This theoretical article investigates the link between multi-criteria decision-making and wholesale-price contracts with consumer prod- uct exchange. It also presents optimal solutions to those contracts within a game-theoretic framework. In the proposed model, the re- tailer manages exchanges and shares associated costs with consumers. A Stackelberg game is used to determine optimal pricing and ordering strategies, with the manufacturer as leader and the retailer as follower. The supply chain is modeled analytically under stochastic multiplica- tive demand. Because of mathematical complexity, optimal quantities are derived numerically in Mathematica based on analytic profit func- tions. Keywords: multiple criteria decision making, wholesale-price contract, Stackel- berg game, product exchange.
The objective of this article is to expose the results of a research using DRSA (Dominance-based Rough Set Approach) to help the European Union (EU) identifying political, economical, sociological and technological strategic objectives. Using the proposed methodology, politicians and leaders will be able to prioritize strategic development objectives according to Political, Eco- nomical, Sociological and Technological (PEST) needs of a specific candidate country to the EU. More precisely, the proposed methodology classifies all the European Union’s countries in the following three categories: [A] EU coun- tries that are doing well according to the selected indicators; [B] EU countries that need support to acquire category A status; [C] EU countries ranked the lowest and needing special support with regard to the criterion or criteria con- sidered. The three categories are delimited by tertiles relative to the average ranking of all EU countries separately and including Canada. Afterwards, the DRSA provides decision rules based on this classification. These decision rules thus focus on the PEST needs of countries and aim at improving their development and classification by pointing out what is needed to be included in the different categories. The case of Canada and Poland are of particular in- terest because Canada’s trade turnover is dominated by exchange with the United States and is currently threatened by the protectionist policy of Presi- dent Trump. Canadian politicians are increasingly proposing to change Cana- da’s trade strategy towards joining the European Union. According to Thomas Lukaszuk Vice Prime Minister of Alberta, Poland could play an important role in this endeavor. Keywords: international development, European Union countries, international aid, economic growth, strategic objectives, Rough Set Theory, Dominance-based Rough Set Approach (DRSA), selection of portfolio projects, multi-criteria analysis, sustainable development.
In the fight for a better environment and to combat global warming, many countries are eagerly looking for ways to get rid of fossil fuels used in installations for thermal electricity generation. There is world-wide agreement about aiming at complete decarbonization by 2050; this ambi- tious plan consists in replacing old fossil fuel plants by renewables. This is a monumental task that involves a myriad of difficulties, which is however, reachable, perhaps not exactly at that date but possibly close enough to it. This paper proposes a methodology or strategy, based on facts, statis- tics and mathematic modelling, and analysis, knowledge and experience of experts, i.e., it is a synthesis of mathematic modelling and human deci- sion-making. This approach, to the best of this author’s knowledge, has not been applied before at this scale. It is a difficult issue, because of the need to take into account future events, which entails uncertainty regard- ing several issues, such as demands, costs, people’s reaction to new tech- nologies, potential new developments in energy generation, new para- digms on consumption, etc. We do not even know the risks that could appear in the future, such as the degree of global warming progress, financial risks of building new plants, new patterns for energy generation and storage, etc. In other words, uncertainty is part of the problem. Keywords: contamination, fossil fuels, clean energy, MCDM, decarbonization, SIMUS, electric generation, transition.
The paper presents multi-objective linear programming problems and ana- lyzes the sensitivity of their efficient solutions. The aim is to apply sensitivity analysis methods to real-life problems. The novelty of this work is based on the integration of results from the following fields: sensitivity analysis theory, multi-objective optimization and real-life problems. The contribution is the development of potential applications for three approaches: the tolerance ap- proach, the standard approach and the range set approach. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using four examples: the transportation prob- lem, the project management problem, the manufacturing problem and the diet problem. Keywords: multi-objective linear programming (MOLP), sensitivity analysis (SA), transportation problem, project management, diet problem, manufacturing problem.
This paper addresses working with MCDM methods unable to model correctly a scenario. Most Decisions Makers (DM) are forced to select a method even knowing that it does not fulfill it, while others are con- scious that they are simplifying the scenario. The result for the abridged version or proxy of the real scenario may be correct, but it does not repre- sent the real one, and consequently, the extracted conclusions do not per- tain to the original problem. Since no mathematical formula exists to solve problems of this nature, and because results cannot be validated, it is easy to state, as many authors do, that the problem was successfully solved us- ing a particular method, although obviously no consideration is given to the true nature of the problem, which is usually easily seen by reading its characteristics and by examining the process used to solve it. In addition, this paper sustains that an MCDM problem is a system of linear equations, and as such, everything must be accounted for and solved at the same time; this concept is overlooked by most MCDM methods. Some empha- sise partitioning a complex problem and solving each part separately, which is beneficial because it facilitates the comprehension of the prob- lem, but it does not mean that the problem is solved in its integrity. Usual- ly, the whole is something more than the sum of the parts. Keywords: MCDM, alternatives, criteria, modelling, networks, SIMUS.
