Super-Efficiency DEA Approach for Optimizing Multiple Quality Characteristics in Parameter Design

This paper proposes an efficient approach for optimizing the multiple quality characteristics (QCHs) in manufacturing applications on the Taguchi method using the super efficiency technique in data envelopment analysis (DEA). Each experiment in Taguchi’s orthogonal array (OA) is treated as a decision making unit (DMU) with multiple QCHs set as inputs or outputs. DMU’s efficiency is evaluated then adopted as a performance measure to identify the combination of optimal factor levels. Three real case studies were employed for illustration in which the proposed approach provided the largest total anticipated improvements in multiple QCHs among other techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and DEA based ranking (DEAR) approach. Analysis of variance is finally employed to decide significant factor effects and to predict performance. (NTB), and the larger-the-better (LTB) type QCHs. In the Taguchi method, an orthogonal array (OA) is utilized to reduce the number of experiments under permissive reliability. Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio is then adopted to optimize performance. Although this method has been widely applied, it is usually efficient for only optimizing a single QCH. Recently, optimization of multiple QCHs in the Taguchi method was faced by several studies (Tong et al., 1997; Lin & Lin, 2002; Jean & Wang, 2006; Al-Refaie et al., 2008; Al-Refaie et al., 2009). Data envelopment analysis (DEA) developed by Charnes et al. (1978) is a fractional mathematical programming technique widely DOI: 10.4018/jalr.2010040105 International Journal of Artificial Life Research, 1(2), 58-71, April-June 2010 59 Copyright © 2010, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. used for measuring the performance of homogeneous decision making units (DMUs) with multiple inputs and multiple outputs at organizational level; such as cities, hospitals, and universities The most popular DEA technique is the CCR model developed by Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (1978). Assuming there are n DMUs each with m inputs and s outputs to be evaluated, then the CCR model measures the relative efficiency of each DMU once by comparing it to a group of the other DMUs that have the same set of inputs and outputs. Hence, there are n optimizations needed. The relative efficiency, Eo, of DMUo with inputs of Xio (i = 1, ..., m) and outputs of Yro (r = 1, ..., s) is evaluated by CCR model as (Charnes et al., 1994)