Determining the Critical Factors of Radical Innovation Using an Integrated Model of Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process-Fuzzy Kano With a Case Study in Mobarakeh Steel Company

Abstract

Understanding which radical innovation factor is of higher priority enables engineering managers to allocate the appropriate resources to innovation processes. The aim of this article is to develop a systematic approach for determining the most necessary factors affecting radical innovation. For this purpose, a model was proposed with the following three steps: (i) a comprehensive set of factors was extracted from the literature and customized for a case study company; (ii) quality attributes of the Kano model were applied and weighted as attributes for a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process; and (iii) the factors derived from the second step were weighted using a fuzzy Kano approach and then the critical or must-be factors were identified and weighted. All three steps have been examined at Mobarakeh Steel Company. Findings indicate that factors such as leadership and knowledge management are among the critical factors of radical innovation and must be improved to positively impact radical innovation. Prioritizing radical innovation factors enables engineering managers to allocate the appropriate resources to innovation processes.

Keywords:

• Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP)-Fuzzy Kano Model
• Innovation
• Mobarakeh Steel Company
• Radical Innovation

EMJ Focus Areas:

• Innovation & New Product Development Operations Management
• Technology Management

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Arash Shahin

Arash Shahin is a full professor in the Department of Management and Director of the Quality Management Research Group at the University of Isfahan. He received his PhD in Quality Engineering from Newcastle University in the UK. His research interests include quality engineering and management, supply chain management, maintenance management, and innovation management. Professor Shahin has been the author of 11 books, five book chapters and 430 published papers in national and international journals and conferences since 1994.

Azar Barati

Azar Barati graduated in Iran with a BSc and MSc in Industrial Management from the University of Isfahan. Currently, she is a researcher in the Quality Management Research Group at the University of Isfahan. Her research interests include innovation management and performance improvement.

Arash Geramian

Arash Geramian graduated in Iran with a BSc and MSc in Industrial Management from the University of Isfahan and the University of Tehran, respectively. Currently, he is a researcher of the Quality Management Research Group at the University of Isfahan. His research interests include applications of fuzzy logic in quality engineering problems.