Weighted Decision Matrix Research Articles

Sustainable product development of tablet device using environmental conscious QFD - weighted decision matrix evaluation: a case study

The study applies an integrated framework of environmentally conscious quality function deployment (ECQFD) with weighted decision matrix (WDM) for sustainable development of the tablet device. ECQFD phase I prioritised design metrics were found to be 'product design', 'process improvement' and 'reduced energy consumption' with relative weights of '0.1081', '0.1014' and '0.0916' respectively. In phase II, 'battery' and 'front and back covers' were found to be prioritised components. From phase III option I, 'product design' was found to have more improvement effect and from option II 'process improvement' was found to have the highest improvement effect. From phase IV, option II was found to be the best. Three designs were conceptualised based on the results of ECQFD. Design 1 with a score of 2.63 was identified as the best design using WDM. This study could be beneficial in overcoming the lack of knowledge and realise the potential for successful sustainability implementation through ECQFD.

Analyzing Indicators Affecting Commercial Property Value in Metro Station Accessible Area Using Walking Time Consumption: Case of Xi’an, China

In studies investigating the property value enhancements along metro lines, study ranges in most cases are measured in Euclidean distance. However, city roads are not always straight, and Euclidean distance sometimes does not equal to actual distance the passenger travels from the public transport station to their home or a commercial spot. To solve this problem, this study analyzed the indicators affecting commercial property value in metro station accessible area in Xi’an, using walking time consumption in measuring the study range. Following a conceptual framework, considering empirical evidences in related studies, information in city structure, and metro distribution, the initial indicator set is built. Using hedonic price model (HPM), spatial autoregressive model (SAR), and error term (SEM), significant indicators affecting commercial property value are investigated. In this study, 14 significant indicators are determined and quantified. Threshold distance equals to 900 m is found to be appropriate in addressing the autocorrelation problem with the weighted decision matrix tool. Compared to HPM and SEM, SAR is found to perform the best in evaluating the significant indicators with the largest R2 (0.415) and the lowest Akaike Info Criterion (AIC) (−395.214). Besides, it is discovered that the value of the commercial property lies in the study range of 20 min walking time and is obviously influenced by the metro station. The results discovered in this study could provide some empirical evidences to commercial property planning in Xi’an.

Bioenergy potential and technical feasibility assessment of residues from oil palm processing: A case study of Jalapa, Tabasco, Mexico

Bioenergy around the world has proved to be a feasible strategy in terms of environmental, social and economic advantages for the development of our society. Nevertheless, in low- and middle-income countries, wood is the most traditional common biomass resource. At the same time, there is a wide variety of residues from industry processing that can be valorized. In recent years, oil palm production in Mexico has increased significantly; giving rise to the establishment of extraction plants whose process focuses mostly on oil extraction, disregarding solid by-products. The lack of proper management of these residues impacts the environment by piling up without control, open burning or left on the ground. For these reasons, this study aimed to assess the bioenergy potential and identify the most feasible technologies for the sustainable use of oil palm residues. Oil palm residues (fruit fiber, palm kernel shells and empty fruit bunches) were characterized by proximate analysis, calorific value and energy dispersive spectroscopy. A weighted decision matrix was designed to weigh the biomass conversion technologies considering sustainability criteria (environmental, technical, economic and social). As a result, a biomass and energy potential of 33,416 t y−1 and 564.05 TJ y−1 were calculated for Tabasco palm oil sector. Pelletization of residue for thermal applications, followed by anaerobic digestion turned out to be the most feasible technologies for oil palm residue according to the regional context. An opportunity for pellet production from these residues was observed; this could be an alternative to substitute fuel wood and promotes modern bioenergy applications.

MFS-MCDM: Multi-label feature selection using multi-criteria decision making

In this paper, for the first time, a feature selection procedure is modeled as a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) process. This method is applied to a multi-label data and we have used the TOPSIS (Technique of Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method as a famous MCDM algorithm to evaluate the features based on their relationship with multiple labels as different criteria. Our proposed method, Multi-label Feature Selection using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MFS-MCDM) which treated the multi-label feature selection as an information fusion process, first obtains a decision matrix using the ridge regression algorithm and then calculates the weight of each column of this matrix based on the entropy of each label. Then, the TOPSIS approach is used to assign a score to each feature based on the weighted decision matrix. Finally, a rank vector for the features is generated as output which the user can select a desired number of features. The superiority of the proposed method is shown in experimental results comparing to other similar methods in terms of all evaluation metrics.

