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Multiple-Criteria Decision Making
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Multiple-Criteria Decision Making

A special issue of Axioms (ISSN 2075-1680). This special issue belongs to the section "Logic".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 52395

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Goran Ćirović

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering Management, University “UNION–Nikola Tesla”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: computational intelligence; Multi-criteria decision making problems; rough set theory; fuzzy set theory; optimization; neuro-fuzzy systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Dragan Pamučar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Operations Research and Statistics, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, Jove Ilića 154, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: multi-criteria decision making problems; computational intelligence; sustainability neuro-fuzzy systems; fuzzy; rough and intuitionistic fuzzy set theory; neutrosophic theory
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Decision making on real world problems, including individual process decisions, requires an appropriate and reliable decision support system. Fuzzy set theory, rough set theory and neutrosophic set theory, which are MCDM techniques, are useful for modeling complex decision making problems with imprecise, ambiguous or vague data.

This Special Issue on “Multiple Criteria Decision Making” aims to incorporate recent developments in the area of the multi-criteria decision making field. Topics include, but are not limited to:

- MCDM optimization in engineering;

- Environmental sustainability in engineering processes;

- Multi-criteria production and logistics processes planning;

- New trends in multi-criteria evaluation of sustainable processes;

- Multi-criteria decision-making in strategic management based on sustainable criteria.

Dr. Goran Ćirović
Dr. Dragan Pamučar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Axioms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Decision making
  • Fuzzy set theory
  • Rough set theory
  • Neutrosophic set theory
  • Sustainable development
  • Modeling in engineering
  • Sustainable waste management
  • Sustainable processes
  • Environmental engineering
  • Engineering sustainability

