A consistency improving method in the analytic hierarchy process based on directed circuit analysis

Test of consistency is critical for the analytic hierarchy process(AHP) methodology. When a pairwise comparison matrix(PCM) fails the consistency test, the decision maker(DM) needs to make revisions. The state of the art focuses on changing a single entry or creating a new matrix based on the original inconsistent matrix so that the modified matrix can satisfy the consistency requirement. However, we have noticed that the reason that causes inconsistency is not only numerical inconsistency, but also logical inconsistency, which may play a more important role in the whole inconsistency. Therefore, to realize satisfactory consistency, first of all, we should change some entries that form a directed circuit to make the matrix logically consistent, and then adjust other entries within acceptable deviations to make the matrix numerically consistent while preserving most of the original comparison information. In this paper, we firstly present some definitions and theories, based on which two effective methods are provided to identify directed circuits. Four optimization models are proposed to adjust the original inconsistent matrix. Finally, illustrative examples and comparison studies show the effectiveness and feasibility of our method.

Construction of Value Models of Consumer Creation for Agricultural Products Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)

With the increased competition of modern economy and globalization,consumer creation which based on the analysis of consumer behavior was more and more attentioned and respected by business.Based on the meaning and characteristics of agricultural product consumer creation,index system of value model of agricultural product consumer creation was put forward through analytical hierarchy process（AHP）.The weights of the indicators and related indicators of impact on the value were analyzed,and value models of agricultural product consumer creation were constructed to provide ideas for development of agricultural product consumer market and research of consumer value.Consumer creation was constructed to provide ideas for development of agricultural product consumer market and research of consumer value.

Analysis of Landscape Vitality of Historical and Cultural Blocks Based on AHPFuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method:A Case Study of Daopashi Street in Anqing City

Historical and cultural blocks are witnesses of history and inheritors of culture. As one of the main spaces for outdoor interaction in historical and cultural blocks, the improvement of its vitality is of great significance for the improvement of residential environment and the better inheritance of history and culture. Taking Daopashi Street in Anqing City as an example, an evaluation model of landscape spatial vitality of historical and cultural blocks was constructed from three aspects of viewing function, store status and service facilities, and analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the index weight and vaguely evaluate the landscape spatial vitality of historical and cultural blocks. The results show that through the comparison of weight, architectural style(0.317), the practicability of service facilities(0.168) and plant landscape(0.165) had a significant impact on the landscape spatial vitality of historical and cultural blocks,and the landscape spatial vitality of historical and cultural blocks in Daopashi Street in Anqing City was at a good level.

Application of Choquet Integral-Importance-Performance Analysis and TOPSIS Methods in Approaching the Preference Factors of Calligraphy and Seal Engraving Imagery

Classical Chinese characters,presented through calligraphy,seal engraving,or painting,can exhibit different aesthetics and essences of Chinese characters,making them the most important asset of the Chinese people.Calligraphy and seal engraving,as two closely related systems in traditional Chinese art,have developed through the ages.Due to changes in lifestyle and advancements in modern technology,their original functions of daily writing and verification have gradually diminished.Instead,they have increasingly played a significant role in commercial art.This study utilizes the Evaluation Grid Method(EGM)and the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)to research the key preference factors in the application of calligraphy and seal engraving imagery.Different from the traditional 5-point equal interval semantic questionnaire,this study employs a non-equal interval semantic questionnaire with a golden ratio scale,distinguishing the importance ratio of adjacent semantic meanings and highlighting the weighted emphasis on visual aesthetics.Additionally,the study uses Importance-Performance Analysis(IPA)and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS)to obtain the key preference sequence of calligraphy and seal engraving culture.Plus,the Choquet integral comprehensive evaluation is used as a reference for IPA comparison.It is hoped that this study can provide cultural imagery references and research methods,injecting further creativity into industrial design.

The Research on the Impact Factors of the Comprehensive Evaluation of Communication Unit Camps Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process

Currently, the comprehensive assessment of the communication troops’ camp planning project is primarily qualitative, with limited quantitative evaluation. Drawing upon the relevant spirit of the Military Commission’s documents and leveraging the author’s own work experience in branch offices, this article thoroughly explores the factors influencing the comprehensive assessment of the project and proposes quantitative representation methods for these factors. Utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a hierarchical structure model and judgment matrix for the evaluation factors of the communication troops’ camp construction planning project are constructed, enabling the determination of the weightage of each factor. This provides a certain level of support and reference for the project approval and management by branch offices, while also offering valuable insights for the approval and management of camp planning and construction projects in other types of troops and battlefield projects.

