Fuzzy VIKOR Research Articles

Bulanık VIKOR Yöntemi ile Finansal Performans Analizi: Türk Kimya Sektöründe Bir Uygulama

Türkiye gibi gelişmekte olan ülkeler için sektörlerin finansal performanslarının iyi olması, ülke ekonomisinin geleceği ile firmaların karlılık ve süreklilikleri için kritik öneme sahiptir. Kimya sektörü, yüksek katma değer, kaliteli işgücü ve ihracat potansiyeli gibi etkileri göz önüne alındığında, ekonomiler için hayati öneme sahiptir. Çok sayıda farklı kriteri yani finansal oranı içeren finansal performansın ölçülmesi işletmeler ve ekonomik sektörler için önemli ve hassas bir süreçtir. Çok Kriterli Karar Verme (ÇKKV) yöntemleri, birden çok kriteri göz önüne alarak alternatifleri değerlendirebilmekte ve analizlerde kolaylık sağlamaktadır. Bu çalışmada uzman görüşleri temelli bulanık VIKOR yöntemi ile Türk kimya sektörünün finansal performansı yıllara ve alt sektörlere göre analiz edilmiştir. Değerlendirme kriteri olarak, literatürde finansal performans analizlerinde yaygın olarak kullanılan 10 finansal oran seçilmiştir. Uygulama verisi olarak, TCMB (Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası) tarafından yayınlanan yıllık sektör bilançoları kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın yapıldığı dönemde TCMB tarafından kimya sektörü dört alt sektöre ayrılmıştır. Dört alt sektörü içeren güncel veriler 2016 yılına kadar olduğu için, çalışma 2010-2016 dönemini kapsamaktadır. Çalışmada öncelikle, kimya alt sektörlerinin 2010-2016 yılları arası yedi yıllık finansal performansları ayrı ayrı hesaplanmış, sonrasında da performans sıralamalarında alt sektörler arasında farklılık olup olmadığı araştırılmıştır. Genel olarak alt sektörler, farklı yıllarda en iyi finansal başarılarını göstermiştir. Kimya alt sektörlerinin tümünde yıllık finansal performans sürekli bir artış veya azalıştan ziyade dalgalı bir seyir izlemiştir. Spearman sıra korelasyon katsayılarına göre; C-203 (Boya ve Benzeri Maddeler İmalatı) ile C-205 (Diğer Kimyasal Ürünlerin İmalatı) alt sektörlerinin yıllar itibarıyla performans sıralamalarının ilişkili olduğu görülmüştür. Bu iki alt sektörün yıllık performans sıralamaları birbirine benzer iken, diğer alt sektörlerdeki yıllık performans sıralamaları farklılık göstermiştir. Bu sonuçlar göstermektedir ki, bir sektördeki alt sektörlerin finansal başarısı birbirinden bağımsız hareket edebilmektedir. Bunun nedenleri ileride başka bir çalışmanın konusu olabileceği öngörülmektedir. Anahtar Kelimeler: Çok Kriterli Karar Verme (ÇKKV), Finansal Performans, Kimya Sektörü, Bulanık VIKOR Yöntemi JEL Sınıflandırması: C44, M40, L65

A framework for resilience assessment in process systems using a fuzzy hybrid MCDM model

Resilience engineering (RE) has recently emerged as a novel safety management paradigm in socio-technical organizations. It is believed that RE is more compatible with the characteristics of complex socio-technical systems. The multicriteria nature and the presence of both qualitative and quantitative latent factors make RE substantially more complex especially in quantifying and modeling aspects. To address this issue, the present research aims to develop a fuzzy hybrid multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model for quantifying and evaluating resilience using the fuzzy Analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) and fuzzy VIKOR (F-VIKOR) techniques. Initially, an evaluation framework including six resilience indicators and 43 sub-indicators was established. Afterward, the F-AHP method was used to determine the weight of the resilience indicators, while the F-VIKOR method was employed to rank the resilience performance of the different operational units. To present the model capability, we evaluated the resilience of a gas refinery as a typical instance of socio-technical systems. The findings revealed the performance level of resilience indicators in all units of the studied refinery and their ranking based on the computation of the index value (Qi). With respect to the Qi values, the best and worst performance of units from the resilience perspective was specified. Results indicate that the proposed model can serve as an effective evaluation approach in complicated systems and can be used to effectively design strategies to improve system safety performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the resilience using the VIKOR and AHP in a fuzzy environment in the process industry.

