Prioritizing Key Performance Indicators for the Mining Industry in Kerala: An AHP Approach

The main aim of this study is to examine the interconnections among performance indicators in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) within the mining industries in Kerala, India. A hierarchical model for performance metrics is introduced, starting with the identification of performance indicators through a systematic process. Following this, a comprehensive questionnaire-based survey is conducted within the mining and mineral industries in Kerala to identify the significant indicators specific to the sector. In this context, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) serves as a valuable multi-criteria decision-making approach for the evaluation of performance indicators. The primary objective of this article is to scrutinize performance indicators that assess the performance of SMEs and provide a comparative rating against their peers. Distinguishing itself from conventional approaches, this study directly engages manufacturers to gauge the relevance of four main factors and twelve sub-factors (performance indicators) through the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process.