A New Group Decision Model Based on Grey-Intuitionistic Fuzzy-ELECTRE and VIKOR for Contractor Assessment Problem

Research on expert group decision-making and conflict resolution in complex engineer-ing consulting process

Expert group decision-making in the process of engineering consulting is an important part of the smooth development of engineering projects. Whether the conceptual design scheme of the project is reasonable or not will directly affect the construction quality of the project. After the preliminary selection of a river ecological governance project, four conceptual design schemes were obtained. The owner invited 20 experts in relevant fields to make decisions on the four schemes collected in the early stage. The experts gave preference information for each scheme after reading the relevant materials of the project and clarifying the actual needs of the project. Based on this background, this paper uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to construct a model for group decision-making and conflict resolution in the engineering consulting process. We use the preference relationship to reflect the degree of experts’ preference for the scheme, cluster them through similarity calculation, calculate the conflict degree of group preference and personal preference respectively, and comprehensively use the sequence difference method and personal preference correction method to resolve the conflict, so that their opinions can be quickly agreed within the specified time. The results calculated by model are consistent with the actual situation of the project, which verifies the effectiveness of the model proposed in this paper, which can provide a reference for similar project decision-making and conflict resolution process.

An integrated methodology for utilization efficiency evaluation of college stadiums based on fuzzy number intuitionistic fuzzy multiple attribute group decision-making

In recent years, with the steady development of the national economy and the continuous improvement of people’s living standards, the desire for material pursuits has gradually transformed into the pursuit of spiritual food, and the attention to health and body is highly valued. It gave birth to and promoted the development of the sports industry. High-standard college stadiums provide many conveniences for students and faculty, and the construction and management of college stadiums are also an important part of the development of my country’s sports industry. However, there are still some drawbacks in the management mode and utilization efficiency of college stadiums. The utilization efficiency evaluation of college stadiums is frequently looked as the multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problem. Depending on the VIKOR process and fuzzy number intuitionistic fuzzy sets (FNIFSs), this paper designs a novel FNIF-VIKOR process to assess the resource utilization efficiency of college stadiums. First of all, some basic theories related to FNIFSs are briefly introduced. In addition, the weights of attributes are obtained objectively by utilizing CRITIC weight method. Afterwards, the conventional VIKOR process is extended to FNIFSs to obtain the final order of the alternative. Eventually, an application case for utilization efficiency evaluation of college stadiums and some comparative analysis are fully given. The results show that the built algorithms method is useful for assessing the resource utilization efficiency of college stadiums.

Formwork System Selection in Building Construction Projects Using an Integrated Rough AHP-EDAS Approach: A Case Study

The successful completion of reinforced concrete (RC) building construction projects depends, in part, on selecting the appropriate formwork system (FWS) since it may significantly affect the project’s cost, time, and quality performance factors. The selection of the FWS depends on a number of compromising and conflicting criteria, while several FWS alternatives may be available. Therefore, the FWS selection has mostly been treated as a multi-criteria-decision-making (MCDM) problem. Although various MCDM methods have been employed to address the FWS selection problem, none have considered the subjectivity and uncertainty arising from a group decision-making process. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by proposing an integrated approach using recently developed MCDM methods with rough numbers. In the integrated approach, first, a decision-making team is formed to develop the decision hierarchy. Then, the rough analytic hierarchy process (R-AHP) is used to determine rough criteria weights, followed by the rough evaluation based on the distance from average solution (R-EDAS) method to rank the FWS alternatives. Finally, the results are compared using different rough MCDM methods to ensure the stability of the proposed approach. The proposed approach is applied to a real-life building construction project in Turkey to select the most appropriate FWS. The integrated approach was found to be effective, and it was recommended to be used for future FWS selection problems. The proposed integrated approach in this study may be used as a decision support tool for construction professionals and experts to select the FWS in building construction projects.

