis and neutral selection of the final software to be used for the implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A CODAS-based group decision model is designed for the T-spherical fuzzy context. • A T-spherical fuzzy Minkowski distance operator based on Heronian mean is proposed. • A novel ordered weighted Heronian Minkowski distance (TSFOWHMD) operator is advanced. • The TSFOWHMD operator is utilized to improve the CODAS method. • The applicability of the developed methodology is verified through a case study. T-spherical fuzzy sets (TSFSs) are more flexible and efficient tools to deal with ambiguous, uncertain and vague information in complex real-world decision-making problems than various extended intuitionistic fuzzy sets. This paper aims to develop a novel T-spherical fuzzy (TSF) Combinative Distance-Based ASsessment (CODAS) based on the Heronian Minkowski distance aggregation operator, this new method can capture interrelationship between input arguments. Some TSF weighted Heronian Minkowski distance (TSFWHMD) aggregation operators with generalization are developed based on Heronian mean and Minkowski-type distance, their properties are discussed as well as their families are analyzed. Furthermore, the TSF MAGDM methodology based on the improved CODAS is designed, where the Minkowski-type distance is used to define the TSF similarity for computing the expert weights and to construct the maximizing deviation method (MDM) for determining the attribute weights, respectively. The TSF ordered weighted Heronian Hamming distance (TSFOWHHD) and TSF ordered weighted Heronian Euclidean distance (TSFOWHED) operators derived from the TSFOWHMD operator are integrated into the CODAS method, which is an improved method for both measuring the deviation of the negative ideal solution from each alternative and capturing the correlation between attributes. Finally, the feasibility and practicality of developed methodology are illustrated with an example of CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) software selection for lithium-ion power battery (LiPB) design, sensitivity analysis and method comparisons are performed to elucidate the reliability and validity of the developed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software selection process for many organizations is a challenging task to conduct their business activities and sustain competitiveness. This paper develops a new hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to select the most efficient vendor-supplied software package which is used in all business activities for planning or designing, organizing, and supervising functions by operations management of a fuel oil company operated in Turkey. The proposed method is a hybridization of two well-known MCDM approaches, namely TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multi-criteria decision making) and TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution) using Pythagorean cubic fuzzy sets to manage uncertainty, subjectivity and bias of decision makers. To prove the efficiency and applicability of the proposed method, a real-life application to select best software package for fuel oil company is conducted. Finally, sensitivity and comparison analyses are carried out to verify validity and stability of the results obtained by the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software evaluation and selection have begun to be addressed as a topic title along with the fact that microcomputers and then personal computers have become widespread and have been used in the operations of businesses. In this study, it was focused on the selection of software for identifying the physical effect distances of the explosion, fire, and toxic emission, which is an important need for industrial institutions containing, using or storing hazardous chemicals. The evaluation and selection of software for the Hazard Analysis and Consequence Modeling (HACM) of potential accidents was studied at first. In means of methodology, questionnaires consisting of original questions were applied to the experts. The results obtained from questionnaires according to the Likert scale, were converted into Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) suggestion matrices. In this way, the inconsistency problem in the pairwise comparison matrices was eliminated. As a result, evaluation and selection were made among the HACM software.

The scientific article explores the role of software as a tool used by organizations to carry out economic activities in a digital economy without which it is impossible to have adequate competitiveness in a digital economy. The concept of “digital economy” has been clarified. A methodology has been developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the software used or selected on the basis of its qualitative and quantitative characteristics and the requirements of the workplace for the software functionality. Based on the theoretical and methodological base and the developed methodology, a scalable model of an effective management decision-making process for selecting and updating software in an organization is built, a comparison with existing practice is carried out. The significance of the research results is due to the lack of widely available methods in open access for the optimal selection of software as a tool, not related to involving external agents in the process and having the necessary scalability to use them, including collective, in organizations. This creates negative effects for organizations and the economy of the Republic of Belarus as a whole.

