ABSTRACT Facility location-related decision problems pose a significant challenge for managers due to the multiple and conflicting factors involved. Moreover, incorrect decisions can lead to substantial impacts on companies' long-term strategic planning, resulting in losses for the business. This paper deals with a facility location problem in the educational sector in the northeast region of Brazil, which concerns the definition of the best location to place a private sector technical school, considering multiple objectives throughout a multicriteria approach. The decision-making process is structured based on a 9-step multicriteria model, and the preference elicitation phase is aided by the Flexible and Interactive Tradeoff (FITradeoff) method, using partial information provided by the decision-maker (DM). In the application presented in this paper, preference modeling is conducted considering the combination of two preference elicitation paradigms in the FITradeoff decision process: elicitation by decomposition and holistic evaluations, throughout a flexible approach. The DM’s preferences are elicited interactively, by means of a Decision Support System (DSS). At each interaction, the information given by the DM acts as constraints for a linear programming problem (LPP) model, which is computed in order to verify the potential optimality of each alternative. At the end of the elicitation process, a sensitivity analysis is performed so as to verify the robustness of the results obtained. Insights on the preference modeling paradigms combination with potential advantages for the decision process are also discussed in this paper.

ABSTRACT Aggregate Production Planning (APP) aims at balancing the forecast demand for product families with the available production resources, thus allowing changes to be made in the system and the best action strategy to be found. APP decisions are strategic decisions for the organization, which take an intermediate time horizon which spans 12 months, in general. As different issues may influence business success, this kind of decision problem will take multiple objectives into account, when a strategic view is considered. Conflicts between objectives frequently increase the complexity of APP problems. In order to deal with this kind of problem, this paper proposes a multi-criteria decision model considering the five objectives related to manufacturing strategy, namely: quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, and cost. By applying a multi-objective optimizing model which considers the organization’s strategical objectives, and by using the NSGA-II algorithm, a subset of representative solutions of the Pareto Frontier is obtained, thereby enabling the application of the FITradeoff method. A multi-criteria method, such as the FITradeoff, assists Decision Makers (DMs) in choosing a production plan more suitable to their objectives. The results show that the FITradeoff method contributes to the evaluation of solutions by aiding the DM to consider a significant set of alternatives while at the same time reducing the cognitive effort that he/she needs to make.

ABSTRACT The Flexible and Interactive Tradeoff (FITradeoff) multicriteria method was developed under the scope of the Multiattribute Value Theory (MAVT) to elicit preferences under a partial information perspective. The flexibility of this method has been recently enhanced by the combination of two paradigms of preference modeling in the decision process, namely elicitation by decomposition (ED) and holistic evaluation (HE), improving the preferences elicitation task in a sense that fewer elicitation questions are expected to be answered by the Decision Maker (DM) to find a recommendation for the multicriteria decision making (MCDM) problem. The combination of two preference modelling paradigms in FITradeoff is an innovative characteristic on MCDM methods which deserves further analysis on its implications for the practice of decision making, not yet investigated in previous works. Considering that, this work aims to evaluate the impact of conducting HE in FITradeoff in terms of the expected reduction of the number of questions (NQ) that shall be answered to obtain the problem results. To do so, a simulation study has been carried out, in which multiple criteria problems have been generated and solved by simulating different preferences profiles. Hypotheses on the reduction of the number of questions were formulated and tested for identifying the actual effect of two different types of HE in the elicitation process: selection of the best alternative and elimination of the worst alternative considering a previously defined subset. Besides, we also analyze the relationship between the HE effects and important variables of MCDM problems such as number of criteria (NC), number of alternatives (NA), and weights distribution patterns (WD). The results obtained show that holistic evaluation judgments have a significant impact on the reduction of effort made by the DM in the elicitation process, in a sense that the total number of questions reduces in a significant manner, considering either selection tasks or elimination tasks in HE.

