Procedimiento multicriterio-multiobjetivo de planificaci��n energ��tica a comunidades rurales aisladas

La toma de decisiones en el sector energ��tico se torna compleja frente a las dis��miles opciones y objetivos a cumplir. Para minimizar esta complejidad, se han venido desarrollando una gama amplia de m��todos de apoyo a la toma de decisiones en proyectos energ��ticos. En la ��ltima d��cada, las energizaci��n de comunidades rurales aisladas ha venido siendo prioridad de muchos gobiernos para mitigar las migraciones del campo para la ciudad. Para la toma de decisiones en los proyectos energ��ticos de comunidades rurales aisladas se necesitan proyectar la influencia que estos tendr��s sobre los costes econ��micos, medioambientales y sociales. Es por esta raz��n que el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo dise��ar un modelo original denominado Generaci��n Energ��tica Aut��ctona Y Limpia (GEAYL) aplicado a una comunidad rural aislada de la provincia de Granma en Cuba. Este modelo parte dos modelos que le preceden el PAMER y el SEMA. El modelo GEAYL constituye un procedimiento multicriterio-multiobjetivo de apoyo a la planificaci��n energ��tica para este contexto. Se plantearon cinco funciones objetivos: F1, para la minimizaci��n de los costes energ��ticos; F2 para la minimizaci��n de las emisiones de CO2, F3, para la minimizaci��n de las emisiones de NOx; F4, para la minimizaci��n de las emisiones de SOx (cuyos coeficientes fueron obtenidos a trav��s de la literatura especializada) y F5, para la maximizaci��n de la Aceptaci��n Social de la Energ��a. La funci��n F5 y la manera de obtener sus coeficientes constituye la novedad del presente trabajo. Estos coeficientes se determinaron aplicando el m��todo AHP (Proceso Anal��tico Jer��rquico) con los datos de partidas derivados de una encuesta a los usuarios finales de la energ��a y a expertos. Para determinar el suministro ��ptimo de energ��a se emplearon varios m��todos: la suma ponderada, el producto ponderado, las distancias de Manhattan L1, la distancia Euclidea L2 y la distancia L3. Para estas m��tricas se aplicaron distintos vectores de pesos para determinar las distintas estructuras de preferencias de los decisores. Finalmente, se concluy�� que tener en consideraci��n a Aceptaci��n Social de la Energ��a como una funci��n del modelo influye en el suministro de energ��a de cada alternativa energ��tica. ABSTRACT Energy planning decision making is a complex task due to the multiple options to follow and objectives to meet. In order to minimize this complexity, a wide variety of methods and supporting tools have been designed. Over the last decade, rural energization has been a priority for many governments, aiming to alleviate rural to urban migration. Rural energy planning decision making must rely on financial, environmental and social costs. The purpose of this work is to define an original energy planning model named Clean and Native Energy Generation (Generaci��n Energ��tica Aut��ctona Y Limpia, GEAYL), and carry out a case study on Granma Province, Cuba. This model is based on two previous models: PAMER & SEMA. GEAYL is a multiobjective-multicriteria energy planning model, which includes five functions to be optimized: F1, to minimize financial costs; F2, to minimize CO2 emissions; F3, to minimize NOx emissions; F4, to minimize SOx emissions; and F5, to maximize energy Social Acceptability. The coefficients corresponding to the first four functions have been obtained through specialized papers and official data, and the ones belonging to F5 through an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), built as per a statistical enquiry carried out on energy users and experts. F5 and the AHP application are considered to be the novelty of this model. In order to establish the optimal energy supply, several methods have been applied: weighted sum, weighted product, Manhattan distance L1, Euclidean distance L2 and L3. Several weight vectors have been applied to the mentioned distances in order to conclude the decision makers potential preference structure. Among the conclusions of this work, it must be noted that function F5, Social Acceptability, has a clear influence on every energy supply alternative.

ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DA COMPETITIVIDADE DAS EMPRESAS DE M��QUINAS FERRAMENTAS BRASILEIRAS: AN��LISE MULTICRIT��RIOS

O principal objetivo desta disserta����o foi analisar por meio de estudo comparativo, o posicionamento competitivo de tr��s m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas. As hip��teses iniciais partiram das seguintes suposi����es: a) a ind��stria nacional de m��quinas ferramentas esta sendo penalizada pela pol��tica industrial praticada pelo governo federal; e b) a import��ncia relativa atribu��da aos elementos multicriteriais das especifica����es das m��quinas nacionais quando demonstram tend��ncias elevadas, nem sempre alcan��am as concorrentes importadas devido aos recursos tecnol��gicos agregados para se atingir a competitividade plena. Assim, indaga-se: at�� que ponto as m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas selecionadas para o estudo, est��o alinhadas com os crit��rios escolhidos e com suas import��ncias relativas avaliadas por dois usu��rios desse equipamento. Como metodologia adotou-se estudo de caso m��ltiplo de duas empresas de m��dio porte do mesmo ramo. Utilizou-se o m��todo multicrit��rio de apoio �� decis��o por meio de Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), para a escolha da melhor alternativa entre m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas similares, nacionais e importadas. Os resultados identificam que, para essas duas empresas usu��rias pesquisadas, existe vantagem na aquisi����o da m��quina importada, embora seja not��rio o avan��o tecnol��gico da ind��stria nacional. Estas m��quinas ainda carecem de algumas inova����es, perdendo em competitividade, bem como em crit��rios importantes como versatilidade e rendimento. Com base nos trabalhos, conclui-se que, as m��quinas ferramentas do tipo multitarefas nacionais das duas empresas fornecedoras analisadas n��o s��o competitivas em compara����o as importadas.

ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DA COMPETITIVIDADE DAS EMPRESAS DE M��QUINAS FERRAMENTAS BRASILEIRAS: AN��LISE MULTICRIT��RIOS

O principal objetivo desta disserta����o foi analisar por meio de estudo comparativo, o posicionamento competitivo de tr��s m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas. As hip��teses iniciais partiram das seguintes suposi����es: a) a ind��stria nacional de m��quinas ferramentas esta sendo penalizada pela pol��tica industrial praticada pelo governo federal; e b) a import��ncia relativa atribu��da aos elementos multicriteriais das especifica����es das m��quinas nacionais quando demonstram tend��ncias elevadas, nem sempre alcan��am as concorrentes importadas devido aos recursos tecnol��gicos agregados para se atingir a competitividade plena. Assim, indaga-se: at�� que ponto as m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas selecionadas para o estudo, est��o alinhadas com os crit��rios escolhidos e com suas import��ncias relativas avaliadas por dois usu��rios desse equipamento. Como metodologia adotou-se estudo de caso m��ltiplo de duas empresas de m��dio porte do mesmo ramo. Utilizou-se o m��todo multicrit��rio de apoio �� decis��o por meio de Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), para a escolha da melhor alternativa entre m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas similares, nacionais e importadas. Os resultados identificam que, para essas duas empresas usu��rias pesquisadas, existe vantagem na aquisi����o da m��quina importada, embora seja not��rio o avan��o tecnol��gico da ind��stria nacional. Estas m��quinas ainda carecem de algumas inova����es, perdendo em competitividade, bem como em crit��rios importantes como versatilidade e rendimento. Com base nos trabalhos, conclui-se que, as m��quinas ferramentas do tipo multitarefas nacionais das duas empresas fornecedoras analisadas n��o s��o competitivas em compara����o as importadas.

An��lise hier��rquica de processo aplicada a um sistema de cadastramento de peritos.

