A policy prioritization framework using causal layered analysis and MCDM: case study of Iran’s environmental policies

foresight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Majid Fouladgar ◽  
Ahmad Borumand Kakhki ◽  
Alireza Nasr Esfehani ◽  
Mohammadsadegh Sedighi
Keyword(s):  
Policy Making ◽  
Stakeholder Analysis ◽  
Multiple Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Environmental Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subjective Knowledge ◽  
Causal Layered Analysis ◽  
Islamic Republic Of Iran ◽  
Prioritization Framework

Purpose This paper aims to propose a policy prioritization framework in view of a layered scenario building along with key stakeholder analysis and has been applied in a case study to determine the priority of Iran environmental policies at the horizon of 2030. A creative framework that covers future scenarios and allows for a more accurate and intelligent policy assessment and prioritization. Design/methodology/approach The general environmental policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran are evaluated, and observation policies in social area were identified. Causal layered analysis (CLA) is applied for policy prioritization based on layered probable scenarios and key stakeholder role consideration. The Multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is also used for ranking General Environmental Policies by the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Findings Four uncertainties were obtained in different layers based on the CLA analysis, resulting in the creation of four main scenario and 16 discrete scenarios. Finally, Iran’s environmental policies were prioritized given the probable scenarios and the centralized policies on the social and political domains. The proposed model will be effective in policy-making in multilateral atmosphere to prioritize policies and alternative macro-strategies. Originality/value This paper shows that foresight and especially developed scenarios provide intelligent, efficient and effective planning and policy-making, and in addition to illustrating surrounding changes and probable future imagery, it generates common understanding and inter-subjective knowledge by increasing participation of various officials and stakeholders.

Obstacles and challenges in applying stakeholder analysis to infrastructure projects

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Wojewnik-Filipkowska ◽  
Anna Dziadkiewicz ◽  
Wioleta Dryl ◽  
Tomasz Dryl ◽  
Robert Bęben
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Stakeholder Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Infrastructure Project ◽  
The Creation

Purpose Public involvement is essential in the creation of effective local strategies for the development of a sustainable built environment, yet there has been little research on stakeholder motivation and engagement in the creation of infrastructure-project value, in the entire life cycle of a given project, while different markets show that overlooking stakeholders can negatively affect the success of an infrastructure project. The purpose of this paper is to fill the theory-practice gap that has been discerned, and thus study how early public involvement determines the success of an infrastructure project, which is identified with its value creation (effectiveness, sustainability and utility). Design/methodology/approach This research entails a combination of methods. A case study analysis allowed observation of the role the stakeholders play and of how the relationships, perspectives, expectations and risks, along with other soft issues, continue to affect projects. The case study required comprehensive examination of project documentation and conduction of interviews. To collect data, focused group interviews and semi-structured interviews were used, supported with direct questionnaire surveys. Findings The study provides evidence that early public engagement can contribute to infrastructure-project value (effectiveness, sustainability and utility). Practically speaking, the stakeholder analysis performed allowed proposal of a general stakeholder analysis framework for infrastructure projects. It can be implemented at each investment phase of the project life cycle, since stakeholders and their motivation may develop and/or change over time, which necessitates development of proper managerial strategies. The findings highlight the opportunities and the challenges faced by stakeholder management. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study derives from the fact that the sample size was small, which was necessary for an in-depth qualitative research and application of the case study method. The observations were made on a selected case study, within a limited period of time, thus the context of the analysis as well as the stakeholder perception was subject to possible change. The research limitations concern the provisional nature of the information obtained, the cross-sectional nature of the analysis itself, and, finally, the inability to predict all future events. Ultimately, stakeholder mapping was performed for the operational phase of the investment exclusively, while the analysis was limited to identification and classification of the stakeholders, including their relationship with the project. Practical implications The research conclusions provide useful input for future research on development of effective strategies for management of the shareholders that are related to a given infrastructure project, in order to achieve project success. Simultaneously, from a property perspective, the research has contributed to a better understanding of the importance of infrastructure, on the part of real estate stakeholders. Social implications Application of the approach proposed in the study may contribute to early development and implementation of appropriate trust-building processes. The building of relationships between stakeholders enables checks and balances, promotes short- and long-term project benefits, and increases the value of a project. Originality/value The novelty of the research consists in the connection, as part of infrastructure projects, of the theory of consumption values and the concept of an investment cycle with the framework of stakeholder analysis.