Marginal optimization method to improve the inconsistent comparison matrix in the analytic hierarchy process

To improve the inconsistency in the analytic hierarchy process(AHP), a new method based on marginal optimization theory is proposed. During the improving process, this paper regards the reduction of consistency ratio(CR) as benefit, and the maximum modification compared to the original pairwise comparison matrix(PCM) as cost, then the improvement of consistency is transformed to a benefit/cost analysis problem. According to the maximal marginal effect principle, the elements of PCM are modified by a fixed increment(or decrement) step by step till the consistency ratio becomes acceptable, which can ensure minimum adjustment to the original PCM so that the decision makers’ judgment is preserved as much as possible. The correctness of the proposed method is proved mathematically by theorem. Firstly, the marginal benefit/cost ratio is calculated for each single element of the PCM when it has been modified by a fixed increment(or decrement).Then, modification to the element with the maximum marginal benefit/cost ratio is accepted. Next, the marginal benefit/cost ratio is calculated again upon the revised matrix, and followed by choosing the modification to the element with the maximum marginal benefit/cost ratio. The process of calculating marginal effect and choosing the best modified element is repeated for each revised matrix till acceptable consistency is reached, i.e., CR<0.1. Finally,illustrative examples show the proposed method is more effective and better in preserving the original comparison information than existing methods.

Relationship of public preferences and behavior in residential outdoor spaces using analytic hierarchy process and principal component analysis—a case study of Hangzhou City, China

This study examined public attitudes concerning the value of outdoor spaces which people use daily. Two successive analyses were performed based on data from common residents and college students in the city of Hangzhou, China. First, citizens registered various items constituting desirable values of residential outdoor spaces through a preliminary questionnaire. The result proposed three general attributes (functional, aesthetic and ecological) and ten specific qualities of residential outdoor spaces. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to an interview survey in order to clarify the weights among these attributes and qualities. Second, principal factors were extracted from the ten specific qualities with principal component analysis (PCA) for both the common case and the campus case. In addition, the variations of respondents’ groups were classified with cluster analysis (CA) using the results of the PCA. The results of the AHP application found that the public prefers the functional attribute, rather than the aesthetic attribute. The latter is always viewed as the core value of open spaces in the eyes of architects and designers. Fur-thermore, comparisons of ten specific qualities showed that the public prefers the open spaces that can be utilized conveniently and easily for group activities, because such spaces keep an active lifestyle of neighborhood communication, which is also seen to protect human-regarding residential environments. Moreover, different groups of respondents diverge largely in terms of gender, age, behavior and preference.

Energy Efficiency Evaluation Based on Data Envelopment Analysis Integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process in Ethylene Production

Energy efficiency data from ethylene production equipment are of high dimension, dynamic and time sequential, so their evaluation is affected by many factors. Abnormal data from ethylene production are eliminated through consistency test, making the data consumption uniform to improve the comparability of data. Due to the limit of input and output data of decision making unit in data envelopment analysis(DEA), the energy efficiency data from the same technology in a certain year are disposed monthly using DEA. The DEA data of energy efficiency from the same technology are weighted and fused using analytic hierarchy process. The energy efficiency data from different technologies are evaluated by their relative effectiveness to find the direction of energy saving and consumption reduction.

Landslide susceptibility analysis of Karakoram highway using analytical hierarchy process and scoops 3D

Landslides are prevalent,regular,and expensive hazards in the Karakoram Highway(KKH)region.The KKH connects Pakistan with China in the present China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC)context.This region has not only immense economic importance but also ecological significance.The purpose of the study was to map the landslide-prone areas along KKH using two different techniquesAnalytical Hierarchy Process(AHP)and Scoops 3 D model.The causative parameters for running AHP include the lithology,presence of thrust,land use land cover,precipitation,and Digital Elevation Model(DEM)derived variables(slope,curvature,aspect,and elevation).The AHP derived final landslide susceptibility map was classified into four zones,i.e.,low,moderate,high,and extremely high.Over 80%of the study area falls under the moderate(43%)and high(40%)landslide susceptible zones.To assess the slope stability of the study area,the Scoops 3 D model was used by integrating with the earthquake loading data.The results of the limit equilibrium analysis categorized the area into four groups(low,moderate,high,and extremely high mass)of slope failure.The areas around Main Mantle Thrust(MMT)including Dubair,Jijal,and Kohistan regions,had high volumes of potential slope failures.The results from AHP and Scoops 3 D techniques were validated with the landslides inventory record of the Geological Survey of Pakistan and Google Earth.The results from both the techniques showed similar output that coincides with the known landslides areas.However,Scoops 3 D provides not only susceptible zones but also the range of volume of the potential slope failures.Further,these techniques could be used in other mountainous areas,which could help in the landslide mitigation measures.

Susceptibility assessment of debris flows using the analytic hierarchy process method——A case study in Subao river valley, China

Many debris flows have occurred in the areas surrounding the epicenter of the Wenchuan earthquake. Susceptibility assessment of debris flows in this area is especially important for disaster prevention and mitigation. This paper studies one of the worst hit areas, the Subao river valley, and the susceptibility assessment of debris flows is performed based on field surveys and remote sensing interpretation. By investigating the formation conditions of debris flows in the valley, the following assessment factors are selected： mixture density of landslides and rock avalanches, distance to the seismogenic fault, stratum lithology, ground roughness, and hillside angle. The weights of the assessment factors are determined by the analytic hierarchy process （AHP） method. Each of the assessment factors is further divided into five grades. Then, the assessment model is built using the multifactor superposition method to assess the debris flow susceptibility. Based on the assessment results, the Subao river valley is divided into three areas： high susceptibility areas, medium susceptibility areas, and low susceptibility areas. The high susceptibility areas are concentrated in the middle of the valley, accounting for 17.6%of the valley area. The medium susceptibility areas are in the middle and lower reaches, most of which are located on both sides of the high susceptibility areas and account for 45.3% of the valley area. The remainders are clas-sified as low susceptibility areas. The results of the model are in accordance with the actual debris flow events that occurred after the earthquake in the valley, confirming that the proposed model is capable of assessing the debris flow susceptibility. The results can also provide guidance for reconstruction planning and debris flow prevention in the Subao river valley.

Research and application of sidewall stability predic-tion method based on analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy integrative evaluation method

As a difficult problem, sidewall instability has been beset drilling workers all the time. Not only does it cause huge economic losses, but also it determines the success or failure of drilling engineering. Due to complex relationship between various factors which influence sidewall stability, it hasn’t been found a widely applied method to predicate sidewall stability so far. Therefore, in order to formulate corresponding measures to ensure successful drilling, searching for a kind of better method to forecast sidewall stability before drilling becomes an imperative and significant topic for drilling engineering. On the basis of traditional sidewall stability analytical method, we have put forward the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method to forecast sidewall stability regulation using physico-chemical performance parameters of the clay mineral. This method has been improved by introducing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Maximum Subjection Principle in the application process. After introducing Analytic Hierarchy Process to identify weight, and Maximum Subjection Principle to obtain evaluation results, it has reduced the influence of human factors and enhanced the accuracy of the fuzzy evaluation results. The application in Hailaer Area indicates that this method can predict sidewall stability of gas-oil well with high credibility and strong practicability.

Landfill Siting Using GIS and AHP （Analytical Hierarchy Process）： A Case Study AI-Qasim Qadhaa, Babylon, Iraq

The selection of a landfill site is considered as a complicated task because this process is based on many factors and restrictions. For Al-Qasim Qadhaa, which is situated in the southern part of the Babylon Governorate, Iraq, there is no landfill site in that area that conforms to the scientific criteria for selecting sites for landfill. For this reason, 15 criteria were adopted in this study （groundwater depth, rivers, soil types, agriculture lands use, land use, elevation, slope, gas pipelines, oil pipelines, power lines, roads, railways, urban centers, villages and archaeological sites） using GIS （geographic information system）, which has a large ability to manage input data. In addition, the AHP （analytical hierarchy process） method was used to derive the relative weightings for each criterion using pair-wise comparison. To obtain the suitability index for candidate landfill sites, a weighted linear combination method was used. After combining these methods, two suitable candidate landfill sites, with areas of 2.766 km2 and 2.055 km2, respectively, were found to satisfy the scientific and environmental requirements. The area of these sites can accommodate solid waste from 2020 until 2030 based on the required area, which was 0.702 km2.

Evaluation and Optimization of the Logistics Service of Agricultural Products:an Empirical Analysis Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process

This research,from the theories of management science,supply chain management and logistics engineering,on the basis of extensive investigations,and using the method of analytic hierarchy process(AHP),evaluates the present situation of logistics service of agricultural products.Taking Nanping City(Nanping)as a case,it explores the obstacles existing in current logistics service system and the factors limiting the development of agricultural product logistics service.Combining with the theory of modern logistics system,it reveals the problems in the logistics system and the causes,and then constructs the strategy of optimization for agricultural product logistics service in Nanping.The conclusion of the study can be references for the government to make scientific strategies for the development of the agricultural product logistics service and help logistics enterprises improve their service level.

Assessment of Effects of Green Construction by Analytic Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Synthetic Judgment Method

The index system, code system, and weights of indexes are established to assess the effects of green construction. The index system consists of index level, factor level and sub-factor level. The analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the weights of indexes, and the consistency test indicate that the weight assignment is reasonable. Using fuzzy synthetic judgment method, the assessment model is built, which includes factor set, weight set and conclusion set. An example is given to demonstrate the assessment procedures.

