Author = Azar, Adel

Designing the model of implementation of integration strategy of public organizations in Iran

Volume 23, Issue 2, July 2019, Pages 151-181

Esmaeil jalili; -Asghar -moshabaki; -Sid Hamid -khodadah Hoseini; Adel Azar

Abstract In recent years, one of the developments in the country's administrative system is the identification of offices, institutions and organizations with similar services and the elimination of parallel activities on multiple devices and transferring them to the organization, or in other words the merger of several offices and organizations in one set.Although this is done with the goal of mobility and dynamism of the new organization in providing better services or more desirable production, while during the merger stages, the integration workers and organizations are thrown into an area of uncertainty and concern. In this regard, the present study aims to clarify the integration with emphasis on public organizations.This is as a study that used grounded theory to get insight about experiences in implementing merger strategy successfully through in – depth interviews with 18 academic-professional organizations experts including custodians and experts in integrating public organizations. In order, gathered data to design a model of successful strategy implementation. According to guidelines of open and axial coding, in form of 20 sub- category were conceptualized and classified in 6 main category and finally the model was developed. This model also explains factors influencing the merger strategy implementation and also how these elements interact with each other. Outcome of model including achiving effectiveness and increasing public efficiency and organizational agility.

Designing model for performance-based budget using fuzzy cognitive mapping and software systems methodology and fuzzy topsis

Volume 22, Issue 1, June 2018, Pages 299-322

seyed fazel mosavi

Abstract Performance-based budgeting is one of the key factors of today's organization efficiency. Economically, "budget philosophy" is due to the existence of a "total contradiction" that is in every society and a curtesy of "knowledge economy" is completely created. Based on experts’ opinions, Lack of understanding and restructuring the issue of the budget is one of the operational problems of the performance-based budgeting of an organization. In this study, we decided to use the soft systems methodology to deal with budget issues that have components of social, political and human. In this methodology, the problem is a part of a single system rather than a problem to be investigated. Also, after structuring the problem and identifying preferences of experts, hierarchical clustering was applied to prioritize indicators. Therefore by combining these two approaches for Iran Social Security organization, Medicare and investment were prioritized. The results made the gap clear and paved the way for performance-based budgeting.

Developing Performance Based Budgeting Model: Organizational Excellence Approach

Volume 21, Issue 2, September 2017, Pages 179-198

Mohammad Valipour Khatir; Adel Azar; Mohammad Reza Amini

Abstract Necessity to budget restructuring from program budgeting to performance ‎budgeting led to many studies for requirements of these changes. By ‎reviewing literature budgeting models with concept of ‎performance as Excellency and Efficiency was not seen. Main idea of this research ‎was providing Performance-based budgeting model with following criteria: 1-while considering general policies of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in ‎budget allocation among subset hospitals, efficiency at overall and ‎efficiency in budget allocation should be taken into account. 2- Efficiency of the ‎ used mathematical models should be considered.‎‏ ‏The EFQM Excellency model was used as a base ‎of excellence assessment in hospitals. In order to classify hospitals, thoes with similarities in excellence dimensions were clustered and ‎ efficiency of hospitals evaluated using BCC model. ‎ In order to achieve the main purpose of the study, at the first step, crisp performance-‎based budgeting model was designed by 6 Goal (Excellency, efficiency and Bed ‎Occupancy Rate at two levels of Cluster Average and within clusters) then the ‎model was enabled to better respond in uncertainty situation by using the fuzzy ‎and robustness methods. Also, in order to analyze capabilities of ‎robust models more precisely, the Monte Carlo simulation was used. Results showed that the ‎robust-fuzzy model has more capability than crisp model reposing the uncertainty ‎in parameters of problem. ‎

Confrontation Analysis in natural gas extraction from shared field between Iran and Qatar:Drama Theory approach

Volume 20, Issue 3, September 2016, Pages 25-51

Hassan Mohammadi; Saeed Najafi Tavana; Adel Azar

Abstract Conflict modeling and analysis have been investigated within many disciplines. Metagame based methods are the most comprehensive models that have been used for conflict modeling and analysis. The literature review outlines that common interest in the gas field shared between Iran and Qatar and lack of power balance between the two parties have caused conflict. Moreover, no serious study has been done on the aspects involved in the conflict. In this research we acknowledge the lack of a comprehensive study on the gas field shared. We employed confrontation analysis and drama theory to shed light on the potential issues involved in this case. Based on the data collected from several in-depth interviews, we present a framework depicting influential factors on the case of shared field between Iran and Qatar. While research findings show that negotiation under the current circumstances is impossible, a positive situation for Iranian side in the future is predicted. The research also suggests an appropriate strategy not only to resolve the conflict in Iran-Qatar partnership, also facilitate the creation of fruitful collaboration between the two parties.