Fuzzified synthetic extent weighted average for appraisal of design concepts

Decision-making models such as Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Weighted Decision Matrix (WDM), Pugh Matrix and the likes have been able to assist in the decision process considering the objectives of each evaluation criteria in the alternatives. However, these models need to consider the qualitative and subjective nature of the design features. In order to reduce the unbalanced scale of judgment and the uncertainty associated with the crisp information in the decision process, fuzzified and hybridized models are necessary. Existing hybridized decision models applied for machine concept selection deploy several design features and sub-features at the conceptual product design, which thus make the decision making process to be tedious. In light of this, this article presents a hybridized decision-making model, which harness the comparative strength and computational integrity of fuzzy pairwise comparison matrix and fuzzy weighted average, to numerically analyse a reasonable amount of machine design features, thereby making decision making process less tedious. Design for reconfigurability and functionality which are peculiar to reconfigurable machines was introduced using a Reconfigurable Assembly Fixture (RAF) as a case study while other design features related to design concept evaluation were grouped under design for X. The result of the hybridized model shows that, concept three is the optimal design from four sets of designs. This is compared to previous publication using the RAF design concepts with different design features and sub-features. The comparison indicates that there is a close range in the final values of the designs due to the inclusion of several sub-features in the decision process which were not used in the previous study.

An interval type-2 fuzzy TOPSIS using the extended vertex method for MAGDM

In this article, the technique of order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) is modified to handle interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2FSs) using the extended vertex method for distance measure. While the existing TOPSIS techniques for IT2FSs depend on the defuzzification of the average decision matrix or the average weighted decision matrix from the very beginning, the proposed method maintains fuzziness in the preference technique up to the hilt to avoid any information distortion which might lead to false ranking. First, the vertex method for distance measure is extended to encompass IT2FSs. The extended vertex method is an efficient simple formula that requires few computations in contrast to other distance measures based on embedding type 1 fuzzy sets or α-cuts that need special algorithms and can be restrictive in applications that require high computations. Second, the fuzzy positive and negative ideal solutions are defined. Then, the relative degree of closeness to the ideal solutions is computed for each alternative using the extended vertex method. As the relative degree of closeness of an alternative increases, its preference increases. Therefore, the preference technique avoids the flaws of the existing techniques and the computations are reduced. Two illustrative examples are given and the results are compared with the results of the existing TOPSIS methods. In light of the results and comparisons, the role of the defined ideal solutions in ranking is clarified.

Assessment of the Malaysian Tidal Stream Energy Resources

As a developing country, Malaysia has shown great interest and effort to commit and invest for green technology and green energy especially tidal energy resources. This research project is conducted to carry out an assessment study to analyse and compare several locations in Malaysia while using the optimal analytical approach in finding the best sites to harness tidal stream resource around Malaysia. Previous studies that only considered flow velocity at the deployment sites may not be accurate since geometry of the coastal region and the friction force exerted from the tidal flow with the seabed can also contribute to the suitability of the proposed tidal sites. Tidal Model Driver was used to extract tidal elevation data on specific harmonic constituents and tidal velocity attribute, and then compared to the data obtained from General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans. The weighted decision matrix was used to analyse the potential of each location by considering essential criteria such as tidal velocity, depth of coastline, geometry of coastline and environmental impacts. Top locations with the highest score were chosen as potential location to invest in a tidal energy farm, which consists of Pulau Pangkor, Port Dickson, and Pulau Tioman among others. The locations that produce the highest yearly energy density are found to be Pulau Pangkor with 1.21 MWh/year followed by Pulau Pinang with 836.5 kWh/year. Notably, the inclusion of other factors besides tidal velocity such as the site characteristic and the amount of potential impact to the environment provided different outcome than published materials in this field.

