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Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools

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A special issue of Resources (ISSN 2079-9276).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2023) | Viewed by 34488

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Eleftherios I. Thalassinos

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Guest Editor

1. Faculty of Maritime and Industrial Studies, University of Piraeus, 185-33 Piraeus, Greece
2. Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, University of Malta, 2080 Msida, Malta
Interests: sustainability; risk management; finance and financial institutions; business models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Kesra Nermend

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Guest Editor

Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, Cukrowa 8, 71-004 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: Issues related to the use of quantitative methods and IT tools in decision support, with particular emphasis on: multi-criteria methods, multi-dimensional data analysis, cognitive neuroscience techniques in the study of social behavior and modeling consumer preferences in the process of making business decisions
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Dr. Anna Borawska

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Guest Editor

Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, Cukrowa 8, 71-004 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: conducting scientific experiments in the study of economic processes and social preferences using methods of microsimulation, macrosimulation, artificial intelligence, multidimensional comparative analysis and methods of cognitive neuroscience

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue entitled “Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools”, dedicated to the 17th edition of ICABE conference, focuses on the broad topic of decision-making concerning resources management in various aspects—theoretical, methodological, practical, ecological, and legal.

Resource management involves allocating resources according to the needs, aspirations, and desires of people within the framework of society’s technological inventiveness, political and social institutions, and legal and administrative arrangements regarding broad living and the working environment. This process is a conscious procedure, involving judgment, preference, commitment, and sustainability, whereby desired outputs are sought from a limited set of perceived resource combinations through various managerial, technical, and administrative alternatives. Such resources may include financial resources, inventories, human skills, production resources, information technology (IT), managerial capabilities, and natural resources. Therefore, resource management decisions are part of a complex, multi-faceted process offering wide possibilities for scientific investigation, challenges, and innovations.

We invite everyone interested in the above subjects to submit high-quality research articles covering the wide range of topics, as described above, related to theoretical aspects of decision-making in resource management and practical problems that arise at various levels (case studies).

Topics of interest for this Special Issue are connected with the use in supporting the process of decision making in resource management and data acquisition for decision making purposes, including (but not be restricted to) such methods and tools as multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), operational research methods, multidimensional comparative analysis (MCA), modeling and computer simulation, artificial intelligence, econometric and statistical methods, neuroscience techniques, focus group interview (FGI), individual in-depth interviews (IDI), data text mining, IT tools, decision support systems, computer games, virtual reality, and other methods and tools.

Prof. Dr. Eleftherios I. Thalassinos
Prof. Dr. Kesra Nermend
Dr. Anna Borawska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Resources is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

methods of supporting decision making in the scope of resource management
data acquisition for resource management decision-making purposes
legal environment for decision making in resource management
ecological and social aspects of decision making in resource management
decision making in resource supply chains
cost accounting in decision making in the context of resource management
energy resources
resource management in enterprises

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 180 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial Note: Decision Making in Resource Management: Exploring Problems, Methods, and Tools

by Eleftherios Thalassinos, Kesra Nermend and Anna Borawska

Resources 2023, 12(9), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12090105 - 4 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1291

Abstract

The field of resource management plays a crucial role in addressing the complex challenges of allocating resources within societal frameworks while considering ecological, legal, and practical considerations [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

14 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Activities and Management Issues for the Environment: An Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and STIRPAT Analysis in Turkey

by Mortaza Ojaghlou, Erginbay Ugurlu, Marta Kadłubek and Eleftherios Thalassinos

Resources 2023, 12(5), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050057 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3741

Abstract

The emission of air pollutants from energy production and consumption is a major cause of environmental problems. In addition, urbanisation and CO₂ emissions have become major environmental concerns that are closely related to climate change and sustainable economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-run relationship among CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, economic activities, and management issues for Turkey for the period between 1980 and 2021. The STIRPAT hypothesis and the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis were employed by using dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) and ARDL bound methodologies for these goals. The findings indicate that there is a long-run relationship between variables of the STIRPAT model. The coefficient of economic expansion and energy consumption affected CO₂ emissions positively, which means that energy consumption and the expansion of economic activity have significant effects on environmental degradation. Those results are also confirmed by the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model. In addition, the N-shaped environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is developed for Turkey. The DCC model also shows that economic growth increases CO₂ emissions significantly, and energy productivity can be considered for decreasing CO₂ emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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16 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Capital and Environmental Sustainability Nexus in Selected SADC Countries

by Kin Sibanda, Dorcas Gonese and Rufaro Garidzirai

Resources 2023, 12(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12040052 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2308

