Fault diagnosis and prioritisation in sugar industry: a fuzzy-AHP approach

The main aim of this study is to develop a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) model to prioritise the faults of the sugar industry. Although the concept of fault diagnosis has been discussed in previous studies, fault diagnosis of sugar industry is not investigated yet. To fill this gap, this study is carried out in three main phases as follows. Firstly, the general faults of industries are developed from the previous literature. Secondly, the developed faults are investigated with regard to their availability in sugar industry. Finally, a FAHP model is applied to prioritise the faults of sugar industry. According to the results, old technology, improper financing, poor research and development and lack of creativity and innovation are four main faults of sugar industry, respectively. Some managerial implications are suggested to deal with these faults and improve the performance of this industry.