A Systematic Review of the Applications of Multi-Criteria Decision Aid Methods (1977–2022)

Multicriteria methods have gained traction in academia and industry practices for effective decision-making. This systematic review investigates and presents an overview of multi-criteria approaches research conducted over forty-four years. The Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases were searched for papers on multi-criteria methods with titles, abstracts, keywords, and articles from January 1977 to 29 April 2022. Using the R Bibliometrix tool, the bibliographic data was evaluated. According to this bibliometric analysis, in 131 countries over the past forty-four years, 33,201 authors have written 23,494 documents on multi-criteria methods. This area’s scientific output increases by 14.18 percent every year. China has the highest percentage of publications at 18.50 percent, followed by India at 10.62 percent and Iran at 7.75 percent. Islamic Azad University has the most publications with 504, followed by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University with 456 and the National Institute of Technology with 336. Expert Systems With Applications, Sustainability, and the Journal of Cleaner Production are the top journals, accounting for over 4.67 percent of all indexed works. In addition, E. Zavadskas and J. Wang have the most papers in the multi-criteria approaches sector. AHP, followed by TOPSIS, VIKOR, PROMETHEE, and ANP, is the most popular multi-criteria decision-making method among the ten nations with the most publications in this field. The bibliometric literature review method enables researchers to investigate the multi-criteria research area in greater depth than the conventional literature review method. It allows a vast dataset of bibliographic records to be statistically and systematically evaluated, producing insightful insights. This bibliometric study is helpful because it provides an overview of the issue of multi-criteria techniques from the past forty-four years, allowing other academics to use this research as a starting point for their studies.

A Grey Incidence Based Group Decision-Making Approach and Its Application

We define the group measure matrix of the alternative scheme and the ideal scheme based on the relevant factor sequence and the system characteristic behavior sequence. Furthermore, the information distances of decision makers and decision criteria are defined, respectively. According to the information distance, we obtain each scheme’s grey matrix incidence degree for the scheme ranking. Finally, we use an example to verify the rationality of the model and compare it with other classic methods, such as TOPSIS, VIKOR, MULTI-MOORA. Compared with previous grey incidence analysis model, the proposed model can make full use of information of the decision-maker dimension and the criteria dimension. The proposed model can avoid high-dimensional information loss. The results show that the proposed method has superiority in measuring decision-maker information and decision-making standard information.

Improved Intuitionistic Fuzzy Entropy and Its Application in the Evaluation of Regional Collaborative Innovation Capability

Intuitionistic fuzzy entropy is an important concept to describe the uncertainty of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). To fully measure the fuzziness of IFSs, this paper comprehensively considers the deviation between membership and non-membership and the influence of hesitation, constructs the general expression of intuitionistic fuzzy entropy based on special functions, and proves some of its major properties. Then, it is verified that some existing intuitionistic fuzzy entropies can be constructed by specific functions. Finally, based on a specific parametric intuitionistic fuzzy entropy, this paper applies it to evaluate the regional collaborative innovation capability, to verify the feasibility and practicability of the entropy. In addition, the effectiveness and practicability of this entropy in decision making are further illustrated by comparing it with other entropy measures.

Some self-evaluation models of enterprise’s credit based on some probabilistic double hierarchy linguistic aggregation operators

Probabilistic double hierarchy linguistic term set (PDHLTS) can not only express the complex linguistic information that the probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) cannot express, but also reflect the frequency or importance of linguistic term set (LTS)that cannot be reflected by the double hierarchy linguistic term set (DHLTS). It is an effective tool to deal with multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems. Therefore, in this paper, we propose several aggregation operators which can aggregate PDHLTS information and apply them to MAGDM problems. Firstly, the basic notion of PDHLTS is reviewed, and the distance formula and algorithm of PDHLTS are defined; then, extant weighted averaging (WA) operator, weighted geometric(WG) operator and power weighted averaging (PWA) operator, power weighted geometric(PWG) operator to PDHLTS, and establish probability double hierarchy linguistic weighted averaging (PDHLWA) operator, probability double hierarchy linguistic weighted geometric (PDHLWG) operator, probability double hierarchy linguistic power weighted averaging (PDHLPWA) operator, probability double hierarchy linguistic power weighted geometric (PDHLPWG) operator; in addition, The idempotency, boundedness and monotonicity of these aggregation operators are studied; what’s more, those aggregation operators are proposed to establish the enterprise credit self-evaluation model; Finally, compared with the available probabilistic double hierarchy linguistic MAGDM methods, the defined model is proved to be scientific and effective.

