Optimization methods have been considered in many articles, monographs, and handbooks. However, experts continue to experience difficulties in correctly stating optimization problems in engineering. These troubles typically emerge when trying to define the set of feasible solutions, i.e. the constraints imposed on the design variables, functional relationships, and criteria. The Parameter Space Investigation (PSI) method was developed specifically for the correct statement and solution of engineering optimization problems. It is implemented in the MOVI 1.0 software package, a tutorial version of which is included in this book. The PSI method and MOVI 1.0 software package have a wide range of applications. The PSI method can be successfully used for the statement and solution of the following multicriteria problems: design, identification, design with control, the optional development of prototypes, finite element models, and the decomposition and aggregation of large-scale systems. Audience: The PSI method will be of interest to researchers, graduate students, and engineers who work in engineering, mathematical modelling and industrial mathematics, and in computer and information science.

This book concentrates on the basic principles of multicriterion analysis and acquaints the reader with the recent trends in MCDM analysis. It explains the basics of Structured Decision-Making (SDM) and describes the various features of traditional optimization methods such as linear and non-linear programming, and dynamic programming, as well as non-traditional optimization methods such as genetic algorithms, differential evolution, and simulated annealing and quenching. The text elaborates the normalization methods, weight estimation methods and multiobjective optimization methods both in traditional and non-traditional environments. Classification approaches with cluster validation indices, discrete MCDM methods both in deterministic and fuzzy approach and group decision-making methods are discussed in detail. Advanced topics in decision-making such as data envelopment analysis, Taguchi methodology, ant colony optimization, and particle swarm optimization are also covered. In addition, the book includes many case studies for better comprehension of the procedures involved in the methods.

Multicriteria analysis is one of the most important fields of decision science. This book gives an outline of the formulation of an appropriate model and presents a comprehensive summary of the most popular methods for solving multicriteria decision problems. In addition to the classical approach the book introduces fuzzy and stochastic methodology, models with uncertainty, social choice and conflict resolution. All methods are illustrated with easy to follow simple examples. At the end of each chapter detailed case studies are given in water and environment management including inter-basin water transfer, urban water management, water allocation, groundwater quality management, forest treatment, ranking water resources projects, reservoir planning, water distribution network design and long-term watershed management. The new methodology and the wide variety of case studies are not easily accessible elsewhere.

Multi-criteria Decision Analysis for Supporting the Selection of Engineering Materials in Product Design, Second Edition, provides readers with tactics they can use to optimally select materials to satisfy complex design problems when they are faced with the vast range of materials available. Current approaches to materials selection range from the use of intuition and experience, to more formalized computer-based methods, such as electronic databases with search engines to facilitate the materials selection process. Recently, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been applied to materials selection, demonstrating significant capability for tackling complex design problems. This book describes the rapidly growing field of MCDM and its application to materials selection. It aids readers in producing successful designs by improving the decision-making process. This new edition updates and expands previous key topics, including new chapters on materials selection in the context of design problem-solving and multiple objective decision-making, also presenting a significant amount of additional case studies that will aid in the learning process. Describes the advantages of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the materials selection process through different case studies Presents a methodology for multi-objective material design optimization that employs Design of Experiments coupled with Finite Element Analysis Supplements existing quantitative methods of materials selection by allowing simultaneous consideration of design attributes, component configurations, and types of material Provides a case study for simultaneous materials selection and geometrical optimization processes

The use of a multi-criteria, decision-making theory was first studied in the 1970s. Its application in civil and environmental engineering is a new approach which can be enormously helpful for manufacturing companies, students, managers, engineers, etc. The purpose of this book is to provide a resource for students and researchers that includes current application of a multi-criteria, decision-making theory in various fields such as: environment, healthcare and engineering. In addition, practical application are shown for students manually. In real life problems there are many critical parameters (criteria) that can directly or indirectly affect the consequences of different decisions. Application of a multi-criteria, decision-making theory is basically the use of computational methods that incorporate several criteria and order of preference in evaluating and selecting the best option among many alternatives based on the desired outcome.

Multicriteria analysis is a rapidly growing aspect of operations research and management science, with numerous practical applications in a wide range of fields. This book presents all the recent advances in multicriteria analysis, including multicriteria optimization, goal programming, outranking methods, and disaggregation techniques. The latest developments on robustness analysis, preference elicitation, and decision making when faced with incomplete information, are also discussed, together with applications in business performance evaluation, finance, and marketing. Finally, the interactions of multicriteria analysis with other disciplines are also explored, including among others data mining, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary methods.

Multicriteria Analysis and LCA Techniques introduces the reader to the basic principles of multicriteria analysis (MCA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques. The use of these tools is rapidly becoming essential in any feasibility study for comparing different solutions, selecting the most suitable ones, and for analyzing the interface of economy and environment. The main feature of Multicriteria Analysis and LCA Techniques is the application of a new approach to the analysis of energy balance and environmental impact of agro-industrial production chains. It gives detailed descriptions of a number of food and non-food agro-industrial applications of MCA and LCA, thereby providing the reader with practical examples of the implementation of these tools in the field of agro-industry. Multicriteria Analysis and LCA Techniques represents a subsidiary reference book for both undergraduate and graduate students, and can also be used for basic or applied academic research.