Showing papers in "International journal of multicriteria decision making in 2011"

A taxonomy and review of the multiple criteria decision-making literature in chemical engineering

Abstract: Many situations and problems in the chemical and related industries involve complex decision-making demanding discerning abilities and methods. Multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools and methods have been widely used to solve chemical engineering (CE) problems that involve conflicting and multiple objectives of diverse types. The main aims of this contribution are to: 1 explain and compare the most common MCDM methods 2 present and classify more than 300 published papers related to the application of MCDM in CE. The various MCDM publications are classified based on the application area, decision context, and journal and year of publication to highlight the trends over the past three decades. This article can serve as a complete state-of-the-art reference for chemical engineers and it highlights the potential applications of MCDM in CE problems.

Criteria selection framework for sustainable development indicators

Abstract: The selection of an optimum number of indicators is the key to any sustainable development indicator (SDI) research. Indicators, too less in number, may be inadequate to convey the message and; too many may dilute the purpose. To arrive at an optimum number of indicators from a larger set of potential ones, a set of criteria is applied. In the past SDI-initiatives, emphasis was not laid on structuring criteria; these were invariably considered in a linear way. This paper proposes a framework to organise criteria in a tree fashion at successive levels. For each level, the weights of a criterion relative to others are determined by following analytical hierarchy process where experts’ opinions are considered. For aggregation of scores, ‘displaced ideal’ method is proposed over linear additive model.

Flood disaster management with the use of AHP

Abstract: This paper presents the development of a decision–making tool for emergency planning and response particularly for flood accidents. The proposed tool is a simulator (i.e., computer based software) capable of identifying the 'emergency machine' lacks, allowing also for improvement of specific areas of the emergency system, such as technical equipment, human factors, protocols, response time and actions sequence. The present work contributes to the ongoing effort for better protecting human life, land, property and the environment by improved flood management techniques and was elaborated within the pre–emergencies EC funded project. The developed tool can be used as a technical instrument to simulate the organisational and inter–organisational asset of a multi–actor civil protection group with the aim of highlighting strong and vulnerable elements of the civil protection structures. This is achieved through the use of a number of indices pertaining to characteristic parameters of the specific emergency operation distributed on four sub–layers of detail, which are categorised through the use of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The AHP approach supports decision making in emergency preparedness through alternatives structured into a weighed multi–criteria framework.

A multi-criteria evaluation framework for alternative light-duty vehicles technologies

Abstract: This paper presents a multi-criteria evaluation framework for the choice of alternative fuel/technology options of light-duty vehicle fleets in a mid-term horizon. These alternatives include not only fleets with one single technology but also fleets combining several fuel/technologies. A comprehensive literature review has identified the key metrics for comparing different pathways: user’s acceptance, emissions of pollutants to atmosphere, risk of the technology development, transition costs, and availability of fuel supply. To identify the preferred alternatives, a sequential screening process was applied, starting with a Pareto optimal (PO) approach, followed by a data envelopment analysis (DEA) and a trade-off weights (TW) procedure. To illustrate the approach, the methodology was applied to the case of Portugal.

An interactive disaggregation approach inferring the indifference and the preference thresholds of PROMETHEE II

Abstract: The implementation of most multicriteria decision aid methods requires fixing certain parameters in order to model the decision-maker’s preferences. The fixing of these parameters’ values must be naturally done with the decision-maker’s collaboration. The parameters’ determination constitutes an important task, which is generally quite delicate and difficult to accomplish, for the decision-maker. In fact, the information provided at this level is inevitably subjective and partial. In this paper, we intend to determine the values of the indifference and preference thresholds in PROMETHEE II method, by exploiting the information provided by the decision-maker and by taking support on the mathematical programming.

A multicriteria approach for evaluating high temperature hydrogen production processes

Abstract: Hydrogen demand has already significantly increased due to the industry needs. Mature technologies based on fossil fuels are not satisfactory due to greenhouse gas concerns. In response, a range of advanced processes are being developed throughout the world. Within the ‘International Energy Agency – Hydrogen Implementing Agreement – Task 25’, a multicriteria methodology was developed for the evaluation of high temperature hydrogen production processes. The aim is to guide R&D strategy by highlighting to which extent the processes may appear promising. The method that was developed is based on the elimination and choice translating the reality (ELECTRE). This study has conducted a first pass application to hydrogen production and highlights the importance of significant weightings and discriminating criteria. Decision makers can apply this method to extract their own subset of processes from the alternatives, according to their system of values defined through the selection of criteria and the associated weights.

Sustainable development of bioenergy sector: An integrated methodological framework

Abstract: Climate change and sustainable development are interrelated issues, which are of vital importance to government policy and corporate decision makers. The sustainability evaluation of a biomass-based technology with consideration of stakeholder interests can provide a foundation for implementing energy and environmental policies. This study aims to develop an integrated and structured methodological framework for analysing biofuel systems in pursuit of sustainable large scale production. The integrated assessment framework can assist to formulate integrative and transparent policies for sustainable biomass certification. The proposed framework uses first the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to aid in extracting knowledge and judgments from stakeholders. AHP determines the critical criteria and indicators representing conflicting stakeholders' interests which can be incorporated in creating a dynamic system model for landscape-scale bioenergy modelling and assessment. An integrated AHP and system dynamics approach is currently being applied to assess the sustainable development of forest bioenergy sector in Maine, USA.