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 291 KiB  
Article
A Single-Valued Neutrosophic Extension of the EDAS Method
by Dragiša Stanujkić, Darjan Karabašević, Gabrijela Popović, Dragan Pamučar, Željko Stević, Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas and Florentin Smarandache
Axioms 2021, 10(4), 245; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10040245 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2050
Abstract
This manuscript aims to propose a new extension of the EDAS method, adapted for usage with single-valued neutrosophic numbers. By using single-valued neutrosophic numbers, the EDAS method can be more efficient for solving complex problems whose solution requires assessment and prediction, because truth- [...] Read more.
This manuscript aims to propose a new extension of the EDAS method, adapted for usage with single-valued neutrosophic numbers. By using single-valued neutrosophic numbers, the EDAS method can be more efficient for solving complex problems whose solution requires assessment and prediction, because truth- and falsity-membership functions can be used for expressing the level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction about an attitude. In addition, the indeterminacy-membership function can be used to point out the reliability of the information given with truth- and falsity-membership functions. Thus, the proposed extension of the EDAS method allows the use of a smaller number of complex evaluation criteria. The suitability and applicability of the proposed approach are presented through three illustrative examples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
15 pages, 942 KiB  
Article
Selection of Logistics Service Provider for the E-Commerce Companies in Pakistan Based on Integrated GRA-TOPSIS Approach
by Muhammad Hamza Naseem, Jiaqi Yang and Ziquan Xiang
Axioms 2021, 10(3), 208; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10030208 - 30 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2625
Abstract
Recently, the demand for third-party logistics providers has become extremely relevant and the key subject for businesses to enhance their service quality and minimize logistics costs. The key success factor for an e-commerce business is product delivery, and the third-party logistics service provider [...] Read more.
Recently, the demand for third-party logistics providers has become extremely relevant and the key subject for businesses to enhance their service quality and minimize logistics costs. The key success factor for an e-commerce business is product delivery, and the third-party logistics service provider is responsible for that. Each 3PLP has its own business characteristics, meaning it is important to select the most suitable logistics provider for the e-commerce business. This study uses a combination of grey relational analysis (GRA) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, assisting decision makers in choosing the best logistics service provider for their e-business. A case study of an e-commerce company based in Faisalabad, Pakistan, was selected to demonstrate the steps of the proposed methods. In this process, seven criteria of logistics suppliers were considered, and then the best alternatives among four logistics provider companies were selected using the proposed method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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28 pages, 1224 KiB  
Article
Spherical Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Soft Rough Sets with Multi-Criteria Decision Making
by Masooma Raza Hashmi, Syeda Tayyba Tehrim, Muhammad Riaz, Dragan Pamucar and Goran Cirovic
Axioms 2021, 10(3), 185; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10030185 - 13 Aug 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 2947
Abstract
Modeling uncertainties with spherical linear Diophantine fuzzy sets (SLDFSs) is a robust approach towards engineering, information management, medicine, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) applications. The existing concepts of neutrosophic sets (NSs), picture fuzzy sets (PFSs), and spherical fuzzy sets (SFSs) are strong models for MCDM. [...] Read more.
Modeling uncertainties with spherical linear Diophantine fuzzy sets (SLDFSs) is a robust approach towards engineering, information management, medicine, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) applications. The existing concepts of neutrosophic sets (NSs), picture fuzzy sets (PFSs), and spherical fuzzy sets (SFSs) are strong models for MCDM. Nevertheless, these models have certain limitations for three indexes, satisfaction (membership), dissatisfaction (non-membership), refusal/abstain (indeterminacy) grades. A SLDFS with the use of reference parameters becomes an advanced approach to deal with uncertainties in MCDM and to remove strict limitations of above grades. In this approach the decision makers (DMs) have the freedom for the selection of above three indexes in [0,1]. The addition of reference parameters with three index/grades is a more effective approach to analyze DMs opinion. We discuss the concept of spherical linear Diophantine fuzzy numbers (SLDFNs) and certain properties of SLDFSs and SLDFNs. These concepts are illustrated by examples and graphical representation. Some score functions for comparison of LDFNs are developed. We introduce the novel concepts of spherical linear Diophantine fuzzy soft rough set (SLDFSRS) and spherical linear Diophantine fuzzy soft approximation space. The proposed model of SLDFSRS is a robust hybrid model of SLDFS, soft set, and rough set. We develop new algorithms for MCDM of suitable clean energy technology. We use the concepts of score functions, reduct, and core for the optimal decision. A brief comparative analysis of the proposed approach with some existing techniques is established to indicate the validity, flexibility, and superiority of the suggested MCDM approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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19 pages, 1421 KiB  
Article
Social Network Group Decision-Making Method Based on Q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Set and Its Application in the Evaluation of Online Teaching Quality
by Yingjie Hu, Shouzhen Zeng, Llopis-Albert Carlos, Kifayat Ullah and Yuqi Yang
Axioms 2021, 10(3), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms10030168 - 28 Jul 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1929
Abstract
