Participatory Technique Supporting Environmental Management: A Systematic and Bibliometric Review

The increasing need to manage natural resources sustainably, driven by population growth, requires the simultaneous use of Participatory Techniques (PT) and landscape planning for structured decision-making. We conducted a bibliometric and systematic review to provide an overview of PT usage, identifying evolution in scientific production. We considered the number of publications and citations, prominent journals, and highly cited articles on scientific papers published in the Web of Science database between 1993 and 2023. A total of 415 articles related to PT were identified. After content evaluation, 19 critical articles were selected that underpin the growing combined use of models and indices with PT, enhancing the robustness and credibility of decision-making processes.

Engineering complex systems applied to risk management in the mining industry

Related to complexity, there is a wide diversity of concepts, ranging from ‘‘systemic" to ‘‘complex", implying a need for a unified terminology. Per different authors, the main drivers of complexity can be found in human behaviour and uncertainty. This complexity, structural or dynamic can be organizational, technological, or nested in their relationship. ISO international standard 31000:2009 definition of risk management ‘‘coordinated activities to direct and control an organization with regard to risk", when applied to economic sectors, industry, services, project, or activity, it requires the use of models or theories as guidelines. Therefore, as its basic elements comprehend human behaviour and/or uncertainty, risk management to be effective and adapted as much as possible to reality, must be operational within complex systems, as already demonstrated in different R&D environments. Risk management faces demanding challenges when approaching specific and endogenous needs, such as the mining sector. This paper presents a multivariable function analysis methodology approach based on complex system modelling and through real data corresponding to a risk management tool in the mining sector.

An Interactive Expert System Based Decision Making Model for the Management of Transit System Alternate Fuel Vehicle Assets

Traditionally, the process used by public transportation entities to determine the acquisition strategy for new vehicle asset is based upon a broad range of criteria. Vehicle cost has been cited as one of the more critical factors which decision makers consider. It is currently a common practice to consider other factors (life-cycle cost, fuel efficiency, vehicle reliability, environmental effects, etc.) that contribute to a more comprehensive approach. This study investigates the next generation of advancements in decision making tools in the area of the application of methods to quantify and manage uncertainty. In particular, the uncertainty comes from the public policy arena where future policy and regulations are not always based upon logical and predictable processes. The fleet decision making process in most governmental agencies is a very complex and interdependent activity. There are always competing forces and agendas within the view of the decision maker. Rarely is the decision maker a single person although, within the transit environment, there is often one person charged with the responsibility of fleet management. The focus of this research examines the decision making of the general transit agency community via the development of an expert systems prototype tool. A computer-based prototype system is developed which provide an expert knowledge-based recommendation, based upon variable user inputs. The results shown in this study show that a decision making tool for the management of transit system alternate fuel vehicle assets can be modeled and tested. The direct users of this research are the transit agency administrations. The results can be used by the management teams as a reliable input to inform their urban transit buses expansion decision making process.

Implications COVID-19 on Performance and Energy Management in the Production Electricity

The COVID-19 pandemic has directly impacted the electric power industry;the energy sector has experienced huge losses in electricity production.These losses have also affected the reliability of communication and employees’performance,hence destabilizing the electric power system.This article aims at achieving two objectives.First,analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the communication of performance(human error and human factors)and energy management in electricity production.Second,to develop a conceptual framework model to alleviate effects of the pandemic on the power sector and then improve energy management and human performance.This paper involves investigating the influence of the COVID19 pandemic on the global production of electricity in the first quarters of 2019 and 2020.A conceptual model was developed based on a case study.Additionally,to ensure reliability,a variable,namely COVID-19,was used as a moderator to examine the effects of the independent and dependent variables.The results show that scores for the internet of things(IoT)with awareness and communication(A&C)and workplace environment management were high with Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.87 for the IoT and 0.89 for A&C.These numbers are important indicators of factors that could affect performance and energy management and should not be overlooked by the top management.The results also indicate that the pandemic has had a direct effect on the electricity production sector,and the conceptual framework model revealed that COVID-19,as a moderator,has a direct effect on the variables that significantly affect the improvement of both energy management and employee performance.The case study’s results confirm the poor performance in power plant maintenance and operation,in which human error would increase especially in Iraqi power plants that have not yet adopted any internationally recognized standards for energy management.This paper contributes to the literature studying COVID-19’s impact on the electricity sector in two ways:first,by developing a model to assist the electricity production sector mitigating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,and second,by providing a detailed investigation into the pandemic’s impact on the electricity sector’s global production.The findings are hoped to assist researchers and research centers in understanding the general and specific framework to manage the pandemic’s effects on electricity production.

