The aim of this work is to create an application in VBA to compare countries using multi-criteria decision making methods. The main methods, mentioned in the theoretical part are implemented in the application. In theoretical part there are also compared different multi-criteria decision making methods. This work also describes macroeconomic criteria, weigths and the selection of countries. The aim of the final part is the analysis of country comparison results.

Diploma thesis describes the slection of supplier of testing services for Everest project at Raiffeisenbank a. s. with aid of methods of multi-criteria decision and operation research. Thesis compares achieved results with the decision made in real tender realised in year 2010. Solution deals with two approaches via operation research. For the first round of tender were used three methods of multi-criteria evaluation of alternatives, WSA, TOPSIS and ELECTRE III. According to the results of each method were chosen suppliers who advanced to the next round. Second round operates with prices of particular phases of project and discounts offered by suppliers. Solution uses modified model of Reverse Auction. Calculations were supported by program packages SANNA and LINGO. Diploma thesis proved usability of mathematical modelling of multi-criteria decision task as support for management decision in real life business.

The aim of this thesis is to find suitable mortgage, describe important criteria for comparison of mortgages and what types of mortgages the banks offer. The theoretical part of the thesis is divided into four parts. At first, I describe methods of determining the weights and methods of multi-criteria decision making. Then I focus on information about mortgage loan and about loan application process. In the third part I present variants and criteria and in the fourth I detect the best mortgage. I used WSA, TOPSIS, ELECTRE III and MAPPAC and add-on of Microsoft Excel - Sanna.

A busca por marcos comparativos adequados aos processos, produtos e serviços de uma concessionária de energia elétrica têm sido difundida pela Associação Brasileira de Distribuidoras de Energia Elétrica (ABRADEE). Anualmente, esta Associação promove a avaliação dos processos de avaliação da satisfação do cliente, gestão operacional, gestão econômico-financeira e responsabilidade social. Ao exemplo do que ocorre com as empresas participantes da Fundação Nacional da Qualidade (FNQ), é disponibilizado um banco de dados das empresas participantes para realização de Benchmarking de Melhores Práticas. Este trabalho apresenta a proposta de um método para identificação do benchmark mais adequado para comparação de processos entre empresas participantes da ABRADEE utilizando um modelo de análise multicritério que possa auxiliar na escolha deste referencial comparativo. Para a elaboração deste método, buscou-se discutir na revisão bibliográfica alguns assuntos como competitividade, modelos de gestão, avaliação e indicadores de desempenho, benchmarking, assim como métodos de análise multicritério. O método proposto apresenta como diferencial do método já utilizado pela ABRADEE a possibilidade de comparação de empresas com o mesmo perfil organizacional: extensão de rede, tipo de rede de distribuição e número de empregados próprios e terceiros são exemplos. Como resultado do trabalho foi possível hierarquizar logicamente os processos de benchmarking e de análise multicritério para escolha do melhor referencial comparativo, assim como a facilitação do processo de melhores práticas através da seleção do benchmarking adequado. A sua prática deve servir como norteadora e facilitadora da gestão, imputando transparência e confiabilidade aos processos, assim como na obtenção dos resultados esperados pelos Acionistas. / The search for appropriate benchmarks to processes, products and services of an electric utility concessionary have been circulated by the Brazilian Association of Electricity Distributors (ABRADEE). Annually this Association promotes the ratings of customer satisfaction evaluation, operational management, economic-financial management and social responsibility. As an example of what happens to the companies participating in the National Quality Foundation (FNQ) a database of participating companies is available to carry out Benchmarking for Best Practices. This paper presents a proposed method to identify the most appropriate benchmark to compare cases between companies that participate in the ABRADEE using a multicriteria analysis model that can help to select this comparative reference. Due to the development of this method, we attempted to discuss in the literature review some issues such as competitiveness, governance, evaluation and performance indicators, benchmarking, as well as methods of multicriteria analysis. The proposed method is a distinct formulation of the method already used by ABRADEE, the comparison of companies with the same organizational profile: network extension, network type of distribution and number of own and third-party employees are examples. As a result of the work it was possible to logically prioritize the processes of benchmarking and multicriteria analysis to choose the best comparative reference, as well as facilitating the process of best practices by selecting the appropriate benchmark. Its practice should suit to guide and facilitate the management charging transparency and accountability procedures, as well as achieving the results expected by shareholders.

