Using an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy AROMAN Decision-Making Method to Improve the Sustainability of the Postal Network in Rural Areas

Abstract

One of the crucial pillars of each state’s development strategy relates to service provision in rural areas. An adequate scope of these services is a prerequisite for uniform regional progress. Postal operators play a key role in supporting these development policies, by providing postal, financial and transportation services to each citizen in a state, regardless of place of residence. The postal network represents one of the biggest logistics networks worldwide. However, since it is not financially justified to provide services to all citizens, even to those that live in the most remote areas, the question of how to optimize the postal network is always topical. This problem is very complex because the postal units’ existence in rural areas cannot be considered just from an economic standpoint; many other criteria should be considered. The model proposed in this paper can be considered a decision-making tool designed to support policymakers in planning the postal network. First, we identify the criteria that should be considered in decision-making by an extensive literature review. We then apply the FUCOM method to determine the importance of individual criteria. Finally, we propose an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy AROMAN approach to determine which postal unit should be reorganized.

Z-Numbers-Based MCDM Approach for Personnel Selection at Institutions of Higher Education for Transportation

“…However, none of the authors have used the AROMAN method for personnel selection, to date. To date, the AROMAN method has only been used a few times in other fields [49][50][51][52][53]. However, none of these papers combine the AROMAN method with fuzzy Z-numbers, which is the methodology of this paper.…”

“…This method combines the normalized data from the two-stage normalization and generates an average matrix from it [49,50]. The classical AROMAN method has been improved by extending it with ordinary fuzzy numbers to improve its applicability [51][52][53]. However, by integrating fuzzy sets into the model, it is not possible to reflect the hesitations of decisionmakers when making their judgments.…”

Two-Stage Delivery System for Last Mile Logistics in Rural Areas: Truck–Drone Approach

“…The efficiency and effectiveness of the last mile logistics in rural areas have been improved [15]. Ivana Nikolić proposed an interval−type fuzzy AROMAN approach to consider the location and presence decisions of postal branches for implementation by policymakers and industry managers to optimize postal networks [16]. Despite the escalating demand for rural logistics, the traditional establishment of express delivery points demands substantial manpower and resources, failing to promptly address the existing supply-demand imbalance.…”

Sustainable Delivery Model Selection using AROMAN Approach

“…In this paper, the authors have chosen to apply a novel multicriteria approach to solving the problem of selecting a sustainable delivery model, recently developed by Bošković et al [5]. Considering the method's relatively recent development, it has been applied to address several types of problems to date: an Intuitionistic Fuzzy model for assessing the performance of Eco Ports [13], an interval decision-making method of type-2 fuzzy AROMAN for enhancing the sustainability of postal networks in rural areas [14], a decision-making model for selecting professional drivers [15], and the evaluation of sustainable human resource management in manufacturing companies [16]. The results are presented in Table 2.…”

“…Overview of the applications of the AROMAN method in the literature References Tasks Bošković et al [5] Yalçın et al [13] Choosing an electric vehicle for delivery Model for assessing the performance of eco ports Nikolić et al [14] Improving the sustainability of the postal network in rural areas Čubranić-Dobrodolac et al [15] Selection of professional drivers Rani et al [16] Assessment of Sustainable HRM in manufacturing companies This paper Sustainable delivery model -choice of delivery mode…”