Estimation of the Coastal Vulnerability Index Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making: The Coastal Social–Ecological System of Rachgoun, Western Algeria

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This manuscript analyzes interesting and actual issues. The content is described with respect to previous research and present literature review. All cited references are relevant to the research and topic. The research design, hypothesis and methods are clearly stated. Empirical research is adequately presented. The conclusion is supported by the results presented.  

Author Response

We thank for the Reviewer#1. We greatly appreciate your comments.

Thanks again for your valuable comments, which were important to improving the quality of the manuscript. We hope that now you can consider this paper for publication.

Reviewer 2 Report

This study develops a multi-criteria decision making model for the coastal vulnerability evaluation through the proposed index, which has been applied in the Western Algeria area. The paper is well organized, and it can be published after minor revision.

(1) The abstract should be re-written since there are some grammar issues.

(2) Research motivations and research gap should be highlighted in first section. The arrangement of the paper should be also addressed at the end of the first section.

(3)There lacks of literature review section. It will be better if a systematic review is performed, especially in MCDM methods and practice.

(4)The framework of research apporache in figure 2 is not clear, which needs to be revised. 

(5)Managerial insights should also be provided to help better understanding the theoretical contributions of this study. 

Author Response

We thank the valuable Reviewer#3 suggestions/comments and corrected the paper according with the improvements suggested. The answer to each comment is given below (in blue). For a better understanding, the manuscript changes are also in blue.

Thanks again for your valuable comments, which were important to improving the quality of the manuscript. We hope that now you can consider this paper for publication.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

The study developed is current and pertinent in the management of vulnerability and its territorial incidences, particularly in view of the fragility and complexity of action in coastal areas.

Coherent methodological processes were followed, with adequate structuring and graphic/cartographic representation and infograms. The assessments produced and the resulting analysis confer quality and scientific solidity.

It is suggested to check the formatting rules of the Journal, so that they are followed in particular in graphs, maps and tables.

The conclusions deserve further development in view of the methodologies used, discussion of results produced and their application. In this respect figure 16 should be further explored and analyzed in terms of an interpretative matrix.

Minor editing of English language required

Author Response

We thank the valuable Reviewer#3 for suggestions/comments and corrected the paper according to the improvements suggested. The answer to each comment is given below (in green). For a better understanding, the manuscript changes are also in green.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf