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Cloud computing has emerged as a transformative technology in the healthcare industry, but selecting the most suitable CV ("cloud vendor") remains a complex task. This research presents a decision framework for CV selection in the healthcare industry, addressing the challenges of uncertainty, expert hesitation, and conflicting criteria. The proposed framework incorporates FFS ("Fermatean fuzzy set") to handle uncertainty and data representation effectively. The importance of experts is attained via the variance approach, which considers hesitation and variability. Furthermore, the framework addresses the issue of extreme value hesitancy in criteria through the LOPCOW ("logarithmic percentage change-driven objective weighting") method, which ensures a balanced and accurate assessment of criterion importance. Personalized grading of CVs is done via the ranking algorithm that considers the formulation of CoCoSo ("combined compromise solution") with rank fusion, providing a compromise solution that balances conflicting criteria. By integrating these techniques, the proposed framework aims to enhance the rationale and reduce human intervention in CV selection for the healthcare industry. Also, valuable insights are gained from the framework for making informed decisions when selecting CVs for efficient data management and process implementation. A case example from Tamil Nadu is presented to testify to the applicability, while sensitivity and comparison analyses reveal the pros and cons of the framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ineffective evaluation of open-source software learning management system (OSS-LMS) packages can negatively impact organizational effectiveness. Clients may struggle to select the best OSS-LMS package from a wide range of options, leading to a complex multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problem. This evaluates OSS-LMS packages based on several criteria like usability, functionality, e-learning standards, reliability, activity tracking, course development, assessment, backup and recovery, error reporting, efficiency, operating system compatibility, computer-managed instruction, authentication, authorization, troubleshooting, maintenance, upgrading, and scalability. Handling uncertain data is a vital aspect of OSS-LMS package evaluation. To tackle MCGDM issues, this study presents a consensus weighted sum product (c-WASPAS) method which is applied to an educational OSS-LMS package selection problem to evaluate four OSS-LMS packages, namely ATutor, eFront, Moodle, and Sakai. The findings indicate that the priority order of alternatives is Moodle > Sakai > eFront > ATutor and, therefore, MOODLE is the best OSS-LMS package for the case study. A sensitivity analysis of criteria weights is also conducted, as well as a comparative study, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. It is essential to note that proper OSS-LMS package evaluation is crucial to avoid negative impacts on organizational performance. By addressing MCGDM issues and dealing with uncertain information, the c-WASPAS method presented in this study can assist clients in selecting the most appropriate OSS-LMS package from multiple alternatives. The findings of this study can benefit educational institutions and other organizations that rely on OSS-LMS packages to run their operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing importance of evaluating the quality of health care services using the patient-centred approach, this study aimed to propose a novel framework by combining the SERVQUAL model and multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods using interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers (IVTFN). In this study, after an initial overview of related work and expert opinions, a list of the most important dimensions and indicators for measuring the quality of health care services was extracted and localized. Then, to determine the importance of each of the identified factors, one of MADM's acceptable methods called step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) was used. Then, in order to use the developed framework for comparing different health centres and ranking them, after collecting evaluation data in the form of linguistic variables, another practical method in the field of MADM has been used, namely, Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method. The dimensions and sub-dimensions identified are, on the one hand, appropriate to the conditions of the case study and, on the other hand, the findings from the implementation show that among the dimensions of health service quality, responsiveness and then reliability has the highest rank in this case. Also, the use of IVTFN, on the one hand, eliminates the problems related to the use of Likert scale in other quality assessment methods and, on the other hand, reduces the possibility of facing imperfect knowledge of data which is a common problem in the field of qualitative evaluations. Utilizing the results of this study can significantly help decision makers in their choice of strategies to improve service quality. Furthermore, improving the quality of services can play an important role in promoting the competitiveness and performance of health care providers by increasing patient satisfaction with the services received. Also, as a side effect, the developed framework can be used to compare the performance of different hospitals and health centres, as well as their ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) method utilizing q-rung orthopair fuzzy (qROF) sets, improved power weighted operators and improved power weighted Maclaurin symmetric mean (MSM) operators. The power weighted averaging operator and power weighted Maclaurin symmetric mean (MSM) operator used in the existing MCGDM methods have the drawback of being unable to distinguish the priority order of alternatives in some scenarios, especially when one of the qROF numbers being considered has a non-belongingness grade of 0 or a belongingness grade of 1. To address this limitation of existing MCGDM methods, four operators, namely qROF improved power weighted averaging (qROFIPWA), qROF improved power weighted geometric (qROFIPWG), qROF improved power weighted averaging MSM (qROFIPWAMSM) and qROF improved power weighted geometric MSM (qROFIPWGMSM), are proposed in this paper. These operators mitigate the effects of erroneous assessment of information from some biased decision-makers, making the decision-making process more reliable. Following that, a group decision-making methodology is developed that is capable of