Multi-issue negotiations require evaluating offers across multiple conflict- ing criteria, making decision-making complex and sensitive to negotiator’s preferences. This paper aims to develop and apply the MIDIA (Multi-Criteria Method Integrating Distances to Ideal and Anti-Ideal Points) method as a novel scoring approach for multi-issue negotiation support. MIDIA integrates aspira- tion and reservation levels as ideal and anti-ideal benchmarks, enabling a balanced evaluation of offers, and introduces a flexible parameter 𝛼 to regulate the relative emphasis between aspiration-driven and reservation-driven orien- tations, accommodating diverse negotiation strategies. This dual-reference- point framework is behaviorally informed, reflecting empirical evidence that decision-makers naturally consider both positive and negative aspects when evaluating alternatives. Grounded in the classical Hurwicz criterion, MIDIA provides a psychologically realistic and adaptable framework for negotiation analysis. Using a case study involving three negotiation issues: price, delivery time, and warranty, ten supplier offers were assessed under different weighting schemes. The results demonstrate how MIDIA captures both the stability and sensitivity of offers to changes in preference orientation and criterion weighting. Comparative analysis shows strong consistency between MIDIA (𝛼 = 0.5) and the established TOPSIS method, while highlighting MIDIA’s unique ability to flexibly balance aspiration and reservation perspectives. The findings confirm that MIDIA offers a transparent, adaptable, and behaviorally meaningful framework for negotiation support, with potential for further vali- dation through empirical studies and systematic comparisons with other multi- criteria decision-making methods. Keywords: multiple criteria decision making, reference points, negotiation scoring system, negotiation support.
Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is a double-blind peer- -reviewed annual journal published by the University of Economics in Ka- towice (Poland) that explores the decision-making process in its entirety as well as its specific components. The present study provides an overview of the journal’s 20-year history and its evolution. It also features a classifica- tion of the published works based on both the methodological approaches utilized and the decision problems and applications presented. Additionally, comprehensive lists have been compiled, including authors, reviewers, and members of the editorial and scientific committees. Keywords: MCDM, MCDA.
Foreign market entry (FME) is a strategic decision that significantly in- fluences a firm’s competitiveness and long-term growth. However, the in- creasing complexity of international environments and the multiplicity of criteria involved make market selection a challenging task. This study aims to evaluate, compare, and classify alternative foreign markets within the preliminary stage of international market selection (IMS) using a case study approach. To support this process, three multi-criteria decision- -aiding (MCDA) methods – EVAMIX, CoCoSo, and PROMETHEE II – are applied within the MAMIMCA framework, providing a structured and transparent approach to handling multiple and potentially conflicting eval- uation criteria. The analysis is conducted from the perspective of IKEA, one of the world’s leading transnational corporations, and involves as- sessing eight candidate markets based on a set of economic, institutional, and industry-specific indicators. The study shows that final market rank- ings depend on both the selected MCDA method and the applied weighting approach. Across three methods – EVAMIX, CoCoSo, and PROMETHEE II – the results consistently identify Vietnam as the most favorable market for IKEA. Keywords: international market selection (IMS), foreign market entry (FME), market attractiveness, multi-criteria decision-aiding (MCDA), Multiple Assessment Multiple Importance Multiple Criteria Analysis (MAMIMCA), IKEA.
This chapter analyses a topic that is associated with the quality of a decision aid intervention, and it includes different aspects, both concerning the answers to questions posed by actors involved in a decision process and the internal outcomes of an intervention. Moreover, it proposes an analysis framework, with the main characteristics and factors that distinguish MCDA intervention situations and their results. Some direct experiences gained from different decision problems and organisations have allowed the framework to be developed and they are presented in the chapter to apply the framework and describe how certain results can be acquired, in relation to different problem situations and their main difficulties.