An Integrated Decision Support Model Based on BWM and Fuzzy-VIKOR Techniques for Contractor Selection in Construction Projects

Sustainable development of any country to some extent depends on successful accomplishment of construction projects, particularly infrastructures. Contractors have a key role in the success of these projects. Hence, the selection of a competent contractor as a complicated and hard decision process has a vital importance in the destiny of any construction project. Contractor selection is in essence a multicriteria decision-making that ought to encompass so many aspects of the project and the client’s requirements on one hand and the capabilities and past records of the contractors on the other hand. Failure in selecting a competent contractor may cause time and cost overruns; quality shortcomings; increasing in claims, disputes and change orders; and even failure of the project. In spite of deficiencies of selecting a contractor by the rule of “the lowest bid price”, it still prevails in many countries including Iran. In this paper, a new contractor selection model based on the best-worst method (BWM) and well-known Fuzzy-VIKOR techniques is proposed as a solution to overcome the deficiencies of the traditional “lowest bid price” rule. An illustrative example of a water channel construction project verified the applicability of the proposed model in practice.

Global Sensitivity Analysis Based on Entropy: From Differential Entropy to Alternative Measures

Differential entropy can be negative, while discrete entropy is always non-negative. This article shows that negative entropy is a significant flaw when entropy is used as a sensitivity measure in global sensitivity analysis. Global sensitivity analysis based on differential entropy cannot have negative entropy, just as Sobol sensitivity analysis does not have negative variance. Entropy is similar to variance but does not have the same properties. An alternative sensitivity measure based on the approximation of the differential entropy using dome-shaped functionals with non-negative values is proposed in the article. Case studies have shown that new sensitivity measures lead to a rational structure of sensitivity indices with a significantly lower proportion of higher-order sensitivity indices compared to other types of distributional sensitivity analysis. In terms of the concept of sensitivity analysis, a decrease in variance to zero means a transition from the differential to discrete entropy. The form of this transition is an open question, which can be studied using other scientific disciplines. The search for new functionals for distributional sensitivity analysis is not closed, and other suitable sensitivity measures may be found.

A Risk Analysis‐Best Worst Method Based Model for Selection of the Most Appropriate Contract Strategy for Onshore Drilling Projects in the Iranian Petroleum Industry

The pre-project planning phase has a significant impact on the achievement of project objectives because during this stage, major decisions including involving contract strategies are made with a high degree of uncertainty. Studies show that the contract type can play a unique role in the achievement of project success. On the other hand, drilling projects can be considered as one of the most critical types of projects in the petroleum industry. In this research, a novel risk based best-worst method (risk-BWM) is proposed for solving the issue of selecting the best contract strategy. A three level methodology was designed; firstly, the risk breakdown structure (RBS) of drilling projects was created in four levels including one heading in level 0, eight main areas of risk in level 1, 34 sub-areas of risk in level 2, and finally, 217 risk items in level 3. Secondly and on the basis of BWM, the weights of risk factors were determined as the selection criteria and consequently the best and the worst criteria were specified. Finally, using pair-wise comparisons between six types of drilling prevalent in contracts, the most appropriate contract type was proposed. The contribution of this study is the development of a generic RBS for drilling projects and application of the risk factors for the first time for the selection of contract type using the BWM method, which has the potential of being adapted for other types of underground projects.

Sustainability Indicator Selection by a Novel Triangular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Decision-Making Approach in Highway Construction Projects

The construction industry has been criticized as being a non-sustainable industry that requires effective tools to monitor and improve its sustainability performance. The multiplicity of indicators of the three pillars of sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—complicates construction sustainability assessments for project managers. Therefore, prioritizing and selecting appropriate sustainability indicators (SIs) is essential prior to conducting a construction sustainability assessment. The main purpose of this research is to select the most appropriate set of SIs to address all three pillars of highway sustainability by a new group decision-making approach. The proposed approach accounts for risk attitudes of experts and entropy measures under a triangular intuitionistic fuzzy (TIF) environment, to handle the inherent uncertainty and vagueness that is present throughout the evaluation process. Furthermore, new separation measures and ranking scores are introduced to distinguish the preference order of SIs. Eventually, the approach is implemented in a case study of highway construction projects and the applicability of the approach is examined. To investigate the stability and validity of computational results, a sensitivity analysis is carried out and a comparison is made between the obtained ranking outcomes and the traditional decision-making methods.

