New hybrid multi-criteria decision-making DEMATEL-MAIRCA model: sustainable selection of a location for the development of multimodal logistics centre

The paper describes the application of a new mufti-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, MultiAtributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis (MAIRCA), used to select a location for the development of a multimodal logistics centre by the Danube River. The MAIRCA method is based on the comparison of theoretical and empirical alternative ratings. Relying on theoretical and empirical ratings the gap (distance) between the empirical and ideal alternative is defined. To determine the weight coefficients of the criteria, the DEMATEL method was applied. In this paper, through a sensitivity analysis, the results of MAIRCA and other MCDM methods - MOORA, TOPSIS, ELECTRE, COPRAS and PROMETHEE - were compared. The analysis showed that a smaller or bigger instability in altemative rankings appears in MOORA, TOPSIS, ELECTRE and COPRAS. On the other hand, the analysis showed that MAIRCA and PROMETHEE offer consistent solutions and have a stable and well-structured analytical framework for ranking the alternatives. By presenting a new method MCDM expands the theoretical framework of expertise in the field of MCDM. This enables the analysis of practical problems with new methodology and creates a basis for further theoretical and practical upgrade.