Enhancing Decision-Making Processes in the Complex Landscape of the Taiwanese Electronics Manufacturing Industry through a Fuzzy MCDM Approach

Abstract

This research proposes a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for workforce recruitment in Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing companies, an area with limited research. First, a comprehensive review of existing literature and interviews with industry experts were conducted to compile a list of decision-making criteria and sub-criteria relevant to workforce selection in Taiwan’s electronics industry. The Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) was then applied to identify and retain the most critical criteria while eliminating the less important ones. Next, Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) was used to calculate the interdependencies among the identified factors. Finally, based on these relationships, the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) was employed to calculate the relative importance weights of the criteria and sub-criteria. These weights were then used to rank the criteria, identifying the most important ones and aiding in decision-making. The findings indicate that the proposed method provides a structured and assessable model for making informed decisions in workforce recruitment, particularly in the challenging environment of Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing industry, which faces a shortage of skilled labor. The research presents three primary contributions: the development of a systematic criteria selection technique using FDM, the establishment of consistent criteria relations for decision-makers using ISM, and the proposal of an application model employing the FANP method to identify and rank appropriate criteria for hiring new employees. The study highlights work attitude, adaptability to the environment, and work ability as major criteria. It also emphasizes the importance of discipline compliance, a positive attitude, and adherence to health and safety protocols as the top sub-criteria for workforce selection.