Research

16 pages, 1416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pricing Policies in a Retailer Stackelberg O2O Green Supply Chain

by Gan Wan, Gang Kou, Tie Li, Feng Xiao and Yang Chen

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3236; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083236 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2637

Due to the popularization of the concept of “new retailing”, we study a new commercial model named O2O (online-to-offline), which is a good combination model of a direct channel and a traditional retail channel. We analyze an O2O supply chain in which manufacturers [...] Read more.

Due to the popularization of the concept of “new retailing”, we study a new commercial model named O2O (online-to-offline), which is a good combination model of a direct channel and a traditional retail channel. We analyze an O2O supply chain in which manufacturers are responsible for making green products and selling them through both online and offline channels. The retailer is responsible for all online and offline channels’ orders, and the manufacturer gives the retailer a fixed fee. We construct a mathematical function model and analyze the greenness and pricing strategies of centralized and decentralized settings through the retailer Stackelberg game model. Due to the effects of the double marginalization of supply chain members, we adopt a simple contract to coordinate the green supply chain. The paper’s contributions are that we obtain pricing and greening strategies by taking the cooperation of offline channels and online channels into consideration under the O2O green supply chain environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Energy Systems Using Extended Fuzzy AHP, Fuzzy VIKOR, and TOPSIS Approaches to Manage Non-Cooperative Opinions

by Osman Taylan, Rami Alamoudi, Mohammad Kabli, Alawi AlJifri, Fares Ramzi and Enrique Herrera-Viedma

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2745; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072745 - 31 Mar 2020

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 4858

Abstract

Energy systems planning commonly involves the study of supply and demand of power, forecasting the trends of parameters established on economics and technical criteria of models. Numerous measures are needed for the fulfillment of energy system assessment and the investment plans. The higher [...] Read more.

Energy systems planning commonly involves the study of supply and demand of power, forecasting the trends of parameters established on economics and technical criteria of models. Numerous measures are needed for the fulfillment of energy system assessment and the investment plans. The higher energy prices which call for diversification of energy systems and managing the resolution of conflicts are the results of high energy demand for growing economies. Due to some challenging problems of fossil fuels, energy production and distribution from alternative sources are getting more attention. This study aimed to reveal the most proper energy systems in Saudi Arabia for investment. Hence, integrated fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), fuzzy VIKOR (Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preferences by Similarity to Idle Solution) methodologies were employed to determine the most eligible energy systems for investment. Eight alternative energy systems were assessed against nine criteria—power generation capacity, efficiency, storability, safety, air pollution, being depletable, net present value, enhanced local economic development, and government support. Data were collected using the Delphi method, a team of three decision-makers (DMs) was established in a heterogeneous manner with the addition of nine domain experts to carry out the analysis. The fuzzy AHP approach was used for clarifying the weight of criteria and fuzzy VIKOR and TOPSIS were utilized for ordering the alternative energy systems according to their investment priority. On the other hand, sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine the priority of investment for energy systems and comparison of them using the weight of group utility and fuzzy DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) approaches. The results and findings suggested that solar photovoltaic (PV) is the paramount renewable energy system for investment, according to both fuzzy VIKOR and fuzzy TOPSIS approaches. In this context our findings were compared with other works comprehensively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Dynamic Credit Index System for TSMEs in China Using the Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Methods

by Ao Yu, Zhuoqiang Jia, Weike Zhang, Ke Deng and Francisco Herrera

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12051715 - 25 Feb 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3266

Abstract

A high-quality credit index system is essential for technological small and medium-sized enterprises (TSMEs) to obtain financing from various institutions, such as banks, venture capital. Some attempts have made to construct the credit index system for TSMEs. However, the current credit index systems [...] Read more.

A high-quality credit index system is essential for technological small and medium-sized enterprises (TSMEs) to obtain financing from various institutions, such as banks, venture capital. Some attempts have made to construct the credit index system for TSMEs. However, the current credit index systems for TSMEs have placed too much emphasis on their financial ability with few prominent technological and talent indicators. Therefore, this study has proposed a dynamic credit index system for TSMEs in China using the Delphi and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. This credit index system covers a wide range of indicators to measure the enterprises’ controller ability, operation and management ability, financial ability, and innovation capacity. This study made some contributions in the following aspects: (1) This study proposed a credit index system for TSMEs that highlights the main characteristics of technological innovation and talents of enterprises in China. (2) The credit index system is also highly adaptable as it can dynamically adjust the index weight according to the life cycles of TSMEs. (3) A case study of evaluating the credit of three TSMEs in China was selected to verify the feasibility and the effectiveness of this system. The results show that the credit index system constructed in this study provides a comprehensive and systematic model for evaluating the credit of TSMEs in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chinese Industrial Outward FDI Location Choice in ASEAN Countries

by Sheng Ma, Xinxin Xu, Ziqiang Zeng and Lin Wang

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020674 - 16 Jan 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3714

Abstract

This paper examined the location choices of Chinese outward FDI (OFDI) from 2005–2016 with a particular focus on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. It was found that Chinese OFDI in ASEAN countries was generally focused on areas that had large [...] Read more.