generating a reasonable ranking order of alternatives when one of the qROF numbers considered has a non-belongingness grade of 0 or a belongingness grade of 1. To investigate the applicability of the proposed approach, a case study is also presented and a comparison-based investigation is used to demonstrate the superiority of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to avoid working in a constrained hazardous environment, manual spray painting operation is gradually being replaced by automated robotic systems in many manufacturing industries. Application of spray painting robots ensures defect-free painting of dissimilar components with higher repeatability, flexibility, productivity, reduced cycle time and minimum wastage of paint. Due to availability of a large number of viable options in the market, selection of a spray painting robot suitable for a given application poses a great problem. Thus, this paper proposes the integrated application of step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) methods to identify the most apposite spray painting robot for an automobile industry based on seven evaluation criteria (payload, mass, speed, repeatability, reach, cost and power consumption). The SWARA method identifies cost as the most significant criterion based on a set preference order, whereas, Fanuc P-350iA/45 is selected as the best spray painting robot by CoCoSo method. The derived ranking results are also contrasted with other popular multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques (TOPSIS, VIKOR, COPRAS, PROMETHEE and MOORA) and subjective criteria weighting methods (AHP, PIPRECIA, BWM and FUCOM). High degrees of similarity in the ranking patterns between the adopted approach and other MCDM techniques prove its effectiveness in solving complex industrial robot selection problems. This integrated approach is proved to be quite robust being almost unaffected by the changing values of the corresponding tuning parameter in low-dimensional MCDM problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy-makers are often hesitant to invest in unproven solutions because of a lack of the decision-making framework for managing innovations as a portfolio of investments that balances risk and return, especially in the field of developing new technologies. This study provides a new portfolio matrix for decision making of policy-makers to identify IoT applications in the agriculture sector for future investment based on two dimensions of sustainable development as a return and IoT challenge as a risk using a novel MADM approach. To this end, the identified applications of IoT in the agriculture sector fall into eight areas using the meta-synthesis method. The authors extracted a set of criteria from the literature. Later, the fuzzy Delphi method helped finalise it. The authors extended the SWARA method with interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers (IVTFN SWARA) and used it to the weighting of the characteristics. Then, the alternatives were rated using the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method based on interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers (IVTFN ARAS). Finally, decision-makers evaluated the results of ratings based on two dimensions of sustainability and IoT challenge by developing a framework for decision-making. Results of this paper show that policy-makers can manage IOT innovations in a disciplined way that balances risk and return by a portfolio approach, simultaneously the proposed framework can be used to determine and prioritise the areas of IoT application in the agriculture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the article is to propose a new multiple criteria decision-making approach for selecting alternatives, the newly-developed MULTIMOOSRAL approach, which integrates advantages of the three well-known and prominent multiple-criteria decision-making methods: MOOSRA, MOORA, and MULTIMOORA. More specifically, theMULTIMOOSRALmethod has been further upgraded with an approach that can be clearly seen in the well-knownWASPAS and CoCoSo methods, which rely on the integration of weighted sum and weighted product approaches. In addition to the above approaches, the MULTIMOOSRAL method also integrates a logarithmic approximation approach. The expectation from the development of thismethod is that the integration of several approaches can provide a much more reliable selection of the most appropriate alternative, which can be very important in cases where the performance of alternatives obtained by using some othermethod does not differmuch. Finally, the ranking of alternatives based on the dominance theory, used in the MOORA and MULTIMOORA methods, is replaced by a new original approach that should allow a much simpler final ranking of alternatives in order to reach a stronger result with five different techniques. The suitability and efficacy of the proposed MULTIMOOSRAL approach are presented through an illustrative case study of the supplier selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normalization and aggregation are two most important issues in multi-criteria analysis. Although various multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been developed over the past several decades, few of them integrate multiple normalization techniques and mixed aggregation approaches at the same time to reduce the deviations of evaluation values and enhance the reliability of the final decision result. This study is dedicated to introducing a new MCDM method calledMixed Aggregation by COmprehensive Normalization Technique (MACONT) to tackle complicate MCDM problems. This method introduces a comprehensive normalization technique based on criterion types, and then uses two mixed aggregation operators to aggregate the distance values between each alternative and the reference alternative on different criteria from the perspectives of compensation and non-compensation. An illustrative example is given to show the applicability of the proposed method, and the advantages of the proposed method are highlighted through sensitivity analyses and comparative analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction site selection is a complex probleminvolving many alternatives and conflicting criteria with vague and imprecise evaluations. Fuzzymulti-criteria decision-making methods are the most effective tools to obtain optimum solutions under possibilistic uncertainty. In this paper, a novel interval hesitant fuzzy CODAS method is proposed and applied to a residential construction site selection problem. A comparative analysis with ordinary fuzzy CODAS method is applied for