Solving the Problem of Reducing the Audiences’ Favor toward an Educational Institution by Using a Combination of Hard and Soft Operations Research Approaches

Wenjing Xu, Seyyed Ahmad Edalatpanah and Ali Sorourkhah ()
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Wenjing Xu: Department of Management Science and Engineering, School of Economics and Management, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi’an 710065, China
Seyyed Ahmad Edalatpanah: Department of Mathematics, Ayandegan Institute of Higher Education, Tonekabon 46818-53617, Iran
Ali Sorourkhah: Department of Management, Ayandegan Institute of Higher Education, Tonekabon 46818-53617, Iran

Mathematics, 2023, vol. 11, issue 18, 1-21

Abstract: Because of hyper-complexity, a difficulty to define, multiple stakeholders with conflicting perspectives, and a lack of clear-cut solutions, wicked problems necessitate innovative and adaptive strategies. Operations research (OR) has been a valuable tool for managers to make informed decisions for years. However, as we face increasingly complex and messy problems, it has become apparent that relying solely on either hard or soft OR approaches is no longer sufficient. We need to explore more innovative methodologies to address these wicked problems effectively. This study has bridged the research gap by proposing a structured process encompassing a subdivision-based problem structuring method for defining the wicked problem, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) for prioritizing subproblems, and a hard OR technique, data envelopment analysis (DEA) for tackling one of the most critical subdivisions. The proposed methodology, the subdivision-based problem structuring method (SPSM), implemented in a case study, focuses on a higher education institution experiencing a decline in student admissions and involves five steps. First, a diverse group of stakeholders is formed to ensure the comprehensive consideration of perspectives. Second, the wicked problem is defined, considering long-term consequences, multiple stakeholders, and qualitative stakeholder opinions. Third, a hierarchical structure is created to break down the wicked problem into manageable subproblems. Fourth, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method prioritizes subproblems. Finally, the subproblems are addressed one by one using a combination of soft and hard OR tools. The findings highlight the benefits of integrating hard and soft OR approaches. The study concludes with reflections on the implications of using a combined OR approach to tackle wicked problems in higher education and beyond.

Keywords: problem solving; wicked problem; hard OR; soft OR; problem structuring methods; decision-making; subdivision-based PSM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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