A hybrid approach based on fuzzy AHP and 2-tuple fuzzy linguistic method for evaluation in-flight service quality

The in-flight service is one of the most important parts in the whole air travel service process. In order to better understand the passengers' preference and obtain their perception for service quality, the paper proposed a hybrid approach based on fuzzy AHP and 2-tuple fuzzy linguistic method to evaluate in-flight service quality. This study is comprised of three stages. In the first stage, the modified version of SERVQUAL instrument was used and a hierarchy of the evaluation index system for in-flight service quality was constructed. In the second stage we use fuzzy AHP to analyze the structure of the in-flight service evaluation problem. Using linguistic variables, pairwise comparisons for evaluation criteria and sub-criteria are made to determine the weights of criteria and sub-criteria. In the third stage, the ratings of sub-criteria are assessed in linguistic values to express the qualitative evaluation of passengers' subjective opinions, and then the linguistic values are transformed into 2-tuples and the 2-tuple linguistic arithmetic mean operator is utilized to obtain the average ratings of 100 respondents. Using the 2-tuple linguistic weighted average operator to compute the aggregated ratings of criteria and the overall in-flight service quality of alternatives. Finally, we demonstrated the validity and feasibility of the proposed approach by conducting an application study of the comprehensive performance of three airlines' in-flight service quality in China.     

A novel interval-valued fuzzy MCDM method for improving airlines’ service quality in Chinese cross-strait airlines

This paper presents an effective approach based on combining VIKOR, GRA, and interval-valued fuzzy sets to evaluate service quality of Chinese cross-strait passenger airlines via customer surveys. The proposed approach can enable decision-makers to understand the gaps between alternatives and aspired levels. An empirical study is used to establish a complete service quality evaluation framework for reducing the gaps to achieve the aspired level. Based on the gaps in priorities, it can help an airline to identify its own strengths and weaknesses in specific areas of passenger service to further improve service quality.     

A new hybrid simulation-based assignment approach for evaluating airlines with multiple service quality criteria

Evaluation of airlines based on service quality criteria can help to improve the processes of airlines, and also can give guidance to travel agencies to provide better choices for passengers and tourists. In this study, a hybrid simulation-based assignment approach is proposed to deal with multi-criteria decision-making problems with a group of decision-makers. A probability distribution is used to model decision-makers’ opinions and constructing a stochastic decision matrix. Then some efficient multi-criteria decision-making methods are utilized for evaluating alternatives in a simulation process. The proposed approach is applied to a problem of evaluation of five airlines with respect to opinions of 58 experts on 28 criteria. The results show the efficiency of the proposed to handle decision-making problems with a large number of experts. Moreover, the evaluation results are more reliable than the other decision-making approaches because of simulating decision-makers’ opinions, using multiple methods and evaluating based on aggregative results.     

A non-additive multiple criteria analysis method for evaluation of airline service quality

Subjective preferences with interactive property are often involved in the evaluation of airline service quality. It may not be possible, however, to correctly evaluate service quality using conventional additive measures. The fuzzy measure, which is a non-additive measure, is more suitable for this situation. Given the presence of arduousness in current fuzzy measure identification and in the calculation of the comprehensive performance values of alternatives in terms of the Choquet integral, this paper proposes the λ_k fuzzy measure and introduces Marichal entropy of the λ_k fuzzy measure to reach a solution. This paper also presents the aggregator Choquet integral with respect to the λ_k fuzzy measure. To verify the method's effectiveness, an application study of the comprehensive performance of 15 US airlines was conducted, using data collected over a 10-year period. Our results show that the proposed method is a suitable multi-criteria analysis method, which can be used to evaluate the performance of airline service quality when man–made interaction phenomena are not existent.     

A modified VIKOR multiple-criteria decision method for improving domestic airlines service quality

This study applies a modified VIKOR method to improve service quality among domestic airlines in Taiwan. Our model allows decision-makers to understand the gaps between alternatives and aspired-levels in practice. A large sample is used to establish a complete service quality evaluation framework for reducing the gaps to achieve the aspired-level. We then applied the modified VIKOR method to establish the gaps in priorities between alternatives and aspired-levels. Finally, based on these gaps in priorities, we provide managerial implications to improve different carriers for satisfying the customers’ needs to achieve the aspired-level.     

Improving service quality in public transportation systems using automated customer feedback

In this paper the necessity for standardised automated information exchange between travellers and transportation company is evaluated to improve the service quality of public transport. Therefore the needs and expectations of transportation companies and travellers are defined and the usage of a novel approach for bidirectional information and communication systems in public transport is proposed. As a result, application scenarios for the usage of customer information are described and the advantages of this novel approach, especially for dispatching processes, are highlighted. Furthermore, the benefits for customers and transportation companies in regard to service quality are pointed out.     

