An extended FMEA approach based on the Z-MOORA and fuzzy BWM for prioritization of failures

• Published in: Applied soft computing Vol. 81; p. 105505
• Main Authors: Ghoushchi, Saeid Jafarzadeh, Yousefi, Samuel, Khazaeili, Mohammad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2019
• Subjects: Failure mode and effects analysis; Failure prioritization; Fuzzy best-worst method; Fuzzy multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis; Z-number theory; Fuzzy best-worst method; Z-number theory; Failure mode and effects analysis; Fuzzy multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis; Failure prioritization
• ISSN: 1568-4946; 1872-9681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2019.105505

Identification and prioritization of failure modes in a system and planning for corrective actions are among the most important components of risk management in any organization. Meanwhile, conventional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is one of the most commonly used methods for prioritization of the failures. Despite the widespread applications of this method in various industries, FMEA is associated with some shortcomings that can lead to unrealistic results. In this study, a proposed approach is presented in three phases to cover some of the shortcomings of the FMEA technique. In the first phase, FMEA is used to identify the failure modes and assign values to the Risk Priority Number (RPN) determinant factors. In the second phase, the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (FBWM) based on the experts’ opinions is used to measure the weights of these factors. In the third phase, the outputs of the previous phases are used as a basis to prioritize the failures using the proposed Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis based on the Z-number theory (Z-MOORA). In addition to assigning different weights to the RPN determinant factors and considering uncertainties of them, the Z-number theory is used in this approach to cover reliability in different failure modes. The proposed approach was implemented in the automotive spare parts industry, and the results indicate a full prioritization of the failures in comparison with other conventional methods such as FMEA and fuzzy MOORA. •Proposing the new score based on the extended FMEA approach for prioritizing the failures.•Introducing the extended version of the fuzzy MOORA based on the Z-number theory.•Considering the weights of risk assessment factors using the FBWM.•Considering the uncertainty and reliability in prioritization of the failures using the Z-MOORA method.•Applying the proposed approach in automotive spare parts industry and comparing its results with other conventional methods.