O cadastramento de peritos c��veis junto ao Poder Judici��rio atualmente n��o �� feito eletronicamente e o rol de profissionais n��o �� divulgado pela internet, sendo necess��rio que os profissionais se cadastrem pessoalmente em cada f��rum. Tamb��m n��o existe atualmente uma avalia����o dos trabalhos periciais realizados, o que faz com que o resultado dos trabalhos periciais, ou seja, o laudo pericial tenha muitos defeitos e acabe por n��o ter a qualidade necess��ria para auxiliar o juiz em sua tomada de decis��o. Ap��s a realiza����o de uma pesquisa com peritos sobre suas impress��es quanto �� forma de cadastramento atualmente utilizada, aplicou-se o m��todo Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) para auxiliar na identifica����o do perfil dos profissionais que desejam modifica����es no sistema. Foram ent��o feitas observa����es e sugest��es para que este modelo atualmente utilizado seja modificado e possa assim atender aos princ��pios constitucionais da publicidade, efici��ncia e finalidade.

Modelo de otimiza����o multiobjetivo aplicado ao projeto de concep����o de submarinos convencionais.

Este trabalho apresenta um modelo de otimiza����o multiobjetivo aplicado ao projeto de concep����o de submarinos convencionais (i.e. de propuls��o dieselel��trica). Um modelo de s��ntese que permite a estimativa de pesos, volume, velocidade, carga el��trica e outras caracter��sticas de interesse para a o projeto de concep����o �� formulado. O modelo de s��ntese �� integrado a um modelo de otimiza����o multiobjetivo baseado em algoritmos gen��ticos (especificamente, o algoritmo NSGA II). A otimiza����o multiobjetivo consiste na maximiza����o da efetividade militar do submarino e na minimiza����o de seu custo. A efetividade militar do submarino �� representada por uma Medida Geral de Efetividade (OMOE) estabelecida por meio do Processo Anal��tico Hier��rquico (AHP). O Custo B��sico de Constru����o (BCC) do submarino �� estimado a partir dos seus grupos de peso. Ao fim do processo de otimiza����o, �� estabelecida uma Fronteira de Pareto composta por solu����es n��o dominadas. Uma dessas solu����es �� selecionada para refinamento preliminar e os resultados s��o discutidos. Subsidiariamente, esta disserta����o apresenta discuss��o sucinta sobre aspectos hist��ricos e operativos relacionados a submarinos, bem como sobre sua metodologia de projeto. Alguns conceitos de Arquitetura Naval, aplicada ao projeto dessas embarca����es, s��o tamb��m abordados.

ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DA COMPETITIVIDADE DAS EMPRESAS DE M��QUINAS FERRAMENTAS BRASILEIRAS: AN��LISE MULTICRIT��RIOS

O principal objetivo desta disserta����o foi analisar por meio de estudo comparativo, o posicionamento competitivo de tr��s m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas. As hip��teses iniciais partiram das seguintes suposi����es: a) a ind��stria nacional de m��quinas ferramentas esta sendo penalizada pela pol��tica industrial praticada pelo governo federal; e b) a import��ncia relativa atribu��da aos elementos multicriteriais das especifica����es das m��quinas nacionais quando demonstram tend��ncias elevadas, nem sempre alcan��am as concorrentes importadas devido aos recursos tecnol��gicos agregados para se atingir a competitividade plena. Assim, indaga-se: at�� que ponto as m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas selecionadas para o estudo, est��o alinhadas com os crit��rios escolhidos e com suas import��ncias relativas avaliadas por dois usu��rios desse equipamento. Como metodologia adotou-se estudo de caso m��ltiplo de duas empresas de m��dio porte do mesmo ramo. Utilizou-se o m��todo multicrit��rio de apoio �� decis��o por meio de Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), para a escolha da melhor alternativa entre m��quinas ferramentas multitarefas similares, nacionais e importadas. Os resultados identificam que, para essas duas empresas usu��rias pesquisadas, existe vantagem na aquisi����o da m��quina importada, embora seja not��rio o avan��o tecnol��gico da ind��stria nacional. Estas m��quinas ainda carecem de algumas inova����es, perdendo em competitividade, bem como em crit��rios importantes como versatilidade e rendimento. Com base nos trabalhos, conclui-se que, as m��quinas ferramentas do tipo multitarefas nacionais das duas empresas fornecedoras analisadas n��o s��o competitivas em compara����o as importadas.

