QFD-based expert system for non-traditional machining processes selection

Selection of an optimal non-traditional machining (NTM) process for generating a desired feature on a given material requires the consideration of several factors among which the type of the workpiece material and shape to be machined are the most significant ones. This paper presents a quality function deployment (QFD) based methodology to ease out the optimal NTM process selection procedure. It includes the design of a QFD-based expert system that can automate the decision making process with the help of graphical user interfaces and visual aids. The developed expert system employs the use of a house of quality (HOQ) matrix for comparison of the relevant product and process characteristics. The weights obtained for various process characteristics are utilized to estimate an overall score for each of the NTM processes. Finally, if some of the NTM processes satisfy certain critical criteria, they are again compared with each other on the basis of their overall scores and the process having the maximum score is selected as the optimal choice.     

Personnel selection using analytic network process and fuzzy data envelopment analysis approaches

This paper develops a decision support tool using an integrated analytic network process (ANP) and fuzzy data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to effectively deal with the personnel selection problem drawn from an electric and machinery company in Taiwan. The current personnel selection procedure is a separate two-stage method. The administration practice shows that the separation between stages 1 and 2 reduces the administration quality and may incur both the top manager’s displeasure and the decision-makers’ depression. An illustrative example by a simulated application demonstrates the implementation of the proposed approach. This example demonstrates how this approach can avoid the main drawback of the current method, and more importantly, can deal with the personnel selection problem more convincingly and persuasively. This study supports the applications of ANP and fuzzy DEA as decision support tools in personnel selection.     

Parametric optimization of some non-traditional machining processes using artificial bee colony algorithm

Selection of the optimal values of different operating parameters is of utmost importance for enhancing the performance of various non-traditional machining (NTM) processes. The performance measures (responses) of different NTM processes usually include metal removal rate, surface roughness, radial overcut, tool wear rate, heat affected zone, etc. In this paper, artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is employed to search out the optimal combinations of different operating parameters for three widely used NTM processes, i.e. electrochemical machining, electrochemical discharge machining and electrochemical micromachining processes. Both the single and multi-objective optimization problems for the considered NTM processes are solved using this algorithm. The results obtained while applying the ABC algorithm for parametric optimization of these three NTM processes are compared with those derived by the past researchers, which prove the applicability and suitability of the ABC algorithm in enhancing the performance measures of the considered NTM processes.     

软件需求权重的模糊网络分析法

针对软件开发中顾客需求元素间的复杂关系,分析了层次分析法（AHP）与模糊层次分析法（FAHP）在解决复杂需求权重时所存在的缺陷;运用网络分析法（ANP）与梯形模糊数相结合的模糊网络分析法,建立加权极限超矩阵求解需求元素的混合权重;对比分析了模糊网络分析法、模糊层次分析法和网络分析法的权重结果;揭示了在复杂系统中元素的相互联系和顾客需求相对重要度评价的模糊性在权重的求解中的重要性;验证了模糊网络分析法在复杂需求权重求解中的可行性。研究结果为软件开发中顾客需求复杂权重的准确求解提供了依据。     

Selection of a cleaning system for engine maintenance based on the analytic hierarchy process

Environmental impact assessment is an intrinsically complex multi-dimensional process which involves multiple criteria and multiple actors. Multi-criteria methods can serve as useful decision aids for carrying out environmental impact assessment. This paper proposes the use of a multi-criteria technique, namely the analytic hierarchy process, as a potential decision-making method for use in management maintenance processes. In this case, our problem concerns the selection of a parts cleaning system for diesel engine maintenance. A hierarchical structure is built for the prequalification of the criteria and the alternatives within the system. By applying the analytic hierarchical process, the criteria can be prioritized and the alternatives can be organized in descending order so that the best parts cleaning system may be selected.     

结合网络层次分析法的云推理威胁评估模型*

针对传统的威胁评估方法存在指标数据冗余、指标权值设置合理性、推理有效性等问题,建立结合网络层次分析法的云推理威胁评估模型,能够合理精简指标,有效优化推理规则。将该模型用于目标识别系统的威胁评估,首先给出威胁评估指标,用网络层次分析法精简指标并得到规范化权值;构建指标云模型,将规范后的指标数据输入前件云发生器,建立推理规则库,引入分级结构简化规则数,运用加权扎德算子实现规则的合成,将合成结果输入后件云发生器得到威胁度云滴,经多次重复操作后,处理数据得到系统威胁度。最后,以实例说明方法的有效性。     

The analytic network process for managing inter-enterprise collaboration: A case study in a collaborative enterprise network