A análise de investimentos é um processo de vital importância para uma organização, pois envolve o orçamento de capital da empresa na busca de projetos que tragam rentabilidade, perpetuidade, além de ter ligação direta com os objetivos estratégicos traçados. Entretanto, este processo muitas vezes não é discutido internamente nas empresas, as quais geralmente focam somente na etapa de avaliação econômica dos projetos, não desenvolvendo o processo de uma forma sistêmica e estruturada, nem considerando outros aspectos qualitativos na decisão. Desta forma, o presente trabalho apresenta um proposta de sistemática para análise multicriterial de investimentos, discutindo particularmente as quatro grandes fases do processo de análise: identificação, avaliação, priorização e seleção e acompanhamento de projetos. Para cada fase, algumas etapas e atividades foram definidas e posteriormente validadas em uma empresa do ramo automotivo. Para auxiliar a estruturação da sistemática são utilizados métodos de avaliação econômica tradicionais como VPL, TIR e payback, além de um método de análise multicriterial, chamado NCIC, e do uso de programação linear para definição de um portfólio ótimo de investimentos. O uso em conjunto de tais métodos permitiu a elaboração de uma ferramenta chamada PAMP – Planilha para Avaliação Multicriterial de Investimentos. Durante a validação da sistemática foi definida uma equipe multifuncional para a busca e avaliação de investimentos. Esta equipe foi treinada, os fluxos de caixa dos projetos elencados foram projetados e a partir do uso da PAMP dois ranking foram desenvolvidos: primeiramente, um ranking econômico, ordenando os projetos conforme seus resultados (VPL), e em um segundo momento, um ranking multicriterial, incorporando ao VPL o valor agregado dos atributos qualitativos de cada projeto. Após, usando programação linear, foi modelado o portfólio ótimo sob o ponto de vista econômico e qualitativo, incorporando o racionamento de capital entre outras restrições. Como resultado observou-se que apesar dos atributos qualitativos serem relevantes para a tomada de decisão, o critério que mais influencia a empresa ainda é o econômico. Além disso, percebeu-se uma boa aderência da sistemática proposta no ambiente empresarial, destacando como principais benefícios (i) a estruturação de uma lista de projetos, discutindo as origens dos mesmos e suas ligações com a estratégia da empresa; (ii) capacitação dos colaboradores formando uma estrutura de apoio interna que dê suporte conceitual ao processo de análise de investimentos; (iii) estruturação lógica do processo de análise de investimentos, indicando ferramentas de simples uso e com potencial interação; e (iv) melhoria contínua do processo através da comparação projetado versus realizado e retroalimentação do sistema de análise de investimentos. / Investment analysis is a key process in organizations. It involves the capital budgeting of companies to identify projects that brings profitability, perpetuity and direct connection with strategic goals. However, this kind of process is not often internally discussed in companies, which usually focus on the economic evaluation phase only, in spite of a structured process where qualitative aspects are considered in the decision-making. This work presents a method for multi-criteria investment analysis, particularly discussing the four most important phases in the analysis: identification, evaluation, prioritization and selection and project monitoring. In each phase, steps and activities are defined and illustrated through an application in an automotive company. Traditional evaluation methods, such as NPV, IRR and payback, in addition to a multi-criteria decision-making technique, named NCIC, and linear programming are used to support the method. The use of such techniques led to the creation of an analysis tool called PAMP – Spreadsheet for Multi-criteria Investments Analysis. During the application of the method a multi-functional team was selected and trained to search and evaluate investment opportunities. The projects cash flows were specified and, through the use of PAMP, two rankings were developed: an economic ranking, ordering the results of each project (NPV), and a multi-criteria ranking, including qualitative aspects of each project. Next, linear programming was used and a project portfolio was modeled considering economic and qualitative issues, such as capital rationing and other restrictions. As a result, it was observed that despite the fact that qualitative aspects are important in the final decision, the economic aspect is still the main drive in the company. In addition, it was verified that the proposed method was adapted successfully to the company environment; its main benefits: (i) the creation of a project list, stressing its connections to the firm strategy; (ii) training of a team that gives support to the investment analysis process; (iii) creation of a logical structure for investment analysis,based on powerful yet easy to use tools; and (iv) continuous improvement of the process.

