[ES] La ingeniería de requisitos es fundamental para el desarrollo de software ya que se encarga de obtener, analizar, especificar, validar y gestionar los requisitos del software. La definición incorrecta de los requisitos puede causar retrasos y sobrecostes. Además, es importante identificar los requisitos más relevantes y cuáles deberían implementarse primero considerando las limitaciones de recursos y teniendo cuenta distintos puntos de vista. Los modelos de objetivos destacan para obtener y modelar requisitos de alto nivel ya que se centran en los objetivos de los stakeholders y las relaciones entre ellos. Estos modelos ayudan a identificar los requisitos ya que capturan las motivaciones e intenciones de los stakeholders con respecto al software. Si bien existen diversas técnicas de análisis de modelos de objetivos, la mayoría se centran en la satisfacibilidad, identificando la compatibilidad entre objetivos gestionando así un problema importante de la ingeniería de requisitos. Las técnicas de modelos de objetivos adoptan un enfoque neutral con respecto al valor, considerando todos los objetivos igual de importantes. Si bien existen técnicas que utilizan la priorización de importancia junto con satisfacción, el enfoque principal es la satisfacción, haciendo que la importancia para los stakeholders quede relegado a un segundo plano. En consecuencia, los resultados pueden ayudar con la compatibilidad de los requisitos, pero no a identificar los más relevantes. El objetivo de esta tesis doctoral es definir y evaluar una técnica de análisis de modelos de objetivos que priorice los objetivos de un modelo de objetivos en función del valor que aportan según las preferencias de los stakeholders y las relaciones entre los objetivos, permitiendo identificar qué objetivos aportan más valor a los stakeholders. Esta técnica no pretende sustituir a las ya existentes sino complementarlas ya que no identifica la compatibilidad entre los objetivos sino cuáles proporcionan más valor. La técnica propuesta (VeGAn) hace uso de la lógica difusa para tratar la incertidumbre en la asignación de importancia relativa y de una técnica de toma de decisiones multicriterio ampliamente utilizada en la industria (TOPSIS) para calcular el valor, la cual se ve enriquecida por una técnica de propagación sistemática que provee información adicional sobre la interacción entre los objetivos en base a las relaciones del modelo de objetivos. Además, se ha desarrollado una herramienta que da soporte tecnológico a VeGAn automatizando la técnica y proporcionado una serie de funciones: i) importar modelos de objetivos de otras herramientas; ii) realizar validaciones sobre los datos introducidos; iii) ordenar los resultados según varios; y iv) almacenar información sobre distintos análisis de un modelo de objetivos para realizar comparaciones del valor obtenido. VeGAn se evaluó mediante un estudio de caso y una familia de experimentos. El estudio de caso verificó la aplicabilidad sistemática y consistente de la técnica, obteniendo retroalimentación para mejoras. La familia de experimentos involucró a 172 sujetos, estudiantes de ingeniería en informática y másteres en ingeniería del software donde se analizó la precisión de la priorización, tiempo de priorización, satisfacción percibida, facilidad de uso percibida, utilidad percibida e intención de uso percibida de los participantes aplicando VeGAn en oposición a GRL-Quant. El análisis estadístico indicó que ambas técnicas son similares salvo para la satisfacción percibida a favor de VeGAn. Esta tesis doctoral contribuye al ámbito de la ingeniería de requisitos y en especial a la elicitación temprana de requisitos mediante el uso de modelos de objetivos proporcionando una técnica de análisis que complementa a las ya existentes ayudando a priorizar aquellos objetivos que proporcionan más valor teniendo en cuenta el punto de vista de diversos stakeholders. / [CA] L'enginyeria de requisits és fonamental per al desenvolupament de programari ja que s'encarrega d'obtindre, analitzar, especificar, validar i gestionar els requisits del programari. La definició incorrecta dels requisits pot causar retards i sobrecostos. A més, és important identificar els requisits més rellevants i quins haurien d'implementar-se primer considerant les limitacions de recursos i tenint compte diferents punts de vista. Els models d'objectius destaquen per a obtindre i modelar requisits d'alt nivell ja que se centren en els objectius dels stakeholders i les relacions entre ells. Estos models ajuden a identificar els requisits ja que capturen les motivacions i intencions dels stakeholders respecte al programari. Si bé existixen diverses tècniques d'anàlisis de models d'objectius, la majoria se centren en la satisfacibilitat, identificant la compatibilitat entre objectius gestionant així un problema important de l'enginyeria de requisits. Les tècniques de models d'objectius adopten un enfocament neutral respecte al valor, considerant tots els objectius igual d'importants. Si bé existixen tècniques que utilitzen la priorització d'importància juntament amb satisfacció, l'enfocament principal és la satisfacció, fent que la importància per als stakeholders quede relegat a un segon pla. En conseqüència, els resultats poden ajudar amb la compatibilitat dels requisits, però no a identificar els més rellevants. L'objectiu d'esta tesi doctoral és definir i avaluar una tècnica d'anàlisi de models d'objectius que prioritze els objectius d'un model d'objectius en funció del valor que aporten segons les preferències dels stakeholders i les relacions entre els objectius, permetent identificar quins objectius aporten més valor als stakeholders. Esta tècnica no pretén substituir a les ja existents sinó complementar-les ja que no identifica la compatibilitat entre els objectius sinó quins proporcionen més valor. La tècnica proposada (VeGAn) fa ús de la lògica difusa per a tractar la incertesa en l'assignació d'importància relativa i d'una tècnica de presa de decisions multicriteri àmpliament utilitzada en la indústria (TOPSIS) per a calcular el valor, la qual es veu enriquida per una tècnica de propagació sistemàtica que proveïx informació addicional sobre la interacció entre els objectius sobre la base de les relacions del model d'objectius. A més, s'ha desenvolupat una ferramenta que dona suport tecnològic a VeGAn automatitzant la tècnica i proporcionat una sèrie de funcions: i) importar models d'objectius d'altres ferramentes; ii) realitzar validacions sobre les dades introduïdes; iii) ordenar els resultats segons varis; i iv) emmagatzemar informació sobre diferents anàlisis d'un model d'objectius per a realitzar comparacions del valor obtingut. VeGAn es va avaluar mitjançant un estudi de cas i una família d'experiments. L'estudi de cas va verificar l'aplicabilitat sistemàtica i consistent de la tècnica, obtenint retroalimentació per a millores. La família d'experiments va involucrar a 172 subjectes, estudiants d'enginyeria en informàtica i màsters en enginyeria del programari on es va analitzar la precisió de la priorització, temps de priorització, satisfacció percebuda, facilitat d'ús percebuda, utilitat percebuda i intenció d'ús percebuda dels participants aplicant VeGAn en oposició a GRL-Quant. L'anàlisi estadística va indicar que totes dues tècniques són similars excepte per a la satisfacció percebuda a favor de VeGAn. Esta tesi doctoral contribuïx a l'àmbit de l'enginyeria de requisits i especialment a la