An ITARA-TOPSIS Based Integrated Assessment Model to Identify Potential Product and System Risks

This is a forward-looking approach that uses a multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model as an assessment tool for risk identification. This study proposes an indifference threshold-based attribute ratio analysis and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (ITARA-TOPSIS)-based assessment model to identify critical failure modes in products and systems. The improved indifference threshold-based attribute ratio analysis (ITARA) method can generate more reliable weights for risk factors. In addition, the modified technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) is used to obtain the risk levels of the failure modes. The gray correlation coefficient is applied to replace the conventional Euclidean distance, and a new index is used to determine the priority of failure modes. The determination of risk factors is based on the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) theory, including severity, occurrence, and detection. An important indicator, the expected cost, is also included in the framework. The case of a steam turbine for a nuclear power plant is used to demonstrate the approach, and the analysis results show that the proposed model is practical and effective. Moreover, the advantages of our integrated model are illustrated through model comparisons and sensitivity analysis. This paper can help decision-makers, risk engineers, and related researchers to better understand how a systematic risk assessment can be conducted.

Selecting a Public Service Outsourcer Based on the Improved ELECTRE II Method with Unknown Weight Information under a Double Hierarchy Hesitant Linguistic Environment

In present-day society, government public service outsourcing has become an irreversible trend due to the gradually increasing public pursuit of service quality and efficiency. To better meet the needs of the public and effectively improve the quality of service, it has been a crucial issue for government departments to choose the most desirable one from a series of public service outsourcers (PSOs) with distinct characteristics. In this paper, to deal with such decision problems, we propose the improved elimination and choice translating reality (ELECTRE) II method with unknown weight information under the double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic (DHHFL) environment to accurately and effectively select the best PSO. Firstly, aiming at the shortcomings of the original comparison method for double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic elements (DHHFLEs), we define the hesitant deviation degree (HDD) for DHHFLEs and, based on this, further propose a new comparison method for comparing DHHFLEs more reasonably. Secondly, inspired by the classical power average (PA) operator proposed by Yager, a new method is introduced to determine the weights of experts with respect to each attribute, based on the support degree between attributes. Afterwards, an improved ELECTRE II method is proposed to address the problem of PSO selection. A numerical case about e-government outsourcer selection is given to demonstrate the enforceability of the method. Finally, comparisons between previous methods and our method are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness and strengths of the proposed method.

Contractor Selection for Sgraffito Decoration of Cultural Heritage Buildings Using the WASPAS-SVNS Method

Sgraffito is an ancient decorative technique applied in walls, produced by using layers of cement plaster tinted in contrasting colours to a moistened surface. This decoration originated in Italy and has been expanded in different European cities or villages. Nowadays, this decoration technique has almost disappeared because of decomposition, inexperience, or lack of knowledge. The preservation and restoration of the sgraffito technique is the most challenging and vital task of cultural heritage buildings’ preservation. Consequently, the conservation of sgraffito depends not only on the historical and architectural knowledge, studies, and conservation projects of the cultural heritage buildings, but also demands the experience, proper qualification, and knowledge of the contractor. This paper presents six principal criteria. Three possible variants for contractor selection for sgraffito decoration of cultural heritage buildings are proposed, and six principal criteria for their evaluation are suggested. The research employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), SWARA (Step-Wise Weights Assessment Ratio Analysis), and WASPAS-SVNS (Weight Aggregated Sum Product Assessment-Single- Valued Neutrosophic Set) methods.

Strategic Outcome Using Fuzzy-AHP-Based Decision Approach for Sustainable Manufacturing

The manifestation of new part designs and continuously changing market demands as well as the requirements of new functions and technologies often results in higher material cost, lesser machine utilization, and extensive wastage of energy. As a consequence, companies across the world are striving for sustainable manufacturing, which can ensure flexibility as well as adaptability, with higher productivity and lesser wastage of resources. The dynamic and competitive nature of the world market emphasizes the importance of economically sustainable setups, such as reconfigurable cellular manufacturing systems (RCMSs). Indeed, among several cutting-edge strategies, the RCMS is the most prominent owing to its versatility, rationality, and resilience. However, one of the limitations associated with RCMS is the evaluation and selection of the best configuration that can meet abrupt changes and achieve manufacturing sustainability. Therefore, organizations intending to reconfigure have to address the issue of evaluating all possible alternatives and selecting the best one using a well-defined methodology. This paper focuses on evaluating and finding the best configuration using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches depending on PROMETHEE and VIKOR. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is utilized to compute the weights of various criteria because it also considers any uncertainty and vagueness existing in the problem. The assessing attributes in this study are selected by keeping in mind the objective of sustainable manufacturing. The two MCDM methods are utilized for ranking different configurations to ascertain the results obtained from the other. The study accomplished in this paper is related to manufacturing setups that need to be reconfigured. The number of manufacturing configurations is determined, and simulation models are established for each configuration. The simulation outcomes are examined using the FAHP-PROMETHEE and FAHP-VIKOR to assess the appropriateness of each configuration depending on the identified performance measures. The results of the experiments show the importance of employing MCDM in RCMS to achieve sustainable manufacturing and determining the most effective setup.

