A multi-criteria decision-making model to increase productivity: AHP and fuzzy AHP approach

Productivity improvement is posing a great challenge for industries every day because of the difficulties in keeping track and prioritising the variables that have significant impact on productivity. Therefore, this research aims to address this challenge by defining different attributes that play pivotal role on productivity from the management perspective. It illustrates a framework to quantify and analyse the relative relevance of different decision factors and measures its effectiveness on production floor. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) are employed to deal with interdependent relationships and a multi–criteria decision–making model is developed. Large unstructured decision parameters are identified and broken down into a top–down hierarchical structure. The contribution of this research is demonstrating how a set of influencing parameters can be used to devise appropriate management practices to ensure higher productivity.