In recent years, the popularity of wind energy has grown. It is starting to play a large role in generating renewable, clean energy around the world. In New Zealand, there is increasing recognition and awareness of global warming and the pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, as well as the increased difficulty of obtaining oil from foreign sources, and the fluctuating price of non-renewable energy products. This makes wind energy a very attractive alternative to keep New Zealand clean and green. There are many issues involved in wind farm development. These issues can be grouped into two categories - economic issues and environmental issues. Wind farm developers often use site selection process to minimise the impact of these issues. This thesis aims to develop GIS based models that provide effective decision support tool for evaluating, at a regional scale, potential wind farm locations. This thesis firstly identifies common issues involved in wind farm development. Then, by reviewing previous research on wind farm site selection, methods and models used by academic and corporate sector to solve issues are listed. Criteria for an effective decision support tool are also discussed. In this case, an effective decision support tool needs to be flexible, easy to implement and easy to use. More specifically, an effective decision support tool needs to provide users the ability to identify areas that are suitable for wind farm development based on different criteria. Having established the structure and criteria for a wind farm analysis model, a GIS based tool was implemented using AML code using a Boolean logic model approach. This method uses binary maps for the final analysis. There are a total of 3645 output maps produced based on different combination of criteria. These maps can be used to conduct sensitivity analysis. This research concludes that an effective GIS analysis tool can be developed for provide effective decision support for evaluating wind farm sites.

In the Australian wine industry, cold stabilisation is a widely used industrial process to prevent tartrate instability in bottled wines. This process involves cooling the wine close to its freezing point for extended periods, thereby inducing tartrate precipitation. However, it has several important disadvantages. Consequently, alternative methods to cold stabilisation have been developed. This includes electrodialysis, nanofiltration and contact processes. In this study, current knowledge regarding performance and cost of cold stabilisation and alternative technologies for tartrate stabilisation is reviewed. Whilst there have been occasional cost comparisons between cold stabilisation and alternative technologies, existing data is not suitable for properly evaluating the relative economics of the different process options. Therefore, alternative technologies to cold stabilisation, including the Westfalia process, nanofiltration and electrodialysis were compared for both technical and economic performance. Berri Estates Winery was used as the basis for engineering calculations and conceptual cost estimates. This is the first time that such a comprehensive evaluation has been undertaken of a broad range of alternative technologies for tartrate stabilisation during wine production. Product loss was a key cost driver in differentiating tartrate stabilisation processes. Cold stabilisation was found to be the most economic treatment process irrespective of scale or winery size. The Westfalia process and nanofiltration were the next most cost effective options. Data for economic evaluation and environmental assessment were summarised in a survey form that was circulated to technical experts from Hardy Wine Company, the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) and the University of Adelaide. The purpose of the survey was to obtain the experts’ opinions on the merits of the alternative technologies. The results of this survey were used for comparison between current cold stabilisation and alternative technologies, by performing multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). This represents an original application of MCDA techniques to decision making in the wine industry. The MCDA analysis identified a strong preference by experts for nanofiltration combined with centrifugation as an alternative to cold stabilisation. As a consequence, laboratory investigations and field testing of nanofiltration were conducted to obtain new and practical information which was not presently available and relevant to understanding and implementing this process for tartrate stabilisation of wine. The laboratory experiments were performed