ABSTRACT This work presents an integrated decision support process based on Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) applicable to personal and organizational decisions. There are three main goals of this research: (i) present a methodological discussion on Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) and depict how it can contribute to support decision processes; (ii) present an integrated guide for a decision-support process based on VFT to help analysts and decision-makers in conducting decision processes; (iii) present applications of the proposed approach in a personal and a public management problem. This work delivers two main contributions: (a) a unified process that integrates different approaches based on VFT with a consistent structure for sequencing the stages of the decision-making process; and (b) examples that demonstrate the use of the proposed process in real problems and different contexts, presenting insights not thoroughly explored in the literature. ValueFocused Value Focused (VFT decisions research i (i processes ii (ii decisionsupport decisionmakers makers iii (iii problem contributions (a decisionmaking making b (b contexts literature

ABSTRACT In this study, optimization models for the production and logistics tactical planning of the corn supply chain are presented and several outputs are explored. They consider the domestic market for animal consumption, ethanol production, and the international market. They are mainly oriented to support policies and decisions of public agents who have some interference in the supply chain. To evaluate the consistency and effectiveness of the models, they were applied to solve realistic problem instances of the Brazilian corn supply chain considering different scenarios and using data collected from several sources. The outcomes demonstrated that models can produce analysis considering aspects that have not been fully addressed in the literature before, such as some opportunities to use different modes of transport for corn distribution, to contract extra capacity for stocking and the impacts of some state taxes on its production and logistic systems. Other important aspects explored in the scenario analysis are the identification of capacity bottlenecks and investment opportunities. The conclusions and insights are converted into practical interpretations to support relevant supply chain decisions. study consumption sources before distribution systems

ABSTRACT We study a class of integer bilevel problems, the so-called Integer Linear Multiplicative Bilevel Problem, ILMBP, where the constraints are linear and both the upper level problem and the lower level problem are integer linear multiplicative problems. We assume that the k -linear factors of the upper level problem and the l -linear factors of the lower level problem to be non-negative. In this paper, we propose an algorithm based on branch-and-cut method for solving the Integer Linear Multiplicative Bilevel Problem. First, the continuous upper level linear multiplicative problem is solved, then the optimal integer solution obtained is tested for the optimality of the main problem by solving the lower level linear multiplicative problem. If this solution is not optimal for the problem ILMBP, a cut is added to the upper level problem and a new best integer solution is determined. The integer solution is generated by the branching process well known in the branch and bound procedure. Following, the presentation and validation of the algorithm, an example is provided to better visualize the algorithm. problems socalled so called Problem ILMBP nonnegative. nonnegative non negative. negative non-negative paper branchandcut First solved determined procedure Following

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to prioritize which waste should be treated by Lean Healthcare in a medical clinic of a middle-sized Brazilian hospital, using the multicriteria decision support method THOR 2. It focusses on structuring the problem, establishing alternatives through the study hospital and Lean interventions already made in it, and determining the criteria and parameters of THOR 2 with the help of Value Focus Thinking (VFT) and the hospital directors. THOR 2 was able to identify, taking into account its preference relationships in S2, that establishing a Kanban within the hospital’s medical clinic is the preferred and the main contribution and novelty to the literature is the way that multicriteria methods can help in Lean Healthcare decision making. As conclusions, it was possible to establish a prioritization order, maintaining the concept of continuous improvement, arising from Lean Healthcare, while respecting the limits and restrictions of the hospital. middlesized middle sized problem VFT (VFT directors identify S2 S hospitals s making conclusions order improvement

ABSTRACT With the growth of the demand flow and its variability at an emergency department, the complexity to deal with the prioritization of assistance also increases, seeking to offer a quality service. In this sense, several systematized risk triage protocols were created to organize the queues at the emergency, establishing an order of service to ensure that patients do not wait more than a safe time to receive their first medical care. Therefore, the objective of this work is to analyze and evaluate the behavior of an emergency department using a discrete event simulation model. For the results, it was possible to better understand the patient flow, identify problems and difficulties in the system, propose alternatives to deal with patient prioritization, and evaluate the performance of these alternatives through the Goal Question Metric methodology. increases sense care Therefore model results system methodology

ABSTRACT The study addresses decision-making under conditions of uncertainty regarding the development of public policies and sustainable development strategies in an urban region in Brazil. Based on the case study, a decision support framework for planning and prioritizing urban sustainable development strategies (SDS) under uncertainty conditions is developed. In the framework social, economic and environmental factors have been considered using a fuzzy multi-criteria comprehensive evaluation approach in order to analyze and select SDSs. Critical factors and sub-factors for SDS are identified with the active participation of a committee of experts and representatives from different sectors of civil society. As a result, a set of urban sustainable development strategies are prioritized using the Fuzzy VIKOR Method that will help local authorities to improve their decisions. The decision support-framework illustrates the combination and application of Operations Research Methods in solving a complex problem related to decision-making in public management. decisionmaking making Brazil (SDS developed social multicriteria multi criteria SDSs subfactors sub society result decisions supportframework management

