Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Christopher S. Mabey
Committee Member
Dr. Michael Carbajales-Dale
Committee Member
Dr. Gregory Mocko
Abstract
This thesis focuses on using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods to support sustainable product design by addressing the trade-offs between environmental, economic, and social goals. The research is presented through two studies that demonstrate how both subjective and objective decision-making approaches can guide sustainability evaluations.
The first study applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess residential solar panels by incorporating stakeholder perspectives from sustainability experts, end users, and industry professionals. Using Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) data, this study identifies how different stakeholder groups prioritize sustainability criteria and applies Aggregation of Individual Priorities (AIP) to combine their judgments. A one-at-a-time sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of the rankings. The results highlight how stakeholder preferences influence sustainability outcomes and emphasize the importance of considering diverse viewpoints in sustainable decision-making.
The second study compares subjective (AHP) and objective (CRITIC–TOPSIS) MCDM weighting methods using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) data for electric bike configurations. This comparison explores how weighting strategies affect sustainability rankings and the stability of results under varying conditions.
Together, these studies provide insights into the benefits and limitations of different MCDM methods for sustainability assessment. The findings show that subjective methods reflect stakeholder priorities more effectively, while objective methods provide consistency and reproducibility. The combined approach offers a structured and transparent way to navigate sustainability trade-offs in product design.
Recommended Citation
Madhu Gowda, Swagath, "Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Sustainable Design: Stakeholder Prioritization and Methodological Comparison in Solar and E-Bike Applications" (2025). All Theses. 4665.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4665