Research on Sustainable Supplier Selection Based on the Rough DEMATEL and FVIKOR Methods

In competitive global markets, sustainable suppliers are critical success factors for sustainable supply chain operations. Sustainable supplier selection must be based on a complex network of numerous indicators and experts’ fuzzy linguistic terms. Considering the correlation between the evaluation criteria and the ambiguity of the criteria values, this paper proposes combining the rough DEMATEL method and the fuzzy VIKOR (FVIKOR) method to solve sustainable supplier selection problem. We determine 15 sustainable supplier evaluation criteria from economic, environmental and social dimensions. We also apply the rough DEMATEL method to determine the weight of evaluation indicators that are interrelated or even conflicting and use the FVIKOR method to determine supplier rankings by converting the fuzzy linguistic terms into precise information. The practicability of the proposed method is verified by an example of sustainable supplier selection.

An Extended FMEA Model Based on Cumulative Prospect Theory and Type-2 Intuitionistic Fuzzy VIKOR for the Railway Train Risk Prioritization.

This paper aims toward the improvement of the limitations of traditional failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) and examines the crucial failure modes and components for railway train operation. In order to overcome the drawbacks of current FMEA, this paper proposes a novel risk prioritization method based on cumulative prospect theory and type-2 intuitionistic fuzzy VIKOR approach. Type-2 intuitionistic VIKOR handles the combination of the risk factors with their entropy weight. Triangular fuzzy number intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TFNIFNs) applied as type-2 intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (Type-2 IFNs) are adopted to depict the uncertainty in the risk analysis. Then, cumulative prospect theory is employed to deal with the FMEA team member’s risk sensitiveness and decision-making psychological behavior. Finally, a numerical example of the railway train bogie system is selected to illustrate the application and feasibility of the proposed extended FMEA model in this paper, and a comparison study is also performed to validate the practicability and effectiveness of the novel FMEA model. On this basis, this study can provide guidance for the risk prioritization of railway trains and indicate a direction for further research of risk management of rail traffic.

Fusing Multi-Attribute Decision Models for Decision Making to Achieve Optimal Product Design

Abstract Manufacturers need to select the best design from alternative design concepts in order to meet up with the demand of customers and have a larger share of the competitive market that is flooded with multifarious designs. Evaluation of conceptual design alternatives can be modelled as a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) process because it includes conflicting design features with different sub features. Hybridization of Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) models has been applied in various field of management, science and engineering in order to have a robust decision-making process but the extension of these hybridized MADM models to decision making in engineering design still requires attention. In this article, an integrated MADM model comprising of Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), Fuzzy Pugh Matrix and Fuzzy VIKOR was developed and applied to evaluate conceptual designs of liquid spraying machine. The fuzzy AHP was used to determine weights of the design features and sub features by virtue of its fuzzified comparison matrix and synthetic extent evaluation. The fuzzy Pugh matrix provides a methodical structure for determining performance using all the design alternatives as basis and obtaining aggregates for the designs using the weights of the sub features. The fuzzy VIKOR generates the decision matrix from the aggregates of the fuzzified Pugh matrices and determine the best design concept from the defuzzified performance index. At the end, the optimal design concept is determined for the liquid spraying machine.