This paper examined the location choices of Chinese outward FDI (OFDI) from 2005–2016 with a particular focus on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. It was found that Chinese OFDI in ASEAN countries was generally focused on areas that had large potential markets and low tax rates. Unlike previous studies, it was found that primary and secondary industry labor costs were the main motivators rather than resource-seeking. The business environment in the host countries was also found to have positive and significant effects on Chinese OFDI location choice for the agricultural, mining, construction, and information industries. The insights in this paper could provide useful suggestions for both governments and investors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

21 pages, 1447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green-Building-Material Supplier Selection with a Rough-Set-Enhanced Quality Function Deployment

by Zhiying Zhang, Huchang Liao, Jiaying Chang and Abdullah Al-barakati

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247153 - 13 Dec 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2510

Abstract

Building material supplier evaluation and selection is a significant strategic-decision problem for reducing construction costs and ensuring the quality of a residential product. As people are increasingly concerning about the green level of a residential product and the competition in the housing market [...] Read more.

Building material supplier evaluation and selection is a significant strategic-decision problem for reducing construction costs and ensuring the quality of a residential product. As people are increasingly concerning about the green level of a residential product and the competition in the housing market is becoming increasingly fierce, it becomes important to select a green customer-oriented material supplier for property developers. Quality function deployment (QFD) has been proven to be an effective quality-control technique to take customer voices into consideration. However, the relationship matrix in the QFD technique, as a key to translate customer requirements into technical attributes, was subjectively given by decision-makers in previous studies, which failed to reflect customer requirements accurately. The aim of this study is to put forward a neighborhood-rough-set-based quality function deployment model for a green-building-material supplier selection. The neighborhood rough set, as a nonparametric and flexible data-mining approach, can effectively and objectively determine the core relationships between a variety of factors. A rough number-based aggregation approach is applied to effectively and objectively aggregate the evaluations given by a group of experts. Then, the classical double normalization-based multiple aggregation method, which considers two types of normalization methods, three aggregation models, and a comprehensive score formula, is extended in rough-number form in order to rank the alternatives. Afterward, an attempt is made to evaluate and rank eleven alternative building-material suppliers for a repute property developer in mainland China, and the corresponding comparative and sensitive analyses verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed hybrid model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Selecting Wind Energy Power Plant Locations

by Ateekh Ur Rehman, Mustufa Haider Abidi, Usama Umer and Yusuf Siraj Usmani

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6112; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216112 - 02 Nov 2019

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 4317

Abstract

In pursuit of green technology innovations, the energy industry is showing an interest in sustainable sources such as wind energy generation. The Saudi Arabian energy industry has a 2030 target to generate and transmit electricity to major customers nationwide and other neighboring Gulf [...] Read more.

In pursuit of green technology innovations, the energy industry is showing an interest in sustainable sources such as wind energy generation. The Saudi Arabian energy industry has a 2030 target to generate and transmit electricity to major customers nationwide and other neighboring Gulf countries. However, the selection of wind energy power plant locations is a concern because the decision process involves social, technological, economical, and environmental factors. The originality of this study lies in (1) proposing an integrated quantitative and qualitative multi-criteria decision making framework for selecting wind-energy power plant locations; (2) applying the proposed framework in the context of the energy industry in a gulf region country and investigating expert-based and entropy-based criterion weight assignments; (3) choosing five possible alternative wind energy power plant locations with 17 response criteria for each alternative to help decision makers identify the best possible alternative; and (4) establishing the superiority of one alternative over another (if it exists). The presented approach extends considerable support to the comparing and ranking of alternatives along with its validation and sensitivity analysis. Based on the proposed multi-criteria decision-making approach, an appropriate wind energy power plant location has been successfully selected among the five alternatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Realizing Sustainable Development via Modified Integrated Weighting MCDM Model for Ranking Agrarian Dataset

by N Deepa, K Ganesan, Kathiravan Srinivasan and Chuan-Yu Chang

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6060; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216060 - 31 Oct 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3456

Abstract

One of the crucial elements in decision-making is the calculation of criteria weights. In this paper, a new Modified Integrated Weighting (MIW) method was proposed to combine the weights obtained using different weight calculation methods into a single set of weights. The weights [...] Read more.

