Transforming the means-end chain model of the QFD into interconnected hierarchical network structures for sustainable product design

Various extensions of the environmentally-conscious quality function deployment (QFD) were explored to address sustainable product design. To provide a systematic computational platform, integration fuzzy set theory and multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods becomes popular approach. However, most applications QFD-MCDM approaches are concentrated on planning phase, which limits overall sustainability considerations in remaining design phases. Thus, this work adopts means-end chain (MEC) model QFD, along with agenda stakeholders. Succinctly, proposed framework transforms MEC into series interconnected hierarchical networks, each network representing phase is translated supermatrix analytic process (ANP). The hierarchy (AHP) decision-making trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) used populate supermatrix. demonstrate its efficacy, an actual case study vegetable cooking oil reported work. findings illustrate capability translating insights This consistency information flow allows stronger associations parameters, ensuring communication across limitations managerial implications also discussed.