Ranking of sustainable development indicators in free zones using a hybrid method based on multi-criteria decision making (DANP) and factor analysis

In this study, a hybrid method based on Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique, analytical network process (ANP), and factor analysis is developed to prioritize economic, social, and environmental indicators of sustainable development in free. For this purpose, first, the indicators are classified into two internal and external ones and their latent factors are identified and named using the factor analysis method. Then, the DEMATEL technique is employed for identifying the internal relationship among the indicators as well as determining the intensity of their influential indicators and influence. Moreover, the causal diagrams, the internal relationships of internal and external indicators, and the cause or effect of the indicators are explained by the DEMATEL technique. Finally, the relative importance of the indicators is obtained based on the ANP method, and by calculating the weighted and limit super matrixes, the ranking of sustainable development indicators in both internal and external parts is obtained. The results obtained from 44 internal and 24 external indicators show that "welfare and services" and "culture making" factors are the most important internal and external ones, respectively, while "providing conditions for investment and support for investment" and "prevention of marine pollution by ships" indicators are the most important internal and external ones in the sustainable development of free zones.