Evaluation and Prioritization of Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Incident Command System using AHP and DEMATEL Methods in Iranian Process Industries

Abstract

Background and Objective: One of the most important challenges that is considered in process industries to improve performance and increase productivity is the optimization of the incident command system (ICS). It is a standard approach to control and coordinate the management of incidents on the scene. The present study aims to evaluate and prioritize the factors affecting the effectiveness of the ICS using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methods in process industries in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this research, firstly, a questionnaire was compiled and designed using the AHP method in order to weigh the criteria and prioritize them, and a questionnaire was designed using the DEMATEL method in order to determine the effectiveness and mutual effect of the criteria and sub-criteria. Thereafter, the questionnaires were completed by 15 incident commanders, process industry safety officials, and crisis management activists working in the oil and petrochemical industry. Results: Based on the results, AHP analysis ranked 'command' highest with a standard weight of 0.256. DEMATEL results demonstrated 'command' as the most influential (standard weight of 10.59), effective (11.9), and interactive (21.96) indicator. 'Standardization' (1.35) and 'professionalism' (1.19) emerged as causal factors, while 'command' (-0.50), 'planning/organizational structure' (-1), 'facilities and resources' (-0.18), and 'disability index' were responsive indicators. Conclusion: According to the results of both AHP and DEMATEL methods, the command index assumes critical importance and effectiveness in the success of the incident command system in process industries in Iran.

Keywords

• ahp
• dematel
• ics
• emergency situations
• incident command
• process industries