An Integrated Fuzzy-FMEA and DEMATEL Framework with Waste Priority Categorisation for Sustainable Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly required to improve service quality while addressing sustainability challenges. However, inefficiencies and waste within academic and administrative processes often undermine institutional performance. This study proposes an integrated approach combining Fuzzy Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (fuzzy-FMEA), the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), and Waste Priority Categories (WPC) systematically to evaluate and prioritise critical waste occurrences in a private HEI in Indonesia. Fuzzy-FMEA was employed to address the uncertainty inherent in expert assessments and to generate a Fuzzy Waste Priority Number for ranking purposes. DEMATEL was then applied to map causal–effect relationships among the nine most critical waste occurrences, while WPC translated these results into actionable categories: eliminate, option, or acceptance. The analysis revealed that delayed campus facility repairs (C5) represent the most influential causal form of waste, while lecturer-task misalignment (D1), administrative overload (B6), and teaching preparation inefficiencies (A10) also emerged as critical issues. By prioritising the elimination of these waste occurrences, HEIs can simultaneously improve resource efficiency, enhance staff wellbeing, and strengthen student learning outcomes. The findings demonstrate that integrating fuzzy-FMEA, DEMATEL, and WPC provides a robust decision-support framework for aligning risk management with institutional sustainability strategies.