Search

This study addresses the complex dynamics of global sustainable development, emphasizing the need for a meticulous assessment of sustainability indicators in 159 countries. Using the Gaussian AHP multi-criteria method and descriptive and exploratory statistical analysis, the research quantifies countries' global performance concerning 18 critical indicators, integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects. The methodology applied allowed the construction of a comparative ranking, highlighting the superiority of nations with robust environmental policies, such as the Nordic countries, in contrast to the challenges faced by developing countries, which show lower scores due to less integrated policies. The results indicate the effectiveness of the Gaussian AHP in identifying leaders and laggards in sustainability, serving as a tool for guiding and building more informed public policies. Future investigations can enrich these analyses through longitudinal studies, expanding the understanding of sustainable development trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial institutions employ credit rating systems to classify new borrowers, set loan terms, and determine collateral requirements. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are frequently found to be unorganised when it comes to financial data management. Credit risk assessment using unstructured financial data is multifaceted for financial institutions. Most extant credit rating systems are data-intensive and have been criticised for breaching their data distribution and structural assumptions. Such approaches may struggle to estimate SME's credit ratings accurately with sparse and missing data. To address the finance gap for SMEs, this study extends the application of expert systems by proposing a multi-criteria credit rating system. The proposed method utilises existing fuzzy-BWM to determine the weight of criteria and a newly proposed fuzzy-TOPSIS-Sort-C approach to classify SMEs according to their characteristic profiles. The suggested decision support system is expert-driven and built on sparse financial and non-financial data. BWM and TOPSIS were integrated with fuzzy set theory to overcome uncertainty when making decisions. This paper extends the prior TOPSIS-Sort-C method to fuzzy TOPSIS-Sort-C as a theoretical contribution. The suggested system efficacy is demonstrated by a case study that compares it with a commercial rating model using real-world data. The system performs with considerable effectiveness and a true positive rate when applied to credit rating. It could assist financial institutions in identifying potential SMEs for lending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose learners course recommender system of the E-Dirassa platform. This system, which distinguishes between new and active learners, adopts three complementary recommendation approaches: content-based recommendation as well as course-based collaborative filtering for active learners, and static profile-based collaborative filtering for new learners. Let us also note the use of multi-criteria decision aid (MDA) techniques for the choice of the textual similarity measure to be used in the first approach of content-based recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the adaptive reuse of abandoned and underutilized cultural heritage has proven to be a sustainable winning strategy for the implementation of a new model of urban development centered on the principles of the circular economy. Cultural heritage, therefore, represents the entry point for the implementation of this new urban development model, and adaptive reuse practices, if integrated into strategic visions, can represent a driver to trigger a transition towards completely circular sustainability processes. However, resource allocation decisions for the adaptive reuse of assets require significant investments in the face of scarce available resources and investment projects characterized by high uncertainties. In this context, multiple-criteria approaches provide an adequate theoretical and methodological framework to address the complexity characterizing the adaptive reuse strategies of cultural heritage, with specific attention to adaptive reuse strategies of unused public assets of abandoned industrial heritage. This paper fits into this line of research by proposing a multi-criteria decision-making approach capable of supporting the decision-maker in optimizing investment choices for a more efficient allocation of public resources. In detail, applying A'WOT analysis to support decisions allows for classifying adaptive reuse strategies and establishing intervention priorities, especially in fragile and vulnerable contexts. The results provide useful information for the complex decision-making phase relating to the preliminary feasibility of interventions and the subsequent verification of their financial sustainability. In detail, the application of A'WOT analysis to supporting decisions allows for classifying adaptive reuse strategies and establishing intervention priorities, especially in fragile and vulnerable contexts. The results provide useful information for the complex decision-making phase relating to the preliminary feasibility of project intervention and subsequent verification of its financial sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a multi-criteria decision support method (WASPAS) to analyze and rank alternatives, this article proposes a method to assist in the selection of helicopter models that are the most suitable for police air activity in the State of Rio de Janeiro. A robust technical basis for defining the essential requirements of an aircraft is established, and solutions that can ensure the effective and safe execution of missions are indicated. Helicopter models were evaluated by considering