A three-stage hybrid integrated decision making framework for modelling reverse logistics operations: a case of a textile company

Abstract

Reverse logistics is a very interesting field as it focuses on social, economical, ethical as well as ecological importance. In a developing country like India, reverse logistics in textile sectors have great potential as an enterprise that requires less investment but promises high return. However, a higher degree of uncertainties and complexities are involved in modelling operations and decisions associated with reverse logistics, especially for textile companies. This paper presents a hybrid approach by developing a three stage integrated decision making framework for reverse logistics operations in the Indian textile industry. The developed approach integrate interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) for the selection of collection centre associated with reverse logistics operations for textile supply chains based on the selected critical decision variables and criteria. The efficacy and intricacy of the proposed approach are validated with a real life case in the Indian textile industry.