elicitació primerenca de requisits mitjançant l'ús de models d'objectius proporcionant una tècnica d'anàlisi que complementa a les ja existents ajudant a prioritzar aquells objectius que proporcionen més valor tenint en compte el punt de vista de diversos stakeholders. / [EN] Requirements engineering is fundamental to software development as it is responsible for eliciting, analysing, specifying, validating and managing software requirements. Incorrect definition of requirements can cause delays and cost overruns. Furthermore, it is important to identify the most relevant requirements and which ones should be implemented first considering resource constraints and taking into account different points of view. Goal models stand out at eliciting and modelling high-level requirements as they focus on stakeholder goals and the relationships between them. These models help identify requirements by capturing the motivations and intentions of stakeholders with respect to the software. Although there are a variety of goal-oriented analysis techniques, most focus on satisfiability, identifying compatibility between goals and thus managing an important requirements engineering problem. Goal-oriented analysis techniques adopt a value-neutral approach, considering all goals equally important. While there are techniques that use prioritisation of importance along with satisfaction, the main focus is on satisfaction, pushing importance to stakeholders into the background. As a result, the results may help with the compatibility of requirements, but not in identifying the most relevant ones. The objective of this PhD thesis is to define and evaluate a goal-oriented analysis technique that prioritises the goals of a goal model according to the value they provide according to the preferences of stakeholders and the relationships between the goals, making it possible to identify which goals provide the most value to stakeholders. This technique is not intended to replace existing techniques but to complement them, as it does not identify compatibility between goals but rather which ones provide the most value. The proposed technique (VeGAn) makes use of fuzzy logic to deal with uncertainty in assigning relative importance and a widely used multi-criteria decision-making technique in industry (TOPSIS) to calculate value, which is enriched by a systematic propagation technique that provides additional information on the interaction between goals based on the relationships of the goal model. In addition, a tool has been developed to provide technological support to VeGAn by automating the technique and providing a series of functions: i) importing goal models from other tools; ii) performing validations on the data entered; iii) sorting the results according to several; and iv) storing information on different analyses of a goal model in order to make comparisons of the value obtained. VeGAn was evaluated through a case study and a family of experiments. The case study verified the systematic and consistent applicability of the technique, obtaining feedback for improvements. The family of experiments involved 172 subjects, undergraduate students in computer engineering and masters in software engineering. The aim of the family was to analyse the participants' prioritisation accuracy, prioritisation time, perceived satisfaction, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived intention to use by applying VeGAn as opposed to GRL-Quant, a widely used goal modelling analysis method. Statistical analysis indicated that both techniques are similar except for perceived satisfaction in favour of VeGAn. This PhD thesis contributes to the field of requirements engineering and in particular to the early elicitation of requirements through the use of goal models by providing a goal-oriented analysis technique that complements the existing ones by helping to prioritise those goals that provide the most value taking into account the point of view of various stakeholders. / Cano Genovés, C. (2024). Análisis de modelos de objetivos basado en valor mediante lógica difusa y toma de decisiones multicriterio [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/207550

This study aims to explore the ability of a multi-criteria decision making with analytical hierarchy process (MCDM-AHP) model to emulate the results of a cost benefit analysis (CBA) model in the context of offshore wind farm siting within the Swedish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The research question addressed is whether the MCDM-AHP analysis produces similar results to the CBA analysis. In addition to this, the strengths and weaknesses of each model is explored. The MCDM-AHP model employs the spatial criteria in a more basic manner compared to the CBA model, simplifying the evaluation process while still explaining 89.5% of the variation in the CBA model and defining similar areas as suitable. Thus, it can be concluded that the MCDM-AHP model adequately emulates the CBA model within the context of offshore wind farm siting within the Swedish EEZ. However, it is crucial to note that the two models produce outputs on different scales. While the CBA model provides levelized cost of energy (LCOE) values that can be thresholded for investment viability comparisons, the suitability score generated by the MCDM-AHP model remains a relative and arbitrary score within the model. Both models entail uncertainties, limiting their usage beyond making general assumptions or identifying areas of interest. The findings reveal that the CBA model demonstrates greater robustness when confronted with changes in spatial input parameters compared to the MCDM-AHP model. This discrepancy is attributed to the iterative computation process and consideration of flat cost inputs in the CBA model, whereas the MCDM-AHP model represents a linear combination of various spatial parameters. However, the calculated LCOE values in the CBA model are highly sensitive to changes in modeling assumptions regarding external parameters, resulting in significant linear variations. The LCOE values obtained from the CBA model baseline case fall within a range of 52.1 - 98.9 EUR/MWh, which aligns with similar studies, validating the CBA model. Nonetheless, caution should be exercised when considering these results as an accurate representation of the real world due to inherent uncertainties in cost inputs and the LCOE measure. The strengths of the MCDM-AHP model lie in its robustness when the order of relative importance remains stable for key spatial evaluators. It is sensitive to significant changes in water depth and wind speed, which heavily influence its output. The model's simplicity allows for a quick overview of the problem, but it requires assumptions that introduce uncertainties. Validation of the MCDM-AHP model using existing and planned offshore wind farms within the Swedish EEZ was possible but limited by the arbitrary scale and limited validation areas. The comparison between the two models could be enhanced with more comprehensive spatial and economic data for an in-depth CBA model, which could serve as a ground truth for the MCDM-AHP model. Nevertheless, the comparison made in this study considers the CBA model to be closer to the truth, acknowledging the underlying assumptions that should be considered during evaluation. In conclusion, within the context of offshore wind farm siting, the MCDM-AHP model produces outputs that are similar to the CBA model.