with a range of membranes and tartrate unstable wines (i.e. Semillon, Colombard and Shiraz) using a purpose-designed laboratory-scale continuously-stirred batch-test membrane cell. The results showed that a range of commercial nanofiltration membranes with a nominal molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) between 200 and 500 Daltons (Da) were able to achieve tartrate stabilisation of all wines tested. This was achieved at moderate pressures less than 20 bar with a recovery of at least 50 %. It was also observed that seeding of wine following nanofiltration might reduce the holding time required to achieve stability and also enable reductions in the recovery rate to values of less than 50 %. The field testing was performed at Berri Estates Winery in the Riverland region of South Australia. The testing was performed using an existing commercial membrane system. This membrane system was already used for juice/wine concentration. The nanofiltration membranes had a nominal MWCO of 300 Da. The testing was conducted on Colombard and Shiraz wines. The field tests confirmed that nanofiltration could successfully tartrate stabilise Colombard and Shiraz wines at recoveries of 50 %; without seeding; within relatively short holding periods of less than four hours; and at flux rates between 5 and 10 L/m²/h. Crystallisation kinetics were also studied. At low recovery, the crystallisation was initially controlled by diffusion step, then surface integration. However, at high recovery, the crystallisation was controlled solely by surface integration. Sensory testing (by duo-trio difference tests) produced adverse sensory outcomes when compared with treatment of the same wines by cold stabilisation. Unfortunately, it could not be established whether this problem was inherent to the process or arose from unrelated factors. Setting aside the adverse sensory result, this is the first time that technical feasibility of nanofiltration for tartrate stabilisation has been successfully demonstrated. Further field testing and sensory evaluation of nano-filtered wines should be carried out to verify the effect of nanofiltration on wines. If the process is successful and favourable, the process design for implementation of a production scale nanofiltration for tartrate stabilisation should then be optimised. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1292872 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering, 2007.

In the Australian wine industry, cold stabilisation is a widely used industrial process to prevent tartrate instability in bottled wines. This process involves cooling the wine close to its freezing point for extended periods, thereby inducing tartrate precipitation. However, it has several important disadvantages. Consequently, alternative methods to cold stabilisation have been developed. This includes electrodialysis, nanofiltration and contact processes. In this study, current knowledge regarding performance and cost of cold stabilisation and alternative technologies for tartrate stabilisation is reviewed. Whilst there have been occasional cost comparisons between cold stabilisation and alternative technologies, existing data is not suitable for properly evaluating the relative economics of the different process options. Therefore, alternative technologies to cold stabilisation, including the Westfalia process, nanofiltration and electrodialysis were compared for both technical and economic performance. Berri Estates Winery was used as the basis for engineering calculations and conceptual cost estimates. This is the first time that such a comprehensive evaluation has been undertaken of a broad range of alternative technologies for tartrate stabilisation during wine production. Product loss was a key cost driver in differentiating tartrate stabilisation processes. Cold stabilisation was found to be the most economic treatment process irrespective of scale or winery size. The Westfalia process and nanofiltration were the next most cost effective options. Data for economic evaluation and environmental assessment were summarised in a survey form that was circulated to technical experts from Hardy Wine Company, the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) and the University of Adelaide. The purpose of the survey was to obtain the experts’ opinions on the merits of the alternative technologies. The results of this survey were used for comparison between current cold stabilisation and alternative technologies, by performing multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). This represents an original application of MCDA techniques to decision making in the wine industry. The