郑西高铁客运服务质量评价及对策研究——以洛阳龙门车站为例

以旅客满意度为切入点,找出影响高速铁路客运服务质量的主要因素,并建立评价指标体系。通过采用专家排序定分法确定指标权重,以郑西高铁的龙门车站为例,使用抽样问卷调查法、层次分析法对郑西高铁的服务质量进行分析和评价。针对服务质量评价结果,找出高速铁路服务中的不足之处,并提出相应的改进对策及建议。     

Key drivers of passenger loyalty: A case of Frankfurt–Istanbul flights

This study aims to analyze the effects of factors such as image, satisfaction, price, and service quality on passenger loyalty toward full-service network carriers and low-cost carriers. A structural equation modeling approach was applied to identify the factors that significantly affect passenger loyalty. Using LISREL, data were collected from 237 passengers in face-to-face interviews in the baggage claim area of international arrivals at Ataturk International Airport in Turkey who traveled from Frankfurt to Istanbul and were used to test the proposed model. One hundred seventy-five out of these 237 questionnaires were considered as valid. The results indicate that 71% of the passenger loyalty is explained by image and image is explained by satisfaction. In addition, service quality and price are found to have positive effects on satisfaction. Compared with price, service quality is found to be a stronger determinant of satisfaction. This study concludes with the recommendations for managers and possible future research.     

基于SERVQUAL的铁路客运服务质量评价

在介绍SERVQUAL评价模型的基础上，以铁路旅客列车服务质量为例，提出列车服务质量决定因素的选取原则，确定列车服务质量的评价准则和子准则，以及这些准则和子准则的权重，通过计算得到确定列车服务质量的最终得分。通过实例分析说明评价模型的应用，根据结果制定提高铁路客运服务质量的对策。     

The effects of service quality dimensions and passenger characteristics on passenger's overall satisfaction with an airport

The objective of this paper is twofold. First, to identify service quality dimensions related to airports. Second, to examine the effects of those dimensions on passenger's overall satisfaction with an airport together with variables related to passenger characteristics. Data from an extensive survey applied in a main Brazilian international airport were used. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to extract dimensions of airport service quality as perceived by the passengers. The effects on the overall satisfaction level were estimated using a probabilistic approach. Findings underline implications regarding the use of meaningful service dimensions instead of a large set of variables as predictors of passenger satisfaction. Moreover, the study stresses the need for considering how passenger characteristics may be related to different perceived levels of service quality.     

Service quality and customer satisfaction of a UAE-based airline: An empirical investigation

This paper investigates the linkages among service quality, service provider image, customer expectations, perceived value, customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in a Dubai-based airline. Initially, the determinants of service quality were identified utilizing the SERVQUAL framework with some modification. Service quality was then used as an antecedent to measure customer satisfaction, a condition which can bring about brand loyalty. In a research initiative using a quantitative approach, data from 253 questionnaires was analyzed. Using structure equation modeling, the data analysis suggests that service quality, perceived value, and brand image have a positive significant impact on customer satisfaction, which can in turn lead to brand loyalty. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.     

Measuring airport service quality: A multidimensional approach

Currently, airports are expected to be operated as self-sufficient service organizations providing efficient and high-quality services to a variety of customers. In this context, improving airport service quality (ASQ) has become paramount. However, due to the complexity of the airport service environment, an effective process of measuring and analyzing passenger perceptions of ASQ is not easily achieved. Generic scales for perceived service quality might not cover some particularities of the passenger–airport interaction. Furthermore, while some measurement practices have been developed within the airport industry, there has been only limited consideration for validity and reliability. These concerns are certainly relevant to avoid misinterpreting passenger perceptions. In view of these concerns, this paper has a twofold objective. First, to fit a measurement model for perceived ASQ built on typical service measures within the airport industry. Second, to test for the model's equivalence across groups of passengers. Sample data from an extensive survey applied at a major Brazilian airport was used for confirmatory factor analysis. The results suggested that a six-factor structure provides a meaningful multi-item measurement model for perceived ASQ. The model was validated for international and domestic departing passengers with respect to its factorial structure and metric invariance. The proposed measurement model could be considered an alternative for a multidimensional approach in the context of airport performance measurement regarding service quality. Finally, the findings from this research might contribute to the discussion on passenger perceptions of ASQ, particularly concerning its multidimensionality and the need to review current practices for ASQ analysis.     

建立灰色关联评价模型科学评价铁路客运服务质量

通过对传统评价模型与灰色关联评价模型的论述,引入灰色关联评价模型,客观评价铁路客运服务质量的建模思路,并通过例证说明灰色关联评价模型的计算方法,使客运服务质量评价标准化,也促使铁路客运服务质量不断提高,成为制定铁路客运票价的重要因素。     

FIPIA with information entropy: A new hybrid method to assess airline service quality