predefined criteria, and the weights of these criteria were attributed using a questionnaire that was administered to pilots and aerostatic operators of Public Air Units (UAP) in several states of the federation. As a result of the evaluation of the 15 helicopter models used by police services in the State of Rio de Janeiro, the modeling with the WASPAS method ranked the Sikorsky UH-60 (Black Hawk) model in first place, the Leonardo AW 139 model in second place, and the Bell 412 model in third place. Based on the available data, we suggest that a comparative study integrating the Entropy and CRITIC methods be conducted to measure the weights of the criteria associated with the application of other multi-criteria techniques, such as COMET, MACAB, SPOTIS, VIKOR, SAPEVO, and PROMETHEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a computer platform for online access named SADEMON. The computational model consists of implementing the SAPEVO-M method, enabling the integration of multiple decision-makers in a decision-making analysis process through ordinal inputs. The tool was developed in Python, providing a user-friendly interface for interaction. As a demonstration of the implementation of the computational model, the research present a case study for the feasibility of installing a new branch of a supermarket chain, from the moment given the problem, it consists of multiple stakeholders and different evaluation criteria. At the end of the application, the main points of the proposed model and proposal for future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promethee ii is a multi‐criteria decision aid method working as follows: firstly, all alternatives are compared two by two to form a pairwise comparison matrix. Then the net flow score procedure is applied on this matrix to assign a score to each alternative according to which they are ranked. Methods of the Promethee family may suffer from rank reversal occurrences. The legitimacy of methods suffering from this phenomenon has been largely debated in the literature. The aim of this work is to provide a characterization of the Promethee ii net flow scores as a combination between two distinct methods based on different hypotheses. The first one is based on the direct pairwise comparison of the two considered alternatives while the second is based on the comparison with respect to all the other alternatives of the problem. This combination highlights the dependence on third alternatives as an inherent characteristic of the Promethee ii method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Poland, there is a high ratio of private transport and unfavorable patterns of daily commuting. These patterns can be changed by introducing comfortable and eco-friendly vehicles, such as e-scooters and e-bikes. At the same time, the development of the e-micromobility-based vehicle sharing services market is developing. The aim of the article is to analyze selected e-scooters available on the Polish market and to identify the most useful vehicles from two opposing perspectives, i.e., the potential customer and owner of the vehicle sharing system. The PROSA GDSS (PROMETHEE for Sustainability Assessment—Group Decision Support System) method and the graphical representation of GAIA (Geometrical Analysis for Interactive Assistance) were used to search for a compromise and balance between the needs of the indicated stakeholders. The results of the methods used were compared with the results of the PROMETHEE GDSS method, which does not take into account the balance between the stakeholders and allows for a strong compensation of the assessments of decision makers. The conducted research allowed indicating the optimal e-scooter to meet the needs of both decision makers, and it is the JEEP 2xe Urban Camou. Both the sensitivity analysis and the solution obtained with the use of the PROMETHEE GDSS method confirmed that it is the optimal alternative, the least sensitive to changes in criteria weights and changes in the decision makers' compensation coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol is an organ of public administration with the constitutional mission to carry out the extensive patrolling of federal highways. Stress and physical and emotional exhaustion are constant, causing illnesses along with frustration, demotivation, and depression. The objective of this research is the development of a self-evaluation model of performance for the Federal Highway Patrols, using their perceptions to enhance their motivation at work considering the factors under their control. The constructivist multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA-C) methodology was used to elaborate the model. The proposed model identifies, establishes, and structures a process to measure the performance of patrol officers on the relevant aspects that they can manage, to guide their decisions toward the desired consequences, thus regulating their stress levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development embody highly intertwined targets to act for climate in conjunction with sustainable development. This, however, entails different meanings and challenges across the world. Kenya, in particular, needs to address serious sustainability threats, like poverty and lack of modern and affordable energy access. This study uses a multi-criteria group decision aid and consensus measuring framework, to integrate both agendas, and engages with Kenyan stakeholders to help inform future mitigation research and policy in the country. Results showed that stakeholders highlight topics largely underrepresented in model-based mitigation analysis, such as biodiversity preservation and demand-side transformations, while pointing to gaps in cross-sectoral policies in relation to access to modern energy, agriculture, life on land, and climate change mitigation. With