A Comprehensive DEMATEL Based Framework for Sustainable Decision-Making in Manufacturing Systems: Evaluation, Nomenclature and Cause–Effect Analysis

Abstract: In this study, the importance of sustainability and sustainable decision making is highlighted. The study embraces the decision making tools in the form of Decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) based approach for evaluation in different application related to Industrial and manufacturing filed. The study presented DEMATEL techniques nomenclatures for ease understanding to the users and readers. The developed techniques can helps decision makers in attaining appropriate insights and decision tactics. The approach integrates both classical and extended DEMATEL techniques including fuzzy and rough versions to clarify their terminology and use. A set of sustainability criteria economic, environmental, social and institutional is identified for the manufacturing sector and experts’ judgments about their interrelationships are collected. Using the DEMATEL method, we construct influence matrices and a cause–effect network of criteria. The analysis reveals which factors are the “causes” drivers and which are “effects” in the system. Technical and governance factors emerge as highly influential on others. The developed framework helps decision-makers visualize complex causal links and prioritize actions. For instance, investing in the most influential areas energy efficiency or emissions control can have outsized impact on overall sustainability. The results and illustrative diagrams show how the DEMATEL approach provides actionable insights for sustainable decision tactics. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive, transparent evaluation model together with clear definitions of DEMATEL nomenclature to support confident, insight-driven sustainable decisions in industry.

Keywords: Decision Making, Industrial and Manufacturing, Sustainability, Critical Thinking