Identifying and Ranking Factors Affecting the Educational Quality of the Undergradute Educational Sciences Using the Fuzzy VIKOR Approach (Case Study: University of Mazandaran)

Identifying and Ranking Factors Affecting the Educational Quality of the Undergradute Educational Sciences Using the Fuzzy VIKOR Approach (Case Study: University of Mazandaran)

Selection of the best healthcare waste disposal techniques during and post COVID-19 pandemic era

In recent years, municipal authorities especially in the developing nations are battling to select the best health care waste (HCW) disposal technique for the effective treatment of the medical wastes during and post COVID-19 era. As evaluation of various disposal alternatives of HCW and selection of the best technique requires considering various tangible and intangible criteria, this can be framed as multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. In this paper, we propose an assessment framework for the selection of the best HCW disposal technique based on socio-technical and triple bottom line perspectives. We have identified 10 criteria on which the best HCW disposal techniques to be selected based on extant literature review. Next, we use Fuzzy VIKOR method to evaluate 9 HCW disposal alternatives. The effectiveness of the proposed framework has been demonstrated with a real-life case study in Indian context. To check the robustness of the proposed methodology, we have compared the results obtained with Fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution). The results help the municipal authorities to establish a methodical approach to choose the best HCW disposal techniques. Our findings indicate that incineration is the best waste disposal technique among the available alternatives. Even if the dataset indicates ‘incineration’ is the best method, we must not forget about the environmental concerns arising from this method. In COVID time, incineration may be the best method as indicated by the data analysis, but “COVID” should not be an excuse for causing “Environmental Pollution".

Convenience store locations prioritization: a fuzzy TOPSIS-GRA hybrid approach

PurposeThe objective of the study is to develop a methodology to strategically rank store locations using criteria such as population, store site characteristics, economic considerations, competition and so on to select the most optimal retail convenience store location.Design/methodology/approachA case of National Capital Region, India, for a 24-h convenience store was considered for the study and the major criteria that affect the performance of a convenience store are identified, such as population characteristics, economic criteria, competition, consumer accessibility, store size, total cost, site attractiveness and security. Fuzzy AHP is utilized to find the weightage for each criteria and a combination of fuzzy TOPSIS and grey relational analysis (GRA) is applied to rank the alternative using these criteria weight. Further, results obtained are compared with results from fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR methods. Sensitivity analysis is also performed for ensuring the robustness of the framework.FindingsIt is observed that outcomes do not change under various settling coefficient values, demonstrating that the methodology is very robust. The developed framework will be quite useful to diverse retailers looking to expand and generate substantial profits.Research limitations/implicationsA large sample size of number of locations encourages generalization of results. Strategic ranking of the selected locations is carried out on a few selected criteria. The study was limited by the designated geographical area.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the few available articles on convenience store selection using combination of fuzzy AHP, fuzzy TOPSIS and GRA for a developing country.

Ranking potentially favorable mineralization zones using fuzzy VIKOR vs. Dempster-Shafer-fuzzy AHP methods, a case study: southeast of the Sarcheshmeh copper mine, Kerman, Iran

In this study, a different ranking method has been proposed to prioritize the mineral potential areas and select the best potential area to decrease potential risks of mineral exploration. In this regard, at first, the area located in the east-southeast of the Sarcheshmeh copper mine was selected as mineral targets due to their high potential of porphyry copper occurrences. Then, the favorable porphyry copper areas were determined through collecting and integrating multiple exploratory evidential layers derived from remotely sensed imagery, geochemical, geophysical, lithological, and structural maps and images using the fuzzy logic approach in the GIS environment. Next, through building the decision matrix, the fuzzy VIKOR and Dempster-Shafer-fuzzy AHP methods were applied to estimate the favorability for copper porphyry deposits from information data layers, and the selected prospects were ranked and prioritized based on their scores obtained by each method. A comparison of the results obtained from each method with the previously discovered porphyry copper deposits and indications in the study area revealed a great match between the predicted and known deposits. The validation of results proved the ability of the proposed approach in detecting the highly favorable areas, particularly in the areas embedding known porphyry copper mineralizations. Finally, by applying the fuzzy VIKOR method to the potential areas located in the study area, the Darreh-Zar porphyry mine, as well as a region in the southeast of the Saecheshmeh mine, and a region in the south of Kouhpanj with the minimum values of Q parameter in fuzzy VOKOR method, i.e., 0.021, 0.046, and 0.166, were chosen as the best areas. The results of ranking through the Dempster-Shafer-fuzzy AHP method showed that a region in the southeast of the Sarcheshmeh mine with a priority value of 0.742, a region in the south of Kouhpanj with a priority value of 0.727, and the Dareh zar porphyry mine with a priority value of 0.653, are the best potential areas. The results of the fuzzy VIKOR and Dempster-Shafer-fuzzy AHP methods for ranking the potential areas are consistent with each other, which are validated by previously known areas as well.

