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A fuzzy optimization model for QFD planning process using analytic network approach

In both the quality improvement and the design of a product, the engineering characteristics affecting product performance are primarily identified and improved to optimize customer needs (CNs). Especially, the limited resources and increased market competition and product complexity require a customer-driven quality management and product development system achieving higher customer satisfaction. Quality function deployment (QFD) is used as a powerful tool for improving product design and quality, and procuring a customer-driven quality system. In this paper, an integrated framework based on fuzzy-QFD and a fuzzy optimization model is proposed to determine the product technical requirements (PTRs) to be considered in designing a product. The coefficients of the objective function are obtained from a fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) approach. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is also used in the proposed framework. An application in a Turkish Company producing PVC window and door systems is presented to illustrate the proposed framework. � 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel fuzzy multi-criteria decision framework for sustainable supplier selection with incomplete information

Both academic and corporate interest in sustainable supply chains has increased in recent years. Supplier selection process is one of the key operational tasks for sustainable supply chain management. This paper examines the problem of identifying an effective model based on sustainability principles for supplier selection operations in supply chains. Due to its multi-criteria nature, the sustainable supplier evaluation process requires an appropriate multi-criteria analysis and solution approach. The approach should also consider that decision makers might face situations such as time pressure, lack of expertise in related issue, etc., during the evaluation process. The paper develops a novel approach based on fuzzy analytic network process within multi-person decision-making schema under incomplete preference relations. The method not only makes sufficient evaluations using the provided preference information, but also maintains the consistency level of the evaluations. Finally, the paper analyzes the sustainability of a number of suppliers in a real-life problem to demonstrate the validity of the proposed evaluation model.

Strategic analysis of healthcare service quality using fuzzy AHP methodology

Managers in the service sector are under pressure to demonstrate that their services are customer-focused and that continuous performance improvement is being delivered. It is essential that customer expectations are properly understood and measured under the constraints that organizations must manage. The majority of the work to date has attempted to use the SERVQUAL (service quality) methodology in an effort to measure service quality. In this study, firstly the concept and factors of service quality are examined. Then a fuzzy AHP (analytic hierarchy process) is structured to evaluate the proposed service quality framework. A case study in healthcare sector in Turkey is presented to clarify the methodology.

A fuzzy-logic-based decision-making approach for new product development

Abstract The managers spend most of their time to take critical decisions in each level of the organizational hierarchy. Basically, the decision process is to weight diverse alternatives each having the purpose to attain some of the desired objectives and to figure out the best solution in the complete challenging goals set. In todays rapidly changing and highly uncertain environment, the strategic decisions have an extremely complex and fuzzy nature. In the meantime, the enterprises have tendency to appreciate the new product development (NPD) activities so as to deal with the innovation in the new economy and to fulfill the customer demands adequately. The aim of this study is then to improve the accuracy of decision-making in NPD under uncertainty. We first identify the decision points in the NPD process and the uncertainty factors affecting those points. Next, we determine the necessary decision models and techniques to help the decision makers to reduce their risks. Finally, we propose an integrated approach based on fuzzy logic to shape the decisions and illustrate with an application in software development.

A two phase multi-attribute decision-making approach for new product introduction

This study aims at improving the quality and effectiveness of decision-making in new product introduction. New product development has long been recognized as one of the corporate core functions to be competitive on an increasingly competitive global market. However, developing new products is a process involving risk and uncertainty. In order to solve this stochastic problem, companies need to evaluate their new product initiatives carefully and make accurate decisions. For this reason, a systematic decision process for selecting more rational new product ideas is proposed. Basically, two stages of decision-making are described: the identification of nondominated new product candidates and the selection of the best new product idea. These stages are composed of an integrated approach based on a fuzzy heuristic multi-attribute utility method and a hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS method. Finally, an application is given to demonstrate the potential of the methodology.

