Resolving a location selection problem by means of an integrated AHP-RAFSI approach

Abstract

The optimal Site selection operation is one of the most important challenges facing planners. Many location-allocation models have been developed based on multi-criteria decision making process. Recent methods take into account site, network, and user characteristics to determine the appropriate location. The development of optimum system has been a growing focus for most authorities across the world. It is generally thought that utlities allocation is the ultimate goal for service providers, which has been attributed to giving assistance in a time- and cost-efficient manner. In this paper, a multi-criteria decision making approach was implemented in two steps. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was adopted in the first step to determine the criteria weights. Results of AHP showed that response time had the highest weight among other criteria. Ranking of different alternatives was conducted in the second step using RAFSI model to choose the optimal location. Model ranking clearly indicated road-network as the best alternative to locate EMS centers.