Fuzzy AHP Technique Research Articles

An application of logarithmic fuzzy preference programming-based AHP and FRS techniques to develop and prioritize strategic objectives

Vital decisions made at the strategic level in an organization are not only intricate but also costly to alter. It is therefore important to find a comprehensive approach to deal with such a possibility. One of the major problems of a common balanced scorecard (BSC)-based model in strategic management is lack of a ranking system for strategic objectives in order to enable prioritization of the operational actions for strategy development. In this paper, we have proposed an approach to apply the Logarithmic Fuzzy Preference Programming (LFPP) and the Fuzzy Ratio System (FRS) techniques to resolve this issue. To propose a comprehensive approach, the strategy canvas concept, the four actions framework of the blue-ocean strategy model, and the competitive strategy development techniques of the Judo Strategy model can be employed for problem formulation. To check for applicability, the proposed model was applied to a case of X Tile and Ceramics Company. This research applied a combination of the Judo Strategy and the blue-ocean model in the form of a BSC strategic planning to develop strategic objectives as well as utilized the LFPP and FRS techniques to rank the objectives based on their strategic goals.

Critical Success Factor for Industrialized Building System Process Protocol Map by Lean Construction management

This paper is exploring the process protocol map in industrialized building systems. Several critical success factors were identified and classified in seven groups namely; just-in-time factors, total quality management factors, business process reengineering factors, concurrent engineering factors, last planner system factors, teamwork factors and value based management factors. Using the Delphi technique, factors were established first by experts of construction projects. Afterward, the groups of factors were confirmed by the construction industry experts using the questionnaires based on Fuzzy AHP techniques for factors comparison. Based on the results the lean construction critical success factors are concurrent engineering and just in time factors respectively, which are the most important critical success factors in lean construction projects according to the industrialized building system process protocol map.

Identification and Evaluation of Parameters Influencing the selection of Finance Project Contractors of Mashhad Water and Wastewater Company Using an AHP and Fuzzy Pramty

For managers and decision-makers, selecting the contractor is a key decision given this fact that the contractor plays a fundamental role in any outsourced project. So, identifying and evaluating the contractors selection criteria will result in eliminating inefficient contractors from the tender process. It is needed to collect and process these criteria in order to maximize the performance of selected contractors, and to minimize the errors and mistakes in fulfilling the society needs and organization standards. Obviously, many quantitative and qualitative indicators of different importance are involved in determining the contractors' eligibility. In this paper, we are to identify the factors affecting the selection of contractors, and then, to determine the importance levels of the factors and prioritize the contractors by combining the multi-criteria methods of fuzzy AHP and fuzzy PROMETHEE. This is the first time to implement this hybrid method for solving the contractor selection problem. In this regard, first, the criteria are identified and their weights are calculated using the fuzzy AHP technique, then premier contractor is selected using the fuzzy PROMETHEE method. A real application to select finance projects' contractor in the Water and Wastewater Company of Mashhad city is considered as the base problem.

Fuzzy-based linguistic patterns as a tool for the flexible assessment of a priority vector obtained by pairwise comparisons

A novel approach to the assessment of a hierarchy vector generated by an expert pairwise comparison matrix is proposed. The ‘quality’ of a given hierarchy is measured using so-called ‘linguistic patterns’, i.e., specially constructed logical expressions, and an expert assessment matrix. The idea of this approach is based on a concept proposed previously as a flexible criterion for the domain of facility layout problems. The adaptation of the linguistic pattern approach to the assessment of a hierarchy vector also (by analogy to the analytic hierarchy process or AHP) facilitates evaluations of expert consistency. The proposed idea is shown to be less sensitive to potential expert errors than both the classical and fuzzy AHP techniques. The proposed approach is described in detail and illustrated with simple examples. Some features of the proposed approach were studied using computer simulation experiments and the results are reported together with the conclusions obtained.