As q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (q-ROFS) theory can effectively express complex fuzzy information, this study explores its application to social network environments and proposes a social network group decision-making (SNGDM) method based on the q-ROFS. Firstly, the q-rung orthopair fuzzy value is used [...] Read more.
As q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (q-ROFS) theory can effectively express complex fuzzy information, this study explores its application to social network environments and proposes a social network group decision-making (SNGDM) method based on the q-ROFS. Firstly, the q-rung orthopair fuzzy value is used to represent the trust relationships between experts in the social network, and a trust q-rung orthopair fuzzy value is defined. Secondly, considering the decreasing and multipath of trust in the process of trust propagation, this study designs a trust propagation mechanism by using its multiplication operation in the q-ROFS environment and proposes a trust q-ROFS aggregation approach. Moreover, based on the trust scores and confidence levels of experts, a new integration operator called q-rung orthopair fuzzy-induced ordered weighted average operator is proposed to fuse experts’ evaluation information. Additionally, considering the impact of consensus interaction on decision-making results, a consensus interaction model based on the q-ROF distance measure and trust relationship is proposed, including consistency measurement, identification of inconsistent expert decision-making opinions and a personalized adjustment mechanism. Finally, the SNGDM method is applied to solve the problem of evaluating online teaching quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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27 pages, 1732 KiB  
Article
Approach to Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Methods for Performance Evaluation Process Using Interval-Valued T-Spherical Fuzzy Hamacher Aggregation Information
by Yun Jin, Zareena Kousar, Kifayat Ullah, Tahir Mahmood, Nimet Yapici Pehlivan and Zeeshan Ali
Axioms 2021, 10(3), 145; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10030145 - 01 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2187
Abstract
Interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy set (IVTSFS) handles uncertain and vague information by discussing their membership degree (MD), abstinence degree (AD), non-membership degree (NMD), and refusal degree (RD). MD, AD, NMD, and RD are defined in terms of closed subintervals of [...] Read more.
Interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy set (IVTSFS) handles uncertain and vague information by discussing their membership degree (MD), abstinence degree (AD), non-membership degree (NMD), and refusal degree (RD). MD, AD, NMD, and RD are defined in terms of closed subintervals of [0, 1] that reduce information loss compared to the T-spherical fuzzy set (TSFS), which takes crisp values from [0, 1] intervals; hence, some information may be lost. The purpose of this manuscript is to develop some Hamacher aggregation operators (HAOs) in the environment of IVTSFSs. To do so, some Hamacher operational laws based on Hamacher t-norms (HTNs) and Hamacher t-conorms (HTCNs) are introduced. Using Hamacher operational laws, we develop some aggregation operators (AOs), including an interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy Hamacher (IVTSFH) weighted averaging (IVTSFHWA) operator, an IVTSFH-ordered weighted averaging (IVTSFHOWA) operator, an IVTSFH hybrid averaging (IVTSFHHA) operator, an IVTSFH-weighted geometric (IVTSFHWG) operator, an IVTSFH-ordered weighted geometric (IVTSFHOWG) operator, and an IVTSFH hybrid geometric (IVTSFHHG) operator. The validation of the newly developed HAOs is investigated, and their basic properties are examined. In view of some restrictions, the generalization and proposed HAOs are shown, and a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) procedure is explored based on the HAOs, which are further exemplified. Finally, a comparative analysis of the proposed work is also discussed with previous literature to show the superiority of our work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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12 pages, 700 KiB  
Article
An Innovative Grey Approach for Group Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Based on the Median of Ratings by Using Python
by Dragiša Stanujkić, Darjan Karabašević, Gabrijela Popović, Predrag S. Stanimirović, Florentin Smarandache, Muzafer Saračević, Alptekin Ulutaş and Vasilios N. Katsikis
Axioms 2021, 10(2), 124; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10020124 - 19 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2487
Abstract
Some decision-making problems, i.e., multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) problems, require taking into account the attitudes of a large number of decision-makers and/or respondents. Therefore, an approach to the transformation of crisp ratings, collected from respondents, in grey interval numbers form based on the [...] Read more.
Some decision-making problems, i.e., multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) problems, require taking into account the attitudes of a large number of decision-makers and/or respondents. Therefore, an approach to the transformation of crisp ratings, collected from respondents, in grey interval numbers form based on the median of collected scores, i.e., ratings, is considered in this article. In this way, the simplicity of collecting respondents’ attitudes using crisp values, i.e., by applying some form of Likert scale, is combined with the advantages that can be achieved by using grey interval numbers. In this way, a grey extension of MCDA methods is obtained. The application of the proposed approach was considered in the example of evaluating the websites of tourism organizations by using several MCDA methods. Additionally, an analysis of the application of the proposed approach in the case of a large number of respondents, done in Python, is presented. The advantages of the proposed method, as well as its possible limitations, are summarized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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37 pages, 2921 KiB  
Article
A Decision-Making Approach Based on New Aggregation Operators under Fermatean Fuzzy Linguistic Information Environment
by Rajkumar Verma
Axioms 2021, 10(2), 113; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10020113 - 04 Jun 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2126
Abstract
Fermatean fuzzy linguistic (FFL) set theory provides an efficient tool for modeling a higher level of uncertain and imprecise information, which cannot be represented using intuitionistic fuzzy linguistic (IFL)/Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic (PFL) sets. On the other hand, the linguistic scale function (LSF) is [...] Read more.
