Fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) approach in formulating infrastructural decisions of sustainable manufacturing strategy

This paper explores a fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) approach in identifying the content of manufacturing strategy infrastructural decisions that integrates sustainability and classical manufacturing strategy framework with firm size component. The findings are as follows: (1) firms must ensure high-quality product requirements with a make-to-order production system; (2) large firms must prioritize decentralization of functional areas but they must also provide higher systems integration of all production-related information to mobilize better communication channels; (3) large firms must employ highly skilled human resources in order to provide strong support on functional areas; and (4) small and medium enterprises must focus on product introduction to the market as a strategy priority area. The main contribution of this paper is the decision-making framework under uncertainty that holistically identifies the decisions that comprise a sustainable manufacturing strategy which may serve as guidelines in improving existing sustainable manufacturing practices or in creating new ones.