Mapping of data quality process monitoring map in with SODA approach(case study : statistical center of Iran)

Volume 19, Issue 4, March 2016, Pages 1-20

Saeed Najafi Tavana; Hossein Ghorbani; Adel Azar

Abstract Quality is a concept that is based on the views of users, users needs and dominances is established. Thus, among the various groups of users have different meanings. statistics Data quality to the appropriate degree of confidence in them to meet the needs of users and the purposes specified in the survey . The perfect balance definition that was used in the past as well, because even if true Statistics can not be sure of the quality utility. In other words, a multi-dimensional quality statistics that are associated with all of its. Only one aspect of it is properly and it is perhaps the most important aspect. All aspects of quality are important However, in most surveys according to limited funds ,obtain statistics with the best level of quality in all its dimensions, it is almost impossible. This research based on SODA approach is monitoring data items quality from different directions and perspectives in order to problem structuring. Monitoring is base on documentation and scientific articles and semi-structured and depth interviews with experts in the field of statistics Data quality items Statistics Center of Iran. The researcher is trying to gather all the opinions of the experts, to structuring the relationship between the quality of its components and factors that affecting its. After setting out map to monitoring the data items quality, Level of quality items, its components, as well as factors that affect the relationship between the components are thoroughly characterized.

Design of integrated mathematical model for closed-loop supply chain

Volume 20, Issue 1, March 2016, Pages 1-32

Ali Rajabzadeh Gatari; MohammadReza Amini; Adel Azar; Maryam Kolyaei

Abstract Today's world is more competitive than ever, and industry increasingly looks to supply chain management as a competitive weapon. the objective of this research is to suggest an integrated approach for Closed Loop Supply Chain network including two phases. In the first phase, a framework for supplier selection criteria in RL is proposed. Beside a fuzzy method is utilized to evaluate suppliers based on quantitative and qualitative criteria. The output of this stage is the weight of each supplier according to each part.in the second phase, we propose a Multi Objctive mixd-integer linear programming model to determine weight of suppliers and amount of item for purching from them(strategic decisions), as well as weight of remanufacturing subcontractor and dedicate product to them (tactical decisions), and find out the optimal number of part and products in CLSC network(operational decisions). The objective functions maximize profit of selling, minimize factory cost as well as cost of unsatisfied demand and rest of them maximize weight of suppliers and allocate return product between recoverable centers in factory and remanufacturing subcontractors. the mathematical programming model is validated through numerical analysis.

A Soft System Methodology Approach for Structuring Surveillance against Occupational Carcinogenic Exposures Problem (Case Study: Petroleum Industries)

Volume 19, Issue 3, September 2015, Pages 167-190

Ali Rajabzadeh; Adel Azar; Behrouz Zarei; Ramin Sepehrirad

Abstract Petroleum industry of Iran has provided one of the best opportunities for employees, but occupational exposures leading to chronic diseases such as cancer are high in the field. Ministry of Petroleum has owned an organization, which covers the personnel with health insurance, called “Petroleum Industry Health Organization” (PIHO). PIHO and Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) units play significant roles in providing the employees with health services. However, there is lack of a unique system specifying occupational cancer control. Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. On the other hand, negative impressions of cancer and heavy costs of patient’s treatment have forced the ministry to pay appropriate attention to this chronic disease. This paper aims to identify structure and design a framework for a system to occupational cancer control in Iranian petroleum industry. Due to the vast dynamic complexities (multi-dimension nature of cancer, joint exposures, and the delay between exposure and incidence) and behavioral complexities (various stakeholders and actors) in the problem, we have adopted Soft System Methodology (SSM) in order to study the current situation. We reached an agreement with the problem owner on a rich picture, CATWOE analysis, and a root definition on how this surveillance system would be considering the real world circumstances.The results were obtained through many sessions with problem stakeholders even with conflicting interests. The results revealed that it is necessary to make some changes in the actors’ information systems (occupational hygiene and medicine, hospitals and the ministry’s Pension Organization), with an emphasis on identifying and analyzing carcinogens and cancer patients in order to improve the problem situation.