This study proposes “FIPIA with information entropy” as a new, hybrid method to assess airline service quality by identifying the most important priorities for airline passengers and producing recommendations to airline management for optimal resource allocation to improve service quality and customer satisfaction. The proposed method is an improvement over IPA, IPIA and FIPA methods, through the introduction of information entropy and fuzzy logic to the analysis of importance, performance and impact dimensions of airline service quality to improve interpretability and actionability of analysis results. This study also offers airline managers a list of what they should improve in resource allocation in order to increase service quality considering customer satisfaction and create value by managing the relational capital more effectively. The new hybrid method was field-tested by administering a 26-item questionnaire to passengers of a major airline operator, analyzing the responses using the Importance-Performance-Impact Analysis (IPIA) method, fuzzy logic and information entropy. The analysis revealed four main dimensions of airline service quality, namely reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy and responsiveness with 17 constituent attributes. The case study revealed that (1) resource allocation was adequate only on four attributes; (2) seven service quality attributes were identified as needing further management focus on resource allocation; (3) six service quality attributes received more resources than necessary which should be shifted to other attributes; (4) dimensions of reliability and tangibles needed more focus than others. The proposed hybrid method of FIPIA with information entropy can be employed for any industry where service quality depends on multiple attributes.     

基于旅客需求的高速铁路客运服务质量评价

高速铁路客运服务应以旅客需求为导向,借助客运服务质量评价体系,完善高速铁路客运服务,满足旅客多样化出行需求。以马斯洛需求理论为基础,针对高速铁路旅客需求和感知建立三级评价指标体系,并提出运用灰色关联度-模糊综合评价法对高速铁路客运服务质量进行评价。对成都东站、重庆西站,以及G2885和G2890次列车高速铁路旅客进行现场调研,基于调研数据,运用灰色关联度-模糊综合评价法评价高速铁路客运服务质量。结果表明,高速铁路列车服务质量总体高于车站服务质量;相比于高速铁路客运服务的基本需求和物质需求,提升服务等级和注重精神尊重是提升高速铁路客运服务质量的努力方向之一。     

Optimizing transit maintenance and rehabilitation to support human development and sustainability: A case study of Costa Rica’s railroad network

Public transportation plays a critical role in improving human development and consequently the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by United Nations. Convenient and efficient transit enable inhabitants to reach labor markets, access social support facilities as well as health and education services. This study develops a decision-making support framework for transit agencies to select optimum maintenance, rehabilitation, and upgrade alternatives to accomplish good levels of service and improve human development and sustainability indexes. A case study of Costa Rica’s great metropolitan area is used to illustrate the study with various budget scenarios. The results show that the proposed system can accomplish significant improvements on both level of service and human development. It is also confirmed that the explicit consideration of human development and sustainability made a significant difference as compared to the classical approach, which only considers the level of service (LOS). The proposed model could be used by other public transit systems.     

铁路客运服务质量评价体系研究

从旅客需求的角度出发,以定量分析为基础,建立一个较全面的,有针对性和易操作的铁路客运服务质量评价体系。在论述体系构建的目的和原则的基础上,对评价体系的指标构建路线、指标权重的确定、满意度的调查分析等方面进行了分析探讨,并通过举例说明铁路客运服务质量评价体系的应用。     

Service quality and price perception of service: Influence on word-of-mouth and revisit intention

Drawing on an overarching framework of marketing theory, this study develops and tests an integrated model of service quality that explicates the affective mechanisms through which service quality is associated with price perception of service (e.g., monetary price and behaviour price), word of mouth (WOM) and revisit intention. In a sample of 484 low-cost airline passengers, we found service quality to be related to increased price perception of service as a result of increasing passengers' WOM, which also creates success in this regard by increasing their revisit intention. Moreover, it is not surprising that there was a positive relationship between service quality and WOM mediated by perceived value of monetary price. The theoretical and empirical implications of these results are discussed.     

基于综合主成分分析的铁路客运服务质量评价

为了客观、准确地评价铁路客运服务质量,借鉴SERVPERF模型5个维度的思想,结合旅客感知服务流程建立铁路客运服务质量评价指标体系,提出利用主成分分析法计算指标的客观权重,建立基于综合主成分分析的铁路客运服务质量评价模型。以西南地区11个客运站和20列旅客列车为例,综合车站、列车进行铁路客运服务质量评价。结果表明,车站方面昆明站客运服务质量水平最高,资阳站客运服务水平最低;列车方面高速列车服务水平最高,快速列车服务水平最低;综合考虑车站与列车因素,攀枝花站服务水平下降较多。     

A combined MCDM model based on DEMATEL and ANP for the selection of airline service quality improvement criteria: A study based on the Taiwanese airline industry

The aim of this study is to select airline service quality improvement criteria for the Taiwanese airline industry. Numerous factors such as low railway prices, the development of high-speed rail, increases in petroleum prices, increases in foreign airline competition, and the recent economic depression have led many airlines in Taiwan to encounter financial difficulties and even closure. Researchers have begun to identify critical service quality improvement criteria with the goal of increasing the competitive advantages of airlines. Most of the selected criteria, however, suffer from a major technical problem: all of the measurement dimensions are independent, leading to inadequate criteria for measuring service quality. Our calculations consider the interrelationships and effects among the evaluation dimensions and criteria to precisely rank and select criteria. The value of this study is that it provides airlines with a direction for measuring and improving their service quality with the goal of developing sustained competitive advantage over the long term.