Abstract

This paper sought to examine the nexus between human capital and environmental sustainability in Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. This contemporary topic has not received much attention in the region, hence the need to investigate the nexus between human capital and environmental sustainability. The paper used one of the most recent methodologies, namely, the pooled mean group (PMG) estimation technique, to assess this relationship from 1980 to 2021. The findings of the study are that human capital increases environmental sustainability in the long run in SADC countries. This implies that as human capital increases, countries will see an increase in technological innovations and research and development (R&D), enabling the mitigation of environmental degradation in the region. Therefore, it is imperative for the region to embark on human capital programs that improve environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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22 pages, 2078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Sourcing Decision for Hydrogen Supply Chain Using an Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Tool

by Kasin Ransikarbum, Wattana Chanthakhot, Tony Glimm and Jettarat Janmontree

Resources 2023, 12(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12040048 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2821

Abstract

The use of fossil fuels has caused many environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions and associated climate change. Several studies have focused on mitigating this problem. One dynamic direction for emerging sources of future renewable energy is the use of hydrogen energy. In this research, we evaluate the sourcing decision for a hydrogen supply chain in the context of a case study in Thailand using group decision making analysis for policy implications. We use an integrative multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tool which includes an analytic hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy AHP (FAHP), and data envelopment analysis (DEA) to analyze weighted criteria and sourcing alternatives using data collected from a group of selected experts. A list of criteria related to sustainability paradigms and sourcing decisions for possible use of hydrogen energy, including natural gas, coal, biomass, and water, are evaluated. Our results reveal that political acceptance is considered the most important criterion with a global weight of 0.514 in the context of Thailand. Additionally, natural gas is found to be the foreseeable source for hydrogen production in Thailand with a global weight of 0.313. We also note that the analysis is based on specific data inputs and that an alternative with a lower score does not imply that the source is not worth exploring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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19 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a MATLAB-GAMS Framework for Solving the Problem Regarding the Optimal Location and Sizing of PV Sources in Distribution Networks

by David Steveen Guzmán-Romero, Brandon Cortés-Caicedo and Oscar Danilo Montoya

Resources 2023, 12(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12030035 - 3 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2430

Abstract

This paper addresses the planning problem regarding the location and sizing of PV generators in distribution networks with a radial topology. This problem is mathematically modeled using a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model, which seeks to reduce the total annual operating costs of the system for a planning horizon of 20 years. The objective function used in this paper comprises three elements: (i) the energy purchase costs at the substation node (i.e., the main supply node), (ii) the investment costs for the integration of PV generators, and (iii) the costs associated with the operation and maintenance of these devices. To solve this problem, the interconnection of MATLAB and GAMS software is proposed, while using a master–slave methodology, with which a high-quality solution to this problem is achieved. In the master stage, the MATLAB software is used as a tool to program a discrete version of the sine–cosine algorithm (DSCA), which determines the locations where the PV generators are to be installed. In the slave stage, using one of the solvers of the GAMS software (BONMIN) with the known locations of the PV generators, the MINLP model representing the problem to be studied is solved in order to find the value of the objective function and the nominal power of the PV generators. The numerical results achieved in the IEEE 33- and 69-node systems are compared with the mixed-integer conic programming model solution reported in the specialized literature, thus demonstrating the efficiency and robustness of the proposed optimization methodology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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15 pages, 12632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Approaching the Study of Corruption and Natural Resources through Qualitative System Dynamics

by Johanna Gisladottir, Sigurbjörg Sigurgeirsdottir, Ingrid Stjernquist and Kristin Vala Ragnarsdottir

Resources 2022, 11(8), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources11080069 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3273

Abstract

The complexity and scale of the challenges posed by the climate crisis demand knowledge sharing and collaboration between a variety of academic disciplines to address them. In that regard, the way in which natural resources are used matters, and more information is needed on which regulatory framework and policy instruments foster their sustainable management. There is consensus that corruption can seriously obstruct social, economic, and political development. However, research on corruption has tended to be fragmented and investigating the concept itself is a challenging endeavor. Due to the complexity of corruption as a research subject, we argue that in seeking to explore and understand corruption, researchers would benefit from using a framework that facilitates an interdisciplinary and process-oriented approach. This paper suggests that the method of system dynamics can be applied to advance the academic discourse on corruption in relation to natural resources, since it seeks to improve understanding and learning in complex systems in an illustrative manner. More specifically, it offers a platform to explore feedback processes between the different social, economic, and ecological dimensions which ultimately produce undesirable behavior or patterns. The paper outlines how corruption has been approached previously in the academic discourse. It then offers a tool to bridge knowledge from different fields on natural resources, in a way that allows for research from different fields to be integrated, and thus gaps are better identified. A process-oriented approach to exploring corruption in natural resource systems based on qualitative system dynamics methods can inform new questions and thus improve understanding about the conditions under which corruption occurs or corrupt behavior thrives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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22 pages, 763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Managerial Issues Regarding the Role of Natural Gas in the Transition of Energy and the Impact of Natural Gas Consumption on the GDP of Selected Countries

by Eleftherios Thalassinos, Marta Kadłubek, Le Minh Thong, Tran Van Hiep and Erginbay Ugurlu

