Using DEA and GA algorithm for finding an optimal design chain partner combination

Abstract

To assist enterprises in building the optimal design chain partner combination, this research focuses on the development of a weight restricted DEA model, in which appropriate design chain partners are evaluated and selected according to different partner roles, and appropriate partner sets are formed correspondingly. As product development time and costs depend closely on coordination efficiency among different design chain partner members, this study takes this factor into account by developing a multi-objective design chain partner combination evaluation and selection model. This study uses multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) to search for the optimal design chain partner combination in order to achieve the objective of minimized new product development costs and time in conjunction with maximized product reliability. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2009.