Modelling the quality enabled factors in initiation stage of production system life cycle

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to ascertain and understand the relationship dynamics among the quality-enabled factors (QEFs) affecting the initiation stage of production system life cycle (PSLC). This study presents an approach for refining the decision making in the initiation stage of the production system. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, ten QEFs have been identified for the initiation stage of PSLC. An interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been utilized to cultivate an organizational association among these identified QEFs. The results of ISM approach are used as an input to fuzzy Matriced’ Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) analysis, to identify the driving and dependence power of QEFs. Findings The key consequences of this paper are to prioritize the strategic QEFs in reducing the risks linked with initiation stage of production system. The integrated model obtained by ISM-fuzzy MICMAC illustrates that there exists two clusters of QEFs, one is having high driving power and low dependency power which requires extreme consideration and of strategic importance (such as honesty and sincerity in collecting and analyzing field data) and other is having high dependence power and low driving power and are resultant effects (such as strategic decision-making ability). Research limitations/implications The integrated ISM-fuzzy MICMAC model developed is not statistically corroborated; consequently structural equation modelling (SEM) approach which is also known as linear structural relationship approach could be utilized to examine the validity of developed hypothetical model. Originality/value This is first study to identify ten QEFs in initiation stage of production system and further, to deploy integrated ISM-fuzzy MICMAC approach to recognize and categorize the QEFs influencing the initiation stage of production system.