The Neural Mechanisms of Utility and Ethic in the Management Moral Decision Making

The study aimed at investigating the neural mechanism of business moral decision-making. 15 participants were presented with a set of 96 dilemmas in business situation. Participants were required to decide between option 1 (more utilitarian decision for self benefit) and 2 (ethical decision for fairness or institution). ERPs were recorded to a slide displaying the letter 1 and 2 when subjects were deciding between options. The selection rate was calculated after the experiment as the behavior data. The business moral dilemmas prompted more ethical option. A larger P260 component was elicited in the left frontal lobe area when participants were deciding to act ethically. On the other hand, decisions on utilitarian aroused weaker emotional experience, as supported by the shorter LPC and smaller P260 amplitude.

Testing of Decision Making Tools for Village Land Use Planning and Natural Resources Management in Kilimanjaro Region

This paper focuses on participatory testing of decision making tools (DMTs) at village level to assist in development of land use plans (LUPs) for sustainable land management (SLM) in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Data were collected using conditional surveys through key informant interviews with the project’s district stakeholders in each district, focused group discussions with selected villagers and participatory mapping of natural resources. Soil health, land degradation, carbon stock, and hydrological conditions were assessed in the seven pilot villages in all seven districts using DMTs as part of testing and validation. Results indicated soils of poor to medium health, and land degradation as portrayed by gullies and wind erosion in lowlands and better in uplands. Carbon and forest disturbance status could not be assessed using one-year data but hydrological analysis revealed that water resources were relatively good in uplands and poor in the lowlands. Challenges with regard to land use include increased gully erosion, decreased stream flow, reduced vegetation cover due to shifting from coffee with tree sheds to annual crops farming, cultivation near water sources, and overgrazing. Empowering the community with decision making tools at village level is essential to ensure that village land uses are planned in a participatory manner for sustainable land and natural resources management in Kilimanjaro and other regions in Tanzania.

Forest use suitability:Towards decision-making-oriented sustainable management of forest ecosystem services

Management of forest lands considering multi-functional approaches is the basis to sustain or enhance the provi-sion of specific benefits,while minimizing negative impacts to the environment.Defining a desired management itinerary to a forest depends on a variety of factors,including the forest type,its ecological characteristics,and the social and economic needs of local communities.A strategic assessment of the forest use suitability(FUS)(namely productive,protective,conservation-oriented,social and multi-functional)at regional level,based on the provision of forest ecosystem services and trade-offs between FUS alternatives,can be used to develop management strategies that are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the forest.The present study assesses the provision of multiple forest ecosystem services and employs a decision model to identify the FUS that sup-ports the most present and productive ecosystem services in each stand in Catalonia.For this purpose,we apply the latest version of the Ecosystem Management Decision Support(EMDS)system,a spatially oriented decision support system that provides accurate results for multi-criteria management.We evaluate 32 metrics and 12 as-sociated ecosystem services indicators to represent the spatial reality of the region.According to the results,the dominant primary use suitability is social,followed by protective and productive.Nevertheless,final assignment of uses is not straightforward and requires an exhaustive analysis of trade-offs between all alternative options,in many cases identifying flexible outcomes,and increasing the representativeness of multi-functional use.The assignment of forest use suitability aims to significantly improve the definition of the most adequate management strategy to be applied.

