A Sustainable Multicriteria Decision Framework for Obsolescence Resolution Strategy Selection

Abstract

Parts obsolescence has an important impact on the product life cycle, the manufacturing system and the environment leading to operational, logistical, reliability and cost implications. While current resolution models are cost-oriented, multiple studies have revealed that technological obsolescence is strongly involved in the electronic waste problem. In this study, based on academic literature and expert opinions, a sustainable decision framework for obsolescence resolution strategy (ORS) selection is proposed. It consists of economic, environmental, social and technological dimensions, integrating a total of fifteen criteria. Multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are suggested to select the most sustainable solution. A case study was performed where the criteria weights and the alternatives performance were judged by five experts from the fields of environment, economy, human resources and obsolescence and operations management. Results from different MCDM methods were compared to the actual decision to evaluate their effectiveness. Using the suggested framework improved the decision process as integrating sustainability had a drastic impact on the selected strategy and consequently on the company’s performance. In addition to its managerial insights, this paper provides a new research perspective to sustainable and robust obsolescence management to effectively handle the increasing number and severity of obsolete components.

Consumer Perception of Planned Obsolescence: A Research on Smartphone Owners

“…Quality obsolescence refers to the diminishing quality of a product over time, leading to its obsolescence (Sorensen & Stuart, 2000). Technological obsolescence is related to the obsolescence of technology over time, often occurring at the end of a product's life or after a significant period of usage (Zaabar et al, 2021). Psychological obsolescence, on the other hand, is defined as a sense of falling out of time or not being able to keep up with the pace of the world around oneself (Hösch et al, 2023).…”