Multi-objective optimization technique: A novel approach in tourism sustainability planning.

Strategic management of complex decisional problems in the tourism sector requires the implementation of proper planning procedures for sustainable tourism activities, due to either the number of actors involved, the presence of conflicting goals and the need of resource rationalization. Thus, the aim of the research is to implement a new approach for the selection of projects to be funded by public administration, in order to maximize the efficiency of public resource allocation. Furthermore, the proposed technique enhances the inclusion of the three dimensions of sustainability in tourism policy planning and implementation phases. The Multi-objective Optimization model accounts for environmental, social and economic impacts, to select tourism activities to be realized in order to maximize stakeholder utility. In order to test the model, we selected a case study: a call for tender drafted by an Italian Public administration, whose aim was to support the attractiveness of the urban areas. Findings illustrate that, in comparison with multicriteria techniques, the proposed model allows to achieve a better allocation of public funds, in both quantitative (i.e., amount of resources allocated) and qualitative (selection of projects with positive social and environmental implication) terms.

Best-compromise solutions for waste management: Decision support system for policymaking.

Proper management of urban waste might support sustainable and circular development, while mismanagement increases both costs and socio-environmental negative outcomes. In particular, the organic fraction constitutes the largest share of urban waste. In the circular economy framework, it is described as a valuable resource, to be converted into soil improver, biogas and energy. The aim of the paper is to propose a Decision Support System (DSS) for policymakers, based on linear programming techniques. This model is expected to improve the current methodologies for planning and managing organic fraction of municipal solid waste and provide useful insights about public resources allocation. The proposed optimization model is tested on Campania Region (Italy), which is a clear example of the negative implications of improper waste management. Based on the goals recently set by Campania regional government, the model allows to select the most cost-effective and sustainable solutions for treating organic waste. Results show three different scenarios associated to the impacts that each possible outcome has on the stated objectives. The "Ideal Solution" is not achievable, but it is used as a benchmark; the "Max NPV Solution" is feasible, but it reports several major drawbacks. Finally, the "Best Compromise Solution" allows to increase regional composting capability by six time and biogas availability by seven times, with environmental implications that are very similar to the ideal ones.

Evaluation of the Italian transport infrastructures: A technical and economic efficiency analysis.

•The deregulation process played a key role in terms of airport efficiency.•The technical efficiency of 32 Italian airports has been evaluated•The methodological approach has been twofold: DEA and Tobit model•The main results show that efficiency is independent of an airport's size.•The findings highlight the decisive role of public shareholders in small airports.