Customers satisfaction by fuzzy synthetic evaluation and genetic algorithm (case study)

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Nayebpour ◽  
Mohsen Nazem Bokaei
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
A New Technique ◽  
Satisfaction Evaluation ◽  
Synthetic Evaluation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a new technique for the determination of effective criteria weight on satisfaction using genetic algorithm and fuzzy synthetic evaluation. Design/methodology/approach The weight values express the relative importance of criteria. In most of research works, weight values depend heavily on expert knowledge, and customer’s perspective have not been considered. The proposed approach determines the criteria weight on satisfaction using genetic algorithm and fuzzy synthetic evaluation considering Euclidean distance between the computed overall satisfaction evaluation and the surveyed overall satisfaction evaluation. Findings The research findings show that different segments of customer have various needs and explain causes of various needs in customers using genetic algorithm and fuzzy synthetic evaluation. Originality/value The value of the paper is in it using a new approach in order to determine the weight of criteria. The main advantage of proposed approach is that it will help managers and researchers to determine the weight of criteria on satisfaction, and this process will no longer just rely on expert knowledge.

Portfolio selection with fuzzy synthetic evaluation and genetic algorithm

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 2422-2434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Nayebpur ◽  
Mohsen Nazem Bokaei
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Portfolio Selection ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Synthetic Evaluation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a new technique to portfolio selection using a genetic algorithm (GA) and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). Portfolio selection is a multi-objective/criteria decision-making problem in financial management. Design/methodology/approach The proposed approach solves the problem in two stages. In the first stage, by using a GA and FSE, the weight of criteria will be calculated. Euclidean distance between the computed overall performance evaluation and the surveyed overall performance evaluation is used to determine the weight of criteria. In the second stage, by using a GA and FSE, portfolios will be prioritized. A multi-objective GA is used to determine return and risk in the efficient frontier. A decision making approach is based on FSE to select the best portfolio from among the solutions obtained by a multi objective GA. Findings The main advantage of the proposed approach is to help an investor to find a portfolio which has best performance, and portfolio selection does not rely on expert knowledge. Originality/value The value of the paper is in it using a new approach to determine the weight of criteria and portfolio selection. It surveys firms’ performance in the stock market, based on which the weight of criteria will be determined and portfolios will be prioritized.

scholarly journals A fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city development in developing countries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Omoregie Aghimien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
David J. Edwards ◽  
Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu ◽  
Paul Olomolaiye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Smart City ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Synthetic Approach ◽  
Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation ◽  
City Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Challenges ◽  
Synthetic Evaluation

PurposeThis study presents a fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city realisation in developing countries, using Nigeria as a case study. By defining and delineating the problems faced by the country, more viable directions to attaining smart city development can be achieved.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance with a deductive approach. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from built environment professionals involved in the delivery of Nigerian public infrastructures. Six dimensions of the challenges of smart cities were identified from literature and explored. They are governance, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal issues. Data gathered were analysed using Cronbach alpha test for reliability, Shapiro-Wilks test for normality, Kruskal-Wallis H-test for consistency and fuzzy synthetic evaluation test for the synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city attainment.FindingsThe findings revealed that all six assessed dimensions have a significant impact on the attainment of smart cities in Nigeria. More specifically, issues relating to environmental, technological, social and legal challenges are more prominent.Originality/valueThe fuzzy synthetic approach adopted provides a clear, practical insight on the issues that need to be addressed before the smart city development can be attained within developing countries.

Verifying the sustainability factors of mega transportation infrastructure: Sydney Metro’s commissioning through the “significance matrix” methodology

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koorosh Gharehbaghi ◽  
Kerry McManus ◽  
Maged Georgy ◽  
Ken Farnes ◽  
Francesca Pagliara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Transportation Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Comprehensive Determination ◽  
Transportation Infrastructures ◽  
Sustainability Challenges

Purpose Through the significance matrix, this paper aims to investigate and explore the main sustainability factors of mega transportation infrastructure projects. Sydney’s Metro mega transportation infrastructure is used as a case study. Sydney’s Metro was selected because of its sustainability challenges faced because of the areas’ diverse ecological zones. Sydney’s Metro is thus examined as the basis of best practice for the determination of the sustainability factors of transportation infrastructures. Design/methodology/approach Using the significance matrix as a methodology, this research evaluates the environmental impact assessment and environmental assessment processes, to alleviate the problems of the mega transportation infrastructure. Findings This research found that a more comprehensive determination is needed to further analyse the sustainability factors of mega transportation infrastructures, use of a significance matrix would further assess the environmental complexities of mega transportation infrastructures and the sustainability factors of mega transportation infrastructures should include a nonlinear and asymmetrical scheme highlighting its components and carefully outlining its integration and consolidation. Originality/value Although there is concurrent research into sustainability factors of mega transportation, this paper undertakes a new methodology for such infrastructure. While the significance matrix is not a new concept, it has never been used specifically for mega transportation infrastructure. Subsequently, using the significance matrix as a methodology, this research undertakes such environmental analysis and assessment and thus produces a qualitative risk analysis matrix. The findings from this research will ultimately assist the key stakeholders of mega transportation infrastructures to better plan, monitor and support similar projects.