A Total Systems Intervention Approach to Developing Strategy Implementation Roadmap in Public Organization

Volume 19, Issue 2, August 2015, Pages 1-29

abbas moghbel baerz; zdel azar; Ameneh jhadivar; mansooreh zarezadeh

Abstract As regard the increasing complexity and challenging problems at today organization demand developing suitable decision models. This research is aimed at utilizing whole systems approaches at better implementation strategy in this regard due to their power in resolving complex and dynamic organizational issues, and also responded some of shortcomings of existing in other strategy implementation models and methods. Since all systems methodologies are inherently restricted to determined problem domains, using total systems intervention (TSI) meta-methodology to strategic development road map, because it is totality and capability to use several system methodologies in combination. By proposed road map has made methodologic process for strategy formulation and implementation and also reached learning organization and scheming culture by applying appropriate system methodologies. Also this road map smoothly decreases the gaps between strategic and function layers in organization by ensuring a consensus between stakeholders and actors. According to the phase of TSI, at first, barrier of strategy implementation were investigated then soft systems methodology (SSM) and system dynamics (SD) selected as chief methodologies, by way of applying SSM, determine functional strategy and SD prioritize strategies, and resource allocation. The end phase, TSI was at public organization implemented, and the initial steps of road map were explored. At the end, proposed system model and final road map for strategy implementation with ten steps and two main action and investigated that`s validity. The action plan and system of performance indicators were reached via utilizing this road map in public organization. 

Supply Chain Orders Management Based on Both Traditional and Activity-based Costing and Their Comparison

Volume 18, Issue 4, January 2015, Pages 23-42

Sayyed Abbas Ebrahimi; Adel Azar; Hossein Safari; Ahmad Jafarnejad

Abstract One of the most important functions of manufacturers and producers related to supply chain management issues and decisions is supply chain order management. However, there are several problems in this regard like (a) selection of best order portfolio between the received orders, and (b) detailed and accurate calculation of order fulfilling costs. Accordingly, in order to increase model confidence in the research, we used both mathematical optimization and system dynamics to design the order management system of an Automakers Company supply chain orders. In phase 1, using the mathematical optimization approach, we determined optimum order portfolio of the received supply chain. In phase 2, using phase 1 output and system dynamics approach, we determined the costs of order fulfillment. Both traditional and activity-based costing techniques were used to calculate cost parameters and objects. Ultimately, in order to select better costing approach, we compared the  two approaches. According to the results, ABC is better costing approach than traditional.   

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) Analysis for Customer Segmentation and Profitability Management: A Case Study of an Iranian Bank

Volume 18, Issue 4, January 2015, Pages 87-110

Adel Azar; Seyed Hamid Khodadad Hosseini; Mohammad Safari Kahreh

Abstract The more a marketing paradigm evolves, the more long-term relationship with customers gains its importance. Nowadays, most of corporations and firms in the world, including manufacturers and servicers, increasingly gain their incomes and profits through constructing and maintaining long-term relationships with the customers. The move towards a customer-centered approach to marketing, coupled with the increasingavailability of customer transaction data, has led to an interest in understanding and estimatingcustomer lifetime value (CLV). Furthermore, as marketing endeavors to be more accountable, the need of tools and models for measuring and evaluating efforts and investments that accomplish in marketing extent, is felt. The purpose of this research is CLV analysis for customer segmentation and profitability management. This dissertation we proposes a model for CLV measurement in banking industry. Our case study is one of the branches of Iranian Melli Bank. For this purpose, we selected savings (loan) accounts for 4 years, (from 2005 to 2008), in order to run our model. The study sample included 10,000 customers picked up among the accounts. After calculating the CLV of customers, we segmented the customers based on the calculated CLV. For customer segmentation, we used Clustering technique. This conceptual model is a new approach in customer segmentation context. More Customer Profitability Management based on segmented customer sections will be explained. Based on the models explained in this dissertation programs and methods will be proposed for each of introduced segments. 