Sustainable product development of tablet device using Environmental Conscious QFD-Weighted Decision Matrix evaluation: A case study

The study applies an integrated framework of environmentally conscious quality function deployment (ECQFD) with weighted decision matrix (WDM) for sustainable development of the tablet device. ECQFD phase I prioritised design metrics were found to be 'product design', 'process improvement' and 'reduced energy consumption' with relative weights of '0.1081', '0.1014' and '0.0916' respectively. In phase II, 'battery' and 'front and back covers' were found to be prioritised components. From phase III option I, 'product design' was found to have more improvement effect and from option II 'process improvement' was found to have the highest improvement effect. From phase IV, option II was found to be the best. Three designs were conceptualised based on the results of ECQFD. Design 1 with a score of 2.63 was identified as the best design using WDM. This study could be beneficial in overcoming the lack of knowledge and realise the potential for successful sustainability implementation through ECQFD.

Practical Implications On How Established Companies Innovate With Startups

The study addresses an important literature gap concerning open innovation and startups. The purpose of this article is to deliver tools and guidelines for innovation managers to support their decision-making when aspiring to openly innovate with startups. The study proposes five spectra that show the variance across different collaboration on the following parameters for analysis: 1) investment required; 2) risk level; 3) corporate control; 4) Startup support; 5) ecosystem leverage. The article arrives at a simple weighted decision matrix to be used as a decision-guiding tool in determining the best choice of a startup-collaboration option from a corporate perspective. The research builds on a framework of references to previous literature and follows an explorative approach based on field research and design science research.

Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making for Assessing the Enhanced Geothermal Systems

This paper presents the main features of a multiple-criteria decision-making tool for economic and environmental assessment of enhanced geothermal systems projects. The presented holistic approach takes into account important influencing factors such as technical specifications, geological characteristics, spatial data, energy and heat prices, and social and environmental impact. The multiple-criteria decision-making approach uses a weighted decision matrix for evaluating different enhanced geothermal systems alternatives based on a set of criterions which are defined and presented in this paper. The paper, defines and quantifies new criterions for assessing enhanced geothermal systems for a particular site. For evaluation of the relative importance of each criterion in decision making, the weight is associated with each of the listed criterions. The different scenarios of end-use applications are tested in the case study. Finally, in the case study, the data and statistics are collected from real geothermal plants. The case study provides results for several scenarios and the sensitivity analysis based on which the approach is validated. The proposed method is expected to be of great interest to investors and decision makers as it enables better risk mitigation.

Variable weights theory and its application to multi-attribute group decision making with intuitionistic fuzzy numbers on determining decision maker's weights.

The determination of the weights of decision makers (DMs) is an important problem in multi-attribute group decision making. Many approaches have been presented to determine DMs’ weights. However, the computed weight vectors of DMs are usually assumed to be constant in existing studies, and this may cause irrationalities in the decision results. Therefore, this article proposes a novel method to determine DMs’ weights based on variable weights theory in which the evaluation information is described as intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). First, DMs provide their assessment with IFSs, and the intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging (IFWA) operator is applied to obtain weighted decision matrix based on the prior given DMs’ and attributes’ weights. Second, the DMs’ weights are obtained based on variable weights theory, and an alternative decision can be computed. Finally, the converted value of the achieved IFS of each alternative is calculated, and the best appropriate alternative is acquired. Two illustrative examples and the comparisons with exsiting approaches are also used to reflect the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Web-based process planning system concept selection using Weighted Decision Matrix and Analytical Hierarchy Process: A case study of sheet metal bending operations

Abstract The demand for sheet metal bending products has pushed the sheet metal industry to adopt new process planning approaches that can transform the existing systems in order to improve efficiency and reduce costs during product design and manufacture. Sheet metal industries are still using traditional system planning methods, which have limited capacity to respond to rapid changes in market requirements. In light of this, this paper proposes a suitable web-based process planning system that can be used to effectively bend varieties of sheet metal products using various bending press machines. Three web-based process planning system concepts were formulated in this study and evaluated using various criteria. The result of the Weighted Decision Matrix (WDM) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) analyses revealed that web-based process planning system concept Y with a cumulative assessment score of 1.90 and a priority assessment score of 0.637 is the suitable web-based process planning system that could be used to effectively bend varieties of sheet metals. This evaluation approach serves as a useful information for system designers in other manufacturing sectors, to select suitable systems capable of effectively carrying out their operations.

