Title: Correlating weight assignment and ranking approaches: the versatility of the best holistic adaptable ranking of attributes technique

Authors: Kartik Bajaj; Ravipudi Venkata Rao

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat, 395007, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat, 395007, India

Abstract: In multi-attribute decision-making (MADM), selecting an appropriate method for both weight determination and ranking of alternatives plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and consistent results. This study employs the best holistic adaptable ranking of attributes technique (BHARAT) across two industrial case studies - 3D printer selection and cutting fluid selection. The BHARAT framework simultaneously determines attribute weights and ranks alternatives, thereby obviating the need for hybrid or multistage approaches. Comparative analysis is conducted against conventional weighting techniques: equal weight, rank reversal, rank sum, rank order centroid, analytic hierarchy process, decision analysis table, and pairwise comparison, alongside with ranking techniques including TOPSIS, WPM, and PROMETHEE. Correlation analysis indicates that TOPSIS exhibits instability in the cutting fluid case, while PROMETHEE shows moderate consistency in the 3D-printer case. In contrast, BHARAT delivers stable, interpretable, and consistent rankings across both cases, demonstrating its transparency, computational efficiency, and capability as a robust standalone MADM approach.

Keywords: decision making; 3D printing; 3D printer ranking; multi attribute decision making; BHARAT; cutting fluid; alternative ranking; weight determination: correlation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2025.150080

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2025 Vol.18 No.2, pp.134 - 159

Received: 16 Mar 2025
Accepted: 19 Sep 2025
Published online: 28 Nov 2025 *

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