Multi-Attribute Decision Making in Material Selection and Design

Choosing the right materials and design parameters is one of the most critical decisions in engineering, where balancing performance, cost, and safety is a constant challenge. This text-based course guides you through the foundational principles of Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) to make objective, reliable engineering choices. You will transition from subjective guesswork to systematic, data-driven selection processes that stand up to rigorous analysis. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of conventional and advanced MADM models in engineering - Apply multi-criteria optimization methods to balance competing design constraints - Manage uncertainties in material properties using robust decision-making frameworks - Evaluate and resolve conflicting opinions among different stakeholders and decision-makers - Calculate objective weights for performance indices to remove bias from your analysis - Perform rank stability analysis to ensure your material selections remain valid under changing conditions This course begins with essential terminology, defining the core concepts of decision theory, criteria weighting, and attribute comparison. Next, you will explore practical scenarios, analyzing how to evaluate material properties and design options through step-by-step written case studies and structured exercises. You will also learn how to apply modern sensitivity analysis to verify the durability of your decisions. This course is designed for engineering students, product designers, and junior mechanical or structural engineers who want to master systematic selection methodologies. No prior background in decision theory is required, though a basic understanding of general engineering materials is helpful. Start learning today and master the analytical tools needed to make flawless material and design decisions.