Sustainable Cooling and Lubrication Strategies in Machining Processes: A Comparative Study

Applying an adequate cooling and lubrication technique during machining processes is an important issue which affects the machining system efficiency. Flood cooling offers an effective solution to reduce the effect of the high heat generated during cutting processes; however, it is not a sustainable strategy because of the health and environmental concerns associated with its utilization. Therefore, several cooling and lubrication strategies have been suggested and used as alternatives to the flood cooling. These strategies include; dry cutting, cryogenic approach, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), nano-cutting fluids, and MQL-nano-fluids. In this work, a comparative study is presented to evaluate the sustainability effectiveness of these strategies. In order to evaluate the strategies effectiveness, five sustainability indicators are used; namely, energy consumption, personal safety and health, waste management, machining costs, and environmental impact. A weighted decision matrix is developed to assess the studied strategies in terms of the employed sustainable indicators.

Decision Analysis for Optimal Design Concept: Hybridized Fuzzified Weighted Decision Matrix and Fuzzy TOPSIS Using Design for X Tools

The need for designs with extended capabilities and customization calls for a robust conceptual design phase of an equipment or a product. It becomes important to appraise different design concepts using a holistic approach for the comparison process in order to obtain an optimal design. In this article, a decision analysis for selecting optimal design of a Reconfigurable Assembly Fixture (RAF) from a set of alternative design concepts is presented by developing a Multi-Attribute Decision Model (MADM). The MADM developed in this article hybridize the aggregating strength of the fuzzified weighted decision matrix and computational strength of the fuzzy TOPSIS in terms of separation from positive and negative solutions and closeness coefficient to ideal solution. The design for X tools (manufacture, assembly and disassembly, maintenance, reliability, life cycle cost, serviceability and environment) are used to represent the design features and factors or constraints for evaluating the designs with several sub-factors in order to have a robust decision process. Two other tools added to the X-tools are design for reconfigurability and functionality. These two tools were added in order to consider the reconfigurable characteristic features for the design concepts of the RAFs. Results obtained from the decision process proves that there are slight differences in the final values of the design concepts which can be linked to the performance of each design concept in the decision process and the weights or priority of the design features. Also, the close variations in the final values of the design concepts may be due to inclusion of weights of the design attributes in computation of the distances to the positive and negative ideal solutions.

An Analysis of Recycling High Density Polyethylene with Limited Resources

Since polyethylene makes up the largest percentage of plastic produced globally, and has the potential to be recycled indefinitely, it makes an excellent starting point for mitigating the severe impacts plastic waste has on the global environment. The community of Arroyo Norte in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is a prime example of a community in need of work, jobs, and are heavily impacted by the constant stream of plastic waste due to the lack of end-use management. After three years of research and trial and error by the Practivistas Dominicana group from Humboldt State University, this manuscript provides an analysis of three of the most suitable plastic recycling methods using high-density polyethylene (#2 plastic) that can be performed with limited resources. Methods include: melting in a toaster oven with c-clamps for compression, melting in vegetable with c-clamps for compression, and melting in a modified convection oven which uses a car jack for compression. These methods were developed using a variety of online "do it yourself" tutorials and were tested in both Arroyo Norte and further developed in Arcata, California, USA. Each method was analyzed using a weighted decision matrix, regarding criteria dictated by Arroyo Norte community members. Results show that each method has the potential to create high quality recycled plastic materials for various production scales and resource availability, given further improvements on each process. This research intends to share lessons learned by Practivistas to promote and encourage further work in plastic recycling with limited resources.

Reconnoitering the suitability of fuzzified weighted decision matrix for design process of a reconfigurable assembly fixture

This article presents the design process of a reconfigurable assembly fixture (RAF) using a fuzzified weighted decision matrix (FWDM) process. In order to consider various functional requirement and design criteria of the RAF and associated sub-factors for each criterion. The developed FWDM process combined the fuzzy weighted sum and fuzzy weighted product model. A framework for the application of the FWDM is developed in order to simplify the application process. Sub-factors associated to functional requirement for the optimal design of the RAF are identified considering a mixed scenario using the concept of triangular fuzzy number. Four CAD models of the RAF were considered in order to decide on the optimal design. Results obtained from the FWDM process showed that the cumulative weight of ranking designs based on selected criteria or design features shows a particular design concept to be better than another. However, a consideration of a holistic view of the level of importance of the functional requirement in the optimal design makes the weighted score of each of the design to have close values.

