A multi-criteria decision making approach to balance water supply-demand strategies in water supply systems

Abstract Paper aims this paper proposes a model to aid a group of decision makers to establish a portfolio of feasible actions (alternatives) that are able to balance water supply-demand strategies. Originality Long periods of water shortages cause problems in semi-arid region of northeast Brazil, which affects different sectors such as food, public health, among others. This problem situation is intensified by population growth. Therefore, this type of decision making is complex, and it needs to be solving by a structured model. Research method The model is based on a problem structuring method (PSM) and a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method. Main findings Due to society and government influences, the proposed model showed appropriate to conduct a robust and well-structured decision making. Implications for theory and practice The main contributions were the study in regions suffering from drought and water scarcity, as well as the combination of PSM and MCDM methods to aid in this problem.摘要 研究目标：本文提出一种模型，用于辅助多决策者群体构建可行行动方案（备选方案）组合，以平衡供水与需求策略。 创新点：长期的水资源短缺给巴西东北部半干旱地区带来诸多问题，影响食品、公共卫生等多个领域，而人口增长进一步加剧了这一困境。此类决策场景复杂度较高，亟需借助结构化模型予以解决。 研究方法：本模型基于问题结构化方法（Problem Structuring Method，PSM）与多准则决策分析（Multi-Criteria Decision Making，MCDM）方法构建。 主要研究结果：鉴于社会与政府层面的影响，所提模型可有效开展稳健且结构严谨的决策工作，表现良好。 理论与实践启示：本研究的主要贡献在于针对遭受干旱与水资源短缺的地区展开相关研究，并结合问题结构化方法（PSM）与多准则决策分析（MCDM）方法助力此类决策问题的解决。