Purchasing behaviour and supplier base evolution – a longitudinal case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Dubois ◽  
Lars-Erik Gadde ◽  
Lars-Gunnar Mattsson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Purchasing Behaviour ◽  
Time Periods

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to describe and analyse the evolution of the supplier base of a buying firm and the reasons behind these changes. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a case study of the changes over 52 years in a sub-set of the supplier base of a firm manufacturing fork-lifts. Findings The study shows that some relationships feature substantial longevity. However, the duration of one-third of the total relationships is shorter than five years. There was considerable variation over time in the dynamics of the supplier base in terms of entries and exits of suppliers. Owing to this variation, research findings and conclusions in short-term studies are heavily dependent on the specific conditions at the time of the study. Finally, no less than one-fourth of the terminated supplier relationships were reactivated later. Research limitations/implications The study was designed in a time when purchasing was considered entirely from the perspective of the buying firm. Further studies, therefore, must increasingly emphasise the role of suppliers and the interaction in the buyer–supplier relationships, as well as the embeddedness in networks. Originality/value The findings of the study are unique in two ways. First, they are based on systematic observations over more than 50 years. Second, the study involves the purchases of 11 components representing different technical and economic features. The (few) previous studies are based on much shorter time periods and involves fewer suppliers/components. Moreover, the findings regarding re-activation of terminated relationships represent unique contributions.

A multi-attribute approach to select the best method for repairing river bridge columns

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitra Salmaninezhad ◽  
S. Mahmood Jazayeri Moghaddas
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Bridge Columns ◽  
Pier Scour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accuracy And Precision ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Multi Attribute Decision Making ◽  
Weighing Method

PurposePier scour is one of the main causes of damage to the columns of the river bridges. It is essential to select the best method among various repair methods based on different evaluation indices. However, there is no procedure for ranking these repair methods based on their attributes. The present study seeks to set an approach for this ranking.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) model is presented for ranking the repair techniques, in which alternatives are examined using the most important evaluation criteria. In addition, a combination of entropy and eigenvector methods has been proposed for weighting these attributes. A case study is then used to demonstrate the applicability and the validity of the method.FindingsThe execution of the model using two multi-criteria methods yielded similar results, which confirms its accuracy and precision. Moreover, the research findings showed the consistency of the objective and subjective weighting methods and the conformity of the weights obtained for the attributes from the combination of these methods to the nature of the problem.Originality/valueThe selection of the proper method for repairing the bridge columns plays an essential role in success of the bridge restoration. The proposed model introduces an approach for ranking repair methods and selecting the best one that has not been presented so far. Also, the weighing method for attributes is an innovative method for ranking restoration methods that has been proven in a case study.

Dynamic safety prewarning mechanism of human–machine–environment using computer vision

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1813-1833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenpei Xu ◽  
Ting-Kwei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Computer Vision ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Levels

PurposeThis study provides a safety prewarning mechanism, which includes a comprehensive risk assessment model and a safety prewarning system. The comprehensive risk assessment model is capable of assessing nine safety indicators, which can be categorised into workers’ behaviour, environment and machine-related safety indicators, and the model is embedded in the safety prewarning system. The safety prewarning system can automatically extract safety information from surveillance cameras based on computer vision, assess risks based on the embedded comprehensive risk assessment model, categorise risks into five levels and provide timely suggestions.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, the comprehensive risk assessment model is constructed by adopting grey multihierarchical analysis method. The method combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the grey clustering evaluation in the grey theory. Expert knowledge, obtained through the questionnaire approach, contributes to set weights of risk indicators and evaluate risks. Secondly, a safety prewarning system is developed, including data acquisition layer, data processing layer and prewarning layer. Computer vision is applied in the system to automatically extract real-time safety information from the surveillance cameras. The safety information is then processed through the comprehensive risk assessment model and categorized into five risk levels. A case study is presented to verify the proposed mechanism.FindingsThrough a case study, the result shows that the proposed mechanism is capable of analyzing integrated human-machine-environment risk, timely categorising risks into five risk levels and providing potential suggestions.Originality/valueThe comprehensive risk assessment model is capable of assessing nine risk indicators, identifying three types of entities, workers, environment and machine on the construction site, presenting the integrated risk based on nine indicators. The proposed mechanism, which adopts expert knowledge through Building Information Modeling (BIM) safety simulation and extracts safety information based on computer vision, can perform a dynamic real-time risk analysis, categorize risks into five risk levels and provide potential suggestions to corresponding risk owners. The proposed mechanism can allow the project manager to take timely actions.