Background: This paper aims to develop an effective decision making (DM) process for ERP change or replacement. ERP in most organizations constitutes a key critical system of high complexity with many stakeholders. A major change activity for such a system therefore exposes an organization to great risks, and thus should be well organized. Method: A design science approach was chosen for this research. Based on a review of related literature and evidence of the DM process at different companies, a general process of DM for ERP upgrade was designed, and later evaluated and improved through a case study approach. Results: The decision process assumes a model with variables describing characteristics and performance of possible alternatives, and the decision is decomposed into steps with three loops that are executed iteratively. We believe that the findings and approach can be useful both for the immediate problem context and also for other IT-related DM problems. Conclusions: The main outcome is the new process of DM that includes several novel contributions: three main loops of DM, multiple repetition of loops, and possible returns to the starting point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since many years, software is a fundamental part of production, administrative and control processes. The moment to buy or replace the software is a part of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) discipline and can involve a significant investment for the business. The risk of mistakes in the choice can have a huge economic impact on the production cycle, as well as on the ROE. The best way for mitigating this risk is to apply a deepen pre-purchase analysis: the 'Software Selection’. This analysis is based on the following four key points: - The Business Requirements - The software - The supplier - The Costs

Since the implementation of customer relationship management software (CRM) is widespread, there is always concern about which of the various CRM software providers should be selected. The aim of this study is to identify and rank the factors affecting the selection of CRM software in Iranian organizations with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). For this purpose, important properties and criteria of CRM software were identified through the study of literature and considered during the interview with experts. Then, hierarchical analysis questionnaire was designed on the basis of agreed criteria and was completed by experts. The collected data analysis results indicate that the features of software including functional capabilities (operational, analytical, communicational), non-functional capabilities and the features of providers of CRM software are the most important factors and should be considered by organizations. Also, functional capabilities, non-functional capabilities and the features of the software providers are respectively important. In addition, weights and priorities related to the criteria in each category were calculated.

The software selection process in the context of a big company is not an easy task. In the Business Intelligence area, this decision is critical, since the resources needed to implement the tool are huge and imply the participation of all organization actors. We propose to adopt the systemic quality model to perform a neutral comparison between four business intelligence self-service tools. To assess the quality, we consider eight characteristics and eighty-two metrics. We built a methodology to evaluate self-service BI tools, adapting the systemic quality model. As an example, we evaluated four tools that were selected from all business intelligence platforms, following a rigorous methodology. Through the assessment, we obtained two tools with the maximum quality level. To obtain the differences between them, we were more restrictive increasing the level of satisfaction. Finally, we got a unique tool with the maximum quality level, while the other one was rejected according to the rules established in the methodology. The methodology works well for this type of software, helping in the detailed analysis and neutral selection of the final software to be used for the implementation.