Application of TOPSIS Method in Support of Decisions Made in Staff Management Issues

Evaluation model was proposed which refers to fuzzy formalism of the personnel management issues taking account their specific characteristics. Application of TOPSIS （technique for order Performance by similarity to ideal solution） method for evaluation and regulation of alternatives based on hierarchically structured criteria of qualitative character by multiple experts to intellectually support decisions made in staff management issues is reviewed in the article. Candidate selection experiment based on criteria system formed using TOPSIS method for evaluation of candidates during solution of hiring problems reviewed and obtained results were compared with results obtained using Matlab program package.

Application of an Optimized Entropy-TOPSIS Multicriteria Decision Making Model to Facilities Management

Performance evaluation of facilities management plays a key role in the facilities management process. This paper proposes an optimized multicriteria decision making model to evaluate the performance of facilities management in schools in Hong Kong. In this model, entropy weights acted as weight coefficients for evaluated criteria in order to avoid uncertainty and randomicity of subjective judgments. Besides, the TOPSIS method was incorporated in this model. Then this model was em- ployed to evaluate the performance of facilities management in classrooms, offices and laboratories and satisfying results were obtained. Moreover, findings indicated that one of the schools could be rehabilitated rather than removed.

A Dynamic Knowledge Model for Nitrogen Fertilizationin Wheat Management

By analyzing and extracting the research progress on nitrogen fertilization in wheat, a dynamic knowledge model for management decision-making on total nitrogen rate, ratios of organic to inorganic and of basal to dressing nitrogen under different environments and cultivars in wheat was developed with principle of nutrient balance and by integrating the quantitative effects of grain yield and quality targets, soil characters, variety traits and water management levels. Case studies on the nitrogen fertilization model with the data sets of different eco-sites, cultivars, soil fertility levels, grain yield and quality targets and water management levels indicate a good performance of the model system in decision-making and wide applicability.

Multiple Hierarchy Decision Analysis of Science Funds Management System

This article discusses a multiple hierarchy decision analysis in which the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Delphi method were combined with practice of funds management so as to obtain a scientific management system. The design procedures and a practical example have been given to verify the feasibility. The work was supported by China National Natural Science Foundation (NNSF), and the introduced procedures have been used in some departments of the NNSF.

Effect of Intention on Outcome Bias in Decision Making—Implications for Safety Management

The evidence of outcome bias was explored in a two-player (Player 1: allocator and Player 2: evaluator) economic game experiment where the reward allocation was made between two players. The experimental factors were the intention of an allocator (Player 1), the type of chosen dice (selfish, fair, and generous), and the outcome (selfish, fair, and generous). The outcome bias occurred when the type of dice chosen by the allocator (Player 1) was not only a selfish one but also a generous one. The comparison between the two conditions (intentional and no-intentional conditions) definitely showed that Player 2 punished Player 1 to a larger extent when the outcome was disadvantageous for Player 2 (selfish outcome) and Player 2 rewarded Player 1 when the outcome was advantageous (generous outcome) irrespective of whether the die was chosen out of the three types intentionally or not. Moreover, the outcome bias was not observed when the outcome was fair. Thus, we could verify the hypothesis that we are readily got trapped in the outcome bias. Some implications were given for safety management that put more emphasis on the process than on the outcome.

Insensitivity to Unethical Behavior in Dictator Game When Indirectly Intermediated-Implications of Indirect Blindness for Safety Management

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that indirect mediation in behaviors leads to insensitivity to unethical behavior through a dictator game and to give some implications for safety management. The indirect involvement in the unethical behavior such as the violation of regulation is believed to lessen the responsibility and the criticism from others for the unethical behavior as compared to the direct involvement in it. The instruction condition for the evaluator of behavior in a dictator game was taken up as an experimental variable. Instruction condition 1 was to pay attention to the behavior of only a dictator. In instruction condition 2, the participant (evaluator) was required to review all players’ behavior and evaluate a dictator. It has been investigated whether allowing indirect actions (mediations) leads to reduced punishment as a function of the instruction condition. While the punishment to the indirectness did not get smaller for instruction condition 2, the punishment to the indirectness tended to get smaller only for instruction condition 1.