Cette thèse vise à contribuer à la compréhension des cycle de vie d’une opération humanitaire (HOLC). Gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement humanitaire (HSCM) dans un contexte de mise en perspective et dans l’objectif de proposer un modèle décisionnel qui s'applique aux phases de HOLC lors d’une situation réelle. Cela inclut la mise en oeuvre du modèle proposé pour concevoir et développer un outil d'aide à la décision afin d'améliorer les performances de la logistique humanitaire tant dans les opérations de secours nationaux qu’internationaux.Cette recherche est divisée en trois phases. La première partie vise à présenter le sens de l'étude ; la zone de recherche prise en compte pour la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement (SCM) doit être clairement définie. La première phase consiste à clarifier et définir le HSCM HL, la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement commerciale (CSCM) et le SCM, ainsi que la relation entre ces différents éléments. La gestion du cycle de vie du projet (PLCM) et les différentes approches sont également présentés. La compréhension de la différence entre la gestion du cycle de vie du projet (PLM) et la PLCM est également nécessaire, cela ne peut être abordé dans la phase de cycle de vie de l'opération humanitaire. De plus, les modèles Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) et l’aide à la décision concernant le HL sont analysés pour établir le fossé existant en matière de recherche. Les approches MCDM qui mettent en oeuvre le système d'aide à la décision (DSS) et la manière dont le MAS a été utilisé dans le contexte HSCM sont étudiées.La deuxième phase consiste en la proposition d’un modèle décisionnel fondé sur l’approche MCDM à l'appui de la décision du décideur avant qu'il/elle prenne des mesures. Ce modèle prévoit le classement des alternatives concernant l'entrepôt, le fournisseur et le transport au cours des phases de HOLC. Le modèle décisionnel proposé est réalisée en 3 scénarios. I. La décision en 4phases HOLC – opération de secours internationale de la Croix-Rouge Française (CRF). II. La décision en3phases HOLC – opération nationale dela Croix-Rouge thaïlandaise (TRC). III. La décision au niveau de la phase de réponse HOLC – opération internationale du TRC dans quatre pays. Dans cette phase, le scénario I et II sont réalisés étape par étape au travers de calculs numériques et formules mathématiques. Le scénario III sera présenté dans la troisième phase. Pour établir trois scénarios, les données internes recueillies lors des entretiens avec le chef de la logistique de la Croix-Rouge Française, et le vice-président de la fondation de la Coix-Rouge thaïlandaise, seront utilisées. Les données externes proviennent de chercheurs qui sont des experts dans le domaine HL ou le champ du HSCM, de la littérature, et de sources issues des organismes humanitaires (documents d’ateliers, rapports, informations publiées sur leurs sites officiels).Dans la troisième phase, une application Internet multi-critères (decision support system MCDSS WB) mettant en oeuvre le modèle proposé est élaborée. Afin d'atteindre une décision appropriée en temps réel, le WB-MCDSS est développé sur la base d’un protocole client-serveur et est simple à utiliser. Le dernier mais non le moindre ; une application de validation du modèle est réalisée à l'aide de l'approche de l'analyse de sensibilité. / This thesis aims to contribute to the understanding of HOLC in context of the HSCM and to propose a decision model which applies to the phases of HOLC the decision making regarding a real situation . This include the implementation of the proposed model to design and develop a decision support tool in order to improve the performance of humanitarian logistics in both national and international relief operations.This research is divided into three phases; the first phase is to clarify and define HL among HSCM, commercial supply chain management (CSCM) and SCM and their relationship. Project Life Cycle Management (PLCM) approaches are also presented. The difference between project life cycle management (PLM) and PLCM is also required to distinguish a clear understanding which can be addressed in the phase of humanitarian operation life cycle. Additionally, the literature of Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) models and existing decision aid system for HL are analyzed to establish the research gap. The MCDM approaches which implement the decision support system (DSS) and lastly how DSS has been used in the HSCM context.The second phase is to propose a decision model based on MCDM approaches to support the decision of the decision maker before he/she takes action. This model provides the ranking alternatives to warehouse, supplier and transportation over the phases of HOLC. The proposed decision model is conducted in 3 scenarios; I. The decision in 4-phase HOLC, international relief operation of French Red Cross (FRC). II. The decision on 3-phase HOLC, national operation by the Thai Red Cross (TRC). III. The decision on response phase HOLC, international operation by the FRC in four countries. In this phase, the scenario I and II are performed step by step though numerical calculation and mathematical formulas. The scenario III will be presented in the third phase.In the third phase, an application of web-based multi-criteria decision support system (WB-MCDSS) which implement the proposed model is developed. The web-based multi-criteria decision support system is developed based on the integration of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and TOPSIS approaches. In order to achieve an appropriate decision in a real time response, the WB-MCDSS is developed based on server-client protocol and is simple to operate. Last but not least, a validation application of the model is performed using the sensitivity analysis approach.