numerous past and recent policies aiming at these issues, persistent stakeholder concerns over these topics hint at limited success. Sectoral and technological priorities only recently emphasised in Kenyan policy efforts are also correlated with stakeholders' concerns, highlighting that progress is not only a matter of legislation, but also of coordination, consistency of targets, and comprehensibility. Higher bias is found among the preferences of stakeholders coming from the country's private sector. Results from this exercise can inform national policymakers on effectively reshaping the future direction of the country, as well as modelling efforts aimed at underpinning Kenya's energy, climate and sustainable development policy. • We propose a climate & sustainability co-governance multi-criteria decision framework. • Stakeholder preferences are assessed based on 2-tuple TOPSIS and consensus measuring. • Biodiversity, AFOLU, and demand-side residential transformations among key priorities • Recent policy aimed at these issues but stakeholder concerns hint at limited success. • Our exercise also unveils higher bias among private-sector stakeholders' preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the problem of finding suitable sites for wind farms in a region of Catalonia (Spain). The evaluation criteria are structured into a hierarchy that identifies several intermediate sub-goals dealing with different points of view. Therefore, the recent ELECTRE-III-H hierarchical multi-criteria analysis method is proposed as a good solution to help decision-makers. This method establishes an order among the set of possible sites for the wind farms for each sub-goal. ELECTRE-III-H aggregates these orders into an overall order using different parameters. The procedure is based on the construction and exploitation of a pairwise outranking relation, following the principles of concordance (i.e. majority rule) and discordance (i.e. respect for the minority opinions). This paper makes two main contributions. First, it contributes to the ELECTRE-III-H method by studying its mathematical properties for the construction of outranking relations. Second, the case study is solved and its results show that we can effectively represent and manage the overall influence of the various criteria on the global result at different levels of the hierarchy. The paper compares different scenarios with strict, normal, and optimistic preference, indifference and veto thresholds. Results show that the best site differs for technical, economic, environmental, and social intermediate criteria. Therefore, the best overall solution changes depending on the preference and veto thresholds fixed at the intermediate level of the hierarchy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactive software that helps the decision maker to choose the optimal ranking for complex systems has been prepared according to multiple preference criteria. The code algorithm is based on famous mathematical methods well known in multi-criteria decision making, such as VIKOR, TOPSIS, and the weighted sum method (WSUM). This code is used at the AECS to assess and classify the performance of employees or for inter-departmental comparison according to their scientific and technical output performance. It can also be used in wider fields outside the AECS according to preference criteria carefully selected by the decision-maker. Beneficiaries might include Syrian private and state universities or academics. Criteria elements can, for example, be drafted along international standards of copyrighted internal reports, published papers, journal impact factor, journal citations, H-index and registered patents. Two real examples are explained in this paper to prove the validity and consistency of this computer code.

In recent years, the adaptive reuse of abandoned and underutilized cultural heritage has proven to be a sustainable winning strategy for the implementation of a new model of urban development centered on the principles of the circular economy. Cultural heritage, therefore, represents the entry point for the implementation of this new urban development model, and adaptive reuse practices, if integrated into strategic visions, can represent a driver to trigger a transition towards completely circular sustainability processes. However, resource allocation decisions for the adaptive reuse of assets require significant investments in the face of scarce available resources and investment projects characterized by high uncertainties. In this context, multiple-criteria approaches provide an adequate theoretical and methodological framework to address the complexity characterizing the adaptive reuse strategies of cultural heritage, with specific attention to adaptive reuse strategies of unused public assets of abandoned industrial heritage. This paper fits into this line of research by proposing a multi-criteria decision-making approach capable of supporting the decision-maker in optimizing investment choices for a more efficient allocation of public resources. In detail, applying A’WOT analysis to support decisions allows for classifying adaptive reuse strategies and establishing intervention priorities, especially in fragile and vulnerable contexts. The results provide useful information for the complex decision-making phase relating to the preliminary feasibility of interventions and the subsequent verification of their financial sustainability. In detail, the application of A’WOT analysis to supporting decisions allows for classifying adaptive reuse strategies and establishing intervention priorities, especially in fragile and vulnerable contexts. The results provide useful information for the complex decision-making phase relating to the preliminary feasibility of project intervention and subsequent verification of its financial sustainability.

