Risk Analysis in the Food Cold Chain Using Decomposed Fuzzy Set-Based FMEA Approach

Abstract

Risk analysis is employed across various domains, including the increasingly vital food supply chain, particularly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focuses on applying decomposed fuzzy sets (DFS), a novel extension of intuitionistic fuzzy sets, within the context of the food cold chain. The objective is to develop “Decomposed Fuzzy Set-Based FMEA (DF FMEA)” by extending the well-known failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) method to DFS, to assess risks in the food cold chain. The functional and dysfunctional questions related to the severity, occurrence, and detectability of the identified risks; they were addressed to three experts working on the food cold chain. The purpose is to prevent an inconsistent assignment considering the uncertainty and indecision of decision makers. Due to the implementation of the DF FMEA, the identified risks were prioritized as follows: “Financial Risks” held the highest priority, followed by “Delivery Risks”, “Technological Ability Risks”, “Environmental Risks”, “Quality Risks”, and “Social Risks” with the lowest priority. The study’s practical impact lies in the innovative risk assessment method. By considering decision makers’ preferences and uncertainties, the DF FMEA approach enhances informed decision making. This contributes to a robust framework for addressing risks in the food cold chain, aiding practitioners in more effective risk management.