Les réglementations sur le recyclage des produits, mais aussi le développement de l‘écoconception, obligent les industriels à rechercher des solutions de recyclage pour leurs produits en fin de vie. Les préoccupations environnementales croissantes dans l’industrie créent de nouvelles opportunités d’affaires et nécessitent des changements d’organisation pour accompagner la transition vers des activités industrielles plus durables. Une activité industrielle de recyclage de matières issues de la fin de vie d’un produit, se déroule idéalement avec la participation de différents partenaires industriels dans le cadre d’un projet collaboratif. Cela permet de développer une nouvelle supply chain de recyclage et de concevoir un nouveau produit, fabriqué grâce à cette supply chain. Les projets collaboratifs de R&D permettent de rassembler des compétences complémentaires dans le but de proposer des solutions pour accroitre le taux de recyclage d’une matière dans le domaine considéré. Aujourd’hui, les expériences de projets collaboratifs existent créant de nouvelles opportunités de marché dans l’industrie du recyclage. Cependant, nous observons qu’il n’existe pas de méthode opérationnelle permettant de guider les industriels dans la définition d’un projet collaboratif de recyclage. De plus, la sélection des partenaires pour de tels projets est une réelle difficulté pour les industriels. En effet, les valeurs apportées par les partenaires créent l’intérêt du projet et favorise le succès de la collaboration. Cependant, nous constatons qu’il n’existe pas de méthode dans le cadre du recyclage industriel pour faire un choix efficace de partenaires de R&D sur un projet collaboratif. Une revue de la littérature est présentée, pour connaitre l’état de l’art industriel et scientifique, avec un éclairage sur les meilleures pratiques existantes de façon à les prendre en compte et les intégrer, afin de proposer une contribution originale. A partir de cette revue de l’état de l’art, nous mettons en évidence un manque de méthode associant les organisations de projets collaboratifs R&D et le développement de supply chain de recyclage ; cela contribue à donner une posture originale à notre recherche. Notre contribution est de proposer une combinaison de méthodes pour accompagner les industriels dans la définition d’un projet collaboratif pour la mise en place d’une activité de recyclage. • La première méthode facilite la compréhension des mécanismes d’une industrie émergeante du recyclage, agissant simultanément sur l’impact environnemental, en recyclant les produits en fin de vie, et sur la compétitivité d’une entreprise, par sa différenciation vers de nouvelles activités industrielles. • La deuxième méthode développée est une aide pour le chef de projet R&D lors de la définition d’un « projet collaboratif de recyclage », avec la spécification du marché, du produit recyclé et de la structure projetée de la filière de recyclage. • Nous développons également la question de la sélection des partenaires d’un projet collaboratif de R&D dans le domaine du recyclage, en proposant une méthode d’évaluation ainsi que la définition de critères adaptés à ce nouveau contexte. Sur ce point, nous utilisons les techniques d’aide à la décision multicritères que nous combinons, afin d’aider les industriels dans ce processus de sélection. Une étude de cas est développée concernant l’industrie française du recyclage textile, ainsi qu’un projet de R&D collaboratif impliquant l’utilisation de matières premières recyclables provenant des véhicules hors d’usage et de vêtements fin de vie, pour l’éco-conception d’un produit nouveau. L’application de la combinaison des méthodes proposées, conduites dans le cadre d’un projet de recyclage spécifique, permet de discuter les premiers résultats et d’ouvrir ce sujet sur des perspectives de recherche à venir / Regulations on product recycling rates, but also growing consciousness on the importance of eco-design, enforce industrials to seek for solutions to recycle their products at their end of life. Growing environmental concerns in the industry allow new business opportunities and require organizational changes to support transition toward more sustainable industrial activities. Building a recycling industrial activity for materials coming from end of life products is a great challenge that requires an analysis of the opportunities and threats and the added value of industrial partners, in the scope of a collaborative project (or a collaborative network). This kind of projects aims at designing a new recycling supply chain and to design a new product that will be manufactured by this supply chain. R&D collaborative projects enable to gather complementary competencies in order to propose solutions to increase the recycling rate on the territory. Nowadays, experiences such as collaborative projects are witnessed, giving various new business possibilities in the recycling industry. However, a literature review we have performed points out that there is no existing method permitting to analyze the opportunity of a recycling value chain and to guide industrials in the definition of a “recycling collaborative project”. Moreover, for such projects, the selection of the partners is of great issue for the industrials. Indeed, the values brought by the partners make the interest of the project and favor the success of the collaboration. However, there is no existing method to choose R&D collaborative project partners efficiently in the scope of the recycling industry. A literature review presents the industrial and scientific state of the art and highlights the existing best practices in order to take them into account for the proposal of an original contribution. From the state of the art we can highlight a lack of methods that would associate R&D collaborative project organizations with the development of recycling supply chains; this positioning contributes to the originality of the work realized. Our contribution is to propose three methods to help industrials to define a collaborative project for the design and building of a new recycling supply chain: • The first method we propose facilitates the understanding of a recycling emerging industry mechanisms, act simultaneously on the environmental impact by recycling end of life products and on the business competitiveness by differentiation in new industrial activities. • The second method we developed must helps recycling R&D project managers to define a “recycling collaborative project”, the target market, the recycled product that will be manufactured and the potential structure of the future supply chain. • The third method is related to the question of partner selection with the proposal of a ranking method and the definitions of adapted criteria for such selections. In this respect we used Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to help industrials in this selection process. A case study is developed on the French textile recycling industry and a R&D collaborative project that introduces recyclable raw material from end of life vehicles and garments, for the development of a new product. An application of our research is conducted on a specific recycling collaborative project in order to discuss the initial results, and perspectives are highlighted for further research investigations

This work deals with Multi-Criteria Analysis which represents an effective tool for solving complex decision-making situations. This paper describes the various methods of multi-criteria evaluation. One of the chapters also focuses on the software support. The main objective of this document is to demonstrate how to apply Multi-Criteria Analysis in real life. The practical part of this study refers to the structural policy and deals with the evaluation of regions of the Czech Republic after its entry into the European Union. The study mainly concentrates on the detailed analysis of South Bohemia region.