In the last years, collaboration among enterprises has gained attention in the business environment as a means to remain competitive. Enterprises that are collaborating look for improving their performance but, in real assessments, they often do not establish efficient frameworks to structure and manage the enterprise association/inter-enterprise performance. In addition, there are many factors that act as barriers to effective collaboration and have to be also properly managed as they impact on the inter-enterprise performance. This paper provides a methodology based on the analytic network process (ANP) to identify and measure, under an integrated approach, both factors and inter-enterprise performance considering their reciprocal impact. With this innovative approach, enterprises will obtain significant information for the decision-making process regarding which are the factors and inter-enterprise performance elements that generate a higher impact and therefore have a high priority within the specific collaborative relationship. Thus, enterprises can focus their efforts on improving those most important factors and performance elements, and consequently, enhancing their competitiveness.     

The usability analysis with heuristic evaluation and analytic hierarchy process

Today people increasingly expect more from the functionality of a web site, so the web usability has emerged as an important topic. It is generally hard to renew the existing web sites to meet the changing demands of users. Therefore, the present study is aimed at detailing the usability problems of web sites. To this end, Heuristic Evaluation (HE) is used to identify the usability problems, and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to rate their severity. Finally, for a more user-friendly web site, a new approach to judging severity of usability problems is developed by integrating AHP into HE.

Relevance to industry

There is an increasing importance for higher usability in the web development industry and communities. Different usability evaluation techniques have been developed and incorporated into the process of web site design and development. This study proposes a new approach to reveal usability problems on a web site and to define solution priority of these problems.     

Selection of computer-integrated manufacturing technologies using a combined analytic hierarchy process and goal programming model

Investment in computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is a multi-attribute problem, which includes both qualitative and quantitative factors. In order to select the best set of CIM alternatives among the competing ones it is necessary to make a trade off between the quantative and qualitative factors some of which may conflict. Selection of appropriate CIM alternatives is vital in manufacturing companies’ long-term competitiveness, and it requires development of selection models. The selection model must consider various quantative and qualitative objectives and constraints simultaneously. For example, companies have generally limited funds to invest in new advanced technology. The size of the allocated fund limits the types and number of CIM alternatives a company can select in a given time period. In this article, a combined model of the analytical hierarchy process and goal programming is proposed to consider multiple objectives and constraints simultaneously. A real-world example is provided to illustrate the application of the combined approach.     

Applying the analytic network process to disclose knowledge assets value creation dynamics

The recent literature grounded on the resource and knowledge-based view of the firm, has widely outlined the importance of knowledge assets as well as of the management approaches of their development. However, only few contributions have investigated the mechanisms by which these resources interact to sustain company’s value creation dynamics. In particular, there is a lack of approaches suitable to disentangle those mechanisms and to explain how knowledge assets cluster and interplay in improving organisational performance.A clear understanding of how knowledge assets take part in value creation allows to identify those knowledge assets which, due to their critical role in achieving the company’s performance objectives, need to be managed and appropriately exploited.This paper proposes a model, based on the analytic network process (ANP) methodology, to disclose and assess how knowledge assets mutually interact and take part in company’s value creation dynamics. The application of the ANP allows to reveal and to evaluate the dependencies and inter-dependencies linking knowledge assets to organisational performance objectives and to set priorities among knowledge assets against targeted performance. The application of the model is tested by its application to the identification of the knowledge assets value drivers at the basis of NPD performances improvement within an engineering company located in South of Italy.     

Prioritization and selection of intellectual capital measurement indicators using analytic hierarchy process for the mobile telecommunications industry

Intellectual capital (IC) has prevailed as a measure of core competency and competitive advantage which explains the gap between the market value and book value of an organization at a time of decreasing usefulness of current financial reporting. In spite of the importance of IC management (ICM), few applicable ICM methodologies have been addressed. There has been no basis model for IC statements, nor bottom-line indicators of the value of IC. The selection of effective IC indicators is a major task of the companies that are preparing IC reports. This paper has proposed a decision model based on the analysis of the conceptual framework of the qualitative characteristics of financial information and an examination of information quality of the information system. The application of the analytic hierarchy process makes it possible to extract weights for setting the priority among criteria in the mobile telecommunications industry. During the last decade, this industry has experienced a dramatic growth in its intellectual value, and the value of IC seems to have had a major impact on the value of the mobile telecommunications companies. Based on specified criteria and weighting, this paper presents the results of a case study illustrating the results of selected indicators from candidate indicators in the mobile telecommunications company.     

Determining key capabilities in technology management using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process: A case study of Turkey

The importance of technology management is a vital determinant of long-run success or failure of organizations in today’s world. Since technology is a major driver of the global economic development, business professionals seek more effective ways to manage existing and emerging technology. This study proposes a model to understand the links between competitive advantages, competitive priorities and competencies of a firm in the context of the technology management. We use the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to analyze these links. Moreover, we examine the perception of a group of managers from different Turkish firms regarding the technology management. The main result of this paper is that the concept of the management of technology arises to be much more important than both the product technology and the process technology.     