A Review of Full Fuzzy Linear Programming Problems

Volume 18, Issue 1, May 2014, Pages 55-81

Adel Azar; Alireza Toghyani

Abstract This paper discusses the problems of those full fuzzy linear programming in which all parameters and variables are fuzzy. Fuzzy optimal solution is real when all constraints of the model are satisfaied and a crisp optimal solution can not be optimal solution of the fuzzy problem. New methods are proposed, evaluated, and compared to find the fuzzy optimal solution of full fuzzy linear programming problems with equality and inequality constraints, including Dehghan et. al., Lotfi et. al., Momeni et. al., and Kumar et al., methods. Also the use of ranking function for defuzzification of the model and the use of fuzzy slack variables for converting dequity fuzzy constraints to equity ones are proposed. Since, working with triangular fuzzy number is more easier than others, for numerical examples, common triangular fuzzy numbers and LR triangular fuzzy numbers have been used. To illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed methods, different numerical examples have been solved.    

Robust Fuzzy Performance based budgeting model an approach to managing the budget allocation risk - Case Study: Tarbiat Modares University

Volume 17, Issue 4, January 2014, Pages 65-95

Parviz Ahmadi; mohamadreza amini; adel Azar

Abstract The necessity of restructuring university budgeting from program-based to performance-based budgeting (PBB) leads many studies to be conducted. Reviewing the literature, we observed that there is no mathematical model including Dual PBB Structure in University. The purpose of this paper is to construct a PBB model for university so that the budget is allocated not only to plans based on their priorities, but also to faculties based on approved student per Capita by the Ministry of Sciences, Researches and Technology. Considering the various criteria in the university system and because of fuzzy and stochastic uncertainties in the problem parameters, two scenarios were analyzed. 1) Crisp Lower Bound Robust Fuzzy PBB (CLB-RFPPB) model 2) Fuzzy Lower Bound Robust Fuzzy PBB (FLB-RFPPB) model. A significant point in Both of them, is to use performance Indicators--calculated based on data envelopment analysis approach (DEA) regarding a basic model of input-oriented CCR— determined the importance coefficient for each educational groups in order to allocateing budget. In addition, the weights of Goals and the priority of each plan were determined using some paired comparison questionnaires completed by experts. The PBBGP model has 5 goals, 1142 constraints and 994 decision variables. The results of models solution- that are presented on two macro and Operational Levels- and simulation of Crisp and two RFPBB models, Demonstrate high level capabilities of RFPBB models in response to the uncertainty in the parameters of problem and also managing the level of decision risk

Extracting a Framework Based on Multi-Aspectual Understanding for the ERP’s Success Evaluation

Volume 17, Issue 2, May 2013, Pages 105-124

Saeed Jahanyan; Adel Azar

Abstract According to Herman Dooyeweerd, understanding the phenomena in everyday life, unlike theoretical frameworks, has a multi-aspectual nature so that none of the aspects is reduced to others. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system includes processes and best practices, which will be transferred to the adopting organization as explicit knowledge. If this knowledge transforms is a part of the end users’ tacit, knowledge may bring success to the system. The end users, in order to do their every day work, have to deal with the system and come to a kind of understanding of the system. In this study, by using Dooyeweerd’s multi-aspectual framework, a model of the end users’ understanding of the system is extracted. This study has been conducted through a quantitative design through which using a questionnaire devised based to the multi-aspectual framework, quantitative data are gathered through a target sampling process. The data are analyzed based on both measurement and structural models and by using the path analysis, the effects of general norms on the system’s success and also the effects of all aspects on general norms are investigated. Data analysis showed that, according to Meeting objectives, User satisfaction and Emancipation as general norms, the ERP’s success in order to be completely realized requires that each general norm is considered as a multi-aspectual criterion. Evaluating ERP success according to end users point of view brings more visibility to some issues, which are usually ignored or missed by uni-aspectual approaches.  Furthermore, utilizing Dooyeweerd’s framework as a life-oriented philosophy for evaluating the ERP’s success is a novel work, which may lead to a kind of  development and enrichment in the ERP success literature.  