validating the proposed method. Also, a sensitivity analysis is conducted for the stability of the ranking results of the interval hesitant fuzzy CODAS method. The results of the analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to make a proposal for a new extension of the MULTIMOORA method extended to deal with bipolar fuzzy sets. Bipolar fuzzy sets are proposed as an extension of classical fuzzy sets in order to enable solving a particular class of decision-making problems. Unlike other extensions of the fuzzy set of theory, bipolar fuzzy sets introduce a positivemembership function, which denotes the satisfaction degree of the element x to the property corresponding to the bipolar-valued fuzzy set, and the negative membership function, which denotes the degree of the satisfaction of the element x to some implicit counter-property corresponding to the bipolar-valued fuzzy set. By using single-valued bipolar fuzzy numbers, the MULTIMOORA method can be more efficient for solving some specific problems whose solving requires assessment and prediction. The suitability of the proposed approach is presented through an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the discrete form of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems, we are usually confronted with a decision-matrix formed from the information of some alternatives on some criteria. In this study, a new method is proposed for simultaneous evaluation of criteria and alternatives (SECA) in an MCDM problem. For making this type of evaluation, a multi-objective non-linear programming model is formulated. The model is based on maximization of the overall performance of alternatives with consideration of the variation information of decision-matrix within and between criteria. The standard deviation is used to measure the within-criterion, and the correlation is utilized to consider the between-criterion variation information. By solving the multi-objective model, we can determine the overall performance scores of alternatives and the objective weights of criteria simultaneously. To validate the proposed method, a numerical example is used, and three analyses are made. Firstly, we analyse the objective weights determined by the method, secondly, the stability of the performance scores and ranking results are examined, and finally, the ranking results of the proposed method are compared with those of some existing MCDM methods. The results of the analyses show that the proposed method is efficient to deal with MCDM problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrete stochastic multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) can be used to handle many real-life decision-making problems. The Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) is a new and efficient MCDM method. The desirability of alternatives in this method is determined based on distances of them from an average solution. Because the average solution is determined by an arithmetic mean in this method, the EDAS method can be efficient for solving stochastic problems. In this paper, a stochastic EDAS method is proposed to handle problems in which the performance values of alternatives on each criterion follow the normal distribution. Based on the proposed method, we can obtain optimistic and pessimistic appraisal scores for evaluation of alternatives and consider the uncertainty of decision-making data. We present a graphical example to illustrate the proposed method and a practical example of performance evaluation of bank branches to show the applicability of it. According to the analyses made, the proposed method is efficient and the results are valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to fuzzy numbers, intuitionistic fuzzy numbers provide greater opportunities for solving complex decision-making problems, especially when they are related to ambiguities, uncertainties and vagueness. However, their use is more complex, especially when it comes to ordinary users. Therefore, in this paper an approach adopted for evaluating alternatives on the basis of a smaller number of some more complex evaluation criteria is proposed. The approach is based on the use of linguistic variables, triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, and the Hamming distance. At the end, a case study of hotels' websites evaluation is given to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed approach, together with its limitations and weaknesses. Additionally, a new procedure for ranking intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is proposed and its use is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this manuscript is to propose a new extension of the MULTIMOORA method adapted for usage with a neutrosophic set. By using single valued neutrosophic sets, the MULTIMOORA method can be more efficient for solving complex problems whose solving requires assessment and prediction, i.e. those problems associated with inaccurate and unreliable data. The suitability of the proposed approach is presented through an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the hiring process at companies, decision makers have underused the methods of the multi-criteria decision-making processes of selection of personnel. Therefore, this paper aims to establish a framework for the selection of candidates during the process of the recruitment and selection of personnel based on the SWARA and ARAS methods under uncertainties. The usability and efficiency of the proposed framework is considered in the conducted case study of the selection of candidate for the position of the sales manager. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective way for managing and controlling a large number of inventory items or stock keeping units (SKUs) is the inventory classification. Traditional ABC analysis which based on only a single criterion is commonly used for classification of SKUs. However, we should consider inventory classification as a multi-criteria problem in practice. In this study, a new method of Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) is introduced for multi-criteria inventory classification (MCIC) problems. In the proposed method, we use positive and negative distances from the average solution for appraising alternatives (SKUs). To represent performance of the proposed method inMCIC problems, we use a common example with 47 SKUs. Comparing the results of the proposed method with some existing methods shows the good performance of it in ABC classification. The proposed method can also be used for multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. A comparative analysis is also made for showing the