Title: Evaluation of advanced manufacturing technologies for world-class using analytical network process method

Authors: H. Farsijani; M. Shafiei Nikabadi; O. Amirtaheri

Addresses: Faculty of Management and Accounting, Industrial Management Department, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran ' Faculty of Economics and Management, Industrial Management Department, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran ' Faculty of Management and Accounting, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: In this paper, we develop a decision tool to help managers make more accurate decisions about their investments in advanced manufacturing technologies. Since selection of a new technology is an innately multidimensional problem and there exist interdependent relationships among different dimensions of the system, the analytic network process (ANP) method is used to consider interdependencies among the quantitative and qualitative factors. We identified several technology alternatives and selection criteria and compared them through pair wise evaluation to determine local priorities. These priorities were then used to determine the overall priorities for the alternatives. Our model provides decision makers with a tool for evaluating several competitive technology alternatives and selecting the most appropriate technology for adoption.

Keywords: advanced manufacturing technology; AMT evaluation; analytical network process; ANP; interdependent criteria; world-class manufacturing; AMT investment; technology alternatives; technology selection.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2014.065674

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2014 Vol.11 No.2, pp.127 - 147

Received: 02 Oct 2013
Accepted: 11 Apr 2014
Published online: 25 Nov 2014 *

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