Multi-criteria decision-making for selecting occupational health and safety training methods: An Entropy AHP–VIKOR approach

Abstract

Background

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training plays a central role in promoting safety culture and risk awareness among university students. While face-to-face education has traditionally been preferred, online and hybrid models have gained prominence. However, there is limited research that systematically compares these delivery methods using structured decision-making models.

Objective

This study aims to develop a quantitative decision-support framework to evaluate and rank face-to-face, online, and hybrid OHS basic training methods using an integrated Entropy AHP–VIKOR multi-criteria decision-making approach.

Methods

Three training alternatives were evaluated based on eight pedagogical, technical, and administrative criteria. Criterion weights were determined objectively using the Entropy-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and the VIKOR method was applied to identify the compromise solution among alternatives.

Results

The hybrid training model achieved the lowest S, R, and Q values in the VIKOR analysis, ranking first among alternatives. Pedagogical impact, participation, and retention emerged as the most influential criteria according to Entropy AHP weighting results.

Conclusions

The integrated Entropy AHP–VIKOR model provides a transparent and objective framework for selecting OHS training methods. The findings support prioritizing hybrid delivery for university-level OHS education while reserving face-to-face components for practice-oriented modules and online components for theoretical content.