Hybrid fuzzy decision making approach for wind-powered pumped storage power plant site selection: A case study

Combining wind power with pumped-storage systems is trustworthy for reducing the unreliability of wind energy, caused by the variable nature of the wind for contributing to the grid's peak shaving. Locating suitable sites for constructing both wind parks and pumped-storage systems for peak shaving is a delicate problem-solving. For solving such problems, a wide range of technical, financial, and environmental criteria should be taken into account. A two-step decision framework combining GIS, Analytic Network Process (ANP) and fuzzy VIKOR are proposed in this paper to solve the problem for locating the suitable sites for constructing a wind-powered pump storage plant. In the first step, a GIS database is developed to locate a handful potential sites within the study area. As there are different and even conflicting criteria involved with site selection problem. In the second step, we used an MCDM approach of fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) and fuzzy VIKOR to rank these potential sites. To establish an evaluation system, four major clusters of criteria are introduced (wind farm, water reservoir, water pump and power production) with more addition related sub-criteria. Comprehensive guidelines are formulated through a hierarchical procedure so a data-driven, multi-aspect decision framework could be presented with the goal of improving the benefits of integrated renewable energies. The results show that, the Gilane-Gharb dam is the most promising site within the study area. This site provides a net area of 13.2 km2 for constructing a wind farm with an approximate power capacity of 31 MW. The proposed procedure in this is a framework that are provide a theoretical reference for resolving any multicriteria decision-making problem by introducing the appropriate criteria.

Evaluation of Social Media Platforms Using Best-Worst Method and Fuzzy VIKOR Methods: A Case Study of Travel Agency

A correct social media strategy is essential for travel agencies working in today's global market to reach customers. The travel industry is a service-oriented industry, and travel agencies can easily reach their customers on social media by transforming their marketing strategies at no extra costs. There are so many options that a travel agency can use to make itself more visible on social media. However, it is very difficult to choose the most suitable option. From this viewpoint, an analytical framework including BWM and fuzzy VIKOR is presented to find the best social media platforms in this study. First, the weights of nine criteria that were identified by the literature survey and expert interviews were obtained using BWM. Then, these weights were incorporated with fuzzy VIKOR for the ranking of social media platforms. During the implementation phase, the managers of a travel agency in Turkey were supported by the proposed framework for the organization. Results indicated that the cost criterion was the most important criterion (0.189), followed by the audience as the second rank (0.158). The results of the framework show that the proposed methodology is valid and can contribute to improving the decision-making process of enterprises and organizations.

An improved similarity measure of generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and its application in multi-attribute group decision making

Generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (GTFNs) have been widely applied in uncertain decision-making problems. The similarity between GTFNs plays an important part in solving such problems, while there are some limitations in existing similarity measure methods. Thus, based on the cosine similarity, a novel similarity measure of GTFNs is developed which is combined with the concepts of geometric distance, center of gravity, area and perimeter after analyzing the limitations of previous methods. Then comparative analysis is conducted with existing similarity measures, and the results show that the novel similarity measure has better distinguishability and lower invalidity. Furthermore, a general process, which combines the new similarity measure of GTFNs with compromise methods, is developed to deal with multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problem. Finally, we combine fuzzy VIKOR with the general process as illustrated example, which proves the superiority of the developed similarity measure in solving MAGDM problem.