The Application of DEA in Selecting a Portfolio Consisting of the Most Efficient and the Most Inefficient Companies Now Present in Tehran Stock Market

Volume 17, Issue 1, February 2013, Pages 1-19

Adel Azar; Reza Jalali; farzane khosravani

Abstract Abstract Selecting a portfolio has always been a significant issue in Financial Management. The models presented for selecting the best portfolio have some deficiencies and after some time, their deficiencies would be revealed and they will be replaced by some other models. One of the problems with those models is neglecting the multifaceted indices and dimensions for final evaluation of portfolio, and these efficiencies will bring the validity of the evaluation results under question. In order to remove these efficiencies, one can use DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) technique which is one of the MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision Making) techniques. In this paper, two models have been presented; one finds the most efficient portfolio and the other one finds the most inefficient. In this paper, 95 companies now present in Tehran Stock Market have been investigated. The results demonstrate that out of those 95 companies, seven companies are efficient and 8 companies are utterly inefficient. Keywords: Data Envelopment Analysis, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), Portfolio

Transition in national wellbeing: Does good governance play a critical role?

Volume 16, Issue 4, January 2013, Pages 45-62

Asadollah Kordnaiej; Jabbar Babashahi; Hassan Danaee Fard; Adel Azar

Abstract Attaining wellbeing and promoting standards of citizen's life is one of the pillars of national security of countries since a long time ago, and success of governments in achieving this goal is interpreted as one of their power elements, in a manner that guarantee of social member’s survival and achieving good and happy life is counted among major mission of governments. In present research, besides review of present literature about wellbeing, promoting national wellbeing is considered from perspective of improvement of public service qualities and good governance. Research methodology includes both descriptive and correlation analysis based on Structural Equation Modeling. Data was collected by means of documents and libraries studies. Research results indicated that improvement of good governance components result in national wellbeing promotion. Meanwhile, promoting good governance pave the way of wellbeing promotion in quantities direction such as gross domestic product, education, research, health and … and qualitative directions such as happiness. In other words, promoting good governance has dual objectives such as improvement of quantitative indexes like national product and growth of qualitative indexes such as decrease of social costs of economic growth, safeguarding resources for futur and stability of growth.

Cognitive mapping as a new method in optimizing budgeting decisions

Volume 16, Issue 3, September 2012, Pages 83-103

khadije mostafayi; - -

Abstract Today with growing environmental complexity and dynamism, while decision making organizations are forced to consider several issues. Success in issues like evaluating several alternatives and selecting the best depends on both criterias and elternatives full recognition. While efficient soft operation research`s methods like MADM had been developed in order to evaluate alternatives, less attention had been focused on criteria recognition.Cognitive mapping is a new method in management science that could meet this need very well. In addition to providing factor identification, by using algebraic relations, cognitive mapping enabels decision makers to identify cusal relations and their relative strength. In this study we have used cognitive mapping to provide the map of Iranian center for statistics `s operations and then we have provided a solution for performance based budgeting. In order to do that we have identified the continuum of inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes nad the process wear ranked by calculating their indirect effect on different outcomes.

Goal Discriminant Analysis A New For Classification Strategy In Management Science

Volume 16, Issue 1, May 2012, Pages 39-51

ased azar

Abstract Classification of statistical elements is one of the challenging areas in management science. This subject has changed to an interesting research areas. Although methods of cluster analysis and discriminant analysis are used as common methods in the classification, there is a doubt about their application due to high statistical errors of the methods. In this paper, it is tried to combine analysis approach of statistical discrimination and OR technique and a new method titled goal discriminant analysis is developed. Four discriminant analysis methods titled FLDF, FG, GP1 and GP2 are applied in this paper. In order to evaluate its efficiency in management science area, the fourfold technique has been employed in 5 managerial case studies. The results show that the FLDF method, which is a discriminant analysis method, is more efficient than other methods. Moreover, goal discriminant methods have more efficiency in management classification with over two groups.

Designing of Comprehensive Model Privatization and Transfer of State owned Enterprises With policymaking Approach In Iran.

