Visualization impacts on utility functions and multiattribute utility copula approach toward electronic product recovery techniques

Joseph, Aaron

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/50608 Copy

Description

Title

Visualization impacts on utility functions and multiattribute utility copula approach toward electronic product recovery techniques

Author(s)

Joseph, Aaron

Issue Date

2014-09-16

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Thurston, Deborah L.

Department of Study

Industrial&Enterprise Sys Eng

Discipline

Industrial Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Product End-Of-Life Recovery
• Remanufacturing
• Utility Functions
• Utility Copula

Abstract

This thesis provides an initial analysis incorporating two different decision fields: aircraft repair and end-of-life electronic product recovery. The relationship between visuals of aircraft damage and user manipulation of cost models were studied in relation to their effect on the user’s understanding of the decision problem. The analysis involved using metrics to show the understanding of the attributes, tradeoffs needed and any alterations to the preference function. Lifecycle analysis was conducted on cellphones in order to understand the impact that electronic waste can have on the environment. A multiattribute utility copula approach was used in analyzing the behavior of EOL processing activities on the part of an OEM. This decision-making tool was used in order to incorporate the firm’s preferences while accounting for uncertainty with the incoming disposed cellphone feedstock used for demonstration. The results generated during this thesis work indicated several important issues. The use of damage visuals along with model interaction caused changes in valuation of attributes and willingness to make tradeoffs among them. There were also changes in the risk attitudes as shown by shifts in the utility curves between studies. This has implications for how visualization and interaction can be used to assess and direct risk behavior in many different fields. The lifecycle analysis results indicated areas of the cellphone that were most impactful on the environment. This baseline estimate also gave insight into possible redesign options based on minimization of negative environmental impact. The multiattribute utility copula approach results described a process of determining among different specific EOL processing activities. The extraction of sub-assemblies was determined as the best decision alternative to recapture value at the disposal stage of the product lifecycle. The copula structure can be used to take into account a firm’s preferences as well as attribute valuation providing a powerful straightforward tool for decision-making under uncertainty in various fields other than electronic product recovery options.

Graduation Semester

2014-08

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/50608

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2014 Aaron Joseph

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