AN INTEGRATED AHP-QFD APPROACH FOR EVALUATING COMPETING TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES

A major challenge for decision makers in business organization is making appropriate choices among competing high-tech projects. The objective of this paper is to explore a multi-criteria analytical model that can be used for the selection and management of competing manufacturing technologies. The model uses an integrated approach combining Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) as the basis for selecting a preferred alternative from a set of competing projects. Integration of the two techniques helps to provide a more effective selection process. Two competing chemical processes to produce drugs are used as a case study to demonstrate and validate the AHP – QFD model. The policy makers of pharmaceutical and chemical organizations can use this model as a part of their strategic planning and decision-making process.