Abstract: New possibilities and challenges have evolved in the setting of the software engineering sector’s rapid transition to Industry 5.0, wherein sustainability takes centre stage. Appropriate evaluation approaches are required for analysing the long-term viability of software engineering practices within this paradigm. This study proposes an innovative approach to evaluating sustainability in software engineering within Industry 5.0 by utilising the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS) methodology. The fuzzy TOPSIS approach is effective at accounting for the inherent uncertainties as well as imprecisions related to sustainability assessments, allowing for informed decision-making. This approach helps in the recognition of the most sustainable software engineering practices in Industry 5.0 by taking into account a defined set of sustainability parameters. We rigorously analyse the current literature and expert views to provide an extensive set of relevant sustainability standards for the area of software engineering. Following that, we develop an evaluation methodology based on fuzzy TOPSIS that can handle the subjectivity as well as fuzziness inherent in sustainability evaluations. A case study with a software development company functioning in Industry 5.0 demonstrates the utility and efficacy of our suggested framework. The case study outcomes reveal the benefits and drawbacks of various software engineering methodologies in terms of sustainability. The study’s findings provide substantial information for decision-makers in the software engineering field, assisting them in making educated decisions about sustainable. Finally, this study helps to establish environmentally and socially appropriate techniques within the context of Industry 5.0.

Published in: MDPI Sustainability