A novel BWM-entropy-COPRAS group decision framework with spherical fuzzy information for digital supply chain partner selection

Abstract

The transformation and upgrading of traditional supply chain models through digital technology receive widespread attention from the fields of circular economy, manufacturing, and sustainable development. Enterprises need to choose a digital supply chain partner (DSCP) during the process of digital transformation in uncertain and sustainable environments. Thus, the research constructs an innovative decision methodology for selecting the optimal DSCP to achieve digital transformation. The proposed methodology is propounded based upon the entropy measure, generalized Dombi operators, integrated weight-determination model, and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) method under spherical fuzzy circumstances. Specifically, a novel entropy measure is proposed for measuring the fuzziness of spherical fuzzy (SF) sets, while generalized Dombi operators are presented for fusing SF information. The related worthwhile properties of these operators are discussed. Further, an integrated criteria weight-determination model is presented by incorporating objective weights obtained from the SF entropy-based method and subjective weights from the SF best worst method. Afterward, an improvement of the COPRAS method is proposed based on the presented generalized Dombi operators with SF information. Lastly, the practicability and validity of the proposed methodology are verified by an empirical study that selects an appropriate DSCP for a new energy vehicle enterprise to finish the goal of digital transformation. The sensitivity and comparative analysis are carried out to illustrate the stability, reliability, and superiority of the propounded methodology from multiple perspectives. The results and conclusions indicate that the propounded method affords a synthetic and systematic uncertain decision-making framework for identifying the optimal DSCP with incomplete weight information.