In today’s dynamic global environment, organizations need to be agile and adaptive by practicing innovative strategies in order to sustain and remain competitive. One indicator of organizational sustainability is its productivity, which translates into the productivity and performance of employees in the organization. Performance evaluation of employees is an important step in measuring the employee productivity. Such evaluations are in general conducted annually using a performance appraisal system (PAS). The annual appraisal using PAS has two major drawbacks. The first drawback is the long frequency of the appraisal process. As it is an annual affair, the errors such as subjectivity, recency error, bias, halo effect, stereotyping etc. creeps in, and as a result the evaluations will not be proper. The second drawback is with respect to fixation of target/goal achievement. While achieving the targets/goals which are fixed at the beginning of the appraisal period are important, any steps towards achieving such goals are equally important. These drawbacks can be addressed to an extent by having an ongoing or continuous method for performance evaluation of employees. Hence there is a need for continuous performance evaluation of employees (CPEE). Although the importance of CPEE has been highlighted in the literature, we are not aware of any process by which CPEE could be operationalized. In order to implement and sustain, any organizational process, it should produce certain periodic outputs, which is meaningful to its administrators and beneficiaries. In the case of CPEE one such output could be to provide a proper and timely rewards and recognition (R&R). R&R is a motivational tool used for appreciation which could boost employee performance and productivity. Research underline that R&R is strongly and positively correlated to the performance of employees. As defined in thesis, Reward is the materialistic part of the appreciation (such as memento, certificate etc.), while Recognition is the feeling of being appreciated (such as a pat on the back or a public applause). Both Reward and Recognition is considered in unison and considered as mutually inclusive in this thesis. There is some variation of R&R practiced in organizations, known as employee awards. Such awards are motivating enough for the employees. In general, the employee awards are based on nominations from the managers, which are scrutinized by an individual committee and one among the nominated employees is offered the award. Nevertheless employees are often clueless about what performance fetched them the award. In other words the criteria for such awards are often unknown. Similar to PAS, the criteria for such evaluations are developed mostly by the employers with hardly any input from the employees. Additionally the employee awards are heavily dependent upon the PAS and it is mostly an annual affair. Hence the drawbacks for PAS are also applicable for the existing employee awards process. In order to address these drawbacks, R&R should be given in an ongoing and continuous manner. Although the importance and the positive correlation between R&R and employee performance has been established, it has not known to be widely practiced in organizations. This could be due to a lack of proper framework to implement such programs. The CPEE process could be the basis for providing R&R. Therefore this thesis is aimed at developing a comprehensive framework for CPEE to offer R&R. Performance of employee is a sum total of the performances across various dimensions (such as knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours). As the performance for employees is a multi-dimensional concept, the criteria for evaluation using CPEE process should also be based on multiple criteria. Therefore in order to effectively address the operational process of CPEE to offer R&R, a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method based model needs to be developed. A focused review of the existing literature on performance evaluation of employees substantiated the research problem that there is a lack of proper framework for CPEE to offer R&R. In order to address this research problem, the main objective of this thesis is to develop a comprehensive, formal and objective method to evaluate the employee performance in a continuous manner based on multiple evaluation criteria from the perspectives of employees as well as employers to offer proper and timely reward and recognition to the best performing employee(s). In order to address the main objective of the research, the following objectives are envisaged: 1. To identify the set of variables/criteria with respect to both employees’ and employers’ perspectives and to propose an initial framework for CPEE to offer R&R. 2. To develop a final framework for CPEE to offer R&R based on the initial proposed framework and descriptive research 3 To develop a multi-criteria-decision-making (MCDM) method for the proposed framework for CPEE to offer R&R The scope of this research is limited to Information Technology (IT) organizations due to the alarming rate of attrition and the presence of younger population who are knowledge workers. They expect frequent appreciation and continuous feedback regarding their performance. In this thesis, employees are represented by Software Engineers (SEs) and the employers are represented by Project Managers (PMs). Research Objective 1: In order to address the first research objective a six phased approach is planned. In the first phase, the available literature on existing performance evaluations in general and employee motivations are reviewed to identify the possible variables/criteria for CPEE to offer R&R. This resulted in 51 variables for performance evaluation. As it cannot be confidently asserted whether these variables are applicable to employees of IT organizations, a set of unstructured interviews are conducted with Software Engineers to prepare Case-lets. This Case-let approach with Software Engineers is carried out in the second phase and 7 Case-let reports are prepared. From the analysis of the 7 Case-let reports, 27 variables are identified. As the variables identified from Case-let approach may not represent the entire IT employees, a series of semi structured interviews are conducted among 58 Software Engineers in the third phase to identify further variables/criteria and accordingly 35 variables are identified. In order to obtain the list of variables/criteria based on employers’ perspectives and to validate the set of variables/criteria suggested by Software Engineers, 31 Project Managers are interviewed following semi structured interview method in the fourth phase and 33 variables are identified. In the fifth phase, the variables identified from second to fourth phases are triangulated with those identified from literature (i.e. first phase) which resulted in 33 unique variables that could be used for CPEE of Software Engineers to offer R&R. The final set of 33 variables/criteria are appropriately grouped into variables relating to Demographic Characteristics of Software Engineers (DCSE) and Performance of Software Engineers (PSE). Accordingly, 5 variables