A weighted fuzzy approach for choosing lean manufacturing tools based on their effects on sustainability

Abstract

Several previous studies have stated that lean manufacturing (LM) is one of the technologies supporting organizations' sustainable performance. The existing literature states that there are still some gaps in models for LM tool selection. These models still suffer from a lack of selection criteria. These models hardly ever used hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. Getting trustworthy criteria weights in these models is complex. They also do not take into account grey uncertainty. Thus, this paper proposes a hybrid model for choosing a suitable set of LM tools based on their impact on sustainability metrics. This model combines the best-worst method (BWM) for determining the weights of criteria and the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (Fuzzy-TOPSIS) method for prioritizing alternatives and addressing fuzzy uncertainty issue for the first time in this field. Depending on a literature review and expert assessment, the study developed a set of sustainability metrics (16 criteria) to rank a set of LM tools (12 alternatives) that promote sustainability. A case study of one Iraqi company in the cement industry was adopted to evaluate the suggested model. The results reveal that the kaizen tool had the maximum impact, and the single-minute exchange of die (SMED) tool had the minimum impact. This study could serve as a knowledge base for researchers on the selection of LM tools to support sustainability efforts. The suggested model can support organizations in maximizing their sustainability efforts by selecting the proper LM tools.