Using a multi-criteria decision support method (WASPAS) to analyze and rank alternatives, this article proposes a method to assist in the selection of helicopter models that are the most suitable for police air activity in the State of Rio de Janeiro. A robust technical basis for defining the essential requirements of an aircraft is established, and solutions that can ensure the effective and safe execution of missions are indicated. Helicopter models were evaluated by considering predefined criteria, and the weights of these criteria were attributed using a questionnaire that was administered to pilots and aerostatic operators of Public Air Units (UAP) in several states of the federation. As a result of the evaluation of the 15 helicopter models used by police services in the State of Rio de Janeiro, the modeling with the WASPAS method ranked the Sikorsky UH-60 (Black Hawk) model in first place, the Leonardo AW 139 model in second place, and the Bell 412 model in third place. Based on the available data, we suggest that a comparative study integrating the Entropy and CRITIC methods be conducted to measure the weights of the criteria associated with the application of other multi-criteria techniques, such as COMET, MACAB, SPOTIS, VIKOR, SAPEVO, and PROMETHEE.

The Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol is an organ of public administration with the constitutional mission to carry out the extensive patrolling of federal highways. Stress and physical and emotional exhaustion are constant, causing illnesses along with frustration, demotivation, and depression. The objective of this research is the development of a self-evaluation model of performance for the Federal Highway Patrols, using their perceptions to enhance their motivation at work considering the factors under their control. The constructivist multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA-C) methodology was used to elaborate the model. The proposed model identifies, establishes, and structures a process to measure the performance of patrol officers on the relevant aspects that they can manage, to guide their decisions toward the desired consequences, thus regulating their stress levels.

In Poland, there is a high ratio of private transport and unfavorable patterns of daily commuting. These patterns can be changed by introducing comfortable and eco-friendly vehicles, such as e-scooters and e-bikes. At the same time, the development of the e-micromobility-based vehicle sharing services market is developing. The aim of the article is to analyze selected e-scooters available on the Polish market and to identify the most useful vehicles from two opposing perspectives, i.e., the potential customer and owner of the vehicle sharing system. The PROSA GDSS (PROMETHEE for Sustainability Assessment—Group Decision Support System) method and the graphical representation of GAIA (Geometrical Analysis for Interactive Assistance) were used to search for a compromise and balance between the needs of the indicated stakeholders. The results of the methods used were compared with the results of the PROMETHEE GDSS method, which does not take into account the balance between the stakeholders and allows for a strong compensation of the assessments of decision makers. The conducted research allowed indicating the optimal e-scooter to meet the needs of both decision makers, and it is the JEEP 2xe Urban Camou. Both the sensitivity analysis and the solution obtained with the use of the PROMETHEE GDSS method confirmed that it is the optimal alternative, the least sensitive to changes in criteria weights and changes in the decision makers’ compensation coefficients.

The data presented in this article describes a multi-criteria decision problem, where 13 criteria and 14 alternatives have been taken into account, consisting in the selection of an electric vehicle. The data set contains: (1) the parameters of the electric vehicles concerned included in the alternative performance model, (2) the weights of the criteria for assessing the vehicles, preference functions and thresholds constituting the preference model, (3) the overall performances and rankings of the alternatives (electric vehicles concerned). The data on vehicle parameters were collected from reports, catalogues and websites of car manufacturers and then processed into a decision table. In turn, data constituting various random preference models were generated using the Monte Carlo method. The overall performances and ranks of the alternatives were obtained using the MCDA (multi-criteria decision aid) method called NEAT F-PROMETHEE (New Easy Approach To Fuzzy Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation), based on the performance model (decision table) and individual preference models. By linking vehicle parameters, preference models and vehicle rankings, the data allow, among other things, determining the impact of the preference model (weights of criteria, preference functions, thresholds) on the obtained vehicle rankings. The data also allow determining the probability of individual vehicles taking a specific position in the ranking on the basis of vehicle parameters, and regardless of the preferences of decision makers. Therefore, the data presented are valuable for practitioners and theorists dealing with electric vehicles and management, and in particular decision support. In the context of decision support, this data is also valuable to consumers considering the purchase of an electric vehicle, electric vehicle manufacturers, and dealers because it indicates the vehicles with the greatest market potential and user acceptance. This fact was confirmed by the research article entitled “Multi-criteria approach to stochastic and fuzzy uncertainty in the selection of electric vehicles with high social acceptance” [1] linked to this data article.

