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Shopping center plays an important role in distribution system and marketing. These canters provide an appropriate atmosphere for customers; so that, the customers achieve the best service within a short time. However, there is an intense competition among shopping centers to attract more customers for increasing the profit. Therefore, a powerful model assists authorities in identifying the critical competitive aspects and directing their efforts toward performance improvement. However, a number of strategies have been developed to identify the most relevant components. The Delphi technique under intuitionistic fuzzy environment, called intuitionistic fuzzy Delphi method (IFDM) study, is a group-based technique that can simply formulate the uncertainty imposed by decision making circle. On the other hand, multi criteria decision making (MCDM) method such as analytical network process (ANP) is a mathematical tool for taking into account mutual relationships in order to rank a number of criteria. Nonetheless, the ANP is unable to account for the uncertainty involved in the decision-making process. Similarly, the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) can express ambiguity and vagueness by utilizing the given scale. Because the IFS is robust in dealing with complexity and ambiguity, the IFS-GANP (an integrated model of the IFS and ANP methods under group decision) can result in a more specific description of the situation. As a result, the IFS-GANP approach outperforms both conventional ANP and fuzzy ANP. To demonstrate the model's feasibility, a case study rating the essential aspects impacting the attractiveness of retail centers is shown. The result demonstrates factor C31 (Location) with value of 0.202 plays the greatest role in attracting customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the post-recession period, the business environment in developing countries is still relatively undesirable. Based on the reports published, the number of closed entrepreneurs are significantly more than the number of those newly established. These statistics also reflect that the development of entrepreneurship faces several challenges. However, a strategic management program must be accurately conducted to effectively control entrepreneurial challenges based on the limitation of time and financial resources. On the other hand, the program should provide an appropriate opportunity for competitiveness by producing better quality goods and services successfully marketed to consumers. The aim of this paper is to propose a robust model with a high potential for evaluation of entrepreneurial challenges in order to identify and control the most critical ones. To achieve the aim, the most critical parameters should be identified to prevent wasting the resources. Likewise, the analytical network process (ANP) method, a branch of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques, is a powerful tool that can consider all interrelationships and interdependencies between criteria. On the other hand, neutrosophic sets are among the most widespread approaches in coping with vagueness and unknown environment. The methodology employed in this paper uses a combination model based on ANP and neutrosophic sets using sustainable development indicators to prioritize the challenges of entrepreneurship. The results show that the proposed model has a high potential to provide a process for decision-making under a vague environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The problem of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) selection has a significant impact on the speed and cost of excavating sector; so that it is a strategic issue. On the other hand, selecting the optimum TBM among a pool of alternatives is a multicriteria decision making (MCDM) problem. In this paper, an evaluation model based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and another fuzzy MCDM technique, namely fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is developed to help the tunneling designers in the process of the TBM selection under fuzzy environment where the vagueness and uncertainty are taken into account with linguistic variables parameterized by triangular fuzzy numbers. The fuzzy AHP is applied to form the structure of the TBM selection problem and to determine weights of the evaluation criteria, and fuzzy TOPSIS method is utilized to acquire final ranking. A real world case study is illustrated in order to demonstrate the potential of the proposed model for the TBM selection issue. It demonstrates the effectiveness and capability of the proposed model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mining plays one significant role in most countries and it acts as a foundation for growth and development. It produces raw material for other sectors such as industry, agriculture, etc. So, determining and prioritizing the strategies of mining are so important. Miscellaneous types of tools are offered for determining and evaluating of operational strategies. Analyzing the internal and external environments using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) helps to determine the current situation and to identify major prospects and challenges that could significantly impact strategy implementation in mining sector. Multi criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are appropriate tools to prioritize under sophisticated environment. Analytical network process (ANP) and TOPSIS are two hands of MCDM methods that are used in different researches. In this paper, we proposed an integrated model for prioritizing the strategies of Iranian mining sector. We employed the SWOT analysis to assign feasible strategies; then, ANP was applied in order to obtain the weight of SWOT factors, finally the strategies were ranked through TOPSIS technique. The results show that improving the ability of exploitation and production outperforms other strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Shafts have critical importance in deep mines and underground constructions. There are several traditional and mechanized methods for shaft sinking operations. Using mechanized excavation technique is an applicable alternative to improve project performance, although impose a huge capital cost. There are a number of key parameters for this selection which often are in conflict with each other and decision maker should seek a balance between these parameters. Therefore, shaft sinking method selection is a multi criteria decision making problem. This paper intends to use the combination of analytical hierarchy process and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution) methods under fuzzy environment in order to select a proper shaft sinking method. A real world application is conducted to illustrate the utilization of the model for the shaft sinking problem in Parvadeh Coal Mine. The results show that using raise boring machine is selected as the most appropriate shaft sinking method for this mine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]