Designing Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Models for the Selection of Organizational Managers: A Case Study of the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone Organization

Naser Saboori Nezhad; Saber Ghasemi; Shirmohamad Bahador; Seyed Hadi Sajjadi

Authors

Naser Saboori Nezhad PhD student, Department of Environment, BA.C., Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran. https://orcid.org/0000-0009-1924-2049
Saber Ghasemi Department of Environment, BA.C., Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0897-3969
Shirmohamad Bahador PhD student, Department of Environment, BA.C., Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6985-9676
Seyed Hadi Sajjadi PhD student, Department of Environment, BA.C., Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4202-3222

Keywords:

multi-criteria decision-making, managerial selection, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, fuzzy TOPSIS, fuzzy ELECTRE, oil and gas industry

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to design and validate a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model for selecting managers in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone Organization. The significance of this issue arises from the sensitivity and complexity of the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, in which managerial decisions have far-reaching consequences for safety, productivity, and the environment. Traditional methods of managerial selection are unable to adequately address the needs of this industry because of their subjectivity and insufficient transparency. Following a systematic review of the research literature and the identification of 42 preliminary criteria, the fuzzy Delphi technique was applied, and the opinions of 18 organizational experts were obtained. Consequently, 5 main criteria and 22 final subcriteria were confirmed. The criteria were weighted using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process based on Buckley’s (1985) approach. The results indicated that “knowledge and expertise” (0.283), “managerial skills” (0.245), “personality traits” (0.215), “work experience and professional background” (0.142), and “vision and attitude” (0.115) were ranked in descending order of importance. In the next stage, to validate the model in a controlled simulated scenario, five hypothetical candidates were evaluated by three senior decision-makers and ranked using fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy ELECTRE. The results obtained from the two methods were fully consistent, and Candidate A2 was identified as the most suitable option. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated the high robustness of the model, as ±20% variations in the weight of each main criterion, accompanied by the proportional redistribution of the remaining weights, did not affect the final ranking. The findings indicate that an integrated fuzzy approach can serve as an effective tool for increasing the transparency and systematicity of the managerial selection process in Iran’s energy industry.

References

Alizadeh Majd, A. R., Pargo, M., Davoodi, A., & Daniyari, Z. (2022). The Effect of Perceived Organizational Support, Distributive Justice, Person-Organization Fit, Intrinsic Motivation, and Extrinsic Motivation on Innovative Work Behavior: A Case Study of Pars Special Economic Energy Zone. Social Sciences, 16(59), 3-0.

Amiri, A., Zabihi, R., & Fayyaz, S. (2025). Designing a Model for Selecting Exemplary Employees: A Case Study of Organizations with Matrix Structures. Human Resource Management Researches, 17(2), 185-208.

Asari, N., Siadat, S. A., Abedini, Y., & Monjami, S. A. H. (2018). Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Modeling for Selecting School Principals Based on Managerial Competency Criteria. Research in Educational Systems(42), 77-96.

Azimi, S. M., Goudarzi, G. R., Tahmaseby Bolokabad, R., Sadeghi Shahdani, M., & Zahedivafa, M. (2025). A Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Petrochemical Companies in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone with the Upstream Documents Governing the Petrochemical Industry. Journal of Management Improvement, 18(4), 80-111.

Hafeznia, H., & Ansari, M. (2025). Explaining a Model of Cognitive Skills for Organizational Leaders and Managers in Decision-Making within a VUCA Environment. Business Management, 17(2), 526-564.

Hsieh, C. M. (2014). Contractor Selection in the Petrochemical Industry Using a Fuzzy MCDM Method [Master's thesis, National Cheng Kung University].

Kelemenis, A., Ergazakis, K., & Askounis, D. (2011). Support Managers' Selection Using an Extension of Fuzzy TOPSIS. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(3), 2774-2782. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2010.08.068

Rezaei, A., & Hemati, M. (2023). Providing a Hybrid Fuzzy Approach to Explain Managers' Mental Paradigms for Prioritizing Employee Needs. Journal of Fuzzy Extension and Applications, 4(3), 155-172.

Tamimi, M., Mirtavousi, H. R., Aghadavood, S. R., & Sharifi, S. (2025). Presenting a Model of Managers' Political Skills for Ethical Decision-Making. Transformational Human Resources, 4(14), 45-73.

Vazirizadeh, K., Izadbakhsh, H., & Davari-Ardakani, H. (2017). A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Outsourcing Heavy Transportation Activities: A Case Study of Iran's Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industries. Industrial Management Journal, 9(4), 621-644.

Wang, C. N., Huang, Y. F., Cheng, I. F., & Nguyen, V. T. (2018). A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach Using Hybrid SCOR Metrics, AHP, and TOPSIS for Supplier Evaluation and Selection in the Gas and Oil Industry. Processes, 6(12), 252. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr6120252

Zare Mehrjerdi, Y., Momeni, H., & Barghi, S. (2014). A Model for Evaluation and Selection of Contractors in Petrochemical Projects Using MCDM Techniques: The BORDA Approach. Journal of Industrial Management Perspective, 4(2), 89-112.

Zeraatpisheh, H., Masoudi, O. A., & Darzian Rostami, H. (2025). Providing a Coaching Model for Public Relations Managers of Petrochemical Companies: A Case Study of the South Pars Region of Assaluyeh. Communication and Culture Path, 5(3), 105-121.

Zolfaghari, F., Najafbeigi, R., & Bagheri, M. (2021). The Role of Innovation and Dynamic Capabilities in Organizational Performance: A Case Study of Pars Special Economic Energy Zone. Standard and Quality Management, 11(2), 1-31.