Hybrid Group MCDM Model to Select the Most Effective Alternative of the Second Runway of the Airport

Sustainable and efficient development is one of the most critical challenges facing modern society if it wants to save the world for future generations. Airports are an integral part of human activity. They need to be adapted to meet current and future sustainable needs and provide useful services to the public, taking into account prospects and requirements. Many performance criteria need to be assessed to address issues that often conflict with each other and have different units of measurement. The importance of the criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of alternatives varies. Besides, the implementation of such decisions has different—not precisely described in advance—effects on the interests of different groups in society. Some criteria are defined using different scales. Stakeholders could only evaluate the implemented project alternatives for efficiency throughout the project life cycle. It is essential to find alternative assessment models and adapt them to the challenges. The use of hybrid group multi-criteria decision-making models is one of the most appropriate ways to model such problems. This article presents a real application of the original model to choose the best second runway alternative of the airport.

Solution Models based on Symmetric and Asymmetric Information

This Special Issue covers symmetry and asymmetry phenomena occurring in real-life problems. We invited authors to submit their theoretical or experimental research presenting engineering and economic problem solution models dealing with the symmetry or asymmetry of different types of information. The issue gained interest in the research community and received many submissions. After rigorous scientific evaluation by editors and reviewers, nine papers were accepted and published. The authors proposed different solution models as integrated tools to find a balance between the components of sustainable global development, i.e., to find a symmetry axis concerning goals, risks, and constraints to cope with the complicated problems. We hope that a summary of the Special Issue as provided in this editorial will encourage a detailed analysis of the papers.

Fuzzy AHP Application for Supporting Contractors’ Bidding Decision

This paper proposes the author’s model based on the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to improve the efficiency of contractor bidding decisions. The essence of the AHP method is to make pairwise comparisons of available options against all evaluation criteria. The results of these comparisons are recorded in a square matrix in which symmetrical elements are reciprocal. In the expert opinion, a 9-step, bipolar verbal scale was used so that the symmetry of the response was maintained. For contractors from countries where the tendering system is commonly used, the choice of the right tender in which to participate influences their image, financial condition, and their aspiration to succeed. The bid/no bid decision depends on numerous factors associated with the company itself, the environment, and the project concerning the tender. When facing tough competition, contractors search for a solution which increases their chances of winning the tender. The proposed model was based on factors selected by Polish contractors. The original element of the model involves 4 original criteria and 15 sub-criteria for the assessment of investment decision projects to the selection of the most advantageous contract, i.e., the contractor’s participation in the bid. For verbal evaluations describing the criteria, symmetric triangular fuzzy numbers were assigned. The authors performed an extended analysis method combined with FAHP in the model. Fuzzy evaluations underwent elaborate analysis, the aim of which was to specify the synthetic priority weights for each criterion. As a result of the application of the method, to prove that the model works, an example from the Polish construction market was presented in which a bid/no bid decision about four possible tenders was to be taken. Despite the considered example applying to Polish conditions, the proposed model can be used also in other countries. The authors’ rationale is to produce new and more flexible methodologies in order to realistically model a variety of concrete decision problems.

Dynamic Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Group Decision-Making Based on Power Geometric Weighted Average Operator and Prediction Model

With respect to dynamic multi-attribute group decision-making (DMAGDM) problems, where attribute values take the form of intuitionistic fuzzy values (IFVs) and the weights (including expert, attribute and time weights) are unknown, the dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy power geometric weighted average (DIFPGWA) operator and the improved IFVs’ GM(1,1) prediction model (IFVs-GM(1,1)-PM) are proposed. First, the concept of IFVs, the operational rules, the distance between IFVs, and the comparing method of IFVs are defined. Second, the DIFPGWA operator and the improved IFVs-GM(1,1)-PM are defined in detail. Third, corresponding decision-making (D-M) steps are proposed. Three kinds of weights are given by the proposed determination method. Finally, an example is given to prove the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed decision-making method.

