An integrated fuzzy approach based failure mode and effects analysis for a risk assessment

Abstract

This paper provides to cope with the limitations of traditional FMEA by using an integrated fuzzy multi-criteria decision making method, which considers fuzzy extension of AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), and a linear programming. The proposed method is shown for an application to failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) based risk assessment of a construction firm. Firstly, fuzzy extension of AHP approach is utilized to define the weights of criteria in risk evaluation. Secondly, fuzzy TOPSIS approach is used to determine the most important failure mode in the construction firm. This work handles a sensitivity analysis and a comparison with the other methods. FMEA related papers in the literature presents only ranking of failure modes by using various methods. This study aims to handle the limited resources such as budget and time in a linear programming to establish a suitable occupational health and safety policy.