Prioritization of strategies for protected area management with local people using the hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis: the case of Kakum conservation area, Ghana

Article history: Received January 20, 2015 Received in revised format 6 February 2015 Accepted 15 March 2015 Available online March 15 2015 The contribution of protected areas towards conservation and protection of biodiversity cannot be over emphasized. Likewise, the dependence of local communities on forest and natural resources cannot be overlooked. Hence for the long term viability of forest reserves and wildlife protected area, the relationship of local people living close to these areas are of key importance if conflict of use can be mitigated. Admittedly, decision-making with respect to forest resource use and protection are complex due to the multiple interests of the major stakeholders. Stakeholder involvement in the planning, management and policy analysis can help resolve conflicts, and increase the commitment of local people to support conservation of protected areas. In this paper, we employ the SWOT-AHP methodology, with the aid of the Priority Estimation Tool (PriEsT), to evaluate and prioritize three management strategies for the Kakum conservation area in Ghana, as a means to facilitate conservation while ensuring benefits to local people. Considering the management objectives of the conservation area, seventeen SWOT sub-factors were identified and used in rating the three alternative management strategies. Among the strength sub-factors, enforcement of protection regulations (S4) is the most important. Similarly, limited funds for patrolling and outreach programs (W3), local people’s interest in alternative livelihood (O4) and the presence of illegal activities (T3) are the most important weakness, opportunity and threat sub-factors respectively. The management strategy “institute village committees to support monitoring and protection of resources” (A1) has the highest priority rating, indicating that management authorities must pay more attention to collaborative management. We propose that to improve on protected area management in Ghana, more management strategy studies must be conducted. However, these studies may apply the fuzzy AHP technique since it is supposed to have a better capacity to handle uncertainties in human judgments during decision-making. Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 5 © 201

Evaluating the Maintainability of a Software System by using Fuzzy Logic Approach

Maintainability is an important quality attribute for almost every quality model. Maintainability of the software is considered as most expensive phase in software development life cycle as it consumes almost major part of the total effort allocated to the software system. Maintainability evaluation is complex due to its imprecise output. This paper proposes a maintainability model by considering its fuzzy aspects. Since fuzzy modeling deals with uncertainty and impreciseness so this paper uses fuzzy methodology and AHP technique to evaluate the maintainability of the model. Object oriented system has taken as case study for maintainability evaluation purpose.

Selecting competitive supply chain using fuzzy AHP and extent analysis

An integrated supply chain has an advantage on the competitiveness of the individual companies. This article compares supply chains of three Indian passenger car manufacturing industries using Fuzzy AHP and extent analysis technique. Different factors pertaining to supply chain competitiveness have been identified. These factors are further grouped under three main factors, namely, assets, processes, and performance. Finally, the most competitive supply chain among the available alternatives is determined.

Non-traditional machining process selection using integrated fuzzy AHP and QFD techniques: a customer perspective

With the advancement in material science and engineering, hard as well as difficult to cut materials are coming to the fore on regular basis. Machining such advanced materials with higher geometrical accuracy by conventional means is almost impossible. Thus, demand for higher accuracy with desired surface finish leads us to a large pool of non-traditional machining (NTM) processes. However, zeroing-in for a particular NTM process, for a particular operation and for a case-specific machining, is a cumbersome task. In order to make this task simpler for a decision-maker, the present research uses, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to calculate the relative importance of various NTM processes taking product and process characteristics as the comparison basis. Finally, an overall score of various NTM processes have been obtained using quality function deployment methodology based on various shape features and work material combination. Also, the variations in the process capability features have been taken into consideration. Analysis of the present research study shows that electrochemical machining process has an edge over the other NTM processes with respect to surface finish, corner radii, minimum surface damage depth, and production time.

Supplier selection based on supply chain ecosystem, performance and risk criteria

A supply chain ecosystem consists of the elements of the supply chain and the entities that influence the goods, information and financial flows through the supply chain. These influences come through government regulations, human, financial and natural resources, logistics infrastructure and management, etc., and thus affect the supply chain performance. Similarly, all the ecosystem elements also contribute to the risk. The aim of this paper is to identify both performances-based and risk-based decision criteria, which are important and critical to the supply chain. A two step approach using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution has been proposed for multi-criteria decision-making and illustrated using a numerical example. The first step does the selection without considering risks and then in the next step suppliers are ranked according to their risk profiles. Later, the two ranks are consolidated into one. In subsequent section, the method is also extended for multi-tier supplier selection. In short, we are presenting a method for the design of a resilient supply chain, in this paper.

