Chao-Che Hsu

Integrating DANP and modified grey relation theory for the selection of an outsourcing provider

Highlights? This study proposes a novel hybrid model to select an outsourcing provider. ? We combine DANP and grey relation methods and fix some previous drawbacks. ? The model addresses dependent relationships between the various criteria. ? The model could apply to general service industries. Globalization has inevitably forced firms to pursue outsourcing as a strategy to reduce operating costs and improve their competitiveness in the global marketplace. However, a successful outsourcing activity depends on the selection of the appropriate provider. Unlike previous multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods that assume the criteria are independent, we propose a novel hybrid model, combining a Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytical Network Process (ANP) method called DANP, which addresses the dependent relationships between the various criteria to better reflect the real-world situation. At the same time, instead of ranking the alternatives, we apply a modified grey relation method to select and improve the criterion-gaps to the aspiration levels. To demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed model, we use data from a Taiwanese company.

A hybrid ANP model in fuzzy environments for strategic alliance partner selection in the airline industry

Strategic airline alliances are an increasingly common strategy for enhancing airline competitiveness and satisfying customer needs, especially in an era characterized by blurring industry boundaries, fast-changing technologies, and global integration. Airlines have been very active in utilizing this form of strategic development. However, the selection of a suitable partner for a strategic alliance is not an easy decision, involving a host of complex considerations by different departments. Furthermore the decision-makers may hold diverse opinions and preferences arising due to incomplete information and knowledge or inherent conflict between various departments. In this study fuzzy preference programming and the analytic network process (ANP) are combined to form a model for the selection of partners for strategic alliances. The effects of uncertainty and disagreement between decision-makers as well as the interdependency and feedback that arise from the use of different criteria and alternatives are also addressed. This generic model can be easily extended to fulfill the specific needs of a variety of companies.

Improving airline service quality based on rough set theory and flow graphs

This study differs from previous studies by applying multivariate statistical analysis and multi-criterion decision-making methods to the improvement of service quality. We use the rough set theory (RST) with a flow graph approach to determine customer attitudes regarding service quality, which can assist managers in developing strategies to improve service quality and thus satisfy the needs of customers. A set of rules is derived from a large sample of airline customers, and its predictive ability is evaluated. The flow graph and the cause-and-effect relationship of the decision rules are heavily exploited in service quality characteristics. As compared with the results of other data-mining analyses, our results are encouraging. This study demonstrates that the combination of the RST model and flow graphs assists in identifying the needs of customers, determining their characteristics, and facilitating the development of an improvement strategy.

Developing a successful aerotropolis by using a hybrid model under information uncertainty

Many airports are being expanded from transportation centers to economic hubs. This new type of urban area has been termed the aerotropolis or airport metropolis and is meant to function as an economic center with land-use that link local and global markets. However, to find the optimal means for developing an aerotropolis requires additional research, particularly from the viewpoint of long-term public policy and planning. In this study, a multiple criteria decision making model was applied to explore the key factors for successfully building an aerotropolis. We first applied the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory based Analytical Network Process to construct the complex system and influential weights. A modified VIKOR method was then utilized to explore the gaps between the aspiration levels and the current situation. In addition, considering the uncertainty of decision-makers, fuzzy theory was integrated into the model. Data from the Taoyuan Aerotropolis in Taiwan were used to demonstrate this method. The results indicate that internationalization is the most crucial factor within the system, and that administrative efficiency has the highest degree of net influence. The largest weighted gap to the examined aspiration level is adequate regulation. Management implications are provided in the discussion.

A hybrid model for aircraft type determination following flight cancellation

There are several factors that need to be considered in fleet management when it is necessary to resolve disturbances which necessitate aircraft re-assignment due to flight cancellations, making this a multiple-criteria decision-making problem. A change in the type of aircraft assigned can lead to additional alterations as well as directly affecting connecting flights and interconnected schedules serving specific flight segments. Decision-making is crucial and involves the consideration of complex cost effects, with possible disruptive actions evaluated according to the priorities of airline management and the available resources. Airline managers require a practical and flexible tool to help them make appropriate decisions in a rapidly changing and highly competitive environment. Differing from prior studies using mathematical programming, we propose a hybrid model based on the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method and the concepts of analytic network process (DANP) to aid in the decision-making process. We also recommend using the VIKOR method to select the most appropriate alternatives, with the corresponding weights obtained using the DANP method. The efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by testing it on a real-world flight cancellation case and in consultation with experts. The results show that this hybrid model is an effective resource that airline managers can use to address and resolve aircraft re-assignment irregularities.