A fuzzy preference‐ranking model for a quality evaluation of hospital web sites

This article presents a quality evaluation model for measuring the performance of hospital Web sites. The model is developed on the basis of a conceptual framework, which consists of seven major e‐service quality dimensions, including tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, confidence, empathy, quality of information, and integration of communication issues of Web sites. The dimensions and their associated attributes are first obtained from published articles in the health care and information technology literature and then adapted according to the suggestions of related domain experts. Two multicriteria decision‐making methods are used in the evaluation procedure. Determined Web site evaluation dimensions and their relevant attributes are weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Vagueness in some stages of the evaluation required the incorporation of fuzzy numbers in the assessment process. Both fuzzy and crisp data are then synthesized using the fuzzy PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation) ranking method. The model is applied initially to measure the performance of the Web sites of Turkish hospitals. This study should be of interest to health care and technology practitioners and researchers, as the findings shed light on the further development of performance measurements for hospital Web sites.

Application of a hybrid intelligent decision support model in logistics outsourcing

Outsourcing is an increasingly important issue pursued by corporations seeking improved efficiency. Logistics outsourcing or third-party logistics (3PL) involves the use of external companies to perform some or all of the firms logistics activities. This paper proposes an intelligent decision support framework for effective 3PL evaluation and selection. The proposed framework integrates case-based reasoning, rule-based reasoning and compromise programming techniques in fuzzy environment. This real-time decision-making approach deals with uncertain and imprecise decision situations. Furthermore, the integration of different methodologies takes the advantage of their strengths and complements each others weaknesses. Consequently, the framework leads to a more accurate, flexible and efficient retrieval of 3PL service providers (alternatives) that are most similar and most useful to the current decision situation. Finally, a real industrial application is given to demonstrate the potential of the proposed framework.

Determining the importance weights for the design requirements in the house of quality using the fuzzy analytic network approach: The Fuzzy Analytic Network Approach

Quality function deployment (QFD) has been used to translate customer needs (CNs) and wants into technical design requirements (DRs) in order to increase customer satisfaction. QFD uses the house of quality (HOQ), which is a matrix providing a conceptual map for the design process, as a construct for understanding CNs and establishing priorities of DRs to satisfy them. This article uses the analytic network process (ANP), the general form of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), to prioritize DRs by taking into account the degree of the interdependence between the CNs and DRs and the inner dependence among them. In addition, because human judgment on the importance of requirements is always imprecise and vague, this work concentrates on a fuzzy ANP approach in which triangular fuzzy numbers are used to improve the quality of the responsiveness to CNs and DRs. A numerical example is presented to show the proposed methodology.

Designing a sustainable supply chain using an integrated analytic network process and goal programming approach in quality function deployment

Abstract Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) provides economic, social end environmental requirements in material and service flows occurring between suppliers, manufacturers and customers. SSCM structure is considered as a prerequisite for a sustainable success. Thus designing an effective SCM structure provides competitive advantages for the companies. In order to achieve an effective design of this structure, it is possible to apply quality function deployment (QFD) approach which is successfully applied as an effective product and system development tool. This study presents a decision framework where analytic network process (ANP) integrated QFD and zero-one goal programming (ZOGP) models are used in order to determine the design requirements which are more effective in achieving a sustainable supply chain (SSC). The first phase of the QFD is the house of quality (HOQ) which transforms customer requirements into product design requirements. In this study, after determining the sustainability requirements named customer requirements (CRs) and design requirements (DRs) of a SSC, ANP is employed to determine the importance levels in the HOQ considering the interrelationships among the DRs and CRs. Furthermore ZOGP approach is used to take into account different objectives of the problem. The proposed method is applied through a case study and obtained results are discussed.

An integrated analytic approach for Six Sigma project selection

Six Sigma is regarded as a well-structured methodology for improving the quality of processes and products. It helps achieve the companys strategic goal through the effective use of project-driven approach. As Six Sigma is a project-driven methodology, it is essential to prioritize projects which provide maximum financial benefits to the organization. Generating and prioritizing the critical Six Sigma projects, however, are real challenges in practice. This study aims to develop a novel approach based on a combined ANP and DEMATEL technique to help companies determine critical Six Sigma projects and identify the priority of these projects especially in logistics companies. First of all the Six Sigma project evaluation dimension and components are determined. Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach is then applied to construct interrelations among criteria. The weights of criteria are obtained through analytic network process (ANP). An empirical case study from logistics industry is used to explore the effectiveness of the proposed approach.