An Extended VIKOR Method for Multiple Criteria Group Decision Making with Triangular Fuzzy Neutrosophic Numbers

In this article, we combine the original VIKOR model with a triangular fuzzy neutrosophic set to propose the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic VIKOR method. In the extended method, we use the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic numbers (TFNNs) to present the criteria values in multiple criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problems. Firstly, we summarily introduce the fundamental concepts, operation formulas and distance calculating method of TFNNs. Then we review some aggregation operators of TFNNs. Thereafter, we extend the original VIKOR model to the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic environment and introduce the calculating steps of the TFNNs VIKOR method, our proposed method which is more reasonable and scientific for considering the conflicting criteria. Furthermore, a numerical example for potential evaluation of emerging technology commercialization is presented to illustrate the new method, and some comparisons are also conducted to further illustrate advantages of the new method.

TODIM Method for Multiple Attribute Group Decision Making under 2-Tuple Linguistic Neutrosophic Environment

In this article, we extend the original TODIM (Portuguese acronym for Interactive Multi-Criteria Decision Making) method to the 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic fuzzy environment to propose the 2TLNNs TODIM method. In the extended method, we use 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers (2TLNNs) to present the criteria values in multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems. Firstly, we briefly introduce the definition, operational laws, some aggregation operators and the distance calculating method of 2TLNNs. Then, the calculation steps of the original TODIM model are presented in simplified form. Thereafter, we extend the original TODIM model to the 2TLNNs environment to build the 2TLNNs TODIM model, our proposed method, which is more reasonable and scientific in considering the subjectivity of DM’s behaviors and the dominance of each alternative over others. Finally, a numerical example for the safety assessment of a construction project is proposed to illustrate the new method, and some comparisons are also conducted to further illustrate the advantages of the new method.

A Decision Framework under a Linguistic Hesitant Fuzzy Set for Solving Multi-Criteria Group Decision Making Problems

With fast-growing interest in sustainable healthcare management, proper selection and evaluation of hospitals become highly essential. Generally, experts/decision-makers (DMs) prefer qualitative information for rating objects. Motivated by this idea, in this paper, a linguistic hesitant fuzzy set (LHFS) is adopted for elicitation of preference information. The LHFS provides qualitative preferences of DMs as well as reflects their hesitancy, inconsistency, and vagueness. Motivated by the power of LHFS, in this paper we present a new decision framework that initially presents some operational laws and properties. Further, a new aggregation operator called simple linguistic hesitant fuzzy weighted geometry (SLHFWG) is proposed under the LHFS context that uses the strength of power operators. Some properties of SLHFWG are also investigated. Criteria weights are estimated using a newly proposed linguistic hesitant fuzzy statistical variance (LHFSV) method, and objects are ranked using the newly proposed linguistic hesitant fuzzy VIKOR (visekriterijumska optimizacijai kompromisno resenje) (LHFVIKOR) method, which is an extension of VIKOR under the LHFS context. The practicality and usefulness of the proposal are demonstrated by using a hospital evaluation example for sustainable healthcare management. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal are realized by comparison with other methods.

Irrigation Salinity Risk Assessment and Mapping in Arid Oasis, Northwest China

Irrigation salinity is a common environmental threat for sustainable development in the Keriya Oasis, arid Northwest China. It is mainly caused by unreasonable land management and excessive irrigation. The aim of this study was to assess and map the salinity risk distribution by developing a composite risk index (CRI) for seventeen risk parameters from traditional and scientific fields, based on maximizing deviation method and analytic hierarchy process, the grey relational analysis and the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) sustainability framework. The results demonstrated that the northern part of the Shewol and Yeghebagh village has a very high salinity risk, which might be caused by flat and low terrain, high subsoil total soluble salt, high groundwater salinity and shallow groundwater depth. In contrast, the southern part of the Oasis has a low risk of salinity because of high elevation, proper drainage conditions and a suitable groundwater table. This achievement has shown that southern parts of the Oasis are suitable for irrigation agriculture; for the northern area, there is no economically feasible solution but other areas at higher risk can be restored by artificial measures. Therefore, this study provides policy makers with baseline data for restoring the soil salinity within the Oasis.