Date of Conferral

1-1-2009

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Anthony Lolas

Abstract

According to several studies, an inordinate number of major business decisions to acquire, design, plan, and implement networking infrastructures fail. A networking infrastructure is a collaborative group of telecommunications systems providing services needed for a firm's operations and business growth. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is a well established decision-making process used to analyze decisions related to networking infrastructures. AHP is concerned with decomposing complex decisions into a set of factors and solutions. However, AHP has difficulties in handling uncertainty in decision information. This study addressed the research question of solutions to AHP deficiencies. The solutions were accomplished through the development of a model capable of handling decisions with incomplete information and uncertain decision operating environment. This model is based on AHP framework and fuzzy sets theory. Fuzzy sets are sets whose memberships are gradual. A member of a fuzzy set may have a strong, weak, or a moderate membership. The methodology for this study was based primarily on the analytical research design method, which is neither quantitative nor qualitative, but based on mathematical concepts, proofs, and logic. The model's constructs were verified by a simulated practical case study based on current literature and the input of networking experts. To further verify the research objectives, the investigator developed, tested, and validated a software platform. The results showed tangible improvements in analyzing complex networking infrastructure decisions. The ability of this model to analyze decisions with incomplete information and uncertain economic outlook can be employed in the socially important areas such as renewable energy, forest management, and environmental studies to achieve large savings.

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