Stakeholder complexity in large scale green building projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1454-1474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ka Yan Mok ◽  
Geoffrey Qiping Shen ◽  
Rebecca Yang
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Stakeholder Analysis ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Analysis Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analytical Perspective ◽  
Stakeholder Interactions

Purpose In response to the world’s rising awareness on sustainability, industry players and policymakers are devoting great efforts to bolster green building developments. Every green building project (GBP) involves numerous stakeholders and potentially incompatible concerns. Despite the associated environmental, economic and social benefits, GBP developments have often confronted managerial barriers which are actually emerged from stakeholders – the actual key determinants of a project. Holistically analyzing the complexity of stakeholders in GBPs is, therefore, crucial to improving GBP management and achieving greater sustainability for all involved. The purpose of this paper is to analyze stakeholder complexity in large GBPs using a holistic framework which integrates both empirical and rationalistic analytical perspectives. Design/methodology/approach The complexity of stakeholders in GBPs can be considered from three aspects – identifying stakeholders, assessing stakeholder interactions and analyzing stakeholder concerns. The proposed stakeholder analysis framework uses both empirical methods (e.g. interviews and surveys) and rationalistic methods (e.g. chain referral sampling and social network analysis) to analyze GBP stakeholder complexity. Case study of a lab-enabled commercial GBP in Hong Kong was undertaken to illustrate the framework. Findings The framework enables a holistic, objective and effective stakeholder analysis; leading GBP leaders toward a complete understanding of project stakeholder complexity. The case study findings bring managerial insights to GBP leaders on the general SNA-related stakeholder dynamics and the important stakeholder concerns, of large Hong Kong GBPs. The findings diagnose general connectivity structures of GBP stakeholders, identify influential and peripheral actors in GBP information exchange, and suggest clues to improve their dynamics. In addition, ten key stakeholder concerns were identified, including comprehensive governmental standards and procedures, clear sustainability goals at the outset, effective stakeholder engagement, adequate design flexibility, and a “can-do” attitude of contractors and consultants – which are all vital for successful GBP development. The underlying reasons of these concerns and recommendations to addressing them were also discussed. Originality/value Many existing GBP stakeholder studies appear to use a single analytical perspective to assess project stakeholder complexity, but this may not gain a full understanding. The holistic stakeholder analysis framework used herein combines empiricism and rationalism. It helps to bring GBP leaders and implementers toward a more informed project decision making, a more thorough understanding of stakeholder complexity, as well as a more effective engagement of stakeholders.

Normalization techniques for collaborative networks

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 1285-1304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazanin Vafaei ◽  
Rita A. Ribeiro ◽  
Luis M. Camarinha-Matos ◽  
Leonilde Rocha Valera
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Heterogeneous Data ◽  
Decision Models ◽  
Collaborative Networks ◽  
Collaborative Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Partners ◽  
Decision Methods ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeNormalization is a crucial step in all decision models, to produce comparable and dimensionless data from heterogeneous data. As such, various normalization techniques are available but their performance depends on a number of characteristics of the problem at hand. Thus, this study aims to introduce a recommendation framework for supporting users to select data normalization techniques that better fit the requirements in different application scenarios, based on multi-criteria decision methods.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the proposed approach, the authors compare six well-known normalization techniques applied to a case study of selecting suppliers in collaborative networks.FindingsWith this recommendation framework, the authors expect to contribute to improving the normalization of criteria in the evaluation and selection of suppliers and business partners in dynamic networked collaborative systems.Originality/valueThis is the first study about comparing normalization techniques for selecting the best normalization in dynamic multiple-criteria decision-making models in collaborative networks.

More green space in Japanese shopping streets

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-222
Author(s):  
Marco Capitanio
Keyword(s):  
Policy Making ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Area

Purpose Green space increase in dense urban environments is a recurring goal of contemporary planning and policy making. Nonetheless, there is a need to assess the feasibility of concrete greening implementation in specific contexts. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and discuss the environmental potential of green roofs in commercial neighborhoods with low green rates. Design/methodology/approach By studying shopping streets in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, this research focuses on a commercial area featuring narrow streets, mid-rise buildings and a low amount of green space. A 25ha case study area was sampled and investigated from a morphological point of view, based on mappings, aerial photographs and on-site surveys. Findings Because of the peculiar morphological characteristics of Shimokitazawa, green roofs are a particularly suitable greening option. If all flat roofs in the case study area were retrofitted with green roofs, green space would increase from 4 to 27.7 percent. Moreover, the area’s carbon footprint would decrease by 2.6 percent. Originality/value While maintaining that each location has unique characteristics, the quantification of the environmental benefits of green roofs in Shimokitazawa could be generalized for a number of similar areas within Tokyo and Japan, being a reference for policy making and urban design guidelines.