Measuring performance of virtual learning environment system in higher education

Purpose ��� The purpose of this paper is to measure the performance of commercial virtual learning environment (VLE) systems, which helps the decision makers to select the appropriate system for their institutions. Design/methodology/approach ��� This paper develops an integrated multiple criteria decision making approach, which combines the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and quality function deployment (QFD), to evaluate and select the best system. The evaluating criteria are derived from the requirements of those who use the system. A case study is provided to demonstrate how the integrated approach works. Findings ��� The major advantage of the integrated approach is that the evaluating criteria are of interest to the stakeholders. This ensures that the selected system will achieve the requirements and satisfy the stakeholders most. Another advantage is that the approach can guarantee the benchmarking to be consistent and reliable. From the case study, it is proved that the performance of a VLE system being used at the university is the best. Therefore, the university should continue to run the system in order to support and facilitate both teaching and learning. Originality/value ��� It is believed that there is no study that measures the performance of VLE systems, and thus decision makers may have difficulties in system evaluation and selection for their institutions.

Managing healthcare performance in analytical framework

Purpose ��� The purpose of the paper is to develop an integrated framework for performance management of healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach ��� This study develops a performance management framework for healthcare services using a combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and logical framework (LOGFRAME). The framework is then applied to the intensive care units of three different hospitals in developing nations. Numerous focus group discussions were undertaken, involving experts from the specific area under investigation. Findings ��� The study reveals that a combination of outcome, structure and process-based critical success factors and a combined AHP and LOGFRAME-based performance management framework helps manage performance of healthcare services. Practical implications ��� The proposed framework could be practiced in hospital-based healthcare services. Originality/value ��� The conventional approaches to healthcare performance management are either outcome-based or process-based, which cannot reveal improvement measures appropriately in order to assure superior performance. Additionally, they lack planning, implementing and evaluating improvement projects that are identified from performance measurement. This study presents an integrated approach to performance measurement and implementing framework of improvement projects.

Managing healthcare quality using combined SWOT and the analytic process

Improving healthcare quality is a growing need of any society. Although various quality improvement projects are routinely deployed by the healthcare professional, they are characterised by a fragmented approach, i.e. they are not linked with the strategic intent of the organisation. This study introduces a framework which integrates all quality improvement projects with the strategic intent of the organisation. It first derives the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) matrix of the system with the involvement of the concerned stakeholders (clinical professional), which helps identify a few projects, the implementation of which ensures achievement of desired quality. The projects are then prioritised using the analytic hierarchy process with the involvement of the concerned stakeholders (clinical professionals) and implemented in order to improve system performance. The effectiveness of the method has been demonstrated using a case study in the intensive care unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Decision support system for inspection and maintenance:a case of oil pipelines

The existing method of pipeline health monitoring, which requires an entire pipeline to be inspected periodically, is unproductive. A risk-based decision support system (DSS) that reduces the amount of time spent on inspection has been presented. The risk-based DSS uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision-making technique, to identify the factors that influence failure on specific segments and analyzes their effects by determining probability of occurrence of these risk factors. The severity of failure is determined through consequence analysis. From this, the effect of a failure caused by each risk factor can be established in terms of cost and the cumulative effect of failure is determined through probability analysis. The model optimizes the cost of pipeline operations by reducing subjectivity in selecting a specific inspection method, identifying and prioritizing the right pipeline segment for inspection and maintenance, deriving budget allocation, providing guidance to deploy the right mix labor for inspection and maintenance, planning emergency preparation, and deriving logical insurance plan. The proposed methodology also helps derive inspection and maintenance policy for the entire pipeline system, suggest design, operational philosophy, and construction methodology for new pipelines.

