Developing waspas-RTB method for range target-based criteria: Toward selection for robust design

Abstract

Recently, considerable attention has been devoted to application of multi-attribute decision- making (MADM) method in materials selection. Normalization can be considered as a foundation for rational MADM methods, which should deal with target-based criteria in addition to cost and benefit criteria. Although a good number of applications have been reported for point target criteria in MADM problems, in selection problems related to engineering design, it might be better to let the material and design criteria vary over a range in order to increase flexibility in subsequent design stages. The mentioned point supports a readily adaptable design in changing the customer requirements, which is also significant in offering a robust design. In this research, performance of three promising target-based normalization methods was investigated using simulation experiments to examine the effect of simulation parameters. The effect of parameters and normalization methods was examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Moreover, the best structure formula was identified to propose an inclusive range target-based normalization method. The suggested normalization method was used to enhance the capability of Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method and applied to a real-word problem dealing with benefit-, cost-, and point target-based criteria as well as the range criterion.