A net-flow based approach to detect outliers in multicriteria decision problems

Detecting outliers in multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) field is a new research direction that has not been enough explored. This paper tackles this problem by proposing a statistical approach based on PROMETHEE method net-flow. To consider the multicriteria character of the problem, the net-flow of each object is computed by applying PROMETHEE method. According to the normal distribution of the net-flow values, the standard deviation (SD) or interquartile range (IQR) statistical methods are used to detect outliers. To prove its applicability, the proposed approach is evaluated on real life problem.

Energy Supply Preferences as Multicriteria Decision Problems: Developing a System of Criteria from Survey Data

Decision support techniques have a key role in investment and strategic decisions in the energy sector. As complex decision-making problems involve the simultaneous consideration of an extensive set of different factors, it is an essential part of the methodology to define, structure, and integrate the criteria. The main purpose of the study was to develop a system of criteria and weights that are suitable for general application in the energy sector and can best describe the decision-making mechanisms present in society and various social groups. When developing the system of criteria, we moved away from the hierarchical approach related to the three pillars of sustainability; therefore, a wide range of notions were assessed based on a population representative survey data collected in Hungary. We used algebraic methods to explore the internal structure of the set of criteria that had been previously defined by means of social sciences, while the importance weights were specified by applying the method of analytic network process. Furthermore, the ranking of heating and electricity generation alternatives were determined.

Estudo de critérios locacionais com vistas ao estabelecimento de vantagem competitiva

Atuando em um contexto empresarial, a localização tornou-se relevante para a competitividade das empresas. Este artigo objetivou identificar e caracterizar os critérios de localização que influenciam no estabelecimento de vantagem competitiva. O estudo se justifica e se faz relevante, pois pesquisas de localização sob a ótica das necessidades do usuário são escassos. Com a exploração dessa temática, pretendeu-se contribuir para aprimorar do planejamento de novos empreendimentos, objetivando uma melhor compreensão acerca da dinâmica da mutação das necessidades dos empreendedores. De forma a garantir a racionalidade e consistência da metodologia, será utilizado o Método da Análise Hierárquica (MAH). Pretende-se assim utilizar a técnica para a solução de problemas de decisão multicritério, baseadas em decisões de valor. Por fim, esta abordagem pretende oferecer subsídios aos critérios de locacionais com vistas a vantagem competitiva. Palavras-Chave: Localização industrial, Método da Análise Hierárquica, Vantagem Competitiva. Abstract Acting in a business context, location has become relevant to the competitiveness of companies. This article aimed to identify and characterize the localization criteria that influence the establishment of competitive advantage. The study is justified and it becomes relevant, since searches of location from the point of view of user needs are scarce. With the exploration of this theme, it was intended to contribute to improve the planning of new ventures, aiming at a better understanding about the dynamics of the mutation of the entrepreneurs' needs. To guarantee the rationality and consistency of the methodology, the Hierarchical Analysis Method (AHP) will be used. The aim is to use the technique for the solution of multicriteria decision problems, based on value decisions. Finally, this approach intends to offer subsidies to locational criteria for competitive advantage. Keywords: Industrial location, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Competitive Advantage.

ADDITIVE-VETO MODELS FOR CHOICE AND RANKING MULTICRITERIA DECISION PROBLEMS

Using additive models for aggregation of criteria is an important procedure in many multicriteria decision methods. This compensatory approach, which scores the alternatives straightforwardly, may have significant drawbacks. For instance, the Decision Maker (DM) may prefer not to select alternatives which have a very low performance in whatever criterion. In contrast, such an alternative may have the best overall evaluation, since the additive model may compensate this low performance in one of the criteria as a result of high performance in other criteria. Thus, additive-veto models are proposed with a view to considering the possibility of vetoing alternatives in such situations, particularly for choice and ranking problems. A numerical application illustrates the use of such models, with a detailed discussion related to real practical problems. Moreover, the results obtained from a numerical simulation show that it is not so rare for a veto of the best alternative to occur in the additive model. This is of considerable relevance depending on the DM's preference structure.

Using DEA Factor Efficiency Scores to Eliminate Subjectivity in Goal Programming

Many real-world problems require decision makers to consider multiple criteria when performing an analysis. One popular method used to analyze multicriteria decision problems is goal programming. When applying goal programming, it is often difficult if not impossible to determine the target values and unit penalty weights with any level of confidence. Thus, in many situations, managers and decision makers may be forced to specify these parameters subjectively. In this paper, we present a model framework designed to eliminate the arbitrary assignment of target values and unit penalty weights when applying goal programming to solve multicriteria decision problems. In particular, when neither of these parameters is available, we show how to integrate factor efficiency scores determined from data envelopment analysis into the model. We discuss an application of the methodology to ambulatory surgery centers and demonstrate the model framework via a product mix example.