Fermatean fuzzy linguistic (FFL) set theory provides an efficient tool for modeling a higher level of uncertain and imprecise information, which cannot be represented using intuitionistic fuzzy linguistic (IFL)/Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic (PFL) sets. On the other hand, the linguistic scale function (LSF) is the better way to consider the semantics of the linguistic terms during the evaluation process. It is worth noting that the existing operational laws and aggregation operators (AOs) for Fermatean fuzzy linguistic numbers (FFLNs) are not valid in many situations, which can generate errors in real-life applications. The present study aims to define new robust operational laws and AOs under Fermatean fuzzy linguistic environment. To do so, first, we define some new modified operational laws for FFLNs based on LSF and prove some important mathematical properties of them. Next, the work defines several new AOs, namely, the FFL-weighted averaging (FFLWA) operator, the FFL-weighted geometric (FFLWG) operator, the FFL-ordered weighted averaging (FFLOWA) operator, the FFL-ordered weighted geometric (FFLOWG) operator, the FFL-hybrid averaging (FFLHA) operator and the FFL-hybrid geometric (FFLHG) operator under Fermatean fuzzy linguistic environment. Several properties of these AOs are investigated in detail. Further, based on the proposed AOs, a new decision-making approach with Fermatean fuzzy linguistic information is developed to solve group decision-making problems with multiple attributes. Finally, to illustrate the effectiveness of the present approach, a real-life supplier selection problem is presented where the evaluation information of the alternatives is given in terms of FFLNs. Compared to the existing methods, the salient features of the developed approach are (1) it can solve decision-making problems with qualitative information data using FFLNs; (2) It can consider the attitudinal character of the decision-makers during the solution process; (3) It has a solid ability to distinguish the optimal alternative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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17 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
An Intelligent System for Allocating Times to the Main Activities of Managers
by Efrain Solares, Liliana Guerrero, Alberto Aguilera, Juana María Hernández, Sandra Rodríguez and Víctor De-León-Gómez
Axioms 2021, 10(2), 104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10020104 - 25 May 2021
Viewed by 1803
Abstract
Correctly allocating times to the main activities of a manager is a crucial task that directly affects the possibility of success for any company. Decision support based on state-of-the-art methods can lead to better performance in this activity. However, allocating times to managerial [...] Read more.
Correctly allocating times to the main activities of a manager is a crucial task that directly affects the possibility of success for any company. Decision support based on state-of-the-art methods can lead to better performance in this activity. However, allocating times to managerial activities is not straightforward; the decision support should provide a flexible recommendation so the manager can make a final decision while ensuring robustness. This paper describes and assesses a novel approach where a search for the best distribution of the manager’s time is performed by an intelligent decision support system. The approach consists of eliciting manager preferences to define the value of the manager’s main activities and, by using a portfolio-like optimization based on differential evolution, obtaining the best time allocation. Aiming at applicability in practical scenarios, the approach can deal with many activities, group decisions, cope with imprecision, vagueness, ill-determination, and other types of uncertainty. We present evidence of the approach’s applicability exploiting a real case study with the participation of several managers. The approach is assessed through the satisfaction level of each manager. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
19 pages, 3914 KiB  
Article
The Ordered Weighted Average Human Development Index
by Ernesto Leon-Castro, Fabio Blanco-Mesa, Alma Montserrat Romero-Serrano and Marlenne Velázquez-Cazares
Axioms 2021, 10(2), 87; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10020087 - 07 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3345
Abstract
The main aim is to propose a new method for estimating the Human Development Index using ordered weighted average. To develop this method, ordered weighted geometric average (OWGA), induced OWGA prioritized OWA (POWA) operator are studied. Using Human Development Index formulation in combination [...] Read more.
The main aim is to propose a new method for estimating the Human Development Index using ordered weighted average. To develop this method, ordered weighted geometric average (OWGA), induced OWGA prioritized OWA (POWA) operator are studied. Using Human Development Index formulation in combination to aggregations operators presented above is proposed the prioritized induced ordered weighted geometric average (PIOWGA) operator. A mathematical application is carried out to estimate the Human Development Index and compare it with the traditional method and other existing methods. Finally, it is noted that decision makers have an influence on the order given in the ranking by its attitude and criterion, and method can capture the subjective information prioritized by them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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13 pages, 1512 KiB  
Article
A Spherical Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (SF-AHP) and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) Algorithm in Distribution Center Location Selection: A Case Study in Agricultural Supply Chain
by Phan Thuy Kieu, Van Thanh Nguyen, Viet Tinh Nguyen and Thanh Phong Ho
Axioms 2021, 10(2), 53; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10020053 - 03 Apr 2021
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 5967
Abstract
Logistics is an important service sector, contributing to improving the competitiveness of the economy. Therefore, along with increasing the application of technology and effective business models, it is necessary to increase the connectivity of the infrastructure systems of industrial parks, roads, and seaports [...] Read more.
