Subjective and Objective Methods in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) for Flood Mitigation: Implications on Policymaking

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal location for siting an onshore wind farm on the island of Skyros, thereby maximizing performance and minimizing the project’s environmental impacts. Seven evaluation criteria are defined across various sectors, including environmental and economic sectors, and six criteria weighting methods are applied in combination with four multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) ranking methods for suitable areas, resulting in twenty-four ranking models. The alternatives considered in the analysis were defined through the application of constraints imposed by the Specific Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development for Renewable Energy Sources (SFSPSD RES), complemented by exclusion criteria documented in the international literature, as well as a minimum area requirement ensuring the feasibility of installing at least four wind turbines within the study area. The correlations between their results are then assessed using the Spearman coefficient. Geographic information systems (GISs) are utilized as a mapping tool. Through the application of the methodology, it emerges that area A9, located in the central to northern part of Skyros, is consistently assessed as the most suitable site for the installation of a wind farm based on nine models combining criteria weighting and MCDM methods, which should be prioritized as an option for early-stage wind farm siting planning. The results demonstrate an absolute correlation among the subjective weighting methods, whereas the objective methods do not appear to be significantly correlated with each other or with the subjective methods. The ranking methods with the highest correlation are PROMETHEE II and ELECTRE III, while those with the lowest are TOPSIS and VIKOR. Additionally, the hierarchy shows consistency across results using weights from AHP, BWM, ROC, and SIMOS. After applying multiple methods to investigate correlations and mitigate their disadvantages, it is concluded that when experts in the field are involved, it is preferable to incorporate subjective multicriteria analysis methods into decision-making problems. Finally, it is recommended to use more than one MCDM method in order to reach sound decisions.

In recent years, the analysis of social vulnerability to floods became an integrated part of the flood risk management process, the strategies and policies developed focusing on risk reduction methods that increase the resilience of vulnerable communities. Therefore, reliable and robust social vulnerability approaches are needed, which is also highlighted by the increasing socio-economic growth and climate change related effects that can lead to unpredictable consequences. The use of vulnerability indices is the most widespread methodology that allows the identification of the most vulnerable communities and the understanding of the factors that increase vulnerability to floods. However, due to the lack of a standard procedure, the existing studies are often characterized by uncertainties related to subjective selection of indicators, lack of inclusion of all vulnerability dimensions, equal or subjective weighting methods, and reduced number of variables due to data unavailability. The present paper is addressing these gaps by developing a comprehensive methodology approach which: includes a large set of indicators that are selected considering the local socio-economic context, includes the hazard dimension in the analysis considering flood related variables, and applies objective weighting methods based on the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method. Furthermore, flood vulnerability maps are developed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, to provide a rapid and easy way to identify highly vulnerable areas. The results showed that the integration of statistical methods and GIS tools in the social vulnerability index construction provides a better understanding of the factors that increase the social vulnerability and offers an overview of the mitigation and adaptation measures that must be implemented by authorities in order to improve the flood risk management.

This chapter aims to deliver a brief overview of flood mitigation and protective measures at different scales within the catchment area and identify the main factors to be considered in flood risk management. It stands on an extensive literature review of the ongoing scholarly discourse on the topic. The main focus is given to novel approaches that are based on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) principles, which are aligned with emerging public awareness not only towards cost-effective solutions but also towards sustainable proposals which go in harmony with the environment and natural landscapes. First, we provide a synopsis on the main aspects influencing the flood events such as Land-Use/Land Cover (LULC), topography, hydrometeorology, and hydraulics of the river. Later we included novel concepts such as ‘‘Sponge Cities”, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), and the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) as examples of mitigation practices which simultaneously integrate cost-effective non-structural and structural mitigation measures. Further on, we give some insight on the recommendations on the most pressing research questions and conclude the key issues to be considered in the flood risk management concerning NBS approaches. As a result, the study highlights two among many recommendations as to the foremost crucial ones. First, the flood risk reduction agendas must adopt a spatially comprehensive and cross-scale approach while considering flood events. Finally, natural properties of the context such as LULC, topography, hydrometeorology, and hydraulics must be considered simultaneously to utilise the full natural capacity of the context in flood risk mitigation.

Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is an effective method which integrates the three fundamental areas: searching for solution, aggregation of preference and decision selection. MCDM applications are implemented in a variety of industries such as environment, tourism, social services-etc. This paper reviews MCDM and its applications in Thailand. Each case study is varied in its problem type and decision maker requirements.

Battery inconsistency evaluation based on hierarchical weight fusion and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method

In flood risk management, a shift can be observed toward more integrated approaches that increasingly address the role of private households in implementing flood damage mitigation measures. This has resulted in a growing number of studies into the supposed positive relationship between individual flood risk perceptions and mitigation behavior. Our literature review shows, however, that, actually, this relationship is hardly observed in empirical studies. Two arguments are provided as an explanation. First, on the basis of protection motivation theory, a theoretical framework is discussed suggesting that individuals' high-risk perceptions need to be accompanied by coping appraisal to result in a protective response. Second, it is pointed out that possible feedback from already-adopted mitigation measures on risk perceptions has hardly been considered by current studies. In addition, we also provide a review of factors that drive precautionary behavior other than risk perceptions. It is found that factors such as coping appraisal are consistently related to mitigation behavior. We conclude, therefore, that the current focus on risk perceptions as a means to explain and promote private flood mitigation behavior is not supported on either theoretical or empirical grounds.