ABSTRACT This paper presents a broad overview of main contributions related to the FITradeoff (Flexible and Interactive Tradeoff) method. FITradeoff is a multicriteria method developed within the scope of the Multiattribute Value Theory (MAVT), considering partial information from the decision maker (DM) in the preference modelling process. Over the last few years, several methodological developments on this method have been published in the literature, as well as practical applications to a wide range of multicriteria decision problems. The most recent methodological advances are related to preference modelling process, which now integrate the two paradigms of elicitation by decomposition and holistic evaluation. Furthermore, contributions from behavioral studies, some of them including decision neuroscience, have enhanced the DSS free available for FITradeoff. In this paper, all previously developed works related to the FITradeoff method are approached, considering both methodological developments and practical applications. A summary on the different modeling approaches for solving different decision problematics (choice, ranking, sorting and portfolio) with FITradeoff is presented. The recently proposed combination of preference modeling paradigms - elicitation by decomposition and holistic evaluation - within the FITradeoff decision process is explained, as well its potential advantages for the elicitation process. Moreover, a brief review on the practical applications of the method in different contexts is presented. In addition, this work also brings a summary on the results of behavioral experiments conducted using neuroscience tools with the FITradeoff method, as well the methodological insights resulted from them, and future perspectives of potential research topics related to the FITradeoff method. Flexible Tradeoff MAVT, MAVT , (MAVT) DM (DM years literature problems Furthermore studies approached choice, choice (choice ranking portfolio presented explained Moreover addition (MAVT

ABSTRACT Since most of the studies about outsourcing are focused on mathematical models, this paper seeks to support from theoretical bases the use of partial information to ease the decision-making process; the practical contribution is to apply the FITradeoff method for solving a multicriteria problem of an agricultural research company that seeks to decide about the need to outsource the operation in case to overhead the limited capacity of the analysis services. After the FITradeoff method was applied to elicit preferences from each decision-maker (DM), the results show whether or not it would be feasible to outsource a given service, and what the most promising options are. The method required the DMs to answer in less time only a few questions, which avoided placing an unnecessary cognitive burden on them and proved to be useful in assisting DMs in the decision-making. models decisionmaking decision making process services decisionmaker maker DM, DM , (DM) service questions decisionmaking. making. (DM

ABSTRACT The Flexible and Interactive Tradeoff (FITradeoff) method is a multicriteria decision making/aiding (MCDM/A) method that uses partial information about the decision maker’s (DM’s) preferences in order to build a recommendation. This method preserves the strong axiomatic structure of the traditional tradeoff procedure, with an interactive and flexible process that demands less cognitive effort from the DM. Although FITradeoff has already been applied for aiding several practical decision situations, there is no previous study that tests the performance of this method with respect to expected theoretical benefits such as time and effort reduction. In this context, this paper presents the results of a simulation experiment that aims to analyze the behavior of FITradeoff in a wide range of scenarios. Computational constraints were identified in the simulation process, such as the number of simulations for each iteration. Despite the memory limitation of the software used, the number of total simulations performed was greater than what is commonly found in literature. We investigate how the performance of FITradeoff can be affected by changes in number of criteria, number of alternatives and weight pattern, and therefore it is possible to have a deeper understanding of the method and its main features. Therefore, this work focuses on studying, through simulations, the behavior of the multicriteria method FITradeoff, developed by De Almeida et al. (2016), filling a lack in the literature by analyzing said method in a wide array of scenarios by a simulation process in order to bring a better understanding of the method, as well as to validate it in a simulation study.

ABSTRACT This study puts forward a multi-attribute decision model that determines good production and inventory parameter settings in make-to-stock (MTS) environments controlled by the Conwip (constant work-in-process) method. This model uses a discrete event simulation to evaluate the performance of a system in relation to work-in-process and a finished goods inventory. Based on Multi-Attribute Value Theory (MAVT), a compromise solution is found by taking into account the decision-maker’s preferences and tradeoff judgments as to the attributes of cycle time, throughput rate, holding cost and stockout cost. A numerical application is given to illustrate the use of the proposed multi-attribute model which includes a sensitivity analysis.

Processes that identify top suppliers of new products or services and evaluate the performance of the existing suppliers are essential to strategic alliances. The objective of this article is to propose a framework to select partners for strategic alliances in supply chain management using a multi-criteria method. To reach this objective, the multi-criteria modeling procedure was used to detach the steps of a decision process, which comprises the methodology used in this article. To illustrate the use of the model, a numerical application, with characteristics from a small supermarket using the ELECTRE III method, was presented. The main contribution of the model proposed is to improve the process used to select suppliers for strategic alliances by considering multiple criteria called 'soft factors'. The proposed model suggests a systematic procedure that can reduce uncertainty in the decision process.

The quality of the construction production process may be improved using several different methods such as Lean Construction, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or ISO 18001. Construction companies need a preliminary study and systematic implementation of changes to become more competitive and efficient. This paper presents a multicriteria decision model for the selection and ranking of such alternatives for improvement approaches regarding the aspects of quality, sustainability and safety, based on the PROMETHEE II method. The adoption of this model provides more confidence and visibility for decision makers. One of the differentiators of this model is the use of a fragmented set of improvement alternatives. These alternatives were combined with some restrictions to create a global set of alternatives. An application to three scenarios, considering realistic data, was developed. The results of the application show that the model should be incorporated into the strategic planning process of organizations.