related to DCSE and 28 variables related to PSE out of the 33 variables finalized for CPEE to offer R&R, are grouped. Utilizing these grouped sets of variables in DCSE and PSE, an initial framework for CPEE to offer R&R is proposed in the sixth phase. Research Objective 2: In order to validate and to statistically finalize the proposed initial framework, a descriptive research is conducted. For this the importance of each of the identified 33 variables are sought from 443 Software Engineers from 12 IT organizations. A bivariate analysis is planned to analyse the significance of variables of DCSE with the variables of PSE. As there are 28 variables in PSE, they are further grouped with respect to the latent structure using a factor analysis. The factor analysis yielded six factors for measuring PSE. The factors (called as main criteria) are Proactive, Prompt, Resourceful, Responsible, Diagnostic and Dynamic. Based on the bivariate analysis among variables in DCSE and the six main criteria, only three variables, out of five variables of DCSE emerged as significant. Based on the factor analysis and bivariate analysis, the proposed initial framework is modified. Appropriate hypotheses are proposed to indicate the relation between DCSE, PSE and R&R in the modified framework. The modified framework is validated by developing suitable Structural Equation Model (SEM) to verify the hypotheses. The relative influence of DCSE, PSE and R&R are identified based on statistical validation and the framework is finalized. Research Objective 3: As there are six main criteria identified in PSE for CPEE to offer R&R, the proposed framework could be appropriately modelled using MCDM method(s)/models(s). As CPEE is a continuous process, the performance evaluation using CPEE should take only a minimum time for completion of evaluation process, and it should be easy to implement and administer and also should be flexible to accommodate any changes in the criteria or alternatives. These are the preconditions to select the suitable MCDM method(s)/model(s) to operationalize the process of CPEE to offer R&R. In order to select a suitable MCDM method from the available methods, various MCDM methods are screened based on the expected preconditions of the framework. Pugh Matrix Method (PMM) is selected for the CPEE process and is modified to address the basic drawbacks of PMM so as to utilize in this thesis. Accordingly, the MCDM methods: AHP and a Modified Pugh Matrix Method (MPMM) (which are meeting the expected preconditions of the framework such as minimum time, maximum easiness and maximum flexibility) are considered to model the proposed framework for CPEE to offer R&R. The AHP is used to calculate the relative weights and the MPMM is used to compare the performance of employees to provide a relative score. Accordingly, the proposed MCDM based modelling framework for CPEE to offer R&R is demonstrated by developing a suitable example. The MCDM method for CPEE to offer R&R developed in this thesis provides a performance score for every employee for every performance-cycle of CPEE. This score could be stored in a database which could be appropriately utilized during the periodic performance appraisal process using PAS. Overall, the contributions of the research are: (i) a new research problem on CPEE to offer R&R is identified (ii) a set of variables/criteria are identified from both employees and employers perspective, particularly for IT Organizations and an initial framework for CPEE to offer R&R is proposed (iii) a statistically finalized framework for CPEE to offer R&R is presented with the variables/ criteria identified (iv) simple MCDM methods are developed for the operationalization of the proposed framework for CPEE to offer R&R and a possible integration with the organization’s existing PAS is also conceptually presented. (ii) Although the research has accomplished its objectives, there are certain limitations such as (i) the focus of research is limited only to IT organizations, and hence cannot necessarily be generalized, the sampling is based on convenience and assumed to represent the entire IT population in the country and (iii) other MCDM methods are not explored so as to develop the proposed framework. Addressing these could be some of the future research directions in this area.

The aim is to legal, accounting and tax business analysis forms the transition from the individual to company with limited liability and choosing the best option based on the decision matrix for the company. On the base of theoretical frameworks derive recommendations for solving the problems of transition to individual limited liability company in practice.

Network screening and countermeasure selection are two crucial steps in the highway improvement process. In network screening, potential improvement locations are ranked and prioritized based on a specific method with a set of criteria. The most common practice by transportation agencies has been to use a simple scoring method, which, in general, weighs and scores each criterion and then ranks the locations based on their relative overall scoring. The method does not deal well with criteria that are qualitative in nature, nor does it account for the impacts of correlation among the criteria. The introduction of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) provides agencies with a method to include both quantitative and qualitative criteria. However, it does not address the issue on correlation. This dissertation explores the use of both Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) for their potential capabilities to address both issues. Using urban four-lane divided highways in Florida for bicycle safety improvements, both ANP and FANP were shown to provide more reasonable rankings than AHP, with FANP providing the best results among the methods. After the locations are ranked and prioritized for improvements, the next step is to evaluate the potential countermeasures for improvements at the selected top-ranked locations. In this step, the standard practice has been to use Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) to quantify the potential impacts from implementing specific countermeasures. In this research, CMFs for bicycle crashes on urban facilities in Florida were developed using the Generalized Linear Model approach with a Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) distribution. The CMFs were tested for their spatial and temporal transferability and the results show only limited transferability both spatially and temporally. The CMFs show that, in general, wider lanes, lower speed limits, and presence of vegetation in the median reduce bicycle crashes, while presence of sidewalk and sidewalk barrier increase bicycle crashes. The research further considered bicycle exposure using the bicycle activity data from the Strava smartphone application. It was found that increased bicycle activity reduces bicycle crash probabilities on segments but increases bicycle crash probabilities at signalized intersections. Also, presence of bus stops and use of permissive signal phasing at intersections were found to increase bicycle crash probabilities.