MCDA analysis identified a strong preference by experts for nanofiltration combined with centrifugation as an alternative to cold stabilisation. As a consequence, laboratory investigations and field testing of nanofiltration were conducted to obtain new and practical information which was not presently available and relevant to understanding and implementing this process for tartrate stabilisation of wine. The laboratory experiments were performed with a range of membranes and tartrate unstable wines (i.e. Semillon, Colombard and Shiraz) using a purpose-designed laboratory-scale continuously-stirred batch-test membrane cell. The results showed that a range of commercial nanofiltration membranes with a nominal molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) between 200 and 500 Daltons (Da) were able to achieve tartrate stabilisation of all wines tested. This was achieved at moderate pressures less than 20 bar with a recovery of at least 50 %. It was also observed that seeding of wine following nanofiltration might reduce the holding time required to achieve stability and also enable reductions in the recovery rate to values of less than 50 %. The field testing was performed at Berri Estates Winery in the Riverland region of South Australia. The testing was performed using an existing commercial membrane system. This membrane system was already used for juice/wine concentration. The nanofiltration membranes had a nominal MWCO of 300 Da. The testing was conducted on Colombard and Shiraz wines. The field tests confirmed that nanofiltration could successfully tartrate stabilise Colombard and Shiraz wines at recoveries of 50 %; without seeding; within relatively short holding periods of less than four hours; and at flux rates between 5 and 10 L/m²/h. Crystallisation kinetics were also studied. At low recovery, the crystallisation was initially controlled by diffusion step, then surface integration. However, at high recovery, the crystallisation was controlled solely by surface integration. Sensory testing (by duo-trio difference tests) produced adverse sensory outcomes when compared with treatment of the same wines by cold stabilisation. Unfortunately, it could not be established whether this problem was inherent to the process or arose from unrelated factors. Setting aside the adverse sensory result, this is the first time that technical feasibility of nanofiltration for tartrate stabilisation has been successfully demonstrated. Further field testing and sensory evaluation of nano-filtered wines should be carried out to verify the effect of nanofiltration on wines. If the process is successful and favourable, the process design for implementation of a production scale nanofiltration for tartrate stabilisation should then be optimised. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1292872 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering, 2007.

<p><p>The municipality of Sandviken is in a state of strong growth. This affects the need for more hotel rooms in Sandviken, in a way that it’s profitable to invest in a new hotel. Sandvikens largest company, the steal industry Sandvik AB, grows just like Sandviken, and have great influence on the need of more hotel rooms. Today there are three hotels placed in Sandviken, and these hotels aren’t enough when the pressure of hotel guests is at its top.</p><p>The purpose with the project was to analyse the criteria’s that are important for localization of a new hotel in the Sandviken, and to clarify what kind of hotel Sandviken is in need of. The need of hotel rooms in Sandviken where to be challenged during the investigation.</p><p>To find the most appropriate locations, a multi-criteria analysis was used that was based on the weighting of criteria from a questionnaire study. The questionnaire study contained two parts. The first part where selecting which criteria’s the multi-criteria analysis would include. The other part was weighting the selected criteria’s to be able to input them in the multi-criteria analysis. The weighting where made by selected persons, chosen due to their skills in the particular area. The selected criteria’s in the multi-criteria analysis where: traffic noise, proximity to sports arena, proximity to park area, proximity to travel centre, proximity to restaurants, proximity to Sandbacka park and proximity to Sandvik AB.</p><p>When the multi-criteria analysis was done, it presented which areas that had the highest values. The mean value for all the selected weightings gave the results of high values in the central parts of Sandviken. This analysis where then complimented with a visual stock-taking of selected areas around Sandviken that where considered free space for building new hotel.