Since COVID-19 has become a pandemic, education has been interrupted in many countries, and training has been temporarily resumed on online platforms. But it is difficult to determine which of the many existing web (or video) conferencing software is more suitable for class education. The aim of this study is to sort these platforms according to the criteria determined by experts and select the best one among different alternatives by using interval-valued fuzzy parameterized intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets. In the application, seven experts determined the six criteria and their interval-valued fuzzy weights depending on educational needs. The decision makers are evaluated ten video conferencing tools for educational institutions by using interval-valued fuzzy parameterized intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets. Finally, using the proper operators, the alternatives are sorted and the best video conferencing tool for class education. The results are intended to guide future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informatization level is an important criterion for the intellectualization of modern enterprises, and enterprise informatization software is a key part of the implementation of enterprise informatization. In this selection process, there exist the problems such as multi-factor constraint, ambiguity, and low distinguishing ability etc. To solve these problems, the author attempted to explore the model and algorithm of enterprise informatization software selection based on the grey relational analysis (GRA). First, the decision indicators were defined and then weighted using the fuzzy decision analysis method. Secondly, in view of the uncertainty of decision analysis in the software selection of enterprise informatization, the GRA was proposed to establish the calculation model of grey correlation degree, and the basic framework and algorithm were also given. Finally, the model and algorithms proposed were verified through case analysis. The research findings provide a theoretical support for the fuzzy decision analysis of complex system, and also have signification application value to the fuzzy decision and evaluation issues in complex system engineering [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, the selection of the most suitable simulation software to correctly face industrial problems has become vital for companies. The choice should be made among several possibilities and some companies, especially SMEs, may not have the appropriate tools. Moreover, a change of perspective is detected in industry: the technological evolution has shifted the problem from the "best-ever" solution identification, independently from the goals, to the usability of the software, in function of the company's objectives. In this context, technicians and managers act as decision-makers, not only as receivers. The present work proposes an update of the criteria used for evaluating the most appropriate simulation software among different options. Based on that, an AHP-based evaluation framework is defined to support the selection process to face the industrial problem. The proposed methodology has been tested in an industrial case and its effectiveness has been proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the implementations of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, most companies have experienced some problems, one of which is how to determine the best ERP software satisfying their needs and expectations. Because improperly selected ERP software may have an impact on the time required, and the costs and market share of a company, selecting the best desirable ERP software has been the most critical problem for a long time. On the other hand, selecting ERP software is a multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, and in the literature, many methods have been introduced to evaluate this kind of problem, one of which is the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), which has been widely used in MCDM selection problems. However, in this paper, we use a fuzzy extension of an analytic network process (ANP), a more general form of AHP, which uses uncertain human preferences as input information in the decision-making process, because the AHP cannot accommodate the variety of interactions, dependencies, and feedback between higher- and lower-level elements. Instead of using the classical eigenvector prioritization method in the AHP, only employed in the prioritization stage of ANP, a fuzzy-logic method providing more accuracy on judgements is applied. The resulting fuzzy ANP enhances the potential of the conventional ANP for dealing with imprecise and uncertain human comparison judgements. In short, in this paper, an intelligent approach to ERP software selection through a fuzzy ANP is proposed by taking into consideration quantitative and qualitative elements to evaluate ERP software alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has seen a significant rise in the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the last few years. BIM software have launched with numerous robust capabilities and features to satisfy the ever-demanding needs of the AEC industry. Various factors are associated with the selection of BIM software depending on a company’s requirements and constraints. BIM software selection is a daunting process as most AEC industries are unaware of the factors to consider when making this important decision. This study focuses on identifying the critical success factors (CSFs) and their interrelationship for efficient BIM software selection. For this research, a questionnaire was developed and disseminated in two stages in India, the United States of America (U.S.A.), Germany, and the United Kingdom (U.K.). In the first stage, a total of twenty-six identified CSFs were analyzed with the factor comparison method (FCM) to identify the top fifteen CSFs. Subsequently, the identified top fifteen CSFs were further assessed by implementing Fuzzy DEMATEL to categorize them into cause-and-effect groups based on respective influence strength, depicted with a causal diagram. Out of fifteen CSFs, five and ten factors were grouped into the cause group and effect group for BIM software selection, respectively. The most important factors were identified as software functionality, BIM adoption strategies and processes, interoperability, staff competencies, BIM standards and regional regulations. The outcome of this research can help BIM user companies improve their BIM software selection framework and decision-making process during purchasing software.

In many application areas, vendors offer to their clients combinations of software products and services, which can be considered as software-service bundles. The clients select a combination of software product and associated service best suited to their individual requirements and circumstances. The bundle usually has to be configured by the vendor to fit the specific situation of the client. When circumstances change, the software-service bundle or its configuration need adaptation. The article proposes a method helping clients to select the most appropriate combination or configuration. The method is based on information sharing between the vendor and client and also supports the continuous improvement of the solution in response to changing circumstances. The method applies principles and techniques of the Capability Driven Development to specify performance objectives and contextual factors affecting delivery of a software-service bundle. Application of the method is shown using an illustrative case of a data processing service from utility industries.

