Using factor analysis as an aided tool for evaluating layout design alternatives

This paper presents factor analysis, a dimension reduction technique, as an aided tool for evaluating layout design alternatives. This technique uses correlation to cluster criteria into a greatly reduced number of significant traits. The reduced set of traits allows for easier decision-making. Providing information about the interactions among the criteria, and handling both quantitative and qualitative data, are some of its other advantages. An illustrative example in which factor analysis is applied to a case study from literature is presented. Significance: Because it involves evaluating a large number of alternatives in terms of a many conflicting criteria, selecting a proper layout design is one of the most complex decision that are undertaken by facilities planners. This paper introduces factor analysis, as a useful tool for simplifying decision making process. The technique can be performed on many software packages without a complete knowledge of its theory. This makes it easily portable into practice.