Selection of the Most Feasible Wastewater Treatment Technology in Pakistan Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM)

Industrialization plays an important role in the economic growth and development of a country. Pakistan is a developing country that heavily relies on its industrial sector to aid in its sustainable economic growth but the increase in the number of industries has also resulted in a rapid increase in pollution due to poor management of industrial effluents. Many technological solutions are available for wastewater treatment, ranging from conventional treatment methods to advanced technologies. However, the selection of an optimal wastewater treatment technology (WWTT) is a difficult task owing to several alternatives available and multiple criteria involved in the selection process. To resolve this issue, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate different WWTT based on certain pre-defined criteria, and selecting the most suitable technology using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. In this research, five WWTT used in Pakistan were evaluated based on ten criteria using fuzzy VIKOR method. The results of the study show that activated sludge is the most suitable technology for industrial wastewater treatment in Pakistan being ranked first, followed by membrane filtration and sequential batch reactor ranked second and third respectively. The study provides an evaluation framework for decision-makers in Pakistan to select the most appropriate technology for wastewater treatment. The selected alternative can further be implemented in the existing and upcoming industrial estates to reduce the ever-increasing water pollution in Pakistan.

A novel fuzzy mathematical model for an integrated supply chain planning using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm

Due to the high competition in today’s global market, design of an efficient supply chain is necessary to achieve competitive advantages. Having concerned this issue, scheduling is one of critical concepts in supply chain management that leads to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as decrease costs. Recently, build-to-order supply chain (BTO-SC) system has attracted considerable attention because of its successful implementation in high-tech companies such as Dell, BMW, Compaq, and Gateway. Despite several studies in the context of BTO-SC, there has been revealed several gaps that this study attempts to eliminate them. In this paper, a fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming optimization model is proposed for an integrated supply, production, and distribution supply chain of multi-product, multi-level, multi-plant. Because of uncertainty, imprecision and variability associated with real data, fuzzy approach is utilized for processing such information in modeling the problem. Usually, supply chain problems have conflicting objectives that should be optimized simultaneously. Thus, the proposed model aims to optimize customer satisfaction as well as chain supply costs, simultaneously. Due to high complexity and lack of proper benchmark for this problem, the model is solved by some popular multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms. Also, Taguchi method is deployed to calibrate as well as control the parameters in four mentioned algorithms. Finally, a new framework is proposed for ranking of these algorithms use of fuzzy VIKOR method. The presented framework is an excellent comparison dashboard, and it is applicable not only for comparing multi-objective genetic algorithms but also for comparing all of multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms.

Kano-based mapping of innovation strategies for renewable energy alternatives using hybrid interval type-2 fuzzy decision-making approach

In this study, it is aimed to identify innovative strategies for different renewable energy alternatives. In this context, the criteria that affect the effectiveness of renewable energy investments are first analyzed with the IT2 fuzzy DEMATEL. Then, 16 different strategies based on the Kano model are created. Also, appropriate innovative strategies have been determined for 5 different renewable energy types with IT2 fuzzy TOPSIS. Additionally, these alternatives are also ranked by using IT2 fuzzy VIKOR to make a comparative evaluation. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulation technique has been implemented to check and understand the objectiveness of the evaluation results. It is concluded that all results are quite coherent. The findings indicate that for the technical requirement dimension, the most important criteria are the availability of equipment and technological infrastructure. Regarding the customer satisfaction, it is identified that the possibility of sustainable consumption and competitive price play a key role. It is also determined that wind and solar energy alternatives are quite appropriate for all kinds of market conditions to create innovative strategies. For the biomass energy investments, new products should be developed by making radical innovations. In addition, it is seen that the hydroelectric energy alternative is not very suitable for its current form due to the low efficiency. Therefore, a detailed financial analysis should be carried out to solve this problem. Finally, as for geothermal energy investments, technical requirements should be satisfied to make more effective investments.

