In recent years, q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs) have been becoming gradually more advantageous in handling information with high uncertainty. Several multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) algorithms under q-ROFS information have been proposed in literature and used to solve various real-life problems. However, several shortcomings of some existing MCGDM algorithms under certain circumstances also emerged which limit their applicability. To overcome these challenges and deal with information under high uncertainty more accurately and reasonably, we propose a novel MCGDM algorithm under q-ROF information, i.e., (q-ROF-MCGDM), that retains the advantages of currently available methods, but extend its applicability by introducing a new q-rung orthopair fuzzy weighted averaging aggregation operator (q-ROFWAAO) along with a new entropy measure. The proposed q-ROF-MCGDM algorithm involves the steps: firstly, the input requirement in terms of alternatives, criteria and expert evaluations are required. Secondly, aggregating expert opinions using weights and normalizing decision matrices, and finally, calculating entropy weights and aggregating overall evaluations for final prioritization. Further, new operational laws have been developed and several necessary properties of the proposed q-ROFWAAO are also proved. Moreover, a sensitivity and comparative analysis has been carried out for validity and effectiveness of the proposed q-ROF-MCGDM algorithm. The proposed q-ROF-MCGDM algorithm has been implemented to enhance the efficiency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) food industry under high uncertainty during the recent crisis. Finally, an evaluation of identifying and prioritizing the most severe food SC disruptions and appropriate mitigation strategies under crisis is provided to demonstrate applicability of the proposed q-ROF-MCGDM algorithm, and the obtained real case results confirm its usefulness. Findings of the study offer valuable insights to both food industry researchers and managers in developing effective recovery strategies, mitigating risks, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the survival of food businesses during the crisis.
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