Grading of Raw Jute Fibres Using Criteria Importance through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) and Range of Value (ROV) Approach of Multi-criteria Decision Making

Abstract

ABSTRACT In modern BIS system, a scientific approach is adopted for grading the raw jute fibers based on six apposite physical properties, namely fiber strength, defect, root content, fineness, color, and bulk density, of which the latter two parameters are still evaluated subjectively. Several researchers have attempted, over the years, many exponents of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches and got encouraging results. However, in all these approaches, subjective weighting methods have been used in the form of analytic hierarchy process (AHP). In this paper, a maiden integrated approach using criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) and range of value (ROV) is presented for grading jute fibers on the basis of abovementioned six attributes. Ranking performance of the present approach closely resembles with other approaches hitherto attempted by several researchers. The efficacy and robustness of the new approach are validated using sensitivity analysis through altering the weightage levels of the criteria. The rank correlation coefficients between the ranking patterns obtained in each of the weightage levels are, in most of the cases, 1 or very close to 1, which signifies no occurrence of rank reversal or change in ranking. During sensitivity analysis in dynamic decision conditions, the approach is stable up to certain level and then rank reversal takes place for some of the alternatives including the top ranked one. The uniqueness of the present study lies in the fact that here criteria weights are determined objectively using CRITIC and hence more reliable and devoid of influence/preferences of decision-makers (DMs). Moreover, the new approach is very simple with a few simple mathematical equations, albeit a potent tool of decision making with strong background logic.