Integration of Graph Theory and Matrix Approach with Fuzzy AHP for Equipment Selection

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is applying a new integrated method to equipment selection. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper, we proposed the new integrated approach. Proposed approach is based on fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and GTMA (graph theory and matrix approach) methods. FAHP method is used in determining the weights of the criteria by decision makers and then rankings of equipments are determined by GTMA method. Proposed approach is applied to a problem of selecting CNC machines to be purchased in a company. Findings and Originality/value: The outcome of this research is ranking and selecting equipment using of Fuzzy AHP and GTMA techniques. Originality/value: This paper offers a new integrated method for equipment selection.

Developing a Hybrid Mathematical Model for 360-Degree Performance Appraisal: A Case Study

This paper aims to develop a mathematical model for 360-degree performance appraisal in which subjective assessments are weighted and aggregated based on different appraisal sources. In this way, performance appraisal criteria are derived from the literature and are categorized according to the characteristics of National Iranian Productivity Organization (NIPO) using Delphi method. Then, fuzzy AHP technique is utilized to calculate the importance of each appraisal criterion and each evaluation resource. Finally, personnel's performance score is calculated based on three scenarios through the aggregation models (using 816 mathematical models) from de Andrés et al. (2010a). The findings of this paper reveal that it is better not to use de Andrés’ aggregation model in final stage. Finally, the performance scores are compared with SAW method. Moreover, the ranking of employees in each organizational level are presented with TOPSIS technique.

A Hybrid MCDM Approach for Solving the ERP System Selection Problem with Application to Steel Industry

Selecting a proper system of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a major challenge for enterprise managers. Heavy expenses of incorrect decisions in selection of ERP systems have made academics and managers consider this phase as highly important. Several research studies proposed different approaches to selecting the ERP and many case studies of organizational experiences have been published. However, there has been less regard for simultaneous use of the findings of academic studies and judgments of industrial experts or organization mangers for making the most appropriate choice. This study proposes a combined multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach through which both previous studies and judgments of industrial experts or organization managers would be integrated in order to select the proper ERP system. Having studied the literature comprehensively and conducted interviews with experts and managers, this approach will determine the most important criteria in ERP selection using Shannon entropy technique. Then, based on the judgments obtained from experts and using DEMATEL technique, these criteria will be classified into the two groups of “Cause” and “Effect” and the most appropriate choice will be selected using Fuzzy AHP technique. Finally, a case study is conducted to demonstrate and prove the applicability of the proposed approach.

Selecting the best ABS sensor technology using fuzzy MADM

In the competitive world today, maintaining and developing market share are of great importance to any business, and technology plays an important role here. Technology selection, influencing the competitive advantages of an enterprise or a country is a multi-criteria decision problem which can be improved by integrating different MCDM1 methods. Many different resources including financial, human and time are spent to access a needed technology. Utilization of these resources can be optimized by integrating them with appropriate technologies. The objectives of this study are: 1) identifying the effective criteria of technology selection to improve the performance of CROUSE companies in Iran's auto industry by using Fuzzy Delphi, Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS techniques, and 2) providing a systematic model to prioritize ABS2 sensor technology alternatives. We contributed to the technology selection by identifying critical criteria in technology selection. Our findings show that indicators of technology selection are not only some internal factors of the organization, but also include some factors external to the organization, and that the most effective criteria on technology selection are not merely financial, and some other factors such as political issues or the impacts of technology on employment are also influential. Key words: Fuzzy Delphi, fuzzy AHP, fuzzy TOPSIS, technology selection, technology selection criteria.