An Overview of the Analytic Hierarchy Process （AHP） and Its Applications to Determine Benchmarking Criteria in Industrial Companies

This paper determines benchmarking criteria from the actors＇ point of view, who are involved in benchmarking processes within four Libyan industrial companies （LICs）. It also describes an application of the analytic hierarchy process （AHP）, which can help an organization to determine its benchmarking criteria. It presents a structured hierarchy for assessing the key capabilities using the AHP. The hierarchy is illustrated using the four main criteria that manufacturing companies will consider when carrying out benchmarking. AHP and benchmarking techniques make the implementation and analysis studies more effective, easy, and applicable to companies. Further, AHP is used to calculate the relative weights of criteria, sub-criteria, and specific sub-criteria, to prioritize them, and finally to select the important benchmarking criteria within each of the four companies investigated. The overall findings suggest that quality control is the most important criterion considered to be benchmarked in companies Q and R. Meanwhile, cost control is considered as the most important criterion to be benchmarked in companies S and T1.

The Use of Analytic Hierarchy Process （AHP） in the Determination of Earnings Quality： The Case of UAE

The purpose of this study is to review and demonstrate how analytic hierarchy process （AHP） can be employed to determine earnings quality. The AHP technique can make the analysis studies more effective, easy, and applicable to companies to calculate the relative weights of each dimension, sub-dimension, and specific sub-dimension of earnings quality. A common understanding of earnings quality is difficult to define and even more difficult to measure precisely. In addition to this, the earnings quality is influenced by factors which are often intangible and immeasurable and, as such, when assessing earnings quality, judgments will be largely subjective. Further, earnings quality is related to business concepts or practices and affected by other factors such as the nature and source of earnings. In relation to this, earnings quality would be directly influenced by the conservatism of the chosen methods. However, earnings quality relates to the persistence of earnings and to the likelihood of cash realization on reported eamings. Overall, the results presented from the paramorphic model under AHP are meant to be descriptive of the decision process of five investment analysts within three different companies. The results in this study offer valuable insights into how a small population of investment analysts actually decides the relative importance of various earnings quality dimensions.

Measuring the Complexity of Business Organization and Business Software Using Analytic Hierarchy Process （AHP）

The paper shows a proposition of metrics for measuring the complexity of the business organization and business software. The metrics is based on a subjective estimation of complexity of the elements from a part of the structure of business organization or business software in relation to other elements from the observed part. Estimation is performed based on the measuring scale for comparison of complexity of elements, and reaching a final conclusion on the complexity of elements in relation to other elements, through the Analytic Hierarchy Process （AHP）. Defined in this manner, the metrics represents a unique metrics for measuring the complexity of elements of business organization and business software, which enables their comparison. The paper also presents a short overview of existing metrics for measuring the complexity of business organization and business software.

Evaluation of ERP Systems Quality Model Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Technique

The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a complex and comprehensive software that integrates various enterprise’s functions and resources. ERP system cleanly encapsulates crosscutting concerns which cannot be encapsulated by other types of information systems like data synchronization and standardization, system complexity and system modularity. Many studies are conducted to propose software quality models with their quality characteristics. However, there is currently no dedicated software quality model that can describe and involve new features of ERP systems. Thus, this study has proposed an ERP system quality model (ERPSQM). Analytic Hierarchy Process AHP has been employed to evaluate the quality of ERPSQM. Furthermore, this proposed model can be used to make a comparison of ERP systems to help companies implement better systems.

Groundwater Exploration Using Multi Criteria Decision Analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Central Nigeria

There exists a growing demand for potable water resources to fill the abysmally insufficient water needs for domestic and industrial especially in the Basement Complex terrains of Nigeria. This situation is attributable to its complex hydrogeologic character. The present challenge has worsened due to the non-incorporation of integrated methods in groundwater exploration campaigns. To effectively combat the challenge of unacceptable failure rates in drilled water well development, there is a need for innovative scientific principles and quantitative assessment of groundwater resources to enhance sustainable and proper utilisation of these resources. Hence, it is the objective of this research to exploit the potential application of remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques and freely open datasets in mapping groundwater potential zones. Seven thematic maps have been produced based on factors that are deemed to influence and deemed to have significant control on the occurrence and movement of groundwater. These factors are geology, lineament density, slope, drainage density, rainfall, land-use/land cover, and soil class. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign normalised weights to the thematic maps based on the various relative contributions to groundwater occurrence and movement. These thematic maps were then processed in a GIS environment using the Weighted Overlay tool which implements the MCDA. The resulting Groundwater Potential Zones (GPZ) of the area gave rise to Five classes viz: Very good, Good, Moderate, Poor and Very Poor representing 19%, 8%, 14%, 47% and 13% respectively. It is recommended that the GPZ map should be used as a reconnaissance tool for selecting prospective sites for detailed groundwater resource exploitation.