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The Shapley value, one of the most common solution concepts of cooperative game theory is defined and axiomatically characterized in different game-theoretic models. Certainly, the Shapley value can be used in interesting sharing cost/reward problems in the Operations Research area such as connection, routing, scheduling, production and inventory situations. In this paper, we focus on the Shapley value for cooperative games, where the set of players is finite and the coalition values are interval grey numbers. The central question in this paper is how to characterize the grey Shapley value. In this context, we present two alternative axiomatic characterizations. First, we characterize the grey Shapley value using the properties of efficiency, symmetry and strong monotonicity. Second, we characterize the grey Shapley value by using the grey dividends.

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In competitive markets, the operations strategies of companies are normally formulated based on their competitive advantages. An effective operations strategy should maintain and improve competitive advantages based on the capabilities of the corporate operations resources. Considering the market requirements and the operational performance of the rivals is the key for success and survival of a company in the competition. Therefore, recognizing where a company stands in comparison with its rivals and adopting the appropriate operations strategy plays vital roles in the success of companies. This paper proposes a method for comparing and ranking operations strategies of companies based on the concept of efficient frontier using data envelopment analysis (DEA) in grey environment. In the aforementioned method, DEA is used to evaluate the efficiency of operations strategies of manufacturing firms. Also, grey theory is used to support the uncertainty of the experts’ opinions regarding the inputs and outputs of the DEA model. Then the respective units are ranked, and analyses are performed. The proposed approach is applied for the entire nine cement factories of Fars Province in Iran, and the units are ranked, respective analyses are presented regarding the efficient and inefficient units.

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Strategic alliance promotes enterprise resources sharing and enhances the competitiveness of the marketplace. Therefore, finding a mutually beneficial partner to make a strategic alliance is an important issue for various industries. The aim of this paper is to propose a suitable method based on Grey theory and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). A method predicts future business and measure operation efficiency, by the use of critical input and output variables. From this, firms can find out their appropriate candidates. This research was implemented with realistic public data from four consecutive financial years (2009-2012) of twenty Auto Manufactures. The study tries to help target firm find the right alliance partners. The results show the most priori candidates in recent years. The study will be of interest for managers of Auto Manufacture in utilizing alliance strategy.