Increased popularity of open source software (OSS) has led to a considerable proliferation of alternative software. However, there is a lack of studies in literature that shed light into the evaluation of OSS by organizations. In this article, a method to evaluate reliability and maintainability of OSS by using both code-based and community-based aspects is proposed through the synthesis of existing studies in literature. To perform code-based evaluation, some internal attributes of the most recent quality model, ISO/IEC 25010, are selected and object-oriented C&K metrics are employed in an attempt to measure these attributes. To perform community-based evaluation, metrics derived from historical data such as e-mailing lists, problem reports, frequently asked questions, and etc. are utilized to identify and satisfy information needs as conformant to ISO/IEC 15939 standard for software measurement process. The two-dimensional method was used in selection of the Java build tools written in Java, and the results obtained by applying the proposed method and the results obtained by using OSMM and OpenBRR which are common methods in the literature were compared. According to the evaluation and comparison results, the results obtained with the existing models confirm each other and the results obtained with the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being a decision-making process, software evaluation and selection is complicated, time-consuming, costly and also critical to the success of the project/work/organization. In this study, evaluation and selection of customized software which are used to identify the physical effect (explosion, fire and toxic emission) distances for industrial establishments containing, using or storing hazardous chemicals has been considered. These software are called the "Hazard Analysis and Consequence Modeling" (HACM) software in the literature. This study first prepared Likert scale-based questionnaires which were distributed to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) professionals to obtain their opinions. Likert scale was used with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method in the processing of data obtained from questionnaires in order to get over the inconsistency problem of pairwise comparison matrices. The Likert scale-based AHP method was used to determine the weights of the criteria, and Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE) method was used to obtain the final ranking. PROMETHEE method was preferred for having the opportunity of evaluating the binary "Yes–No" questions in the solution process. Finally, application results were given to illustrate the proposed method by using the PROMETHEE software "Visual PROMETHEE 1.4.0.0". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the implementation of customer relationship management software (CRM) is widespread, there is always concern about which of the various CRM software providers should be selected. The aim of this study is to identify and rank the factors affecting the selection of CRM software in Iranian organizations with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). For this purpose, important properties and criteria of CRM software were identified through the study of literature and considered during the interview with experts. Then, hierarchical analysis questionnaire was designed on the basis of agreed criteria and was completed by experts. The collected data analysis results indicate that the features of software including functional capabilities (operational, analytical, communicational), non-functional capabilities and the features of providers of CRM software are the most important factors and should be considered by organizations. Also, functional capabilities, non-functional capabilities and the features of the software providers are respectively important. In addition, weights and priorities related to the criteria in each category were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcomputer users are faced with an increasingly difficult choice problem in the evaluation and selection of software packages. For many reasons, users frequently must rely on expert evaluations of the technical functions and features of packages. This paper explores the extent to which multi-attribute choice models are capable of extracting the information content of performance ratings. Five choice models are applied to the expert ratings of software packages in the following areas: word processing, database management systems, and spreadsheet and financial planning. The evaluations and selections made under each model are compared for each software type, and guidelines are suggested for choosing between choice strategies for software evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tendering legislation aims to enhance competitiveness by promoting equality, proportionality, transparency, and non‐discrimination. Such legislation applies to the procurement of software packages by public institutions in many countries. This study explores how tendering legislation shapes a buyer's software selection process through the lens of competing decision‐making rationalities. From the literature, 3 rationalities enacted in software selection are deduced that we relate to the software selection literature regarding tendering legislation. Through this lens, we subsequently examine how a large health care provider selected a supplier for an electronic health record system after an extensive tendering process. Many health care professionals within this organization were in favour of a particular software package. Yet, the organization purchased a different package from a relatively unknown supplier, the implementation of which failed. The actors involved experienced shaping on 5 decision‐making themes, the implications of which are evaluated against the functional, economic, and political rationality norms derived from the literature. The findings suggest that compliance with tendering legislation over the public procurement of software results in increased legal complexity, greater linearity and objectivity, more extensive formalization, and less relational communication. Functional norms of rationality are stressed, seemingly to balance the enforced economic norms of rationality and to compensate for the decreased room for political rationality. Even so, the shaping by the tendering legislation threatens functional rationality. Ultimately functional and economic norms of rationality win over political rationality, yet the latter still dribbles through, albeit in a different guise than reported for software selection in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]