</p><p>The investigation shows that there is a need for more hotel rooms in Sandviken at the moment. This need for hotel rooms will probably grow cause of the recruitment of new personnel by Sandvik AB, and the fact that three new sports arenas is planned to be built in Sandviken. The questionnaire studies shows that the category of hotels with the most need in Sandviken, is especially business hotels. The reason for this is mostly due to Sandvik AB. The areas that are most appropriate for hotel establishment in Sandviken, are located in the central parts of Sandviken.</p></p> / <p><p>Sandvikens kommun befinner sig i ett starkt växande tillstånd, det påverkar behovet av fler hotellrum på så sätt att ny etablering av hotell är aktuellt. Sandvikens största företag, stålindustrin Sandvik AB, växer precis som Sandviken, och det har stor påverkan på behovet av fler hotellrum. I Sandvikens tätort finns idag tre hotell, som inte klarar behovet av hotellgäster när antalet gäster är som mest. Dessa är Alséns hotell, Stadshotellet Princess och Högbo Brukshotell.</p><p>Syftet med arbetet var att analysera vilka kriterier som är viktiga för lokalisering av ett nytt hotell i Sandvikens tätort, samt att klargöra vilken kategori av hotell Sandviken är i behov av. Behovet av fler hotellrum i Sandvikens tätort ifrågasattes även under utredning.</p><p>För att hitta de platser som är lämpligast, användes en multikriterieanalys som grundade sig på viktade kriterier från en enkätundersökning. Enkätundersökningen bestod utav två delar. Den ena delen valde ut vilka kriterier som skulle ingå i multikriterieanalysen. Den andra delen viktade de utvalda kriterierna för att sedan matas in i multikriterieanalysen, viktningen skedde med hjälp utav utvalda personer som ansågs kunniga på området. De utvalda kriterierna till multikriterieanalysen var: närhet till större idrottsanläggning, buller (hur viktigt det är med låg nivå av buller), närhet till handel, närhet till parkområde, närhet till resecentrum, närhet till restauranger, närhet till Sandbacka park och närhet till Sandvik AB.</p><p>Multikriterieanalysen visade sedan vilka områden som gav de högsta värdena. Medelvärdet för alla de utvaldas viktningar gav ett resultat av höga värden vid centrala delarna av Sandvikens tätort. Denna analys kompletterades sedan med en visuell inventering av utvalda områden som ansågs lediga platser för hotellbygge.</p><p>Utredningen visar att det i dagsläget finns behov av fler hotellrum i Sandvikens tätort. Detta behov kommer med all sannolikhet att öka på grund av att Sandvik AB anställer ny personal, samt att tre nya idrottsarenor byggs i Sandvikens tätort. Enkätundersökningarna visar att den kategori av hotell som det finns störst behov av i Sandvikens tätort är framförallt företagshotell. Detta beror framförallt på storföretaget Sandvik AB. De områden som är lämpligast för etablering av hotell i Sandvikens tätort, enligt den multikriterieanalys som gjorts, är de centrala delarna av Sandvikens tätort.</p></p>

The percentage of shop fabrication, including pipe spool fabrication, has been increasing on industrial construction projects during the past years. Industrial fabrication has a great impact on construction projects due to the fact that the productivity is higher in a controlled environment than in the field, and therefore time and cost of construction projects are reduced by making use of industrial fabrication. Effective planning and scheduling of the industrial fabrication processes is important for the success of construction projects. This thesis focuses on developing a new framework for optimizing shop scheduling, particularly pipe spool fabrication shop scheduling. The proposed framework makes it possible to capture uncertainty of the pipe spool fabrication shop while accounting for linguistic vagueness of the decision makers preferences using simulation modeling and fuzzy set theory. The implementation of the proposed framework is discussed using a real case study of a pipe spool fabrication shop. In this thesis, first, a simulation based scheduling framework is presented based on the integration of relational database management system, product modeling, process modeling, and heuristic approaches. Next, a framework for optimization of the industrial shop scheduling with respect to multiple criteria is proposed. Fuzzy set theory is used to linguistically assess different levels of satisfaction for the selected criteria. Additionally, an executable scheduling toolkit is introduced as a decision support system for pipe spool fabrication shop. / Construction Engineering and Management