A Study on Development of Balanced Scorecard for Management Evaluation Using Multiple Attribute Decision Making

Recently, most businesses have introduced a system for improving their responsibility to the customers in terms of job improvement. For example, small-quantity batch production increases cost but improve efficiency of management. Companies have been introduced the balanced scorecard to evaluate their management as part of improvement, while they suffer from many trials and errors. Many businesses still have difficulty in introducing balance scorecard concept in their process, but we suggest a method to successfully introduce the balance scorecard. This study aims to suggest a new performance measurement model reflecting relative importance of the key performance indicators for each factor. Our model is applied to several companies in real-world to validate the new model. Also, our study proposes a methodology for an adequate performance measurement using multiple attribute decision making.

Commercialization Management of National Commodities for Oil and Gas Industry in Iran

This article shows a side segment of efforts toward finding ways to successfully commercialize a high tech product in Iran. During last decades, sanctions against importing petrochemical most used and needed utilities caused difficulties for Iranian petrochemical production chain. Inconveniences provoked Iranian specialists to achieve technical knowledge toward finding new ways of local producing. Attempting（s） had been encompassed to complete the whole chain of production and consumption inside of the country. Concepts implicate that during recent years, Iranian specialists have taken special steps toward localizing needed catalysts as an example of important commodities. Considerable amount of analyses have been made by Iranian petrochemical community probing the problems and obstacles associated with successful producing and what it really takes for a successful commercialization. Thematic analysis has been implicated as the research method to evaluate concepts represented as interviewees＇ analyzed declarations. Themes are analyzed toward mapping a successful merging with parties involved along with focusing on national commercializing streamline. Findings show that the idea of executing venture capital agencies as a new sector in the sequence of Iranian governmental and private petrochemical network has been appraised. Also, evaluating network management between parties involved and ways of policy making by the expert individuals are considered as the foremost factors to converse. Benchmarking feels as a necessary aspect as well to consider in the merging process. It has been concluded vital for Iranian companies to assess their own efficiency with accepted international standards, while on the other hand, they can take benchmark as a coming out opportunity when they commercialize in new intact market cooperating with renowned foreign companies.

On Fuzzy Modeling in Management

In the process of solving the control tasks of complex objects, the persons making the decision often have to deal with the uncertainty of the environment fimctioning, for example, in economics and management, they have to make decisions in an uncertain state of the financial assets, economic environment, and so on. The modem design of decision-making under uncertainty is closely related to the application of fuzzy set theory which was developed by American scientist Zadeh. Experts＇ evaluation of alternatives for a variety of measure for decision-making can be represented as fuzzy sets or numbers expressed using membership functions. The theory of fuzzy sets has found its application in different fields of mathematics, biology, psychology, linguistics, and other application areas. In this paper, authors are interested in determining of fuzzy modeling in management and other relevant science （economic, financial, and ecological） and would have vector options to efficiency and environment program.

How Much Tourism Is Too Much? Stakeholder’s Perceptions on Overtourism, Sustainable Destination Management During the Pandemic of COVID-19 Era in Santorini Island Greece

