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Application Framework of Multi-Criteria Methods in Sustainability Assessment

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  • Paweł Ziemba

    (Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, Aleja Papieża Jana Pawła II 22 A, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland)

Abstract

In the contemporary literature on sustainability, one can notice an increasingly frequent use of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods instead of classic sustainability indices. The MCDA method should be tailored to the specific sustainability problem and decision situation so that its results are credible and satisfactory for the decision-maker. Therefore, the following research questions arise: (1) which MCDA methods are most often used in sustainability problems, and (2) which methods should be used depending on the characteristics of a particular sustainability decision problem and its assessment. The aim of the article is to scientifically analyse the applicability of various MCDA methods in decision-making problems related to sustainability, sustainable development, and sustainability assessment. In the article, based on the analysis of the literature, a set of features has been developed that determines the possibility of using individual MCDA methods in sustainability problems. Then, the characteristics of 28 methods are presented and the framework for selecting the MCDA method for the purpose of sustainability decision problems is indicated. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the most commonly used MCDA methods in sustainability problems are primarily methods based on arithmetic aggregation of criteria. In addition, fuzzy methods and fuzzy modifications of classical methods are used more often. Research has established that MCDA methods are more functional than classic sustainability indices. In addition, the use of MCDA methods in the assessment of sustainability gives much more flexibility than the use of classic indices. The proposed framework allows the decision-maker to independently assess the potential of using individual multi-criteria methods in specific decision-making problems related to sustainability. The framework enables the selection of an appropriate MCDA method depending on the defined needs of the decision-maker, resulting from the decision problem, its structure, and decision-making situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Paweł Ziemba, 2022. "Application Framework of Multi-Criteria Methods in Sustainability Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:23:p:9201-:d:993553
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carlos Henggeler Antunes & Carla Oliveira Henriques, 2016. "Multi-Objective Optimization and Multi-Criteria Analysis Models and Methods for Problems in the Energy Sector," International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, in: Salvatore Greco & Matthias Ehrgott & José Rui Figueira (ed.), Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis, edition 2, chapter 0, pages 1067-1165, Springer.
    2. Kumar, Abhishek & Sah, Bikash & Singh, Arvind R. & Deng, Yan & He, Xiangning & Kumar, Praveen & Bansal, R.C., 2017. "A review of multi criteria decision making (MCDM) towards sustainable renewable energy development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 596-609.
    3. White, Leroy & Lee, Gregory John, 2009. "Operational research and sustainable development: Tackling the social dimension," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 193(3), pages 683-692, March.
    4. Paweł Ziemba, 2019. "Towards Strong Sustainability Management—A Generalized PROSA Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-29, March.
    5. Diaz-Balteiro, L & González-Pachón, J. & Romero, C., 2017. "Measuring systems sustainability with multi-criteria methods: A critical review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 258(2), pages 607-616.
    6. Paweł Ziemba, 2021. "Selection of Electric Vehicles for the Needs of Sustainable Transport under Conditions of Uncertainty—A Comparative Study on Fuzzy MCDA Methods," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-25, November.
    7. Guitouni, Adel & Martel, Jean-Marc, 1998. "Tentative guidelines to help choosing an appropriate MCDA method," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 109(2), pages 501-521, September.
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    1. Jaros³aw Brodny & Magdalena Tutak, 2023. "The level of implementing sustainable development goal "Industry, innovation and infrastructure" of Agenda 2030 in the European Union countries: Application of MCDM methods," Oeconomia Copernicana, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 14(1), pages 47-102, March.

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