In this article, we describe and assess the implementation of several methods of multi-criteria decision-making using a web-based computer application. Such an application makes it easier to determine the effective- ness of decisions. The methods adopted in this application are SMART (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique), AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Pro- cess), and ANP (Analytic Network Process). Each of these methods has distinctive characteristics in determining the best alternative for the user. This study assesses the feasibility of each method in the application. The application is assessed based on functionality, reliability, efficiency, and usability. (1) Functionality is tested according to the appropriateness of the decisions made, (2) Reliability is assessed using stress testing, (3) Effi- ciency is assessed according to the computational effort, and (4) System usability is tested according to the user’s answers to the Computer System Usability Questionnaire authored by J.R. Lewis. This research results in a decision support system based on SMART that has been appropriately tested and is ready for use. Keywords: multi-criteria analysis, SMART, AHP, ANP, system usability.
Food loss is one of the challenges in the cold chain (CC), which can lead to serious problems with human safety, environment, and economies around the world. Recently, reducing food loss has drawn public attention; previous studies mostly gave attention to food loss drivers in the retailer- -consumer stages of the supply chain. In this study, we focused on identi- fying food-loss-factors (FLF) all over the CC, and developed an approach based on multi decision-making methods and fuzzy sets to rank FLFs by those who have more influence on food loss in the poultry sector. The first phase concerns the identification of FLFs based on the literature as well as experts opinions in the poultry field. Then fuzzy Delphi method was im- plemented to reach the consistency level of >75% among all the group members. In the second phase, fuzzy AHP method was employed for the weighting of FLFs, in order to rank them. For the validation of our contri- bution, a sensitivity analysis was performed. This research presents a guide for decision makers in the CC to help them make an efficient strat- egy plan to reduce food loss during logistic activities. Keywords: cold chain (CC), food loss factors (FLF), MCDM, poultry supply chain, sensitivity analysis.
Revenue management (RM) deals with selling the right product to the right customer at the right time at the right price through the right channel to maximise revenue. The innovation of RM lies in the way decisions are made. The performance of revenue management approaches can be evalu- ated against several criteria. Both discrete and continuous multicriteria models can be used to analyse RM. The performance pyramid is a comprehensive, fully integrated per- performance system that captures multiple perspectives such as internal, financial, customer and innovation. The assessment is based on a combina- tion of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approaches. Customer behavior modeling is gaining increasing attention in revenue management. Customer choice models can be extended with more inputs and more outputs. Evaluation of alternatives can be performed using DEA- based evaluation methods. The search for an efficient frontier in a DEA model can be formulated as a multiobjective linear programming problem. We propose to use an Aspiration Level Oriented Procedure (ALOP) to solve the problem. Keywords: revenue management, performance measurement, multiple criteria, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Analytic Network Process (ANP), Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), customer behavior, efficient frontier, Aspiration Level Oriented Procedure (ALOP)
The aim of this study is to aid individuals in selecting the most suitable e-wallet among five alternatives (Go-Pay, OVO, Shopee-Pay, DANA, and LinkAja) based on criteria such as Price and promotion, Ease of use, Fea- tures, Merchant availability, and Security. The research involved distrib- uting questionnaires to 111 respondents via Google Forms and employed a quantitative approach utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model. The findings revealed that Go-Pay was ranked as the top e-wallet alternative, followed by OVO, Shopee-Pay, LinkAja, and DANA. This research is intended to serve as a valuable guide for users in making in- formed choices regarding the e-wallet that aligns best with their prefer- ences and needs. Keywords: e-wallet, security, ease of use, features, merchant availability, prices and promo- tions
Between 1999 and 2003, the Swiss Post carried out a decision support process concerning the reorganization of the network of post offices in 17 major Swiss cities. The applied decision support approach combined sociological survey tools, spatial analysis, and multicriteria analysis. It required very substantial resources in terms of data, skills, and funding. The first part of this chapter describes this decision support approach. The second part proposes a reflexive perspective. By adopting a constructivist approach to decision support, the focus is put on the interactions between the information produced and the actors involved in the decision process. We thus observe that this information has indeed significantly contributed to the modification of the postal networks of the cities treated, in particular as arguments during the negotiations that were carried out with the local actors of each city. We also observe that this information fed, inside the Swiss Post company, a learning process that led to a change of discourse and paradigm in the strategy for locating post offices in the cities. The decision support process, therefore, played a very important role in enabling the actors to better understand the territorial complexity that lies behind the reorganization of urban post office networks.
This chapter presents two types of applications—in Environmental Planning and Public Procurement—that differ in many aspects. The building bricks of an application in the Multiple criteria decision aid field—alternatives, criteria, evaluations, weights, and aggregation method—are present, but the way they are used differ significantly, for reasons detailed here. Simple interface tools developed to elicit information from and present results to multiple decision-makers are described. These applications also illustrate the need for a better integration into the specific fields into which one intends to use Multiple criteria decision aid.
The book addresses issues associated with inconsistency in pairwise comparisons from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
