Better models with Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process approaches: the case of Reverse Logistics

Conceptual models, as simplifications of the reality they depict, never can include all the variables affecting some phenomenon. However, they should at least include the most important factors in order to make any practical sense. Typically, these conceptual models are built by observing the phenomena in practice or by studying the concepts theoretically and attempting to decide their relations and relative importance. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method although developed for decision-making under multiple conflicting priorities, can also be used in building conceptual models. This method requires a respondents' sample which will be further expanded beyond one organisation to cover a big enough variety of the specialists with understanding of the real phenomena. This paper describes the use of the AHP method in the combination of Delphi and illustrates it with an example of a recent phenomenon, Reverse Logistics (RL). Based on the results of this AHP study, a conceptual model for RL was formed.

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