Fabio Blanco-Mesa, Anna Maria Gil-Lafuente and Jose M. Merigo
The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel method to analyse dynamic interactions of stakeholders to explain how a set of agents can act by considering the power/influence…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel method to analyse dynamic interactions of stakeholders to explain how a set of agents can act by considering the power/influence positions.
Design/methodology/approach
A novel mathematical application uses the importance of characteristics algorithm in combination with composition max-min to compare, group and order information according to the importance of its characteristics. The mathematical application is focused on a strategic analysis, evaluating stakeholder dynamics through power relationships.
Findings
The results show a comparison of the relationships among each of the stakeholders to obtain the relative intensity and importance of relationships between them, given by the fuzzy matrix FRInM and the fuzzy matrix FRIM, respectively. This application provides a useful tool for a dynamic analysis of stakeholders in a complex environment, where the best approach to performing a strategic analysis process is sought.
Research limitations/implications
The main implication of the proposed approach is taking into account the importance of information to establish the boundaries and relationships of each characteristic according to its intensity. However, limitations are due to the nature of this research, based on theoretical assumptions regarding stakeholders and the use of a hypothetical example to show the operation of algorithms.
Originality/value
The primary advantage of this proposition is that it takes into account the importance of information to establish the relationships among the characteristics according to their intensity. In addition, it performs multiple comparisons among each characteristic of the information. The interests and opinions of decision makers can be parameterised. A mathematical application shows how each interest group could be classified and related according to subjective information.
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The traditional literature dealing with statistical decision problems usually assumes that previous information about an associated experiment may be expressed by means of…
Abstract
The traditional literature dealing with statistical decision problems usually assumes that previous information about an associated experiment may be expressed by means of conditional probabilistic information, and the actual experimental outcomes can be perceived with exactness by the statistician. We now consider statistical decision problems satisfying the first assumption above, so that the actual available information cannot be exactly perceived, but rather it may be assimilated with fuzzy information (as defined by Zadeh et al.).
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This paper is concerned with the problem of estimating the uncertainty associated with a variable in a finite population. The study of this problem leads to the following…
Abstract
This paper is concerned with the problem of estimating the uncertainty associated with a variable in a finite population. The study of this problem leads to the following conclusion: The classical measure of uncertainty, Shannon's entropy, is not suitable for sampling from finite populations; nevertheless, by using the entropy of order ? = 2, proposed by Havrda and Charvat, one can define an unbiased estimator of the uncertainty associated with the variable in both, the sampling with replacement and the sampling without replacement. This conclusion will be illustrated by an example.
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M.A. GIL, M.T. LOPEZ and P. GIL
When we consider a decision problem under randomness and fuzziness, and several fuzzy information systems obtain, a comparison between them becomes interesting. In this paper, it…
Abstract
When we consider a decision problem under randomness and fuzziness, and several fuzzy information systems obtain, a comparison between them becomes interesting. In this paper, it is proposed to compare fuzzy information systems paying attention to the maximization of the “worth of fuzzy information system”.
Victor G. Alfaro-García, Anna M. Gil-Lafuente and Gerardo G. Alfaro Calderón
Innovation has been recognized as one of the main sources of competitive advantage for organizations and nations. The purpose of this study is to present an innovation management…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovation has been recognized as one of the main sources of competitive advantage for organizations and nations. The purpose of this study is to present an innovation management measurement approach by applying fuzzy techniques to small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presents a survey focusing on seven innovation measurement areas: innovation strategy, knowledge management, project management, portfolio management, internal enablers, organization and structure and external enablers. A total of 91 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in the city of Morelia, Mexico, participated in the study. Furthermore, the data collected were analyzed under a multi-criteria decision-making approach using the theory of expertons and the induced generalized ordered weighted averaging operator.
Findings
The results show that the most valued areas are innovation strategy, organization and structure, knowledge management and project management. Furthermore, portfolio management, external drivers and internal drivers are the areas with the lowest valuations.
Originality/value
This paper presents an original methodological structure based on an expertise process designed to achieve well-founded results from uncertain and subjective opinions directly from the managers of the surveyed SMEs.
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This work aims to ask for the possibility to establish one or more Europes in a heterogeneous territory where the main goal is to create a common space. The use of a specific…
Abstract
Purpose
This work aims to ask for the possibility to establish one or more Europes in a heterogeneous territory where the main goal is to create a common space. The use of a specific methodology will help us to know whether it is possible to apply general policies in the whole territory or it will be necessary to adapt them to a different group of spaces.
Design/methodology/approach
Taking into account the experts’ opinions, causality relationships, grouping processes and distances techniques can be obtained to get an overall view of different groups of areas where it will be possible to develop the specific policies successfully.
Findings
Theoretically, the proposed model using fuzzy logic in grouping processes presents significant results that contribute to the theory on regional development.
Originality/value
This paper provides a new approach to solve the territorial problem to apply the European policies. Introducing these techniques, one will be able to approach the different positions to the specific areas in Europe to create a peaceful and harmonic space of cohabitation.
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José M. Merigó, Anna M. Gil-Lafuente and Jaime Gil-Lafuente
This special issue of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, entitled “Business, Industrial Marketing and Uncertainty”, presents selected extended studies that were…
Abstract
Purpose
This special issue of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, entitled “Business, Industrial Marketing and Uncertainty”, presents selected extended studies that were presented at the European Academy of Management and Business Economics Conference (AEDEM 2012).
Design/methodology/approach
The main focus of this year was reflected in the slogan: “Creating new opportunities in an uncertain environment”. The objective was to show the importance that uncertainty has in our current world, strongly affected by many complexities and modern developments, especially through the new technological advances.
Findings
One fundamental reason that explains the economic crisis is that the government and companies were not well prepared for these critical situations. And the main justification for this is that they did not have enough information. Otherwise, they would have tried any possible strategy to avoid the crisis. Usually, uncertainty is defined as the situation with unknown information in the environment.
Originality/value
From a theoretical perspective, the problem here is that enterprises and governments should assess the information and the uncertainty in a more appropriate way. Usually, they have some studies in this direction, but many times, it is not enough, as it was proved in the last economic crisis.
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L. PARDO, M.L. MENENDEZ and J.A. PARDO
In this paper on the basis of the f*‐Divergence, a comparison criterion between fuzzy Information Systems is presented. This criterion is called “f*‐Divergence Criterion”.
In a previous paper the minimum inaccuracy principle was suggested as an operative method for estimating population parameters when the available experimental information could…
Abstract
In a previous paper the minimum inaccuracy principle was suggested as an operative method for estimating population parameters when the available experimental information could not be perceived as an exact outcome, but rather as fuzzy information. This principle is an extension of the maximum likelihood principle of estimating from exact experimental data. In this paper, the particularization of the first method to the case in which each fuzzy information reduces to a class of extact observations is developed. We then analyze certain correspondence between the maximum likelihood and minimum inaccuracy principles in estimating parameters after grouping data. In addition, we prove that the second method approximates to the first one when a certain natural grouping, or choice of classes, is accomplished. Finally, in order to illustrate the preceding results, some relevant particular cases are examined.
Luciano Barcellos de Paula and Anna Maria Gil-Lafuente
Scientific studies indicate that stakeholder’s engagement is a key factor for the creation of sustainable value in companies. This paper aims to evaluate the sustainability of a…
Abstract
Purpose
Scientific studies indicate that stakeholder’s engagement is a key factor for the creation of sustainable value in companies. This paper aims to evaluate the sustainability of a sports company and propose a tool to prioritize the relevant issues that this company should consider in its operations.
Design/methodology/approach
Stakeholder theory and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) are considered, and, from the Fuzzy Logic, the paper proposes a decision-making tool to establish the relevant issues. The “Experton Method” is used in this paper.
Findings
The algorithm used can help decision makers in processes that include the stakeholder’s opinions. In this case, a tool that treats qualitative data in a reliable manner is required. The methodology used allowed knowing the stakeholders expectations and to define priorities in sustainability issues. The results were captured in a materiality matrix. The manuscript concludes that including stakeholders in the decision-making process, the company generates trust and legitimacy of its stakeholders. This participatory approach and the use of algorithm help companies in materiality assessment, definition of priority issues and management of resources.
Practical implications
In terms of managerial implications, this paper presents a useful tool that can help entrepreneurs in the decision-making to manage their suppliers. Using an algorithm of fuzzy logic applied in the supply chain management, it is indicated how to set priorities to build a consistent corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan to achieve corporation success. This methodology allows reducing subjectivity; it generates greater precision and decreases the risk in decision-making. At the same time, it promotes dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to create value for stakeholders and CSR, and collaborate to have a responsible company performance. Furthermore, this paper provides theoretical applications in terms of the literature review on corporate sustainability, indicating that companies must consider the stakeholder’s engagement in its strategies. Based on the bibliometric study, there are knowledge gaps on the subject. For these reasons, an important contribution is observed at the academic level that allows expanding the frontier of knowledge on the subject.
Originality/value
A tool for decision-making is presented with great utility for entrepreneurs in the processes of dialogue and stakeholder’s engagement, being a contribution for the creation of sustainable value. In addition, there is an important scientific contribution because the paper identifies in the literature the knowledge gaps on the subject.