One of the crucial elements in decision-making is the calculation of criteria weights. In this paper, a new Modified Integrated Weighting (MIW) method was proposed to combine the weights obtained using different weight calculation methods into a single set of weights. The weights express the relative significance of the criteria and play an essential role in making correct decisions. The proposed method considered both subjective knowledge of the experts and the objectivity of the problem by combining the subjective and objective weight assignment methods. The proposed weight calculation method was applied to the agriculture dataset for the evaluation of groundnut crop sites. A decision-making model was developed via the proposed MIW method and Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) method to rank the given groundnut crop site dataset. The ranking results of the developed decision model were compared with the ranking results of average yield data and other methods for validation purposes. The developed model exhibited better results for the given dataset and could be used to solve various other decision-making problems, thereby realizing sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid Method with TOPSIS and Machine Learning Techniques for Sustainable Development of Green Hotels Considering Online Reviews

by Mehrbakhsh Nilashi, Abbas Mardani, Huchang Liao, Hossein Ahmadi, Azizah Abdul Manaf and Wafa Almukadi

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6013; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216013 - 29 Oct 2019

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 6528

Abstract

This paper proposes a hybrid method for online reviews analysis through multi-criteria decision-making, text mining and predictive learning techniques to find the relative importance of factors affecting travelers’ decision-making in selecting green hotels with spa services. The proposed method is developed for the [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a hybrid method for online reviews analysis through multi-criteria decision-making, text mining and predictive learning techniques to find the relative importance of factors affecting travelers’ decision-making in selecting green hotels with spa services. The proposed method is developed for the first time in the context of tourism and hospitality by this research, especially for customer segmentation in green hotels through customers’ online reviews. We use Self-Organizing Map (SOM) for cluster analysis, Latent Dirichlet Analysis (LDA) technique for analyzing textual reviews, Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for ranking hotel features, and Neuro-Fuzzy technique to reveal the customer satisfaction levels. The impact of green hotels with spa and non-spa services on travelers’ satisfaction is investigated for four travelling groups: Travelled solo, Travelled with family, Travelled as a couple and Travelled with friends. The proposed method is evaluated on the travelers’ reviews on 152 hotels in Malaysia. The findings of this study provide an important method for travelers’ decision-making for hotel selection through User-Generated Content (UGC) and help hotel managers to improve their service quality and marketing strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Decision-Making Model with Pythagorean Fuzzy Linguistic Information Measures and Its Application to a Sustainable Blockchain Product Assessment Problem

by Feifei Jin, Lidan Pei, Huayou Chen, Reza Langari and Jinpei Liu

Sustainability 2019, 11(20), 5630; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205630 - 12 Oct 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2432

Abstract

This study presents a novel multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) model on the basis of Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic information measures. To do so, we first present a new concept of Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic sets to describe fuzziness and inconsistent information, in which the Pythagorean fuzzy [...] Read more.

This study presents a novel multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) model on the basis of Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic information measures. To do so, we first present a new concept of Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic sets to describe fuzziness and inconsistent information, in which the Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic values (PFLVs) are represented by the linguistic membership degree and linguistic non-membership degree. Then, we introduce two axiomatic definitions of information measures for PFLVs, including Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic entropy and the Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic similarity measure, to measure the uncertainty degree of PFLVs and the similarity degree between among PFLVs. In addition, based on the logarithmic function, we construct two new information measure formulas and verify that they satisfy the axiomatic conditions of the Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic entropy and similarity measure, respectively. We further explore the relationship between the Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic entropy and similarity measure. Finally, we present a novel Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic MADM model with the Pythagorean fuzzy linguistic entropy and similarity measure. A numerical example of selecting the most desirable sustainable blockchain product is given, and a comparison with the existing approach was performed to validate the reliability of the developed decision-making model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 3324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does the Contingent Sustainability–Risk–Cost Relationship Affect the Viability of CSR? An Emerging Economy Perspective

by Aysu Göçer, Yao Henry Jin and Stanley E. Fawcett

Sustainability 2019, 11(19), 5435; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195435 - 30 Sep 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3070

Abstract

Sustainability has become a core strategic initiative for firms in the global economy. Its key benefits aside, sustainability may increase a firm’s risks, undermining its prospective value. The intricate relationship among sustainability’s impact on various dimensions of firm risk is poorly understood, particularly [...] Read more.

