Safety risk assessment of metro construction under epistemic uncertainty: An integrated framework using credal networks and the EDAS method

Risk analysis in underground tunnel construction with tunnel boring machines using the Best-Worst method and data envelopment analysis

Background

The use of tunnel boring machines is continuously increasing; however, this activity faces many risks, resulting in negative events.

Methods

A novel approach using the best-worst method and a data envelopment analysis model was proposed to analyze the risks of underground tunnel construction with tunnel boring machines. The proposed approach was validated using a realistic case study of metro construction in Thailand.

Results

The proposed approach efficiently analyzed the risks and produced more solid findings. The most critical and least affected risks can be identified according to risk scores in descending order.

Implication

This study contributes a new method of risk analysis that benefits project managers and stakeholders who design risk management plans to reduce the occurrence and mitigate the severity of metro works.

Originality

The new risk analysis can obtain the best compromise ranking of risks based on decision-makers' preferences, probabilities, and various consequences under different circumstances.

Risk assessment model for international construction projects considering risk interdependence using the DEMATEL method

Given the complexity of international construction projects (ICP), risk management difficulties commonly cause cost overruns. This paper analyzes the problems of risk interdependence and subjective ratings in the application of the traditional risk assessment model in ICP. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a risk assessment model for ICP that considers risk interdependence and obtains references from similar projects. The model applies the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to determine the risk interdependence and its contribution to the overall project risk. Moreover, this model recalls the risks, probabilities, impacts, and risk events records of similar historical projects as the necessary inputs, thereby addressing the issue of subjectivity. An integrated framework is provided to identify, analyze, and prioritize ICP risks to incorporate risk interdependence into the risk management process. Finally, this paper demonstrates and validates the proposed model through a real project. The proposed model is useful for international construction companies to support project selection and bidding decisions in the early stage of ICP.

Evaluating factors contributing to the failure of information system in the banking industry

The increasing use of Information Technology (IT) has led to many security and other related failures in the banks and other financial institutions in Bangladesh. In this paper, we investigated the factors contributing to the failurein the IT system of the banking industry in Bangladesh. Based on the experts’ opinions and weight on the specified evaluating criteria, an empirical test was conducted using a rough set theory to produce a framework for the IT system failure factors. In this study, an extended approach involving the integration of rough set theory based flexible Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) has beenapplied to help the managers of the corresponding field to identify the factors responsible for the failure of the IT system in the banking industries and then prioritize them accordingly, for the ease of decision-making.In this research, eleven such failure factors were identified, which were then quantitatively analyzed to facilitate managers in crucial decision-making. It was observed that cyber-attack, database hack risks, server failure, network interruption, broadcast data error, and virus effect were the most significant factors for the failure of the IT system. The framework developed in this research can be utilized to assist in efficient decision-makingin other serviceindustries where IT systems play a key role. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first study thatempirically tested key failure factors of the IT system for the banking sector using an integrated method.

Evaluating Video Conferencing Software for Remote Working Using Two-Stage Grey MCDM: A Case Study from Vietnam

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the world, and businesses are struggling to create a new and effective working environment for their employees. Employees worldwide have moved from traditional face-to-face meetings to remote working using video conferencing software (VCS)—a powerful tool to support companies during the pandemic and that can be an increasing trend in the future. For businesses who intend to adopt VCS for their organizations, choosing an appropriate platform can be an arduous task that requires the consideration of multiple criteria to save costs and optimize efficiency. In this paper, we propose a grey-based multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) framework that combines grey Analytical Hierarchy Process (G-AHP) and grey Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (G-EDAS) methodologies, in which grey numbers are used to express the linguistic evaluation statements of experts. Initially, the evaluation criteria based on functionality, security, usability, technical performance, and pricing have been determined using a literature review and expert’s opinions to employ the MCDM approach. G-AHP was utilized to identify the criteria weights, and G-EDAS was then used to select the best VCS among the alternatives. A case illustration in Vietnam is presented to exhibit the proposed approach’s applicability. From the G-AHP findings, quality of video/audio, ease of use, mobile experience, number of participants allowed, and video recording capability have been ranked as the five most important criteria. From G-EDAS analysis, Microsoft Teams (VCS-03) was found to be the best. In addition, the robustness of the proposed model was tested by conducting sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis of methods, in which the priority rankings of the best VCSs are very similar. With the high demand for the trend of the remote working model, this study can be a basis for informed decisions to assist businesses in choosing their best-suited VCS to save costs and enhance productivity.

Analyzing the Barriers to Reverse Logistics (RL) Implementation: A Hybrid Model Based on IF-DEMATEL-EDAS

Recently, manufacturing companies aspire to implement reverse logistics in response to stakeholders’ requirements to reduce negative environmental consequences, improve organizational sustainable performance and ultimately increase competitive advantage. However, implementing reverse logistics can be impeded by a criteria framework, and necessitates the careful analysis of how such criteria interact with each other in the presence of uncertainty. Thus, in this study, we propose an integrated multi- criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology that leverages the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) under Intuitionistic Fuzzy (IF) environment and Evaluation Based on Distance to Average Solution (EDAS). Within the proposed methodology, firstly, the IF-DEMATEL is applied to obtain the interrelationships between the criteria/barriers and then, the EDAS method is applied to prioritize the criteria based on the appraisal scores evaluation. An application case within the Nigerian manufacturing sector was utilized to illustrate the viability of the proposed methodology. The study results indicate that the highly prioritized barriers to implementing reverse logistics within the Nigerian manufacturing sector include low product quality, risk of storing hazardous materials and low technical expertise. Consequently, this study makes a profound contribution to the theory and practice of reverse logistics by presenting an integrated MCDM methodology that can effectively address the criticality of barriers in the way of reverse logistics progression in a complex and uncertain scenario.

A Single-Valued Neutrosophic Extension of the EDAS Method

This manuscript aims to propose a new extension of the EDAS method, adapted for usage with single-valued neutrosophic numbers. By using single-valued neutrosophic numbers, the EDAS method can be more efficient for solving complex problems whose solution requires assessment and prediction, because truth- and falsity-membership functions can be used for expressing the level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction about an attitude. In addition, the indeterminacy-membership function can be used to point out the reliability of the information given with truth- and falsity-membership functions. Thus, the proposed extension of the EDAS method allows the use of a smaller number of complex evaluation criteria. The suitability and applicability of the proposed approach are presented through three illustrative examples.