Title: Can fuzzy extension of Delphi-analytical hierarchy process improve hospital site selection?

Authors: Debmallya Chatterjee

Addresses: T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India

Abstract: Applications of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and its Fuzzy Extension (FAHP) can be witnessed in different Multi-criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) situations including location selection. However, the use of such a prominent MCDM tool is limited when it comes to hospital site selection in India. This paper makes an attempt to do a formal study of hospital site selection in India using AHP and its fuzzy extension. The study embeds Delphi both with AHP and FAHP in generating consensus and does a comparative analysis to verify the supremacy of one over another. Three rural locations from India are considered for a potential hospital in the study. Results indicate 'cost of land' as the most important sub-factor across both the integrated models followed by 'population characteristics'. D-AHP and D-FAHP has resulted in varying weights for few sub-factors nevertheless the differences are not statistically significant.

Keywords: Delphi method; hospital site selection; MCDM; analytical hierarchy process; fuzzy AHP; FAHP; multicriteria decision making; facilities location; hospital sites; India; rural locations; land costs; population characteristics; land prices; hospitals; healthcare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIM.2014.067428

International Journal of Intercultural Information Management, 2014 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.113 - 128

Received: 06 Apr 2014
Accepted: 21 Nov 2014
Published online: 09 May 2015 *

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