Resources 2022, 11(5), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources11050042 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3916

Abstract

Natural gas is considered an important bridge in the transition of energy in the world. However, the development and management of unconventional gas now face many challenges. This paper aims to provide an overview of what would be required to formulate and implement the trend of energy transition and natural gas use in the world. Selected managerial issues regarding the role of natural gas are presented, including chosen statistical data on natural gas consumption, forecasts for the demand for natural gas, and the potential of unconventional gas. The empirical part of the study examines the impact of natural gas consumption on the GDP of 14 G20 countries during the period of 1994 to 2018. The pooled mean group model (PMG) is employed in this study. Based on the cointegration test results, it was found that natural gas consumption and population have a long-run relationship with CO₂ emissions. Consistent with other studies, we found a positive relationship between CO₂ emissions and natural gas consumption, GDP, and population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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20 pages, 2441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Outsourcing Services in Manufacturing Companies

by Judyta Kabus, Michał Dziadkiewicz, Ireneusz Miciuła and Marcin Mastalerz

Resources 2022, 11(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources11030034 - 21 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8414

Abstract

Contemporary economic entities function in various types of cooperation systems, which are primarily aimed at creating a competitive advantage and strengthening themselves in order to meet the requirements of competitors. One solution that can make a significant difference to one’s market advantage is outsourcing. It is a response of enterprises to the constantly changing conditions of functioning in a turbulent environment and the emerging new directions and concepts in management. It should be stressed that the choice of outsourcing as a strategy means not only to outsource selected work to external entities, but first of all to retain those competencies of the company that cannot be replaced by anyone. This means that a company must retain a certain sphere of the so-called key areas of activity, which in a positive way distinguish it from the competition and allow it to build an effective market advantage. The main objective of the article is to identify the areas of operation that are the most common subject of outsourcing and the determinants that affect the choice of an outsourcing operator in manufacturing companies in Poland. The variety of aspects of the research subject matter, oscillating around the main objective, has made it necessary to formulate the following research hypotheses: Research Hypothesis H1—The basic criteria determining the selection of an outsourcing operator are: price, quality of services provided and reputation; Research Hypothesis H2—The most common subject of outsourcing is finance and security. The survey was conducted in 2020, in the pre-pandemic period, on a sample of N = 120, including owners/managers of manufacturing enterprises. A non-random sample selection was used. The questionnaires were sent to 200 companies, however, only 126 were completed, of which 6 were not completed in full and were therefore rejected. The verification of the hypothesis was carried out using the chi-square test. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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12 pages, 1900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Using the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Account for a Reusable Wooden Flat Pallet in Its Operational Phase on Respecting the Principles of Sustainable Development

by Mariusz Jedliński and Mariusz Sowa

Resources 2021, 10(11), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources10110116 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3342

Abstract

Despite the commonly observed trend towards mechanization and automation of operational processes, the potential benefits of wooden pallets as an essential element of the infrastructure of logistic processes are often overlooked in considerations related to sustainable development. Aspects that are mentioned more often include the very idea of the economy itself (circular economy), characteristics of logistics (green), features of the supply chain itself (sustainable) or expectations towards transport (ecological). The authors believe that the idea of total cost of ownership (TCO) in relation to wooden pallets can be a key component of holistic thinking in terms of sustainable development. In a situation where in relation to logistics, reasonable expectations for developing sustainable supply chains are made, paying attention to such a common logistic facility, namely a cargo pallet, which is given so little attention in research, is, in the opinion of the authors, absolutely justified. Therefore, the article presents an original approach to the problem of aggregation of all costs that cargo pallets generate in their operational life cycle, using the total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis methodology. The main goal of the article, however, is to show that the total cost of ownership of a pallet (not only owning it) can become an effective tool used to significantly reduce the costs of logistic activity of enterprises (as well as whole supply chains) and support the idea of sustainable development in practice. Using the primary data from questionnaire research, the focus was on considerations that were of identification character (cognitive and explanatory considerations), which are typical for basic research that aims to explain given phenomena. Thus, the presented cognitive process covers two main areas, namely: the general theory of sustainable development and the specificity of wooden pallets as carriers used in goods trading in terms of their total costs of ownership. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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