Based on the advantages of subjective and objective weighting methods, this paper constructs a combination optimisation weighting model of G1-CRITIC to solve the multi-criteria decision-making problem of electric vehicle charging pile. The solution process is a comprehensive evaluation process based on the combination of the G1 algorithm of probability language, the Entropy Weight algorithm and the CPA algorithm. In order to validate the applicability of the proposed charging pile location decision-making model, which is based on the construction of the location index system, this paper uses the MATLAB software to generate the simulation data for four alternative location problems. Relevant experts are invited to adopt the comprehensive evaluation method designed in this paper is used to make a decision on the location of electric vehicle charging pile. The results of this study show that the decision-making method can obviously improve the decision-making level of multi-criteria decision-making problems.

The single-valued neutrosophic set is a subclass of neutrosophic set, and has been proposed in recent years. An important application for single-valued neutrosophic sets is to solve multicriteria decision-making problems. The key to using neutrosophic sets in decision-making applications is to make a similarity measure between single-valued neutrosophic sets. In this paper, a new method to measure the similarity between single-valued neutrosophic sets using Dempster–Shafer evidence theory is proposed, and it is applied in multicriteria decision-making. Finally, some examples are given to show the reasonable and effective use of the proposed method.

Fuzzy set theory is well suited for dealing with uncertainty and vagueness. In this research paper, we introduced new convex function, new fuzzy divergence measure and its generalization with the proof of its validity. Further, we established relations between new and well-known fuzzy divergence measures. Also, we discussed applications of new fuzzy divergence measure in multi-criteria decision-making using a new tool and its comparison with the TOPSIS method.KeywordsDivergence measuresFuzzy setsMulti-criteria decision-makingTOPSISFuzzy divergence measure

Selecting conveyor equipment presents challenges due to the variety of types and manufacturers available. To tackle this, an expert system can be used for unbiased decision-making, quicker responses, and cost savings compared to human experts. The goal of this project is to use Level V Object to develop a prototype expert system for choosing industrial conveyors. The system assesses how well a conveyor satisfies material handling requirements and suggests conveyor solutions and vendors based on a suitability score. The Expected Value Criterion for making decisions in uncertain situations and the Weighted Evaluation Method are used to calculate this score. Through two industrial case studies, the prototype was validated. Six criteria are used to evaluate possible options in the conveyor selection process. An integrated approach for multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) in conveyor evaluation and selection is presented in this work. The selection of conveyor equipment is crucial for material handling system design, impacting production efficiency and costs. Traditional selection methods often focus on quantifiable factors like cost and equipment performance, overlooking subjective considerations. This paper proposes a knowledge-based approach to conveyor equipment selection that systematically considers various factors, including both quantifiable and subjective criteria. Performance ratings are combined and decision-making is aided by the application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. However, MCDM methods can struggle with fuzzy or uncertain data, which is common in conveyor selection. To address this, a multi-criteria integrated information axiom approach is proposed, incorporating criteria that may not be easily quantified.

This chapter attempts to fill in the gap of evaluating the viability of adopting online marketing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in service industries. As SMEs are generally characterized by shortage of resources, the use of online marketing strategies is apparently difficult. However, the current landscape of competition among SMEs in a global market economy prompts the necessity of adopting online marketing. With these, the decision-making process of SMEs in this area becomes complex and the decisions must integrate complex and interrelating criteria and constructs in order to provide a more holistic solution. Thus, this work adopts a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method particularly the analytic network process (ANP) in order to evaluate the practicability of using online marketing for service SMEs. It becomes highly relevant as it provides significant insights to decision-makers in SMEs regarding the use of online marketing strategy. The contribution of this chapter lies in the application of MCDM in evaluating viability of online marketing in service SMEs.

This chapter attempts to fill in the gap of evaluating the viability of adopting online marketing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in service industries. As SMEs are generally characterized by shortage of resources, the use of online marketing strategies is apparently difficult. However, the current landscape of competition among SMEs in a global market economy prompts the necessity of adopting online marketing. With these, the decision-making process of SMEs in this area becomes complex and the decisions must integrate complex and interrelating criteria and constructs in order to provide a more holistic solution. Thus, this work adopts a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method particularly the analytic network process (ANP) in order to evaluate the practicability of using online marketing for service SMEs. It becomes highly relevant as it provides significant insights to decision-makers in SMEs regarding the use of online marketing strategy. The contribution of this chapter lies in the application of MCDM in evaluating viability of online marketing in service SMEs.

Toward improved siting of wind–solar hybrid farms: A novel framework integrating multi-criteria decision making, machine learning–driven feature selection, and spatial clustering

This study assesses and maps the physical flood vulnerability within the Xerias, Krafsidonas, and Anavros ungauged catchments in Volos, Thessaly, Greece, using a Geographical Information Systems (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) integrated with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Six factors influencing flood dynamics were selected including slope, flow accumulation, geology, land use/cover, flood history and burned areas. The factors were weighted using the AHP based on their relative influence in flood occurrence. Physical flood vulnerability was assessed utilizing the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) method and visualized through thematic flood-vulnerability maps. The analysis indicates that the southwestern and central-southern parts of the study area, which are highly urbanized and industrialized, exhibit the highest physical flood-vulnerability. Specifically, 32.76% of the Xerias catchment, 41.16% of the Krafsidonas catchment, and 34.71% of the Anavros catchment exhibit high to very high flood vulnerability. On the other hand, mountainous areas with steep slopes, permeable lithology, and dense forests exhibit low to very low physical flood vulnerability. The method’s accuracy was verified through sensitivity analysis and comparison with national flood-risk data for the study area. The results emphasize the physical vulnerability of Volos to flooding and the necessity for targeted flood mitigation measures, demonstrating the value of GIS in flood risk management.

Ecological and environmental damage assessment of water resources protection mining in the mining area of Western China