Volume 15, Issue 4, February 2012

esfandiar mohamadi; - -; - -; - -; - -

Abstract Adel Azar*, Rahmatoallah Gholipor**,Saied Mehdi Alavani***, Akbar komijani****, Esfandiar Mohammadi*****. abstract From the End of 1970s Privatization have become a Dominant Goal of General Policies of Governments. Every Country Based on its Special Circumstances Followed Special Model of Privatization. The aim of This Study is to Design the Comprehensive Model for Privatization and Transfer of Governmental Enterprises in Iran with PolicyMaking Approach having Concern to Laws and thair Haierarchy in Country , Proper Strategies of Transfers is Offered. In this Model , Privatization have Settled on Two Bas:1- Financial Goals of Enterprise Include: Productivity , Competition, Profitability and Stock Value. 2- Public Good Goals Include: Employment, Environment of Life, Welfar and Equity. Based on these Goals We offer Ways for Creating Infrastractures of Privatization in Country Such as: Transparency in Transferes, Create Security for Investement, Stablish and Modify the Current Rules, Create Competitive Stock Environment, Resesrch and Development, reinforcemented stock Exchange, Evaluate and Restructure of Enterprises and Stablish Non Governmental Institution for Control of Privatizution Process. After That We Propose Two Magor Strategies for Privatization In Iran: use of Foreign Investment and Issue of Stock In Stock Exchange. The, Proper Requirements have Proposed for Monitoring Privatization Process Such as Government, Parlement, Mass Media and Non Govermmeut Ovganizations. At the end of Modol The Alternative for Reporting of Perfoemance have Presented.

Mathematical robust modeling, a modern approach in IRAN public budgeting

Volume 15, Issue 2, May 2011, Pages 1-20

Sajjad Najafi; Adel Azar

Abstract Mathematical robust modeling, a modern approach in IRAN public budgeting Abstract: Nowadays most of resource allocation is mental, empirical and based on the old methods. So it does not have generalization ability and mathematical confirm, Hence using from quantity theory for nearing of quantitative and qualitative human resource is essential objective. Budgeting lows based on forecasting which always face with errors and uncertainty. These errors are Prediction errors, Measurement Errors, Implementation Errors, so mirror change cause to hesitation on optimally and feasibility for budgeting lows. Goal of this article is designing of a budgeting model in the public sector in IRAN to be able for glancing uncertainty factor which with preserving optimally and feasibility allocation area in the budget low in contorting with changing, guaranty his flexibility in the also implementation. There are different approaches for glancing of effect of uncertainty which from these approaches, we selected robust optimization approach And the model developed by using of Bertsimas & Sym model. Until on foundation of measurement convex, decision makers from situation of now and future of country, be able use from every one these robust models.

-Modeling the Agility of Supply Chain Using Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

Volume 14, Issue 4, March 2011, Pages 1-25

- -; - --; - -; - -

Abstract Nowadays, many organizations face with increasing competition and uncertainty environment, supported by innovating technologies and the changing needs of customers. In this environment, past methods in supply chain loose their ability. One efficient method in this regard is agility. Thus, for modeling the agility of supply chain, a wide range of research was done in the literature. The results of this research and interview by experts found 11 critical success factors of agile supply chain. Then these factors were entered into a questionnaire and the experts of Zobahan Co Supply Chain were asked to fill in it. The obtained results were analyzed by interpretive structural modeling and the Correlations between those factors were determined. The attained correlations indicated that development of the employees’ skills, employment of IT and programming are the basics of agility in supply chain. This model would help the supply chain managers in strategic planning for improving the agility of supply chain.

The Fuzzy-Robust Multiple Objectives ‎Mathematical Model for Sourcing:‎ ‎ The Approach for Risk Management in the ‎Supply Chain of Iran Khodro

Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2011, Pages 51-76

-- -; - -; - -; - -

Abstract Selecting appropriate suppliers can significantly reduce costs and increase ‎the competitiveness of organizations. On the other‏ ‏hand, in today’s ‎competitive environments, high speed of changes increases uncertainty and ‎ambiguity in decision making. Considering these two important issues, in ‎this research, fuzzy-robust approach was is used to increase certainty and ‎remove ambiguity in planning of the supply parts for two products of Iran ‎Khodro Company (Tehran, Iran). Due to high number of parts were in any ‎product, only the important parts were selected for this survey. Model of ‎supply of these parts (was designed) in the form of a multi-objective linear ‎programming model. Because of the uncertainty of some parameters of the ‎model, these parameters are considered as random variables but there is no ‎exact value for them. In order to remove concern and ambiguity about these ‎parameters‏ ‏regarding the length (half-length) of their intervals, with help ‎new approach (fuzzy-robust), the model was converted into fuzzy-robust ‎model to achieve dependable solutions. Finally, the quality of solutions was ‎analyzed by simulation technique.‎

