Framework for incorporating stakeholders’ preferences in lifecycle welding flux design

Welding flux design involves optimising multiple quality attributes which are often conflicting and of varying degree concern to the stakeholders. The selected as criteria sometimes at different levels in hierarchy such primary, secondary tertiary attributes. articulation incorporation opinions stakeholders concerning intensity importance attached each attribute all optimisation process has remained a challenge. In this study, framework was proposed for preferences illustrated with lifecycle welding case from literature involving 5, 21 25 criteria, respectively. Fifteen out could not be further unbundled were added make 40 lowest level criteria. subjective judgements converted weighting coefficients using analytical process. global weights preference indices use models. Based on values , moisture pick-up, extrudability slag detachability ranked 1st 2nd 3rd respectively respective 38th, 39th 40th fume generation, dilution charpy impart strength.