Prioritization of quality management system criteria in shipyard operations: A fuzzy AHP–TOPSIS case from the Marmara Region of Türkiye

Quality management systems (QMSs) play an important role in guaranteeing efficiency, consistency, and continuous improvement in production processes. The application of structured quality management frameworks is significant in the shipyard sector. The structured application of QMS frameworks—such as ISO 9001—can lead to significant improvements in quality control. This study aims to prioritize QMS-related criteria and tools applicable to shipyard operations using a hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and TOPSIS methodology. Expert evaluations, a literature review, and multi-criteria decision-making methods are all part of the structure of the study. According to the results of the study, the most influential sub-criteria in the successful implementation of quality management are strategic planning and organizational structure. Moreover, control charts were identified as the most effective quality management tool for maintaining consistent quality levels among the tools examined. Additionally, the study emphasized the critical role of digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies in enhancing the implementation of quality management performance. This research adds to the increasing amount of information on quality management in industrial production and provides useful suggestions for shipyards looking for ways to maximize their quality management practices.