Logistics is an important service sector, contributing to improving the competitiveness of the economy. Therefore, along with increasing the application of technology and effective business models, it is necessary to increase the connectivity of the infrastructure systems of industrial parks, roads, and seaports of regions and the country. Over the past decades, Vietnamese businesses have been step-by-step going through many stages from production, packaging, quality, hygiene, and safety to grasping new stages in the domestic and global value chain. In many industries, businesses are increasing the content of their own designs, exploiting brands, and approaching consumption networks in the target market. The role of the distribution center is becoming more and more important in ensuring a seamless and flawless supply chain. In particular, the distribution center is the most sensitive contact point between supply and demand in each enterprise. Therefore, the key mission of a distribution center is to reconcile supply and demand requirements. Distribution center location selection problems usually involve multiple quantitative and qualitative criteria that the decision maker must take into account for assessing the symmetrical impact of the criteria to reach the most accurate result. In this study, the authors propose a hybrid MCDM model based on Spherical Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (SF-AHP) and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) Algorithm to support the distribution location selection problem of perishable agricultural products. The proposed model is then applied to the numerical case study of the sweet potato product of the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam to demonstrate the feasibility of the model. The contribution of this research is to propose an MCDM model for improving the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain through selecting a location distribution center. This proposed model can be applied to the agricultural supply chain around the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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12 pages, 314 KiB  
Article
Multiple Optimal Solutions and the Best Lipschitz Constants Between an Aggregation Function and Associated Idempotized Aggregation Function
by Hui-Chin Tang and Wei-Ting Chen
Axioms 2021, 10(2), 52; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10020052 - 02 Apr 2021
Viewed by 1499
Abstract
This paper presents and compares the optimal solutions and the theoretical and empirical best Lipschitz constants between an aggregation function and associated idempotized aggregation function. According to an exhaustive search we performed, the multiple optimal solutions and the empirical best Lipschitz constants are [...] Read more.
This paper presents and compares the optimal solutions and the theoretical and empirical best Lipschitz constants between an aggregation function and associated idempotized aggregation function. According to an exhaustive search we performed, the multiple optimal solutions and the empirical best Lipschitz constants are presented explicitly. The results indicate that differences of the multiple optimal solutions exist among the Minkowski norm, the number of steps, and the type of aggregation function. We demonstrate that these differences can affect the theoretical and empirical best Lipschitz constants of an aggregation function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
22 pages, 2075 KiB  
Article
Outsourcing Reverse Logistics for E-Commerce Retailers: A Two-Stage Fuzzy Optimization Approach
by Chia-Nan Wang, Thanh-Tuan Dang and Ngoc-Ai-Thy Nguyen
Axioms 2021, 10(1), 34; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10010034 - 14 Mar 2021
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 8829
Abstract
On the heels of the online shopping boom during the Covid-19 pandemic, the electronic commerce (e-commerce) surge has many businesses facing an influx in product returns. Thus, relevant companies must implement robust reverse logistics strategies to reflect the increased importance of the capability. [...] Read more.
On the heels of the online shopping boom during the Covid-19 pandemic, the electronic commerce (e-commerce) surge has many businesses facing an influx in product returns. Thus, relevant companies must implement robust reverse logistics strategies to reflect the increased importance of the capability. Reverse logistics also plays a radical role in any business’s sustainable development as a process of reusing, remanufacturing, and redistributing products. Within this context, outsourcing to a third-party reverse logistics provider (3PRLP) has been identified as one of the most important management strategies for today’s organizations, especially e-commerce players. The objective of this study is to develop a decision support system to assist businesses in the selection and evaluation of different 3PRLPs by a hybrid fuzzy multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Relevant criteria concerning the economic, environmental, social, and risk factors are incorporated and taken into the models. For obtaining more scientific and accurate ranking results, linguistic terms are adopted to reduce fuzziness and uncertainties of criteria weights in the natural decision-making process. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is applied to measure the criteria’s relative significance over the evaluation process. The fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (FTOPSIS) is then used to rank the alternatives. The prescribed method was adopted for solving a case study on the 3PRLP selection for an online merchant in Vietnam. As a result, the most compatible 3PRLP was determined. The study also indicated that “lead time,” “customer’s voice,” “cost,” “delivery and service,” and “quality” are the most dominant drivers when selecting 3PLRLs. This study aims to provide a more complete and robust evaluation process to e-commerce businesses and any organization that deals with supply chain management in determining the optimized reverse logistics partners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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23 pages, 943 KiB  
Article
Integrating the EBM Model and LTS(A,A,A) Model to Evaluate the Efficiency in the Supply Chain of Packaging Industry in Vietnam
by Chia-Nan Wang, Quynh-Ngoc Hoang and Thi-Kim-Lien Nguyen
Axioms 2021, 10(1), 33; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10010033 - 12 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3966
Abstract