In recent years, the Quebec government has highlighted the importance of making decisions that are both sustainable and robust under climate change uncertainties. This paper aims to answer the following question: How to sort the alternatives according to their degree of sustainability achievement while evaluations are uncertain and temporal? The general objective of the paper is to propose a first temporal sorting method under stochastic uncertainty. The proposed method, called TSMAA‐Tri, will assign each alternative to a predefined category based on a generalization of SMAA‐Tri to a temporal context (multi‐period evaluation of alternatives) where alternative evaluations are stochastic. The method starts performing Monte Carlo simulations to generate stochastic evaluation values. Each simulation (scenario of uncertainty) will generate a specific value for each criterion using the corresponding probability distribution. Then, aggregation consists in applying SMAA Tri at each period and performing a triple aggregation: (a) uncertainty aggregation; (b) multi‐criteria aggregation; and (c) temporal aggregation. Multi‐criteria aggregation consists in applying the SMAA‐TRI method at each period. Then, two ways of temporal aggregation are proposed, based either on acceptability index or on outranking index of boundary profile. The proposed method is illustrated for sustainable forest management to show its applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability is a key word in modern transportation and logistics. It requires not only economic development but also environmental and social actions. The involvement of multiple stakeholders can express different perspectives and interests to achieve the balance between these three pillars. The multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) is a methodology that can include multiple stakeholders in the process of decision-making. It is important in the field of transport and logistic project appraisal, as many projects fail to be implemented because of a lack of support from one or more stakeholders. In MAMCA, multiple stakeholders can use different criteria trees and express their own preferences. At the end of the analysis, the advantages and disadvantages of each of the proposed scenarios are highlighted. Possible consensuses are then being discussed. However, this last step often turns out to be a difficult task. The purpose of this paper is to propose a way to help the facilitator to identify this (these) consensus(es). This will be based on the use of a weight sensitivity analysis model that was recently developed in the context of the PROMETHEE methods and which is based on inverse mixed-integer linear optimization. This approach allows finding the minimum weight modification for each stakeholder in order to improve the position of a given alternative in the individual rankings and, in an ideal case, to the first position of all the rankings simultaneously. This approach is illustrated on two real MAMCA logistic project cases to seek sustainable mobility solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global average temperature increases and causes extreme weather events, killing millions of people and affecting economic stability. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is one of the primary factors that contribute to climate change that is the main concern of various municipalities in the world. In this paper, a two-step systematic approach is proposed to analyze municipal solid waste collection (MSWC) in Sfax, the second most populated city in Tunisia. In the first step, three feasible waste collection scenarios were suggested and have gained the consensus of decision makers and stakeholders. In the second, a geographic information system–based multi-criteria decision aid approach is proposed to identify the most appropriate scenario. Firstly, the Network Analyst function in ArcGIS is used to determine the optimal routes with the traveling distances and operational time of vehicles associated to each scenario. Secondly, a ranking of scenarios is produced by ELECTRE III method. Six pseudo criteria such as fuel consumption cost, gas emission, reliability, road length, and compatibility with the national energy policy were taken into account. The results suggest a relatively efficient and environment-friendly scenario where all vehicles start their trips from the depot, collect garbage from the gather sites, and unload waste at a transfer station then travel back to the depot. The methodology can be adopted into similar contexts to improve the effectiveness of MSW collection through the systematic use of GIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive pressures increasingly force companies to consider the adoption of new business improvement methodologies. The multi-criteria decision aid described in this article provides managers with a comprehensive set of selection criteria, within a structured and formalized evaluation process. The decision aid employs multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods and is underpinned by a selection framework which aims to promote rational decision-making and assists decision-makers to structure their evaluation process, compile useful information and reach a consensus decision with confidence. This article describes the theoretical background to the development of both selection framework and decision aid and explains the operation of the decision aid. A case example of a multi-national company is used to illustrate the operation of the decision support process. Practical testing of the decision aid provides evidence of its feasibility, usability, and utility. The article concludes by discussing how this approach can help managers make more rational decisions, when deciding to adopt new improvement methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All over the world, including Poland, authorities are taking steps to increase consumer interest in electric vehicles and sustainable transport as a way to reduce environmental pollution. For this reason, the electric vehicle market is dynamically and constantly developing, more and more modern vehicles are introduced to it, and purchases are often subsidized by the government. The aim of the article is to analyse the A–C segments of the Polish electric vehicle market and to recommend the most attractive vehicle from the perspective of sustainable transport. The aim of the research was achieved with the use of three multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA) methods, which deal well with the uncertainty and imprecision of data that occur in the case of many different parameters of electric vehicles. In particular, the following methods were used: the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), the fuzzy simple additive weighting (SAW) method, and the new easy approach to fuzzy preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation II (NEAT F-PROMETHEE II). Electric vehicle rankings obtained using each method were compared and verified by stochastic analysis. The conducted analyses and comparisons allowed us to identify the most interesting electric vehicles, which currently appear to be the Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S and Nissan LEAF e+.