Sustainability has become a core strategic initiative for firms in the global economy. Its key benefits aside, sustainability may increase a firm’s risks, undermining its prospective value. The intricate relationship among sustainability’s impact on various dimensions of firm risk is poorly understood, particularly for firms operating in emerging economies. The purpose of this study is to address this gap by developing a nuanced framework for the sustainability–risk relationship in various industries in emerging economies. A multi-method approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data through interviews and site visits for supply chain members of four industries. A fuzzy AHP method was used to illustrate cross-industry differences in sustainability-induced firm risks. These differences are further illustrated through inductive, interpretive analysis of semi-structured interviews. Sustainability behaves as a limits-to-growth system and engenders different risk profiles across four industries. For all firms in emerging economy, sustainability initiatives increase various unanticipated risks. Thus, these firms must saliently tailor sustainability initiatives uniquely suitable for their industry to avoid compromising their value proposition. Insights gleaned from this study may assist both buyers from multinational corporations in the developed economy to propagate sustainability initiatives and suppliers in the emerging economy to implement sustainability initiatives more saliently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Unified Approach to Efficiency Decomposition for a Two-Stage Network DEA Model with Application of Performance Evaluation in Banks and Sustainable Product Design

by Haitao Li, Jie Xiong, Jianhui Xie, Zhongbao Zhou and Jinlong Zhang

Sustainability 2019, 11(16), 4401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164401 - 14 Aug 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2608

Abstract

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a data-driven tool for performance evaluation, benchmarking and multiple-criteria decision-making. This article investigates efficiency decomposition in a two-stage network DEA model. Three major methods for efficiency decomposition have been proposed: uniform efficiency decomposition, Nash bargaining game decomposition, and [...] Read more.

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a data-driven tool for performance evaluation, benchmarking and multiple-criteria decision-making. This article investigates efficiency decomposition in a two-stage network DEA model. Three major methods for efficiency decomposition have been proposed: uniform efficiency decomposition, Nash bargaining game decomposition, and priority decomposition. These models were developed on the basis of different assumptions that led to different efficiency decompositions and thus confusion among researchers. The current paper attempts to reconcile these differences by redefining the fairness of efficiency decomposition based on efficiency rank, and develops a rank-based model with two parameters. In our new rank-based model, these three efficiency decomposition methods can be treated as special cases where these parameters take special values. By showing the continuity of the Pareto front, we simplify the uniform efficiency decomposition, and indicate that the uniform efficiency decomposition and Nash bargaining game decomposition can converge to the same efficiency decomposition. To demonstrate the merits of our model, we use data from the literature to evaluate the performance of 10 Chinese banks, and compare the different efficiency decompositions created by different methods. Last, we apply the proposed model to the performance evaluation of sustainable product design in the automobile industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Location-Routing Problem for Relief Distribution in the Early Post-Earthquake Stage from the Perspective of Fairness

by Changshi Liu, Gang Kou, Yi Peng and Fawaz E. Alsaadi

Sustainability 2019, 11(12), 3420; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123420 - 21 Jun 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3658

Abstract

To address the shortage of relief in disaster areas during the early stages after an earthquake, a location-routing problem (LRP) was studied from the perspective of fairness. A multi-objective model for the fair LRP was developed by lexicographic order object optimal method in [...] Read more.

To address the shortage of relief in disaster areas during the early stages after an earthquake, a location-routing problem (LRP) was studied from the perspective of fairness. A multi-objective model for the fair LRP was developed by lexicographic order object optimal method in consideration of the urgent window constraints, partial road damage, multimodal relief delivery, disaster severity, and vulnerability of each demand node when its demand is not satisfied. The goals of this model are to minimize (1) the maximum loss of demand node, (2) the total loss of demand node, and (3) the maximum time required for the demand node to receive relief. A hybrid heuristic algorithm was proposed to solve the model. Finally, the utility and fairness of the model and algorithm were demonstrated by a case study during the first day after the great Wenchuan earthquake in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 2509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model and GM (1,1) Theory for Evaluating Efficiency of FDI on Economic Growth: A Case Study in Developing Countries

by Chia-Nan Wang and Anh Phuong Le

Sustainability 2019, 11(8), 2389; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082389 - 22 Apr 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4287