validity and stability of the proposed method inMCDMproblems. We compare the proposed method with VIKOR, TOPSIS, SAWand COPRAS methods using an example. Seven sets of criteria weights and Spearman's correlation coefficient are used for this analysis. The results show that the proposed method is stable in different weights and well consistent with the other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to survive in the present day global competitive environment, it now becomes essential for the manufacturing organizations to take prompt and correct decisions regarding effective use of their scarce resources. Various multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are now available to help those organizations in choosing the best decisive course of actions. In this paper, the applicability of weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method is explored as an effective MCDM tool while solving eight manufacturing decision making problems, such as selection of cutting fluid, electroplating system, forging condition, arc welding process, industrial robot, milling condition, machinability of materials, and electro-discharge micro-machining process parameters. It is observed that this method has the capability of accurately ranking the alternatives in all the considered selection problems. The effect of the parameter λ on the ranking performance of WASPAS method is also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-Objective Optimization takes care of different objectives with the objectives keeping their own units. The internal mechanical solution of a Ratio System, producing dimensionless numbers, is preferred. The ratio system creates the opportunity to use a second approach: a Reference Point Theory, which uses the ratios of the ratio system. This overall theory is called MOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis). The results are still more convincing if a Full Multiplicative Form is added forming MULTIMOORA. The control by three different approaches forms a guaranty for a solution being as non-subjective as possible. MULTIMOORA, tested after robustness, showed positive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current research is to measure objective congruence (incongruence) of the results obtained in a process of multiple criteria analysis when applying different MCDM methods. The methodology for evaluation of ranking results is developed on the ground of a case study of the redevelopment of derelict buildings as well as on composed experimental tasks. Fuzzified COPRAS, TOPSIS and VIKOR methods are applied for ranking the alternatives. Calculation results are evaluated by applying mathematical statistics methods. A methodology for measuring the congruence (incongruence) of the relative significances of alternatives is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the process of the selection of a potential supplier, which have to be the most appropriate to stakeholders. The selection is based on a set of criteria: Delivery Price, Financial Position, Production Specifications, Standards and Relevant Certificates, Commercial Strength, and the Performance of supplier, etc. The criteria for evaluation and their importance are selected by taking into consideration the interests and goals of the stakeholders. The solution of problem was made by applying a new Additive Ratio ASsessment (ARAS) method with the grey criteria scores - ARAS-G method. The proposed technique could be applied to substantiate the selection of effective alternative of sustainable development, impact on environment, structures, technologies, investments, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-attribute analysis is a useful tool in many economical, managerial, constructional, etc. problems. The accuracy of performance measures in COPRAS (The multi-attribute COmplex PRoportional ASsessment of alternatives) method is usually assumed to be accurate. This method assumes direct and proportional dependence of the weight and utility degree of investigated versions on a system of attributes adequately describing the alternatives and on values and weights of the attributes. However, there is usually some uncertainty involved in all multi-attribute model inputs. The objective of this research is to demonstrate how simulation can be used to reflect fuzzy inputs, which allows more complete interpretation of model results. A case study is used to demonstrate the concept of general contractor choice of on the basis of multiple attributes of efficiency with fuzzy inputs applying COPRAS-G method. The research has concluded that the COPRAS-G method is appropriate to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-criteria decision making is used in many areas of human activities. Each alternative in multi-criteria decision making problem can be described by a set of criteria. Criteria can be qualitative and quantitative. They usually have different units of measurement and different optimization direction. The normalization aims at obtaining comparable scales of criteria values. The normalization of criteria values is not always needed, but it may be essential. In the new program LEVI 3.1 the following normalization methods are possible: vector, linear scale, non-linear and new logarithmic techniques. Logarithmic normalization has never been used before. The present research is focused on introducing a new logarithmic method for decision making matrix normalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the problem of ranking accuracy in multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. The methodology for measuring the accuracy of determining the relative significance of alternatives as a function of the criteria values is developed. An algorithm of the Technique for the Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) that applies criteria values' transformation through a normalization of vectors and the linear transformation is considered. A computational experiment is presented, to compare the results of a multiple criteria analysis and the ranking accuracy in a particular situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When handling engineering problems associated with optimal alternative selection a researcher often deals with not sufficiently accurate data. The alternatives are usually assessed by applying several different criteria. A method takes advantage of the relationship between fuzzy sets and matrix game theories can be offered for multicriteria decision‐making. Practical investigations have already been discussed for selecting the variants water supply systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]