A novel fuzzy SECA model based on fuzzy standard deviation and correlation coefficients for resilient-sustainable supplier selection

Abstract

Selecting the best out of a pool of potential suppliers is one of the most significant challenges in supply chain management. Although numerous works have studied supplier selection (SS) as a function of individual criterion (e.g., sustainability or resiliency), few studies have explored it as an all-in-one. To address this gap, this study proposes a novel fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for a real-world color and glaze case study. First, resilient-sustainable criteria are identified for evaluating the performance of the suppliers. Expert opinions and literature review are then utilized to establish a set of criteria in two different categories: sustainability and resiliency. This two-pronged approach ensured that important criteria are considered in the evaluation process. Next, a new fuzzy simultaneous evaluation of criteria and alternatives (FSECA) model is developed to highlight the most crucial criteria and the best supplier. The proposed model utilizes a predetermined set of criteria reference weights as benchmarks to calculate the final weights that closely align with these reference points. Moreover, the consideration of fuzzy standard deviation and correlation coefficients of fuzzy numbers are incorporated to take into account the inherent variability and uncertainty in the data, resulting in a more accurate and robust analysis of the data. To validate the proposed method, the findings are compared to the state-of-the-art fuzzy approaches for SECA method, and other MCDM techniques such as fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment (FWASPAS), fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS), fuzzy Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis (FMOORA), fuzzy simple additive weighting (FSAW), and fuzzy complex proportional assessment (FCOPRAS). Moreover, by applying the geometrical analysis for interactive aid (GAIA), a visualization approach, the results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed framework is satisfactory and highlight the most crucial criteria, such as the supplier responsiveness in resiliency and delivery in economic impact of sustainability categories. Since choosing supplier is a strategic decision, the proposed work can help managers to choose the right suppliers.