层次分析法和神经网络相融合的教学质量评价

为提高教学质量评价准确性,提出一种基于层次分析法和神经网络相融合的教学质量评价方法（AHP-BPNN）。采用层次分析法构建评价指标体系,筛选出对评价结果有重要影响的指标作为BP神经网络输入,采用神经网络建立教学质量评价模型。仿真结果表明,AHP-BPNN不仅简化神经网络的结构,而且提高了教学质量的评价精度和评价效率,是一种可行、有效的教学质量评价方法。     

Integrating analytical network process and fuzzy logic to prioritize the strategies - A case study for tile manufacturing firm

SWOT analysis is the most important tool for decision makers in strategic management process, because it enables the managers to discover and collect the facts that resulted from internal and external analysis. This analysis can be a good base for strategy formulation, but it is not non-defect. It includes no means of analytically determining the importance of factors or assessing the fit between SWOTS factors and decision alternatives and is mainly based on the qualitative analysis. Many researchers develop different techniques to quantify the SWOT analysis, but these methods are not comprehensive. In this study, we develop a fuzzy method model for quantitative weighing of SWOT strategies. The decision maker’s imprecise information is regarded by fuzzy numbers in this model. To consider dependency among factors and sub-factors, we use ANP technique in our research. We demonstrate our model with a case study example and compare results of our research with prior research.     

基于ANP和K-means聚类的客户价值分类模型及应用

建立两维度的客户价值评价模型,从客户当前价值和潜在价值两个方面评价客户价值。该模型首先运用网络层次分析法（ANP）对指标赋权,兼顾了指标间的相互影响,根据各指标权重和得分计算客户价值;然后使用K-means聚类算法对客户群进行细分,确定客户等级划分的标准,划分客户类别。最后以某市烟草公司零售终端客户价值分类为应用实例,运用定性和定量的方法建立多角度的客户价值评价指标体系,采用ANP确定指标权重,并根据客户价值评价结果使用K-means聚类进行客户分类,同时对每个类别的客户特征及其相应的营销策略进行分析,所提模型能够更全面、客观地对客户价值进行评价与分类     

模糊层次分析法和人工神经网络模型在电梯风险评估中的应用

针对特种设备风险评估模型中的人工神经网络(ANN)技术一般采用定量加权平均法. 由于其权值是以专家经验为依据, 导致评估所需时间太长. 针对这个缺点, 建议将模糊层次分析法(F-AHP)和ANN相结合, 用于对电梯的风险评估中. 实验证明用此方法进行评估所用的时间比ANN方法要少, 且评估的准确性没有降低.     

基于层次分析法的电网企业突发事件应急能力评估

为评估电网企业对突发事件的应急能力，本文提出了一种基于层次分析法的电网企业突发事件应急能力评价模型。该模型通过中国南方电网公司构建的电网企业应急管理能力指标体系，引入层次分析法来确定指标权重，通过各指标所发生的事件频率与各指标权重系数的加权计算，得到不同电网企业对于突发事件的应急能力评价结果。以贵州各市供电局为例，对其进行实例计算和评价。其评价结果表明，评价得出的各区域的应急能力值与实际情况相符，所建立的电网企业对于突发事件的应急能力评价模型是有效的。     

Hybrid MTS/MTO order partitioning framework based upon fuzzy analytic network process

This paper addresses the strategic level of Hybrid Make-To-Stock (MTS)/Make-To-Order (MTO) production contexts using Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP). The decisions which are involved in this level are family formation and order partitioning. First, a family formation procedure is developed; then, a fuzzy analytic network process is proposed to tackle partitioning decision. Since strategic decisions usually deal with the uncertainty and ambiguity of data as well as experts’ and managers’ linguistic opinions, the proposed model is equipped with fuzzy sets theory. An important attribute of the model is its generality due to diverse decision factors which are both elicited from the literature and developed by the authors themselves. Finally, the model is validated by applying it to a real industrial case study.     

Using the analytic hierarchy process and goal programming for information system project selection

One of the basic information system (IS) management activities is the planning of IS projects. Specifically, such planning requires the selection of IS projects and allocation of resources to complete them. This paper presents an improved IS project selection methodology that combines the recently applied IS project selection methodologies of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) within a goal programming (GP) model framework. This new combination of the AHP and GP methodologies helps to overcome the weaknesses observed when either methodology is used separately. The combined AHP and GP methodology is illustrated through an example.