ABSTRACT The present study applies a decision spatial model, previously developed, for the case of evaluating human development in the counties of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The factors that encompass social, economic, health, education and territorial aspects of the counties were evaluated. The model makes use of decision rules and identification of spatial clusters to analyze the grouping of cities with better and worse performances. Three analyses were performed obtaining approximate results, verifying the robustness of the model employed. Additionally, the results were compared with the Human Development Index of the counties. In the case of the present study, the compensatory effect was not observed when compared to the original index, and the referred effect arises due to the calculation method used. Furthermore, the practical implication signifies the opportunity to develop public policies associated with the criteria showing poor performance and to visualize spatial patterns existing in municipalities with the same classification. developed Norte social economic health evaluated performances employed Additionally index used Furthermore classification

ABSTRACT Organ transplantation plays a significant role in the healthcare sector, offering hope to patients with chronic diseases and organ failure. However, the logistical aspects of organ transplants present significant hurdles, with inefficiencies leading to organ loss during transportation and fatalities while on the waiting list. In this study, the combined use of Qualitative System Dynamics and Data Envelopment Analysis is employed to investigate, map, and analyze the efficiency of organ transplant logistics across different Brazilian Federative Units. From the Causal Loop Diagram, five (three as inputs and two as outputs) variables were selected to assess the efficiency through an output-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis model considering constant returns to scale. The results highlight efficient/inefficient Units, offering benchmarks and targets for improvement. This integration of methodologies provides a comprehensive perspective, empowering informed and strategic decision-making in the development of effective public policies and optimal allocation of public resources, thereby enhancing precision and efficiency. sector failure However hurdles list study investigate map Units Diagram three outputs outputoriented output oriented scale efficientinefficient efficient inefficient improvement perspective decisionmaking decision making resources

ABSTRACT School dropout has significant consequences for individuals and society, including increased crime, reduced productivity, and limited economic innovation. Identifying students at risk of dropping out is crucial. This paper aims to develop a logistic regression-based tool for predicting dropout in the state’s public schools of Espírito Santo, Brazil. We utilized students’ information, such as grades, school attendance, socioeconomic data, and others, provided by Espírito Santo State Education Secretariat and the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira. Various regularization methods were employed. We compared three model specifications for students in the first year of high school in Espírito Santo using data from 2019 to 2022. The results indicated that the models could identify at-risk students satisfactorily, highlighting the effective use of available data by educational departments to identify potential dropouts. This tool can aid educators in creating targeted interventions to minimize dropout rates. society crime productivity innovation crucial regressionbased regression based states state s Brazil information grades attendance others Teixeira employed 201 2022 atrisk satisfactorily dropouts rates 20 202 2

ABSTRACT Brazilian public universities are essential entities to foment technological and scientific development through the generation and transmission of knowledge; the existence of this environment is only possible through the capture, maintenance, and management of organizational resources. Ensuring the availability of such resources is a complex process. Regarding the management of infrastructure projects, the scenario is especially challenging. Considering this context, the main purpose of this article is to apply a multimethodology, based on Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) and Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), to structure the problem of managing infrastructure projects in a Brazilian Public University, using data collected in a previous analysis to explore the perspective of key stakeholders. The decision-making relevant system was chosen to be detailed and explored. Results show that the proposed multimethodology was able to provide essential diagnosis for the decision situation, bringing three main levels of necessary facilitating intervention. knowledge capture maintenance process challenging context SODA (SODA SSM, SSM , (SSM) University stakeholders decisionmaking making explored situation intervention (SSM

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation is a public research company, comprised of a central management structure and forty-three research centers. Given the recent dismissal of employees, due to retirement or to promoted layoffs, and the expected announcement of a recruitment to replace the staff, it is important to define how these vacancies will be distributed among its member units. This study proposes data envelopment analysis (DEA) models to allocate the vacancies to the company’s research centers, using Zero Sum Gains DEA (ZSG-DEA). We studied both production and performance modeling perspectives. Given the approaches adopted and the variables selected, the ZSG-DEA models generated allocation proposals in which all units are 100% efficient. This is the ideal scenario for a central management: maximum efficiency in the use of its resources. company fortythree forty three centers employees layoffs staff (DEA companys s ZSGDEA. ZSGDEA ZSG . (ZSG-DEA) perspectives selected 100 efficient resources (ZSG-DEA 10 1

ABSTRACT Natural disasters often affect communities that become unable to access vital items. Not infrequently, the profile and scale of disasters require the delivery of various types of material and vital items, gaining prominence in these contexts the launching cargo by aircraft. This study presents a mathematical ballistic launch model that incorporates the main random variables that influence the trajectory of the load, making it possible to conduct analyses to improve the accuracy of launchings. In this way, Monte Carlo Simulations were utilized to investigate the trajectory deviations as a function of certain combinations of controlled factors in the model. Based on these findings, a Response Surface method was implemented, enabling the development of flight profiles that minimize load deviations from a desired impact point on the ground. items infrequently aircraft launchings way findings implemented ground

ABSTRACT Vulnerable regions to drought require resource allocation to develop projects to combat low rainfall negative impacts. In this perspective, this study proposes a multicriteria sorting model to categorize municipalities affected by drought in order to allocate resources according to criticality. The proposed model is based on the FlowSort method for sorting municipalities into highly critical, moderately critical, and slightly critical levels to cope with drought. The model was applied in the Apodi-Mossoró river basin in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, for sorting 14 municipalities. The findings revealed that the public administration could effectively focus its resources on municipalities experiencing more severe drought conditions. Thus, the public administration can develop strategies, public policies, and actions in coping with extreme difficulty. impacts perspective criticality ApodiMossoró Apodi Mossoró Norte Brazil 1 conditions Thus strategies policies difficulty