In recent decades, Vietnamese labeling and packaging has been widely recognized as being one of the fastest developing industries in Vietnam, supported by the tremendous demand of domestic production and the exportation of its packaged goods. The emerging packaging technology trends and the [...] Read more.
In recent decades, Vietnamese labeling and packaging has been widely recognized as being one of the fastest developing industries in Vietnam, supported by the tremendous demand of domestic production and the exportation of its packaged goods. The emerging packaging technology trends and the participation of foreign direct investment (FDI) companies have led to fierce competition between all packaging enterprises in Vietnam. This paper aims to calculate the productivity performance of 10 packaging companies in Vietnam from the past to the future by combining the additive Holt-Winters (LTS(A,A,A)) model to predict key variables in the financial statement for the next 4 years (2020–2023) and an epsilon-based measure of efficiency (EBM) model of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to define the developing trend, efficiency, and ranking of packaging operations. The empirical results will assist packaging enterprises to identify their positions, suggest feasible solutions to overcome shortcomings and catch up with the global trends, and propose superior partnerships for manufacturers, which have packaging service demands and support investment decisions for investors. Overall, all the enterprises in the packaging industry have high productivity. In particular, SIVICO JSC is identified as the most efficient packaging company in Vietnam, as it continuously maintains the first ranking over the observation time, followed by Agriculture Printing & Packing JSC and Bien Hoa Packaging Company. In the past, Tan Dai Hung Plastic JSC was identified as the most unproductive unit, while in the future term, the inefficient decision-making units (DMUs) are Tan Tien Plastic Packaging JSC, Sai Gon Packaging JSC, Dong A JSC, and PetroVietnam Packaging JSC. The suggestion for incompetent enterprises is changing the value of inputs proportionally to optimize for better performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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14 pages, 691 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Sub-Tour Elimination Methods for the Asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem Applying the SECA Method
by Ramin Bazrafshan, Sarfaraz Hashemkhani Zolfani and S. Mohammad J. Mirzapour Al-e-hashem
Axioms 2021, 10(1), 19; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms10010019 - 08 Feb 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4901
Abstract
There are many sub-tour elimination constraint (SEC) formulations for the traveling salesman problem (TSP). Among the different methods found in articles, usually three apply more than others. This study examines the Danzig–Fulkerson–Johnson (DFJ), Miller–Tucker–Zemlin (MTZ), and Gavish–Graves (GG) formulations to select the best [...] Read more.
There are many sub-tour elimination constraint (SEC) formulations for the traveling salesman problem (TSP). Among the different methods found in articles, usually three apply more than others. This study examines the Danzig–Fulkerson–Johnson (DFJ), Miller–Tucker–Zemlin (MTZ), and Gavish–Graves (GG) formulations to select the best asymmetric traveling salesman problem (ATSP) formulation. The study introduces five criteria as the number of constraints, number of variables, type of variables, time of solving, and differences between the optimum and the relaxed value for comparing these constraints. The reason for selecting these criteria is that they have the most significant impact on the mathematical problem-solving complexity. A new and well-known multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) method, the simultaneous evaluation of the criteria and alternatives (SECA) method was applied to analyze these criteria. To use the SECA method for ranking the alternatives and extracting information about the criteria from constraints needs computational computing. In this research, we use CPLEX 12.8 software to compute the criteria value and LINGO 11 software to solve the SECA method. Finally, we conclude that the Gavish–Graves (GG) formulation is the best. The new web-based software was used for testing the results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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18 pages, 744 KiB  
Article
An Extended MABAC Method Based on Triangular Fuzzy Neutrosophic Numbers for Multiple-Criteria Group Decision Making Problems
by Irvanizam Irvanizam, Nawar Nabila Zi, Rahma Zuhra, Amrusi Amrusi and Hizir Sofyan
Axioms 2020, 9(3), 104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/axioms9030104 - 10 Sep 2020
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3761
Abstract
In this manuscript, we extend the traditional multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) method for the multiple-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) with triangular fuzzy neutrosophic numbers (TFNNs) to propose the TFNNs-MABAC method. In the proposed method, we utilize the TFNNs to express the values [...] Read more.
In this manuscript, we extend the traditional multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) method for the multiple-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) with triangular fuzzy neutrosophic numbers (TFNNs) to propose the TFNNs-MABAC method. In the proposed method, we utilize the TFNNs to express the values of criteria for each alternative in MCGDM problems. First, we briefly acquaint the basic concept of TFNNs and describe its corresponding some operation laws, the functions of score and accuracy, and the normalized hamming distance. We then review two aggregation operators of TFNNs. Afterward, we combine the traditional MABAC method with the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic evaluation and provide a sequence of calculation procedures of the TFNNs-MABAC method. After comparing it with some TFNNs aggregation operators and another method, the results showed that our extended MABAC method can not only effectively handle the conflicting attributes, but also practically deal with incomplete and indeterminate information in the MCGDM problem. Therefore, the extended MABAC method is more effective, conformable, and reasonable. Finally, an investment selection problem is demonstrated as a practice to verify the reasonability of our MABAC method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Criteria Decision Making)
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