“I love this stuff!”: a Canadian case study of mentor–coach well-being

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-344
Author(s):  
Trista Hollweck
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Experienced Teachers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coaching Relationship ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Stakeholder Perspective ◽  
Research Findings

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a qualitative case study that examined the potential benefits, challenges and implications of the mentor–coach (MC) role as a supportive structure for experienced teachers’ well-being and sense of flourishing in schools.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative case study used data collected from surveys, interviews, focus groups and documentation. Data were coded and abductively analyzed using the “framework approach” with and against Seligman’s well-being PERMA framework. In order to include an alternative stakeholder perspective, data from a focus group with the district’s teacher union executive are also included.FindingsUsing the constituting elements of Seligman’s well-being (PERMA) framework, experienced teachers reported positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning and accomplishment from their MC experience. However, the MC role is not a panacea for educator well-being. Rather, the quality and effectiveness of the mentoring and coaching relationship is a determining factor and, if left unattended, negative experiences could contribute to their stress and increased workload.Research limitations/implicationsThe data used in this study were based on a limited number of survey respondents (25/42) and the self-selection of the interview (n=7) and focus group participants (n=6). The research findings may lack generalizability and be positively skewed.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the current lack of empirical research on the MC experience and considers some of the wider contextual factors that impact effective mentoring and coaching programs for educators.

Investment apportionments among participants of PPP rental retirement villages

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-77
Author(s):  
Shijing Liu ◽  
Hongyu Jin ◽  
Chunlu Liu ◽  
Benzheng Xie ◽  
Anthony Mills
Keyword(s):  
Pension Funds ◽  
Return Rate ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Investment Allocation ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Government ◽  
Mean Variance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine public–private partnership (PPP) approaches for the construction of rental retirement villages in Australia and to allocate the investment proportions under a certain project return rate among three investors which are the government, private sectors and pension funds. The apportionment will achieve a minimum overall investment risk for the project. Design/methodology/approach Capital structure, particularly determination of investment apportionment proportions, is one of the key factors affecting the success of PPP rental retirement villages. Markowitz mean-variance model was applied to examine the investment allocations with minimum project investment risks under a certain projected return rate among the PPP partners for the construction of rental retirement villages. Findings The research findings validate the feasibility of the inclusion of pension funds in the construction of PPP rental retirement villages and demonstrate the existence of relationships between the project return rate and the investment allocation proportions. Originality/value This paper provides a quantitative approach for determination of the investment proportions among PPP partners to enrich the theory of PPP in relation to the construction of rental retirement villages. This has implications for PPP partners and can help these stakeholders make vital contributions in developing intellectual wealth in the PPP investment area while providing them with a detailed guide to decision making and negotiation in relation to investment in PPP rental retirement villages.

Barriers to implementing waste-to-energy projects in Sri Lanka: a PESTEL analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Binashi Kumarasiri ◽  
Piumi Dissanayake
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Waste To Energy ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Under Construction

PurposeIt is no surprise that garbage is not garbage for some. It is money. This is why garbage has been overestimated to a point that money allocated for waste-to-energy (WtE) projects feed individual pockets. Many countries have already adapted WtE as a successful solution for both energy and waste crisis. Although in Sri Lanka six WtE projects were promised, the government abruptly decided that it would not have any more projects other than the two plants that were under construction. The purpose of this paper is to analyse barriers to the implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory case study was selected as the research strategy to achieve the research aim. In total, two WtE megaprojects, which have been initiated implementation in Sri Lanka, were used as cases. A total of 12 semi-structured interviews with four personnel from each case and four government officials were used as the data collection technique. Data analysis was carried out using code-based content analysis. The barriers were extracted through analysis of case findings using an abductive analysis. The strategies to mitigate identified barriers were formulated based on attributes highlighted through case study findings and further validated through the opinions of three experts.FindingsBarriers were analysed using the PESTEL framework to get ample insight into barriers that impact on the implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka. Less support from the government due to their less awareness on WtE, high investment and operational cost, lack of expert knowledge on WtE technologies in Sri Lanka, absence of a proper regulatory framework for implementation WtE technologies, lengthy process and delay in getting approvals from government process, poor attitudes of public and their protests due to the less awareness on WtE are the foremost barriers identified in this study. Further, strategies were proposed based on the empirical research findings to overcome barriers to facilitate the successful implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka.Research limitations/implicationsSo far only two WtE megaprojects have been initiated the implementation in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the scope of the study was limited only to those projects. Moreover, the type of waste considered in this study is municipal solid waste (MSW), which has become a bigger problem in Sri Lanka.Originality/valueThe current study unveils an analysis of barriers for implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka, including strategies for mitigating identified barriers. The findings would enable relevant stakeholders, i.e. policymakers, industry practitioners, investors, government bodies and researchers to make informed decisions on implementation of WtE projects and thereby promote successful implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka.

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