Este trabalho tem por finalidade desenvolver um modelo para a seleção de projetos oriundos do planejamento estratégico de uma empresa do setor elétrico brasileiro, os quais irão compor o portfólio anual. A seleção desses projetos ocorre em um momento em que ainda não existem informações com nível de detalhamento suficiente para a utilização dos critérios quantitativos amplamente empregados como, por exemplo, a taxa interna de retorno e o valor presente líquido. Para o desenvolvimento desse modelo foi utilizado o método de apoio a decisão PROMETHEE V, o qual permitiu a incorporação das restrições existentes ao modelo por meio da utilização de programação linear inteira. O modelo desenvolvido mostrou ser extremamente robusto e atendeu aos objetivos estabelecidos.

This study aims to develop a model for project selection based on the strategic planning of an electric utility in Brazil, which will compose the annual project portfolio. The selection of these projects is made in the absence of information with sufficient detail for the use of the most commonly applied quantitative criteria, for example, the internal rate of return and the net present value. To develop this model, we used the decision support method PROMETHEE V, which allowed for the incorporation of existing restrictions on the model, using integer linear programming. The model is shown to be extremely robust and achieved the study aims.

Este artigo propõe uma nova abordagem para agregação das opiniões de diferentes stakeholders baseado na utilização do Value-Focused Thinking associada ao mapeamento cognitivo. Esta abordagem proposta foi aplicada para a determinação do preço de venda, concentrando-se no caso particular de uma farmácia de manipulação da região Sul do Brasil, o que propiciou um melhor entendimento do problema pelos envolvidos. Este artigo também identifica as implicações de se trabalhar com um grupo de stakeholders isoladamente, gerando diferentes modelos e agregando os pontos de vista a fim de gerar um único resultado no processo de precificação dos insumos.

This study proposes a new approach for aggregating the opinions of different stakeholders based on value-focused thinking combined with cognitive mapping. This approach was applied to determine selling prices, focusing on the particular case of a compounding pharmacy in southern Brazil. This method provides a better understanding of the problem with respect to the members involved. This paper also identifies the implications of working with individual stakeholders, generating different models and combining the viewpoints to obtain a unique result in the process of product pricing.

As well as exploratory activity being at the heart of and guiding the future of the oil industry, it is fundamental that there be a comprehensive analysis covering the various factors and nuances that arise in the selection of exploration projects. Moreover, it is essential that a decision model enables the decisionmaker's preferences to be addressed in a structured (and methodologically correct) way, and one which is easy to understand and to apply in a real-world. Therefore, this paper proposes a multicriteria decision model which underpins using a deterministic procedure for selecting a portfolio of oil and gas exploration projects and thereafter a reality-based application is set out, based on a decision making context within Petrobras.

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma investigação acerca das práticas de gerenciamento da manutenção nas indústrias de manufatura de médio e grande porte da Região Metropolitana de Recife, nos diversos ramos de atividade. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio da aplicação in loco de um questionário que aborda questões importantes do contexto da manutenção. As 50 indústrias entrevistadas foram selecionadas por meio de uma amostragem probabilística cuja estrutura foi extraída do cadastro da Federação das Indústrias do Estado de Pernambuco (anos de 2005 e 2006). As entrevistas foram conduzidas durante o segundo e terceiro trimestres de 2007 e, dentre os resultados encontrados, pode-se afirmar que a manutenção mostrou algumas deficiências que podem ser amenizadas e até mesmo superadas por meio de uma maior atenção a esse setor. Além disso, pode-se destacar que grande parte das indústrias utiliza a experiência gerencial como ferramenta de análise em detrimento de técnicas analíticas mais eficientes para a solução de problemas. Esse comportamento limita os resultados positivos que podem ser obtidos a partir de um tratamento adequado da manutenção.

This article presents the results of a research study on maintenance management practices in medium and large manufacturing industries in the metropolitan area of Recife, in various branches of activity. The survey was carried out by means of in loco application of questionnaires addressing important issues dealing with the context of maintenance. The 50 industries surveyed were selected by probability sampling, where sampling framework was drawn from the records of the Federation of Industries of the State of Pernambuco, in 2005 and 2006. The interviews were conducted during the second and third quarters of 2007. Among the results, it is possible to state that maintenance has presented some shortcomings, which can be mitigated or even overcome through greater attention to the sector. Moreover, it is possible to note that most industries use experience as a management tool, at the expense of more efficient analytical techniques for solving problems. This behavior limits the positive results that can be obtained from an appropriate treatment to maintenance.