A quantitative model for evaluation and classification of blastings in open-pit mines

By evaluation of the blasting results, a proper blast pattern can be presented. It is, therefore, essential to employ a reliable method to evaluate blastings for the effective control and optimization of the main cycle operations. This paper aims to propose a criterion for evaluating the blasting results such as the fragmentation, muckpile condition, back-break, and fly rock, and to make a possible comparison between the blast parameters including the blasting pattern, explosives used, hole depths, and volume of the blasted rocks in the lead and zinc mine in Angouran (Iran). Using the global criterion, making the decision matrix dimensionless, and defining the appropriate conditions for the results obtained, a scalar value is devoted for the blasts, whose larger values denote a larger deviation from the proper blasting conditions and express undesirable blasts regarding the blasting results. By taking into consideration the mining operation conditions and weights of the results obtained, the influence of the results obtained on the mining operation index is also investigated using the genetic algorithm. Furthermore, by composing the weighted decision matrix, the blastings are evaluated and classified. Analyzing the results obtained for blastings in the Angouran mine reveals that the proposed method is an effective approach for evaluation of the blasting results and comparison of the blasts.

Reconnoitering the suitability of fuzzified weighted decision matrix for design process of a reconfigurable assembly fixture

This article presents the design process of a reconfigurable assembly fixture (RAF) using a fuzzified weighted decision matrix (FWDM) process. In order to consider various functional requirement and design criteria of the RAF and associated sub-factors for each criterion. The developed FWDM process combined the fuzzy weighted sum and fuzzy weighted product model. A framework for the application of the FWDM is developed in order to simplify the application process. Sub-factors associated to functional requirement for the optimal design of the RAF are identified considering a mixed scenario using the concept of triangular fuzzy number. Four CAD models of the RAF were considered in order to decide on the optimal design. Results obtained from the FWDM process showed that the cumulative weight of ranking designs based on selected criteria or design features shows a particular design concept to be better than another. However, a consideration of a holistic view of the level of importance of the functional requirement in the optimal design makes the weighted score of each of the design to have close values.

Theoretical and technical biomass resource assessment from swine and cattle manure in Tabasco: A case study in southeast Mexico

Nowadays, the lack of a proper waste management in the livestock sector has contributed, not only to climate change with greenhouse gas emissions, but also to soil degradation and water quality deterioration. A case study was carried out in the state of Tabasco, in southeast Mexico, because it holds a significant livestock production that can be compared to some European countries. About 80% of the livestock waste in the region is not properly managed. In this respect, a biomass resource assessment was performed through an adapted methodology to quantify the livestock biomass potential according to livestock production systems, zootechnical functions and technical factors. Additionally, a weighted decision matrix (WDM) was designed to determine the most feasible technologies employing sustainability criteria. Theoretical and technical biomass potentials were obtained corresponding to 7,864,796tonnes/year and 765,947tonnes/year, respectively. As a result, the technical biomass potential is affected by the livestock production system in the region. A technical energy potential of 396,727GJ/year was calculated from livestock biomass, which could be used to energise around 7,688,510 refrigerators and replace the use of 64,030tonnes of wood. Finally, silvopastoral systems, composting and anaerobic digestion were the most feasible technologies and practices according to the WDM.

Application of design for six sigma methodology on portable water filter that uses membrane filtration system: A preliminary study

Portable water filter has grown significantly in recent years. The use of water bottles as a water drink stuff using hand pump water filtration unit has been suggested to replace water bottled during outdoor recreational activities and for emergency supplies. However, quality of water still the issue related to contaminated water due to the residual waste plants, bacteria, and so on. Based on these issues, the study was carried out to design a portable water filter that uses membrane filtration system by applying Design for Six Sigma. Design for Six Sigma methodology consists of five stages which is Define, Measure, Analyze, Design and Verify. There were several tools have been used in each stage in order to come out with a specific objective. In the Define stage, questionnaire approach was used to identify the needs of portable water filter in the future from potential users. Next, Quality Function Deployment (QFD) tool was used in the Measure stage to measure the users’ needs into engineering characteristics. Based on the information in the Measure stage, morphological chart and weighted decision matrix tools were used in the Analyze stage. This stage performed several activities including concept generation and selection. Once the selection of the final concept completed, detail drawing was made in the Design stage. Then, prototype was developed in the Verify stage to conduct proof-of-concept testing. The results that obtained from each stage have been reported in this paper. From this study, it can be concluded that the application of Design for Six Sigma in designing a future portable water filter that uses membrane filtration system is a good start in looking for a new alternative concept with a completed supporting document.