Multi criteria decision aid (MCDA) deals with the problem of evaluating a set of finite alternatives regard to a set of finite criteria. A remarkable volume of qualitative and quantitative researches are done on decision making methods and situations, indicating its important role for managers at different organizational levels. These types of problems are applied in many different fields of human life. A challenging feature of these problems is non-existence of an optimal solution due to considering multiple criteria and the proposed methods seeking to find a satisfactory solution called efficient of Pareto-optimal. In consideration of MCDA problem, in this paper a new method is proposed for solving DM problems, consisting three fundamental steps of initialization, orthogonalization, and comparison. Thus, a new MCDA method called total area based on orthogonal vectors (TAOV) is introduced. This method is constructed on orthogonality of decision criteria. Application of TAOV method is illustrated in a decision problem and its performance is evaluated regard to other MCDA methods. Furthermore, its features are explained around the features of a desirable MCDA method. The obtained results indicate that the TAOV method can be considered as an acceptable method of handling multi-criteria decision making problems.

A new strategic direction for greening our cities and making them smart to reduce the environmental impact of their performance, increase employment and economic viability, and to enhance the quality of life requires a thorough assessment of sustainability and smart urban performance. This paper considers a database of over 90 global cities including London, New York, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Moscow, Beijing, Seoul, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo exploring linkages between different sustainability and smart city dimensions. To assess urban sustainability performance, this study applied a multi‐criteria approach using a panel of 20 indicators to a set of 57 global cities. The assessment comprised important aspects of energy transitions, focusing on the drivers of CO2 emissions in cities, including the share of coal in the energy mix, public transport and cycling patterns, waste recycling, the water‐energy nexus, as well as the role of smart and creative economy. The results show that San Francisco leads in economic and environmental priorities, and Stockholm leads in social and smart city priorities. Seoul consistently performs very successfully across the whole spectrum of indicators. We devote considerable attention to the strategies, policies and performance of the leading cities, namely, San Francisco, Stockholm and Seoul. This assessment could be a valuable tool for policy‐makers and investors, and could help identify linkages between different sustainability dimensions, as well as investment opportunities in cities with sustainability potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the integrated strategy of the Moroccan state aimed at the social and economic development of the Moroccan rural community, an electrification program has been in place since the 90s. This program, called PEGR, has for main objective the improvement of the electrification rate for the national rural world. Given the large number of villages to be electrified and the colossal budget that will induce, several criteria have been retained to objectively distinguish the villages with the highest priority for electrification. Given the nature of this problem to be solved, which is a multicriteria decision aid problem, we propose in this article to use the multicriteria aggregation method ELECTRE III to rank the villages from the highest priority to the lowest priority for the electrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) in public environmental protection schemes and in the performance standards of enterprises is an important development compared to the situation prevailing before the 1970s where only technical and economic considerations were involved in deciding on the implementation of projects. Some consider that the ESIA promotes the integration of environmental and social considerations, from design to project implementation, and consideration of public concerns in decision-making. However, the shortcomings of current practice combined with the pressure to relax ESIA schemes could lead to their marginalization. It is important to provide answers to the many criticisms made by observers and various study committees over the years concerning the relevance of the information contained in the impact studies and the transparency of the analysis process. A solution to this problem lies in the innovation of ESIA methods. The structuring of the approach of evaluation by stakes and the use of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods would be all measures likely to improve the situation. The proposals made in this paper are consistent with the characteristics of the collaborative approach to ESIA. They are designed to respond to the issues raised and to meet the challenge posed by a pressing social demand for increased citizen participation in decisions affecting the environment and society.