A Fuzzy Approach to Justice Perception in the ‎Frame of the Fairness Theory

Volume 14, Issue 3, December 2010, Pages 61-89

- -; - -; - -

Abstract This paper focuses on the measurement of justice perception using fuzzy ‎logic. The measurement of justice perception is not a simple matter, because ‎it is a subjective, complex, vague and ambiguous construct, which is also ‎involved with the judgmental process. Therefore, the low accuracy and ‎reliability of the measurement are among the main concerns in using justice ‎perception measurements. The object of this paper was to develop a new ‎method for measuring justice perception in the frame of the Fairness Theory ‎with three types of fairness: distributive, procedural and interactional. It was ‎performed in a Iranian Bank (Melat Bank) with the aim of decreasing the ‎measurement bias and increasing its reliability. The outputs of this fuzzy ‎measurement are significantly different to those of the other conventional ‎methods. The reliability and the construct validity of this fuzzy measurement ‎were confirmed by statistical results. Comparison of the means of the crisp ‎and fuzzy scores using two-paired T- test showed a significant difference ‎between the means of crisp and fuzzy scores in the distributive, interactional ‎and general justice, but there was no not significant difference in this regard ‎in the procedural justice‏.‏‎ It also could represent the latent factors of human ‎cognitive judgment and, therefore, contribute to improve the justice ‎perception process in organizations.‎

A Technique for Supply Chains Capability Measuring in Servicing Development Using Fuzzy MCDM Approach

Volume 14, Issue 2, September 2010, Pages 149-172

- -; - -; - -

Abstract This paper proposes a Fuzzy Multiple Criteria Decision Making (FMCDM) approach for measuring supply chains capability with the main aim of customer satisfaction development. Drawing on the four measurement criterions of a Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, this research first summarized the customer satisfaction and performance indexes synthesized from the literature relating to supply chains capability. Then, for screening, the indexes fit for supply chains capability in customer satisfaction development were selected through fuzzy screening. Furthermore, the relative weights of the chosen indexes were calculated by Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). The MCDM analytical tool of TOPSIS was adopted to rank the supply chains performance and improve the gaps with three supply chains as an empirical example. The analysis results highlighted the critical aspects of evaluation criteria as well as the gaps to improve supply chains capability for achieving the aspired/desired level of customer satisfaction development. The results also showed that the proposed FMCDM measuring model using the SCOR framework can be a useful and effective assessment tool.

Comprative Study of Data Analysis in Six Sigma Statistical Tools and MADM techniques

Volume 12, Issue 4, January 2009, Pages 1-35

Adel Azar; Seyyed Haydar Mirfakhraddiny; Ali Asghar Anvari Rostamy

Abstract Toyday Six sigma method is known as an efficient and effective method of solving the problem.The most common methodology in six sigma is DMAIC that includes five steps: Defenition, Measurement, Analysis, Improvement and Control. One of the most important bases of six sigma methodology is the use a lot of statistical techniques and methods for data analysis and identification of the basical cause of defects. On the other hand, one of the prominences of this method comparing to the other improvement methods is the use of statistical methods so that by the use of statistical tools in analysis phase one can measure the effects of potential causes on critical factors. So far, many classifications of statistical techniques and statistical tests have been offered in the analysis phase of six sigma, Which are often divided into two parts: parametric and nonparametric. Of course, there are a lot of difficulties for using these techniques. The aim of this research in the first sage was to recognize the inadequencies and lack of statistical tests in the analysis phase; then, to present a technique to remove the difficulties by using Multiple Attribute Decision Making in the operation research. The results of this research reveated three classes of major difficulties using the statistical tests: 1- Most of nonparametric statistical tests have less confidence and strenghth than parametric tests.Futher, they do not enjoy sufficient accurancy. 2- When the amount of the considerated data or the sample size is not large enough. 3- In some cases, no statistical tests(either parametric or nonparametric) is proportional to the conditions of six sigma research. In this research, we reviewed the valid scientific sources available in the field of MADM (Multi Attribute Decisin Making) and the types of classification of these methods to remove defects. At the end, a new method (algorithm) to apply MADM in the analyse phase of six sigma was developed. The algorithm pays attention to the Decision Maker, MADM characteristics, the problem characteristics and chracteristics of the obtained solution. Applying of this new algorithm, in the cases that statistical tests do not have sufficient strength and accurancy, can strongly increase the efficiency of six sigma methodology.