Rationalising photovoltaic energy investments with multicriteria decision analysis: a Greek case study

Abstract: During the last years, the global market of renewable energy resources is in a continuous growth. This paper deals with the decision making problem of a specific investor who is willing to invest in the development of a small photovoltaic park, in the Greek PV Market. The main objective of this paper is to structure this specific problem as a multicriteria decision problem. A set of eight alternative contractor companies, responsible for studying and manufacturing the PV system is identified and evaluated on 12 criteria which are grouped in three categories: company profile, financial and technical aspects of the submitted proposals. The paper outlines the implementation of the ELECTRE I multicriteria method in order to support the investor in choosing the best alternative. Although the method does not provide initially a single choice, a robustness analysis of the method follows so as the best available alternative to be selected.

Positive multi-criteria models in agriculture for energy and environmental policy analysis

Abstract: Environmental consciousness and accompanying actions have been paralleled by the evolution of multicriteria (MC) methods which have provided tools to assist policy makers in discovering compromises in order to muddle through. This paper recalls the development of MC methods in agriculture, focusing on their contribution to produce input or output functions useful for environmental and/or energy policy. Response curves generated by MC models can more accurately predict farmers’ response to market and policy parameters compared with classic profit maximising behaviour. Concrete examples from recent literature illustrate the above statements and ideas for further research are provided.

Comparing outcomes profiles of public programmes with ELECTRE assistance instead of observing evolution of a synthetic impact index: illustration of the benefits of a multicriteria evaluation approach

Abstract: This paper will show how we could ameliorate the quality of public policies and programmes monitoring and ongoing evaluations by using established outranking methods and ELECTRE software assistance. The craftiness is to take the outcomes of programmes for each period and to elaborate the outcomes multidimensional profile, and then to compare these profiles year after year without having the need to calculate and to observe the evolution of the corresponding synthetic impact index. This article outlines all of the net advantages of comparing annual outcomes profiles rather than the evolution of the aggregated index. We aim to show that the outcomes profiles can be compared by the same outranking methods as those used in the case of several options or projects compared during the same year. The well-known ELECTRE software assistance is used.

Decision support for assessing demand side management programmes

Abstract: The structural changes of the energy markets, as well as the energy companies’ obligations to abide by the emission limits have contributed to a shift among the companies’ priorities, giving new impulse to demand side management (DSM) programmes, which can be seen as a way to meet several of the energy companies’ modern objectives. However, appraising the DSM options’ contribution to these objectives is a complex task, considering the imprecision and uncertainty of the related information. The objective of the paper is to present an integrated decision support methodology for the pre-selection of the DSM programmes, using an experts based system, and their evaluation, using the ‘linguistic TOPSIS’ model, so as to identify and assess the DSM contribution to the energy policy objectives. The application of the method to the Greek energy market and the related sensitivity analysis are presented and discussed.

A fuzzy multicriteria generation expansion planning model

Abstract: In this paper, we present a fuzzy multi-objective model for power generation expansion planning problem with uncertainty in objective functions and demand balance constraints. The purpose of the fuzzy generation expansion model is to determine the optimal generation amount in existing and new generation units and the optimal transmission network, given that decision maker may tolerate some violation in constraints and objective functions. A fuzzy linear programming approach is utilised to transform the multiobjective fuzzy generation expansion model into a linear program. To illustrate the proposed model, a Mexican electric power system case is studied. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis on the impact of different objective functions, environmental impact of different fuel types and changes in demand is done to illustrate the capability of the proposed model.

Towards a sustainable city: improving the sustainability of Cranberry Township

Abstract: This research paper provides a project evaluation and impact assessment process for organisational sustainability that enables decision-makers to create a balance among their organisation’s economic, environmental, and social objectives (the triple bottom line). The process is presented as a case study where Cranberry Township, a suburb of the City of Pittsburgh, is selected as the application organisation by collaborating with Sustainable Pittsburgh, a non-for-profit organisation in Pittsburgh region. In the context of knowledge-based development, utilising the analytic network process (ANP) as a decision support tool, the case study involves the evaluation and prioritisation of a set of alternative investment projects by the stakeholders in the township with respect to a predetermined sustainability criteria set. In addition to the ANP study results, the paper provides elaborate discussions and explanations on the development of the ANP model, details of stakeholder meetings, limitations of the proposed process and potential future research directions.

Assessment of criteria – rich rankings for environmental policy making

Abstract: This paper illustrates the use of mathematical programming techniques to extract more information out of composite indexes (e.g., the EPI-2008) that would assist decision makers. While recognising the qualitative aspects of such decision making, in order to support and guide the policy making process, we develop analytical tools to assist the process. We carefully delineate our models to be limited only to the provable quantitative properties of the available objective data. However, such data are processed into more meaningful statements concerning the available options. Specifically, using EPI-2008, meaningful mathematical models that shed further light onto the country sustainability measures are developed. The models may be used to determine which criteria must be emphasised if the composite score or the rank of a given country is to be improved.