The newly adapted concept of“overtourism”based on the old concept of carrying capacity has emerged in various destinations worldwide and it seems to be one of the most important issues on destination management literature.Santorini is one of the most picturesque islands globally and at the same time one of the destinations that have been incorporated into the discourse of overtourism.However,Santorini is different to many of the destinations exposed to overtourism as an island destination with specific limitations in physical space,natural and physical resources.For many years we have experienced the rapid growth of tourism worldwide until the emergence of the COVID pandemic that stopped almost every economic activity.The rapid increase of visitors in Santorini had various impacts on the island’s economy,society,and environment.This paper is about overtourism on the Aegean Island of Santorini,where overtourism has been a fact for several years.In the island tourism development is evident but sustainability is a critical theme for the locals,the entrepreneurs,and the tourism industry of the destination.In this paper the perceptions of the destination’s stakeholders are examined on issues like sustainability,overtourism,and the impacts of the pandemic.Finally,the paper examines the stakeholders’thoughts on the possibility of the pandemic might become the springboard for redefining tourism on the island.

The Role of Blockchain in E-Governance and Decision-Making in Project and Program Management

This paper discusses the impact of e-governance powered by blockchain in the project and program management industry. With the rise in technological innovations, many countries have turned to e-governance for efficiency in service delivery, transparency, and decision-making. E-governance backed by blockchain technology entails improving the public services provision by implementing structures of information and communication technologies. There are many challenges with the traditional project management approach that causes organizations and its stakeholders’ cost and time. Thus, the introduction of blockchain has given many organizations a new approach to adopt in order to eliminate the challenges associated with the typical project management approach. In spite of the cutting-edge technology of blockchain and its broad applications in program management and e-governance, there are still many challenges that restrain its adoption on a broader scale. The research discusses the challenges of the blockchain deployment in the program management field and e-governance in private and government sectors and it highlights the efforts put by both sectors to make use of the technology. Also, the research covers the opportunities and the advantages of a blockchain adoption in various segments. The paper uses various case studies in the UAE, in both private and government sectors, and a qualitative research approach was implemented. The case studies were on government entities such as Smart Dubai and the Ministry of Health Prevention and also private entities like DP World and Emirates NBD. The paper concludes with recommendations and solutions on how to maximize the benefit of blockchain in the program management industry and how it is improving the decision-making process.

Optimal agronomical practices package for wheat modelized cultivation management in Beijing area

Based on the principles of system engineering,economics theory and local conditionof production,studies carried out by taking“quadratic-regression-orthogonal-rotational” and ran-domized complete block designs to determine the Optimal Agronomical Practices Package（OAPP）for Wheat Modelized Cultivation Management（WMCM）by system decision-makinganalysis.The OAPP was expected to meet various goals of different levels of yield and economicbenefit of middle and high fertility land in Beijing area.Taking cultivar JINGDONG-1（"JD-1"）asan example,the OAPP for grain yield≥6750 kg/ha and net benefit≥360 US （?）/ha was consist-ed as follows:density=195 plants/m2;spring irrigation times=4（stem elongation,booting,flowering,and 20 days after anthesis）;fertilization=150-188 kg N/ha,113-128 kg P2O5/ha.

Use of Wikis in Organizational Knowledge Management

This article presents the mapping of wiki tool functions in the organizational processes of knowledge management. Mapping these functions and their individual weights in the overall process will identify opportunities for decision-making and the optimization of knowledge sharing, a recognized asset in differentiation and organizational competitiveness. This is an exploratorydescriptive case study based on data collected from a questionnaire applied to 80 IT workers employed at a multinational company in Brazil. The use of mixed methods in data analysis was complemented by content analysis of the research corpus created. A theoretical model is graphically developed following Nonaka and Takeuchi’s knowledge spiral model (1997), a conventional model in knowledge management. In addition, an indicator of the individual contribution of each step in the conversion process of tacit into explicit knowledge is introduced. This case study alone does not enable a generalization of the findings. Therefore, a replication of the process and especially multiple testing of the constructed indicator are indispensable to its validation. Validation of the use of the wiki tool functions will allow the future development of measurements that can be directly employed in the organizational decision-making process. Statistically, a theoretical model is qualitatively discussed, which enables the construction of an initial indicator of the weight of individual contribution of steps in the knowledge generation process using the knowledge spiral model.