Visual-aided ontology-based ranking on multidimensional data: a case study in academia

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelia Triperina ◽  
Georgios Bardis ◽  
Cleo Sgouropoulou ◽  
Ioannis Xydas ◽  
Olivier Terraz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Visual Analytics ◽  
Multiple Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Multiple Criteria ◽  
Multidimensional Data ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Semantic Web Technologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domain Specific

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel framework for visual-aided ontology-based multidimensional ranking and to demonstrate a case study in the academic domain.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a method for adapting semantic web technologies on multiple criteria decision-making algorithms to endow to them dynamic characteristics. It also showcases the enhancement of the decision-making process by visual analytics.FindingsThe semantic enhanced ranking method enables the reproducibility and transparency of ranking results, while the visual representation of this information further benefits decision makers into making well-informed and insightful deductions about the problem.Research limitations/implicationsThis approach is suitable for application domains that are ranked on the basis of multiple criteria.Originality/valueThe discussed approach provides a dynamic ranking methodology, instead of focusing only on one application field, or one multiple criteria decision-making method. It proposes a framework that allows integration of multidimensional, domain-specific information and produces complex ranking results in both textual and visual form.

Prioritizing complexity using fuzzy DANP: case study of international development projects

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soo Yong Kim ◽  
Minh V. Nguyen ◽  
Tuyen T.N. Dao
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Analytic Network Process ◽  
The Body ◽  
Fuzzy Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Complexity ◽  
Network Process ◽  
Prioritization Framework

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a comprehensive framework for prioritizing complexity criteria. The framework was validated by applying in infrastructure international development (ID) project as a case study.Design/methodology/approachA literature review highlighted the limitations of existing complexity prioritization methods. Then, a combination of the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) was employed as a foundation to develop a three-stage complexity prioritization framework. Focus group discussion and questionnaire surveys were used to practically test the framework in the infrastructure ID projects.FindingsThe three-stage complexity prioritization framework was validated to be reliable and feasible. The findings showed ability of consultants, scope uncertainties, site compensation and clearance, communication between stakeholders, administrative procedure and project duration were the most significant complexity criteria of ID projects in the Vietnamese context.Practical implicationsThe framework is a robust tool that enables the researchers to grasp the interaction of complexity criteria for complexity prioritization. Later studies can apply the proposed framework, with some minor revisions, to assess the interaction of criteria in other research topics in, and beyond, project complexity. Results of the case study suggest project stakeholders focusing on complex interactions among criteria to reduce project complexity.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive complexity prioritization framework that grasps the interrelationship of complexity criteria. For stakeholders of ID projects, the findings provide insightful perspectives to understand complexity, which can help to enhance project performance.

Towards the institutionalisation of parliamentary technology assessment: the case for Ireland

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-334
Author(s):  
Csaba Csaki ◽  
Ciara Fitzgerald ◽  
Paidi O’Raghallaigh ◽  
Frederic Adam
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Citizen Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology And Innovation ◽  
Technology Governance ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Science Technology And Innovation

Purpose – This paper aims to consider the case study of Ireland with regards to the implementation of a formal parliamentary technology assessment (PTA) capability. With emphasis on innovation and knowledge-based economies, society faces a proliferation of technological challenges with far-reaching unpredictable impacts. Elected representatives need unbiased scientific knowledge to underpin evidence-based policy-oriented decision-making. PTA is directed at policy-oriented decision-making processes within the parliament. It identifies the role played by existing agencies and the gaps that remain to be filled in the current landscape. It explores the feasibility of potential future institutional arrangements in a country without a recognised formal PTA agency. Design/methodology/approach – An embedded case study approach was utilised based on three main sources of evidence: relevant published documents pertaining to science and technology governance; interviews with key decision-makers; and illustrative case of “hydraulic fracturing” demonstrating key issues stemming from the lack of a formal PTA structure. Findings – The case revealed the interplay between key actors in the area of science, technology and innovation in Ireland. It demonstrated the need for improved citizen engagement. The analysis revealed that formal technology assessment channels should be established to provide a voice for civil society to engage in policy-making. Given the requirements and constraints, a feasible way to implement PTA seems to be the “parliamentary office” model which would seem to be a good fit in the context of Ireland’s current situation. Originality/value – The paper presents how PTA may be realised in a country without a formal PTA agency using a parliamentary office model to provide a channel for citizen engagement in science, technology and innovation (STI) policy-making.