The paper presents a possibility to use a new PVM-VSI (Preference Vector Method computed in Vector Space of Increments) method in making decisions that demand that different variants should be considered, while being evaluated with respect to different criteria. Hence, knowledge about them is a must, and that knowledge is not necessarily available quantitatively, whereas the very evaluation should be relatively objective; that is, independent from the decision maker’s preferences or opinions. The paper presents the use of the PVM-VSI method in support decisions related to urban development—to rank projects submitted for implementation within the framework of a citizen budget. The ranking will make it feasible to determine which of the submitted projects will have the dominant influence on the town’s sustainable development, and, subsequently, which ones should be presented to citizens as the better ones out of the projects submitted, and to compare the method mentioned with methods used in similar decision-making problems in the past: Fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), Fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), and Fuzzy PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment of Evaluation).

Copyright of VertigO is the property of La Revue Electronique en Sciences de l'Environnement VertigO 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.)

This work presents a multi-criteria classification system considering multiple, conflicting and incommensurate evaluation aspects influencing energy efficiency in school buildings. The multi-criteria ELECTRE TRI method is used to classify energy performance of school buildings into categories of merit using the IRIS software. The alternatives under evaluation are assigned to predefined ordered categories according to their absolute performance and not in comparison with the performance of other alternatives. Each alternative is assessed using reference profiles defining the boundaries of the categories in which the alternatives should be sorted. The model was applied using a set of performance indicators obtained in the framework of a research and development project aimed at assessing the energy performance of a sample of Portuguese school buildings. IRIS allowed inferring robust conclusions by indicating the range of categories for each alternative, considering the decision maker's preferences, captured by the parameters of ELECTRE TRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to provide support to an evaluation in urban planning, creating a useful approach for the choice of future alternative Operational Plans in Cava De' Tirreni (Salerno). They represent planning tools that are usually formed after public announcements to select the interventions to be implemented in the areas of transformation identified by the general Municipal Urban Plan. A suitable system of territorial indicators to verify the achievement of such goals is also taken into account. With reference to three different urban areas, the evaluation has been carried out by Multi-Criteria Decision Aid (MCDA), using the PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organisational Method for Enrichment Evaluation) multi-criteria method and GAIA (Graphical Analysis for Interactive Aid) tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies have been challenged to attend to multiple objectives and to achieve appropriate decisions facing dichotomies mentioned in literature, such as shareholder versus stakeholder; financial versus non-financial; single versus multiple measures. Since the translation of the sustainable development concept to business by the triple bottom line (TBL), there have been attempts to implement operational approaches. This study proposes a model that helps corporate decision-making considering the TBL framework and a stakeholder view. Multi-criteria decision aid methods are used to generate a sustainability balanced single measure and performance indices. We apply the model to a Brazilian electricity corporation, where the indices are calculated from existing GRI indicators, and the use of the model within the company's strategic plan annual review is demonstrated. The findings suggest that the model has the potential to support informed decisions and the integration of corporate sustainability performance measurement and reporting activities with traditional management control systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health literacy (HL) is low for 40-50 % of the population in developed nations, and is strongly linked to many undesirable health outcomes. Older adults are particularly at risk. The intervention research on health literacy in ageing populations project systematically created a large inventory of HL interventions targeting adults age 50+ , to support practical production of policy and practice guidelines for promoting health literacy in European populations. Methods: We comprehensively surveyed international scientific literature, grey literature and other sources (published 2003+) for implemented HL interventions that involved older adults. Studies were screened for eligibility criteria and further selected for aspects important in European public health policy, including priority diseases, risk factors and vulnerable target groups. Interventions were prioritised using a multiple criteria tool to select final interventions that also featured strong evidence of efficacy and a broad range of strategies. Results: From nearly 7000 written summaries, 1097 met inclusion criteria, of which 233 were chosen for scoring and ranking. Of these, seven had the highest multi-criteria scores. Eight more articles were selected based on rounded criteria including a high multi-criteria score as well as elements of innovation. Final selections were 18 articles describing 15 programmes, which feature strong evidence of efficacy among important diseases or risk factors and vulnerable groups, or that had success with elements of innovation were identified. Most programmes tried to increase skills in communication, self-management and understanding healthcare or lifestyle choices. Conclusions: These programmes have multiple positive attributes which could be used as guidance for developing innovative intervention programmes to trial on European older adults. They provide evidence of efficacy in addressing high priority diseases and risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]