Decision-Making Models and Applications in Manufacturing Environments

Book excerpt: Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) has gained vast popularity for its ability to help make decisions in the presence of various similar and conflicting choices.This new volume applies the MCDM theory to solving problems and challenges in manufacturing environments. It discusses using MCDM computational methods to evaluate and select the most optimal solution or method for real-world, real-time manufacutring engineering issues. It details the decision-making process in relation materials selection; identification, assessment, and evaluation of risk; sustainability assessment; selection of green suppliers; and more. The chapter authors demonstrate the application of myriad MCDM techniques in decision-making, including MADM (multiple attribute decision-making), DEA (data envelopment analysis), fuzzy TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarities to ideal solution), fuzzy-VIKOR (multicriteria optimization and compromise solution); MOORA (multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis), EWM (entropy weight method), (AHP) analytic hierarchy process, TODIM (TOmada de Decisao Interativa Multicriterio), and others. The volume illustrates these MCDM models in several industries and industrial processes, including for experimental analysis and optimization of drilling of glass fiber reinforced plastic, in the textile industries, for selection of refrigerants for domestic applications, and others.