A Dual Model for Selecting Technology and Technology Transfer Method Using a Combination of the Best-Worst Method (BWM) and Goal Programing

Abstract

Supplier selection is vital in the supply chain, with significant effects on the chain structure. Three important factors contribute to this process, namely, product/technology selection, selection of the technology/product transfer method, and supplier selection. In this study, after defining the influential criteria for these factors, the best-worst method (BWM) was employed for measuring the weights. Next, the three factors were incorporated into goal programming (GP) to minimize the cost and failure and maximize the level of service and environmental compliance. The results of the GP indicated the level of demand allocation to the supplier(s). Overall, the gray analytical network process (GANP) is used as the best decision-making method, and over the past four years, BWM has been applied in decision-making processes. Therefore, the GANP method was used to measure the weights of criteria. These weights were also incorporated into GP for comparison with the proposed combination. The results showed the superiority of BWM-GP over GANP-GP, given the reduced cost and failure, besides the increased level of service and environmental compliance.