The Analytic Network Process Applied in Supply Chain Decisions, in Ethics, and in World Peace

The Analytic Hierarchy/Network Process which was developed by Dr. Thomas Saaty "has revolutionized how we resolve complex decision problems" (INFORMS, 2008). The Analytic Network Process (ANP) is applied herein in the context of supply chain decision making; then as a tool to bridge the separation thesis between business and ethics and show that ethical decision and business decisions are interrelated and can and should be jointly considered; and finally to guide the G-2 powers in their efforts to improve relations.;In the first supply chain model a Metrics Arrow of relevant performance metrics that follow the temporal flow of the product is presented and used to select a third party logistics provider. The ANP model also provides managerial insight into the interdependencies of the performance metrics. The second model deals with selecting which green supply chain initiative a company should implement. A generalized framework is developed and then customized and applied in a specific case study of a TV audio video producer's supply chain.;Two ethics cases are analyzed in the first chapter on ethics to demonstrate the benefits of using a rigorous prioritization process, the ANP, to make ethical decisions. This chapter is intended to act as introduction of the ANP to the ethics community and focuses on the benefits of using the ANP. Next, a complex model that uses a stakeholder theory approach is used to address the ethical issues of hydraulic fracturing. The benefits to the natural gas industry to participate in an integrative stakeholder approach are demonstrated.;As another demonstration of the ANP a complex decision with a direct influence on peace and stability in the world is the relationship between the two superpowers the People's Republic of China and the United States is analyzed. As improvements have been made in the relationship between the two countries there are critical decisions that must be faced in the near future. This model suggests which of five initiatives if addressed will be most beneficial to both countries. In the final chapter the main findings are summarized and future research is suggested.