A comparison study of fuzzy-based multiple-criteria decision-making methods to evaluating green concept alternatives in a new product development environment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeki Ayağ
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Multiple Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
New Product ◽  
Numerical Results ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Promethee Ii

PurposeIn this paper, the four popular multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods in fuzzy environment are utilized to reflect the vagueness and uncertainty on the judgments of decision-makers (DMs), because the crisp pairwise comparison in these conventional MCDM methods seems to be insufficient and imprecise to capture the right judgments of DMs. Of these methods, as Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) is used to calculate criteria weights, the other methods; Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS), Fuzzy Grey relational analysis (F-GRA) and Fuzzy Preference Ranking Organization METhod for Enrichment of Evaluations (F- PROMETHEE II) are used to rank alternatives in the three different ways for a comparative study.Design/methodology/approachThe demand for green products has dramatically increased because the importance and public awareness of the preservation of natural environment was taken into consideration much more in the last two decades. As a result of this, especially manufacturing companies have been forced to design more green products, resulting in a problem of how they incorporate environmental issues into their design and evaluate concept options. The need for the practical decision-making tools to address this problem is rapidly evolving since the problem turns into an MCDM problem in the presence of a set of green concept alternatives and criteria.FindingsThe incorporation of fuzzy set theory into these methods is discussed on a real-life case study, and a comparative analysis is done by using its numerical results in which the three fuzzy-based methods reveal the same outcomes (or rankings), while F-GRA requires less computational steps. Moreover, more detailed analyses on the numerical results of the case study are completed on the normalization methods, distance metrics, aggregation functions, defuzzification methods and other issues.Research limitations/implicationsThe designing and manufacturing environmental-friendly products in a product design process has been a vital issue for many companies which take care of reflecting environmental issues into their product design and meeting standards of recent green guidelines. These companies have utilized these guidelines by following special procedures at the design phase. Along the design process consisting of various steps, the environmental issues have been considered an important factor in the end-of-life of products since it can reduce the impact on the nature. In the stage of developing a new product with the aim of environmental-friendly design, the green thinking should be incorporated as early as possible in the process.Practical implicationsThe case study was inspired from the previous work of the author, which was realized in a hot runner systems manufacturer, used in injection molding systems in a Canada. In a new product development process, the back- and front-ends of development efforts mainly determine the following criteria: cost, risk, quality and green used in this paper. The case study showed that the three fuzzy MCDM methods come to the same ranking outcomes. F-GRA has a better time complexity compared to the other two methods and uses a smaller number of computational steps. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the three F-MCDM methods; F-PROMETHEE II, F-TOPSIS and F-GRA used in ranking for green concept alternatives using the numerical results of the case study. For the case study; as seen in table 20, the three F-MCDM methods produced the numerical results on the rankings of the green concept alternatives as follows; {Concept A-Concept C–Concept B–Concept D}.Social implicationsInclusion of environmental-related criteria into concept selection problem has been gaining increasing importance in the last decade. Therefore, to facilitate necessary calculations in applying each method especially with its fuzzy extension, it can be developed a knowledge-based (KB) or an expert system (ES) to help the DMs make the required calculations of each method, and interpret its results with detailed analysis.Originality/valueThe objective of the research was to propose a F-AHP based F-MCDM approach to green concept selection problem through F-PROMETHEE II, F-TOPSIS and F-GRA methods. As the F-AHP is used to weight evaluation criteria, the other methods are respectively used for ranking the concept alternatives and determine the best concept alternative.

Transitional foresight: MLP as the theoretical underpinning of CLA: the case of the water sector of Iran

foresight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahereh Miremadi
Keyword(s):  
Innovation System ◽  
Water System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Framework ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Causal Layered Analysis ◽  
Range Theory ◽  
Multilevel Perspective ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The paper aims to complement the six pillars analysis with the multi-level perspective to make it more systematic and policy relevant. Design/methodology/approach Take the innovation system foresight as the exemplar; the paper asks if the other systemic approaches to innovation can function as the middle range theory and underpin critical future studies. To answer, the paper combines the six-pillar approach (SPA) with the multilevel perspective (MLP) and builds “transitional foresight”. Then it takes the fourth pillar; transitional causal layered analysis and applies it to a case study: water stress in Iran. The paper concludes noting that in transitional foresight, the borderlines, the players and the orientations of the foresight are clearer than the six-pillar analysis. Findings The SPA and MLP-integrated framework make a powerful research instrument for transitional foresight. Research limitations/implications The paper applied the integrated framework to a case “water system in Iran”. But the framework should be applied in different cases in different countries to test its applicability. Practical implications The suggested framework can be used as a heuristics for the students and researchers who want to engage with the emancipatory perspective of the six-pillar approach and need to have an academic methodology with rigor and granularity. Originality/value The six-pillar approach of Sohail Inayatullah and the multilevel perspective of Geels can combine to make a powerful heuristic for transitional foresight.

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