Decision Modeling for Manufacturing Sustainability with Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

This article intends to integrate sustainability and the classical manufacturing strategy (MS) into a coherent hierarchical decision-making framework that identifies the content of a sustainable MS using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP). Instead of using the traditional fundamental scale of the AHP, linguistic variables with equivalent triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) are used to elucidate judgement of elements in pairwise comparisons. AHP, as a widely adopted tool in multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems, effectively handles the subjectivity and comprehensiveness of decision-making complexity that is structured hierarchically. Domain experts in MS and sustainability were asked to elicit judgement in AHP pairwise comparison approach. Results show the content strategy of the nine decision categories in manufacturing that addresses sustainability and competitiveness. A priority list of decisions is also presented which may guide decision-makers in resource allocation, medium- and long-range planning, and in formulating strategic initiatives. The main contribution of this article is the formulation of a sustainable MS from a hybrid approach that captures uncertainty and subjectivity in decision-making.