Tadeusz Trzaskalik

Dynamic Discrete Programming with Partially Ordered Criteria Set

This paper presents a model of dynamic, discrete, decision-making problem with partially ordered set (exactly the set with transitive and antisymmetric relation). We also show Bellman’s Principle of this kind of a problem by means of properties of maximal elements. Numerical procedures are formulated and an example is given for illustrative purposes. In this example we apply fuzzy parameters of the model.

Inverse Stochastic Dominance and its Application in Production Process Control

We are considering the problem of production process control in a firm, where a point to point type of production organisation is applied and production process control is held according to the Just-in-Time rule. In our paper we propose to solve the problem of production process control as a multiattribute problem. The algorithm, which we are proposing is built on a concept of outranking relation and inverse stochastic dominance. The multiattribute analysis, based on stochastic dominance, applies the utility theory to individual attributes in order to determinate a concordance level among them.

Scheduling non-critical activities using multicriteria approach

In many projects the problem of selecting the start time of a non-critical activity arises. Usually it is possible to use the “as soon as possible” or “as late as possible” rules. In some situations, however, the result of such a decision depends on external factors such as exchange rate. This leads to an approach in which the problem of scheduling non-critical activities is solved using an expanded Cox–Ross–Rubinstein (CRR) binomial tree method. In the paper a bi-criteria problem of determining the start time of a non-critical activity is considered. We assume that the early start and the late start of the activity have been identified using Critical Path Method, but the project manager is free to select the time when the activity will actually be started. This decision cannot, however, be changed later, as it is associated with the allocation of key resources. Two main criteria are considered: cost and risk. While cost depends on exchange rate, risk increases with the delay of the start of the activity. The problem can be described as a dynamic process. We propose a new interactive technique for solving such a bi-criteria decision making problem under risk. The procedure uses trade-offs to identify a candidate solution. The CRR binomial method is applied to evaluate the cost of the activity.

Optimal and Near-Optimal Strategies in Discrete Stochastic Multiobjective Quasi-hierarchical Dynamic Problems

Multi-stage, multi-criteria discrete decision processes under risk are considered and Bellmans principle of optimality is applied. Quasi-hierarchy of multi-period criteria is determined by the decision maker. The aim of the paper is to propose an algorithm to solve quasi-hierarchical problem according to decision maker’s requirements. The process of obtaining the final solution is interactive.

Bonus Distribution for Employees of a Telephone Customer Service Department: A Case Study based on Pairwise Comparisons☆

Abstract The present paper is devoted to the issue of bonus distribution in the Telephone Customer Service Department of a company providing digital services such as Internet telephony and Internet access. We are interested in the selection of employees who will receive a bonus for particularly good performance of their duties in the previous quarter. The criteria of assessment are: f 1 - standardized assessment of conversations taking into account the number of conversations, f 2 - sales, f 3 - additional tasks. The proposed method of solving the problem is based on pairwise comparisons. The aim of this paper is to present the issue of the allocation of bonuses to employees of the company as a problem of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) and solve it using AHP and PROMETHEE II methods.

How to Deal with Overgood and Underbad Alternatives in Bipolar Method

Bipolar is one of the Multiple Attribute Decision Making methods, based on the concept of Bipolar reference objectives, proposed by Konarzewska-Gubala. The essence of the analysis in the Bipolar method consists in a fact that the decision alternatives are not compared directly to each other, but they are confronted to the two sets of reference objects: desirable and non-acceptable. Practical application of the method showed some its shortcomings. It may happen that a decision alternative can be evaluated as better than a desirable reference object and simultaneously as worse than a non-acceptable object. The aim of the paper is to formulate modifications of the classical Bipolar approach to overcome such difficulties.

Hybrid MCDM Model for the Value Evaluation of the Restoration of Historical Objects

As time goes by, every historic object dilapidates and wears out. As the result, the values that it used to represent become obliterated and its effete on the public is weakened. Conservation and restoration of art works aim at preserving the extant matter and, if possible, at bringing the antiques to their former glory in historical value; the more so that the historical value of the objects also increases with time. Conservators’ work, independently of their special fields of interest, should be preceded by research whose goal is the determination of the guidelines for the conservation efforts and the selection of the best methods of action in interdependence and feedback among dimensions and criteria. A thorough analysis determines several possibility methods of action, emphasizing various groups of values. In this study, a hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model based on DNP (DEMATEL-based ANP) is used to assess the historical objects relative values viewed by different groups of experts in inter-relationship problem of real world. The procedures provide a reference guide of improvement directions and efficient art work reservation of historical objects for achieving the aspiration levels.