Hybrid multicriteria and economic engineering model to support decision in fleet management

Abstract

Purpose:

To provide the decision-making agency with a hybrid composite model for a qualified decision and maximize the quality of public management when challenged by the tradeoff between own and leased fleet.

Originality/value:

The proposed methodology innovates by integrating a framework based on a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria, increasing accuracy of the decision-making process regarding the management of the Ceára Public Safety Secretary’s fleet. With a multicriteria model, one can understand and identify the fundamental criteria in terms of management to select alternatives and avoid making these decisions based only on experience or feeling.

Design/methodology/approach:

To support the decision-making process regarding the choice or combination between own and leased fleet, optimal solutions are built using a hybrid model that combines techniques from the multi-attribute utility theory (Maut) models of economic engineering with the help of the total cost of ownership (TCO). The alternatives are weighted (considered) qualitatively and quantitatively through the proposed model.

Findings:

The results confirm the compatibility between the methods used, providing the agency with a methodological tool that qualifies the decision based on a model that reveals the decision-makers’ preferences in terms of relevant attributes to good management, while respecting budgetary constraints.

Keywords:
multicriteria model; multiobjective problem; economic engineering; total cost of ownership; fleet management