An integrated decision-making framework for selecting the best strategies of water resources management in pandemic emergencies

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In recent years, due to COVID 19 pandemic that has resulted in an unpredictable increase in water consumption, the global concerns about water resources management have been increased. Furthermore, it seems essential to focus on strategies enabling to decrease water consumption. So, the aim of this study is to identify and prioritize the potential strategies of water resources management during such pandemic. To do so, we develop a hybrid decision-making approach. At first, the potential strategies are identified by Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis while the relevant criteria are identified based on the literature review and experts’ opinions. Afterwards, potential interrelationships between criteria are determined using fuzzy DEMATEL. Then, an integrated FBWM-FANP method is applied to calculate the global weights of criteria. Eventually, the fuzzy VIKOR is utilized to rank the potential strategies. Based on the obtained results, efficiency and economic measures are the most important criteria for selecting the strategies related to water resource management in COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy of advertising and informing about correct water consumption is the best strategy which indicates the power of advertising while it could be economic and efficient either.

Keywords

References

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Scientia Iranica
Volume 32, Issue 4
Transactions on Industrial Engineering
January and February 2025 Article ID:5077

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 November 2020
  • Revise Date: 25 September 2022
  • Accept Date: 30 January 2023

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