Abstract

Foreign direct investment (FDI) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending are one of the major factors in improving sustainable economic development of a country. Therefore, this study focuses on the multi criteria application of FDI and sustainability factors (CSR spending) in various developing [...] Read more.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending are one of the major factors in improving sustainable economic development of a country. Therefore, this study focuses on the multi criteria application of FDI and sustainability factors (CSR spending) in various developing countries to explore its impact and decision making for sustainable economic growth. The study uses a case study methodology whereby FDI, exchange rate, and CSR expenditure data from 20 countries were used to assess the efficiency in sustainable economic growth. Data were collected from the World Bank for 20 Asian and African developing countries during 2012–2017 and analyzed using GM (1,1), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), Malmquist productivity index (MPI)-data envelopment analysis (DEA), and the slacks-based measure of efficiency (SBM) model. Correlation analysis is used to find the relationship for FDI, CSR, exchange rate, gross domestic product (GDP), and GDP per capita (GDPPC). The results of the Malmquist productivity index and the frontier effect clearly highlight that a few countries have witnessed a great improvement in terms of productivity and technological progression. Therefore, the decision makers must adopt the model of those countries with respect to sustainable development of the nation. This study helps developing nations as well as researchers to benchmark efficient countries and follow their strategies to develop a new one for utilizing FDI and CSR spending in sustainable economic development. The study also helps policy makers in multi criterion application of FDI and CSR for decision making in economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 1184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systemic Functions Evaluation based Technological Innovation System for the Sustainability of IoT in the Manufacturing Industry

by Yu-Sheng Kao, Kazumitsu Nawata and Chi-Yo Huang

Sustainability 2019, 11(8), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082342 - 18 Apr 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4428

Abstract

Technological innovations are regarded as the tools that can stimulate economic growth and the sustainable development of technology. In recent years, as technologies based on the internet of things (IoT) have rapidly developed, a number of applications based on IoT innovations have emerged [...] Read more.

Technological innovations are regarded as the tools that can stimulate economic growth and the sustainable development of technology. In recent years, as technologies based on the internet of things (IoT) have rapidly developed, a number of applications based on IoT innovations have emerged and have been widely adopted by various public and private sectors. Applications of IoT in the manufacturing industry, such as manufacturing intelligence, not only play a significant role in the enhancement of industrial competitiveness and sustainability, but also influence the diffusion of innovative applications that are based on IoT innovations. It is crucial for policy makers to understand these potential reasons for stimulating IoT industrial sustainability, as they can facilitate industrial competitiveness and technological innovations using supportive means, such as government procurement and financial incentives. Therefore, there is a need to ascertain different factors that may affect IoT industrial sustainability and further explore the relationship between these factors. However, finding a set of factors that affects IoT industrial sustainability is not easy. Recently, the robustness of a theoretical framework, termed the technological innovation system (TIS), has been verified and has been used to explore and analyze technological and industrial development. Thus, it is suitable for this research to use this theoretical model. In order to find out appropriate factors and accurately analyze the causality among factors that influence IoT industrial sustainability, this research presents a Bayesian rough Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model based on TIS functions by integrating random forest (RF), decision making trial and evaluation (DEMATEL), Bayesian theory, and rough interval numbers. The proposed analytical framework is validated by an empirical case of defining the causality between TIS functions to enable the industrial sustainability of IoT in the Taiwanese smart manufacturing industry. Based on the empirical study results, the cause group consists of entrepreneurial activities, knowledge development, market formation, and resource mobilization. The effect group is composed of knowledge diffusion through networks’ guidance of the search, and creation of legitimacy. Moreover, the analytical results also provide several policy suggestions promoting IoT industrial sustainability that can serve as the basis for defining innovation policy tools for Taiwan and late coming economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Sustainable Mobile Health Care Promotion: A Novel Hybrid MCDM Method

by Yupeng Liu, Yutao Yang, Yue Liu and Gwo-Hshiung Tzeng

Sustainability 2019, 11(3), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11030752 - 31 Jan 2019

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 5355

Abstract

Identifying the key influencing factors that affected users’ adoption of sustainable mobile health care and improving alternative mobile health services continuously can help ordinary consumers (especially vulnerable populations) use extensive health resources cheaply and conveniently; which can increase the quality and equity of [...] Read more.

Identifying the key influencing factors that affected users’ adoption of sustainable mobile health care and improving alternative mobile health services continuously can help ordinary consumers (especially vulnerable populations) use extensive health resources cheaply and conveniently; which can increase the quality and equity of health services; so as to promote the sustainable development of medical resources. We integrated decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMETEL)-based analytic network process (DANP) and a modified VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method to form a DDANPMV (DEMATEL+ DANP + Modified VIKOR) model to examine consumers’ adoption of mobile health care. This method was developed to not only help decision-makers evaluate alternative mobile health care and determine the best option, but also use to identify and improve the performance gap of alternative products with the goal of satisfying the aspirations of consumers. Four types of mobile health care products were analyzed. The results indicate that social norms; product image; and consumer trust are three key factors in consumer adoption. The results can guide policy design and implementation. The government and enterprises should improve mobile health care through these three aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Methodologies and Applications of Multiple Criteria Decision Making for Sustainable Development

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (15 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI