Network Modeling with ANP to Determine the Appropriate Area for the Development of Dry Port in Thailand

Abstract

One drawback of the Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem with the Analytic Network Process (ANP) is that the origin of the network cannot be clearly defined. In addition, it is not possible to specify internal relationship between criteria and subcriteria. The application of Design Structure Matrix (DSM) with the Partitioning Reachability Matrix method resulted in a clear understanding of the network's origin and was able to identify the relationship of all criteria in the system. Then, the data were analyzed by the ANP process using Super Decision Program. This will result in more reliable outcomes for selecting the best alternative with higher accuracy. This case study determined the suitable area for dry port development in 5 provinces in Thailand. Based on the analysis process mentioned above, Nakhon Ratchasima is the most suitable area to build a dry port of Thailand.