[pt] O objetivo desta dissertação é desenvolver um modelo conceitual de autoavaliação para que instituições científicas, tecnológicas e de inovação (ICT), que buscam a excelência em gestão da inovação, possam verificar em que nível de maturidade se encontram em relação às cláusulas e itens da Norma ABNT NBR ISO 56002:2020. Busca-se demonstrar a aplicabilidade do modelo mediante o desenvolvimento de um estudo empírico em uma unidade de pesquisa do Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovações – o Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia (INT). A metodologia compreende: (i) pesquisa bibliográfica e documental sobre os temas centrais da pesquisa; (ii) construção do modelo conceitual de autoavaliação de sistemas de gestão da inovação, considerando o papel das ICT como intermediários de inovação; (iii) definição da estrutura analítica em rede, conforme os itens da referida Norma, e elaboração do instrumento de autoavaliação; (iv) definição dos pesos dos itens da Norma com participação de especialistas convidados; (iv) aplicação do instrumento de autoavaliação junto a gestores da instituição participante do estudo empírico; (vii) identificação dos itens que devem ser priorizados, visando à melhoria do sistema de gestão da inovação da instituição. Destaca-se como resultado principal uma sistemática inovadora de autoavaliação de instituições científicas, tecnológicas e de inovação, criada na perspectiva de apoiar processos decisórios referentes à melhoria contínua de seus sistemas de gestão da inovação. / [en] The objective of this dissertation is to develop a conceptual model of selfassessment so that scientific, technological and innovation institutions (ICT, acronym in Portuguese), which seek excellence in innovation management, can verify their level of maturity in relation to the clauses and items of the ABNT NBR ISO 56002:2020 Standard. To demonstrate the applicability of the model in a real context, an empirical study was developed in a Research Unit of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation – the National Institute of Technology (INT, acronym in Portuguese). The methodology comprises: (i) bibliographic and documental research on the central themes of the research; (ii) design of a conceptual model for self-assessment of innovation management systems, considering the role of ICT as innovation intermediaries; (iii) definition of the analytic network structure, according to the items of the aforementioned Standard, and elaboration of the self-assessment instrument; (iv) definition of the weights of the assessment items with the participation of invited experts; (iv) application of the self-assessment instrument with managers of the ICT participating in the empirical study; (vii) identification of items that should be prioritized, with a view to improving the institution s innovation management system. The main result is an innovative system of self-assessment of Scientific, Technological and Innovation Institutions, created with a view to supporting decision-making processes regarding the continuous improvement of their innovation management systems.

[ES] La colaboración empresarial evidenciada en pequeñas y medianas empresas (Pymes) está contribuyendo a ampliar su competitividad, impulsar diversos procesos de innovación y mejorar su rendimiento; siendo, por tanto, fundamental la medición eficaz del rendimiento como una práctica estratégica para impulsar su desarrollo y eficiencia colectiva. La medición del rendimiento (MR) es un elemento esencial para la planificación efectiva y el control empresarial; así como para la toma de decisiones, a fin de desplegar diferentes acciones de mejora. La MR en Pymes incluye las siguientes tres categorías: las medidas de rendimiento o indicadores, el diseño del sistema de medición del rendimiento (SMR) y su desarrollo. El diseño del SMR para redes de Pymes es un proceso importante para asegurar que el marco de medición integre tanto, los factores y elementos del rendimiento propios del contexto colaborativo abordado, así como los métodos y técnicas para un proceso de medición del rendimiento balanceado y con alineamiento estratégico. Sin embargo, en la literatura fueron pocos los estudios que abordaban a la MR en contextos colaborativos. Entre aquellos que lo hacían, la mayoría se relacionaba con el direccionamiento hacia las mejores prácticas; lo que señaló dificultades en cuanto a la consideración de diversos factores entorno a este grupo de Pymes y con ello su implicación en el desarrollo de SMRs específicos. Otro aspecto importante en el diseño del SMR es la presencia de múltiples tomadores de decisión, espacio que tampoco evidenció mayor aporte entre la literatura revisada. Al considerar estos aspectos en el marco del diseño de SMRs para redes de Pymes en colaboración, ninguna investigación presentó un abordaje que contemple todas las características de forma simultánea. Considerando estas brechas, este trabajo de investigación tiene por objetivo proponer un sistema de medición del rendimiento para redes colaborativas de pymes (SMR - RECOP) en un escenario de toma de decisiones en grupo, considerando un enfoque de alineamiento estratégico. La propuesta tiene como finalidad integrar los principales factores de influencia del entorno de la red de Pymes, los requerimientos de medición básicos y la visión de un crecimiento sostenible enmarcado en la eficiencia colectiva. La propuesta de medición del rendimiento utiliza el Balanced Scorecard (BSC) como herramienta para direccionar la estrategia de la red al interior del sistema de medición, donde los indicadores se encuentran en alineación directa con los objetivos estratégicos; además, la técnica Fuzzy TOPSIS para apoyar el proceso de toma de decisiones en grupo que permite la determinación de los objetivos estratégicos y; por último, mesas de diálogo como los espacios para la discusión de ideas y formulación de indicadores de medición. Estas técnicas, juntamente con los elementos citados anteriormente son integrados en una metodología de tres fases. El sistema de medición propuesto se aplica en un caso de investigación para fines de validación; la red de Pymes evaluada pertenece al sector agroindustrial productor de cacao en Ecuador, donde los contextos empresariales tanto de red y cadena se evidencian como las estratégicas colaborativas con importante presencia. La aplicación empírica del SMR - RECOP mostró como resultados necesarios de su desarrollo a los siguientes productos: un conjunto de objetivos estratégicos; un procedimiento establecido para la definición y selección de estos objetivos en el marco de la toma de decisiones en grupo; un mapa estratégico consolidado y por último un conjunto de indicadores de rendimiento. Estos resultados muestran consistencia con los estamentos pretendidos por la red y su contexto de desarrollo; así como con los requerimientos que enmarcan un SMR para Pymes. / [CA] La col·laboració empresarial evidenciada en petites i mitjanes empreses (Pimes) està contribuint a ampliar la seva competitivitat, impulsar diversos processos d'innovació i millorar el seu rendiment; sent, per tant, fonamental el mesurament eficaç de l'rendiment com una pràctica estratègica per impulsar el seu desenvolupament i eficiència col·lectiva. El mesurament de l'rendiment (MR) és un element essencial per a la planificació efectiva i el control empresarial; així com per a la presa de decisions, per tal de desplegar diferents accions de millora. La MR a Pimes inclou les següents tres categories: les mesures de rendiment o indicadors, el disseny de sistema de mesurament de l'rendiment (SMR) i el seu desenvolupament. El disseny de l'SMR per a xarxes de Pimes és un procés important per assegurar que el marc de mesurament integri tant, els factors i elements de l'rendiment propis de l'context col·laboratiu abordat, així com els mètodes i tècniques per a un procés de mesurament de l'rendiment balancejat i amb alineament estratègic. No obstant això, en la literatura van ser pocs els estudis que abordaven a la MR en contextos col·laboratius. Entre aquells que ho feien, la majoria es relacionava amb l'adreçament cap a les millors pràctiques; el que va assenyalar dificultats pel que fa a la consideració de diversos factors entorn a aquest grup de Pimes i amb això la seva implicació en el desenvolupament de SMRs específics. Un altre aspecte important en el disseny de l'SMR és la presència de múltiples prenedors de decisió, espai que tampoc va evidenciar major aportació entre la literatura revisada. A l'considerar aquests aspectes en el marc de el disseny de SMRs per a xarxes de pimes en col·laboració, cap investigació va presentar un abordatge que contempli totes les característiques de forma simultània. Considerant aquestes bretxes, aquest treball de recerca té per objectiu proposar un sistema de mesurament de l'rendiment per a xarxes col·laboratives de pimes (SMR - Recull) en un escenari de presa de decisions en grup, considerant un enfocament d'alineament estratègic. La proposta té com a finalitat integrar els principals factors d'influència de l'entorn de la xarxa de pimes, els requeriments de mesurament bàsics i la visió d'un creixement sostenible emmarcat en l'eficiència col·lectiva. La proposta de mesurament de l'rendiment utilitza el Balanced Scorecard (BSC) com a eina per adreçar l'estratègia de la xarxa a l'interior de el sistema de mesurament, on els indicadors es troben en alineació directa amb els objectius estratègics; a més, la tècnica Fuzzy TOPSIS per donar suport al procés de presa de decisions en grup que permet la determinació dels objectius estratègics i; finalment, taules de diàleg com els espais per a la discussió d'idees i formulació d'indicadors de mesurament. Aquestes tècniques, conjuntament amb els elements esmentats anteriorment són integrats en una metodologia de tres fases. El sistema de mesurament proposat s'aplica en un cas d'investigació per a fins de validació; la xarxa de Pimes avaluada pertany a el sector agroindustrial productor de cacau a l'Equador, on els contextos empresarials tant de xarxa i cadena s'evidencien com les estratègiques col·laboratives amb important presència. L'aplicació empírica d'el SMR - RECOP va mostrar com a resultats necessaris del seu desenvolupament als següents productes: un conjunt d'objectius estratègics; un procediment per a la definició i selecció d'aquests objectius en el marc de la presa de decisions en grup; un mapa estratègic consolidat i finalment un conjunt d'indicadors de rendiment. Els resultats obtinguts mostren consistència amb els estaments pretesos per la xarxa i el seu context de desenvolupament; així com amb els requeriments que emmarquen un SMR per a Pimes. / [EN] The business collaboration evidenced in small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) is helping to expand their competitiveness, promote different innovation processes, and improve their performance. Therefore, effective performance measurement is essential as a strategic practice to promote its development and collective efficiency. Performance measurement (PM) is an essential element for effective business planning and control; as well as for decision making, in order to deploy different improvement actions. PM in SMEs includes the following three categories: performance measures or indicators, the design of the performance measurement system (PMS), and its development. The design of the PMS for SME networks is an important process to ensure that the measurement framework integrates both the factors and elements of the performance, which belong to the collaborative context addressed, as well as the methods and techniques for a balanced performance measurement process and with strategic alignment. However, in the literature, few studies addressed PM in collaborative contexts. Among those that did it, the majority was related to directing toward best practices; which pointed to difficulties in considering various factors around this group of SMEs and thus their involvement in the development of specific PMSs. Another important issue in the design of the PMS is the presence of multiple decision-makers, a space that did not show a greater contribution among the literature reviewed. When considering these aspects in the framework of PMSs design for collaborative SME networks, no research presented an approach that considers all the characteristics simultaneously. Considering these gaps, this research work aims to propose a performance measurement system for collaborative networks of SMEs (PMS - RECOP) in a group decision-making scenario, considering a strategic alignment approach. The purpose of the proposal is to integrate the main factors that influence the environment of the SMEs network, the basic measurement requirements, and the vision of sustainable growth framed in collective efficiency The performance measurement proposal uses the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as a tool to direct the strategy of the network within the measurement system, where the indicators are in direct alignment with the strategic objectives. In addition, the Fuzzy TOPSIS technique supports the group decision-making process that allows the determination of strategic objectives and; finally, dialogue tables as spaces for the discussion of ideas and formulation of measurement indicators. These techniques, together with the elements aforementioned, are integrated into a three-phase methodology. The proposed evaluation system is applied in a research case for validation purposes; the network of SMEs evaluated belongs to the agro-industrial sector that produces cocoa in Ecuador, where the business contexts of both the network and the chain are evidenced as collaborative strategies with an important presence. The empirical application of the PMS - RECOP showed the following products as necessary results of its development: a set of strategic objectives, such as an established procedure for the definition and selection of these objectives within the framework of group decision-making; a consolidated strategic map, and finally a set of performance indicators. The obtained results showed consistency with the states intended by the network and its development context, as well as the requirements that frame a PMS for SMEs. / Rojas Lema, XB. (2021). Sistema de medición del rendimiento para redes colaborativas de Pymes en el sector agroindustrial de Ecuador [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/165779