Performance measurement of intensive care services in hospitals:The case of Barbados

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) being one of those vital areas of a hospital providing clinical care, the quality of service rendered must be monitored and measured quantitatively. It is, therefore, essential to know the performance of an ICU, in order to identify any deficits and enable the service providers to improve the quality of service. Although there have been many attempts to do this with the help of illness severity scoring systems, the relative lack of success using these methods has led to the search for a form of measurement, which would encompass all the different aspects of an ICU in a holistic manner. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple-attribute, decision-making technique is utilised in this study to evolve a system to measure the performance of ICU services reliably. This tool has been applied to a surgical ICU in Barbados; we recommend AHP as a valuable tool to quantify the performance of an ICU. Copyright �� 2004 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

A new tool for measurement of process-based performance of multispecialty tertiary care hospitals

There is an increasing need of a model for the process-based performance measurement of multispecialty tertiary care hospitals for quality improvement. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is utilized in this study to evolve such a model. Each step in the model was derived by group-discussions and brainstorming sessions among experienced clinicians and managers. This tool was applied to two tertiary care teaching hospitals in Barbados and India. The model enabled identification of specific areas where neither hospital performed very well, and helped to suggest recommendations to improve those areas. AHP is recommended as a valuable tool to measure the process-based performance of multispecialty tertiary care hospitals. �� Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

A risk-based model for inspection and maintenance of cross-country petroleum pipeline

The existing method of pipeline health monitoring, which requires an entire pipeline to be inspected periodically, is both time-wasting and expensive. A risk-based model that reduces the amount of time spent on inspection has been presented. This model not only reduces the cost of maintaining petroleum pipelines, but also suggests efficient design and operation philosophy, construction methodology and logical insurance plans. The risk-based model uses Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision-making technique, to identify the factors that influence failure on specific segments and analyzes their effects by determining probability of risk factors. The severity of failure is determined through consequence analysis. From this, the effect of a failure caused by each risk factor can be established in terms of cost, and the cumulative effect of failure is determined through probability analysis. The technique does not totally eliminate subjectivity, but it is an improvement over the existing inspection method.

Construction risk management:a quantitative approach

Conventional project management techniques are not always sufficient for ensuring time, cost and quality achievement of large-scale construction projects due to complexity in planning and implementation processes. The main reasons for project non-achievement are changes in scope and design, changes in Government policies and regulations, unforeseen inflation) under-estimation and improper estimation. Projects that are exposed to such an uncertain environment can be effectively managed with the application of risk numagement throughout project life cycle. However, the effectiveness of risk management depends on the technique in which the effects of risk factors are analysed and! or quantified. This study proposes Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision-making technique as a tool for risk analysis because it can handle subjective as well as objective factors in decision model that are conflicting in nature. This provides a decision support system (DSS) to project managenumt for making the right decision at the right time for ensuring project success in line with organisation policy, project objectives and competitive business environment. The whole methodology is explained through a case study of a cross-country petroleum pipeline project in India and its effectiveness in project1nana.gement is demonstrated.

Risk based decision support system for effective implementation of projects

Conventional project management techniques are not always sufficient to ensure time, cost and quality achievement of large-scale construction projects due to complexity in planning, design and implementation processes. The main reasons for project non-achievement are changes in scope and design, changes in government policies and regulations, unforeseen inflation, underestimation and improper estimation. Projects that are exposed to such an uncertain environment can be effectively managed with the application of risk management throughout the project's life cycle. However, the effectiveness of risk management depends on the technique through which the effects of risk factors are analysed/quantified. This study proposes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multiple attribute decision making technique, as a tool for risk analysis because it can handle subjective as well as objective factors in a decision model that are conflicting in nature. This provides a decision support system (DSS) to project management for making the right decision at the right time for ensuring project success in line with organisation policy, project objectives and a competitive business environment. The whole methodology is explained through a case application of a cross-country petroleum pipeline project in India and its effectiveness in project management is demonstrated.