A hybrid performance evaluation system for notebook computer ODM companies

The aim of the paper is to fulfill this need by building a conceptual framework for measuring the business performance of notebook computer ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) companies carried out to investigate how performance is understood and to identify the potential dimensions to improvement. In the process, a multiple criteria procedure is used to assess the performance in these companies. We explore the performance-evaluation systems by using fuzzy AHP and VIKOR techniques. The evidence from the investigation showed that supply chain capability and manufacturing capability are the top two indicators for the notebook computer ODM companies’ performance. Furthermore, it was found that Quanta and Compal have the relative high business performance among these companies. The research provides evidence which establishes whether benchmarking provides a real and lasting benefit to notebook computer ODM companies. A series of managerial implications are set forth and discussed. Key words: Performance evaluation, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP), VIKOR, Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM).

Global supplier selection: a fuzzy-AHP approach

Global supplier selection has a critical effect on the competitiveness of the entire supply chain network. Research results indicate that the supplier selection process appears to be the most significant variable in deciding the success of the supply chain. It helps in achieving high quality products at lower cost with higher customer satisfaction. Apart from the common criteria such as cost and quality, this paper also discusses some of the important decision variables which can play a critical role in case of the international sourcing. The importance of the political-economic situation, geographical location, infrastructure, financial background, performance history, risk factors, etc., have also been pointed out in particularly in the case of global supplier selection. Supplier selection problem related to the global sourcing is more complex than the general domestic sourcing and as a result it needs more critical analysis, which could not be found properly in past available literatures. This paper discusses the fuzzy based Analytic Hierarchy Process (fuzzy-AHP) to efficiently tackle both quantitative and qualitative decision factors involved in selection of global supplier in current business scenario. The fuzzy-AHP is an efficient tool to tackle the fuzziness of the data involved in deciding the preferences of the different decision variables involved in the process of global supplier selection. The triangular fuzzy numbers are used to transform the linguistic comparison of the different decision criteria, sub-criteria and performance of the alternative suppliers. The pairwise comparison matrices help in deciding the synthetic extent value of each comparison and finally, the priority weights of one alternative over another are decided in this paper. An example from a manufacturing industry searching for the global supplier for a critical component is used to demonstrate the effective implementation procedure of proposed fuzzy-AHP technique. The proposed model can provide the guidelines and directions for the decision makers to effectively select their global suppliers in the current competitive business scenario.

Reverse Logistics Operation Management Based on Virtual Enterprises and Complaint Service Manage-ment

Based on analyzing the difficulties of reverse logistics operation management and discussed the new environment as the economic society developing continuously and discussing the feasibility of virtual enterprise, an operation management mode for reverse logistics based on virtual enterprise is presented in this paper. By analyzing the relationships between complaint service management and reverse logistics, the complaint service management (CSM) is considered in reverse logistics, we take into consideration the process computing of CSM by combing the computer technology, the communi-cation technology and the information technology. Using by the computer telephone integration technology, an integra-tion multi-channels collection can be designed; the evaluation of complaint and production is supported by intelligent decision support system; considering the different disposal countermeasures, the CSM processing system is determined to implement corresponding disposal which reflects the utility of CSM. The organization framework, the operational process, the dynamic durative of virtual enterprise, those are expounded in detail. By using Fuzzy AHP technique, the hierarchical and the multi-criteria decision making problems for virtual enterprise are considered and the optimized selection is presented.

A fuzzy CBR technique for generating product ideas

This paper presents a fuzzy CBR (case-based reasoning) technique for generating new product ideas from a product database for enhancing the functions of a given product (called the baseline product). In the database, a product is modeled by a 100-attribute vector, 87 of which are used to model the use-scenario and 13 are used to describe the manufacturing/recycling features. Based on the use-scenario attributes and their relative weights - determined by a fuzzy AHP technique, a fuzzy CBR retrieving mechanism is developed to retrieve product-ideas that tend to enhance the functions of the baseline product. Based on the manufacturing/recycling features, a fuzzy CBR mechanism is developed to screen the retrieved product ideas in order to obtain a higher ratio of valuable product ideas. Experiments indicate that the retrieving-and-filtering mechanism outperforms the prior retrieving-only mechanism in terms of generating a higher ratio of valuable product ideas.