Optimal Material Selection for Ship Body Based on Fabricated Zirconium Dioxide/ Silicon Carbide Filled Aluminium Hybrid Metal Alloy Composites Using Novel Fuzzy Based Preference Selection Index

Fabrication and selection of optimal material with diverse properties for ship body is often a troublesome and difficult task, as inadequate selection of materials may result in improper functioning and failure of the components at any stage during its functioning. To this end, this paper presents a novel hybrid fuzzy Preference Selection Method (f-PSI) method for selection of optimal alternative ship body material based on physical, mechanical and corrosion characteristics of a novel hybrid aluminium metal alloy composites. Four hybrids aluminium alloy (AL7075) composites are fabricated through stir casting method by reinforcing varying quantity of zirconium dioxide (2%, 4% and 6%) and silicon carbide (3%, 6% and 9%). The physical characterization results show that void contents and density continuously increases with increase in the wt.% of the reinforcement. The mechanical characterization and fractography analysis results confirms upturn in hardness, ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength up to 10% wt. of reinforcement and decreases for 15% wt. of reinforcement. The corrosion characterization and microstructural analysis show that corrosion rate decreases considerably up to 10% wt. of reinforcement and increase after that due to the precipitation of carbide particles along the grain boundary region of hybrid metal alloy composite. For validation and robustness of the proposed method, sensitivity analysis is performed, and comparison is performed with already available fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR methods. Seven evaluation criteria such as void content, density, micro-hardness, ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and corrosion rate are considered in the study to choose the best material for ship body. From the analysis of results, it was found that A-2 (having 4 wt.% ZrO2 and 6 wt.% SiC as reinforcement) alternative material possesses the best combination of all the properties for the given ship body application.

Identification and prioritization of issues to implementation of information-facilitated product recovery system for a circular economy

PurposeInformation-facilitated product recovery system (IFPRS) has captivated industry attention and has developed into a matter of consideration among the researchers because of enhanced climate concerns, jurisdictive logics and societal liabilities. Although IFPRS implementation has become an essential aspect in manufacturing industries functional in the developed nations, still, limited consideration has been given in the literature to analyze the issues to IFPRS implementation for a circular economy (CE) in emerging and developing nations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to recognize issues to implementing IFPRS for a CE in context of select manufacturing industries in India.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, 24 potential issues are established from the literature and from suggestions from the experts. The issues are clubbed under five different perspectives of technical, government, organization, policy and knowledge. Further, fuzzy VIKOR technique is applied on the results obtained to prioritize the identified issues. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out to check the robustness of the framework.FindingsThe present study shows that lack of skills and expertise in IFPRS implementation for a CE (I2), deficient capital to implement a CE in IFPRS (I9), inadequate in adopting recent IT technology (I18), feasibility of IFPRS employment for a CE (I6) and no efficient training and program to CE adoption (I21) are the top five potential issues in implementing IFPRS practices for a CE in Indian manufacturing industries.Research limitations/implicationsIn literature, limited study has been observed on determining issues to implementation of IFPRS for a CE. A more systematic method and statistical confirmation is necessary to establish further new confronting issues. This study is limited to Indian manufacturing industries.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this study includes identification of issues and later prioritizing them to reflect their severity. This would help the industry practitioners to formulate strategies for handling the issues conveniently.

Evaluation of risks in foodgrains supply chain using failure mode effect analysis and fuzzy VIKOR

PurposeThis paper investigates the risks involved in the Indian foodgrain supply chain (FSC) and proposes risk mitigation taxonomy to enable decision making.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for risk estimation. In the traditional FMEA, risk priority number (RPN) is evaluated by multiplying the probability of occurrence, severity and detection. Because of some drawbacks of the traditional FMEA, instead of calculating RPN, this paper prioritizes the FSC risk factors using fuzzy VIKOR. VIKOR is a multiple attribute decision-making technique which aims to rank FSC risk factors with respect to criteria.FindingsThe findings indicate that “technological risk” has a higher impact on the FSC, followed by natural disaster, communication failure, non-availability of procurement centers, malfunctioning in PDS and inadequate storage facility. Sensitivity analysis is performed to check the robustness of the results.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of the study can help in deriving detailed risk mitigation strategy and risk mitigation taxonomy for the improved resilience of FSC.Originality/valueSpecifically, this research investigates the risks for foodgrains supply chain system for a developing country such as India, an area which has received limited attention in the present literature.

Modeling the key barriers of knowledge management adoption in sustainable supply chain

PurposeThe food industry is crucial in delivering healthy products for life saving of the society. The identification of key barriers of knowledge management (KM) is desired to enhance the sustainability of the industry. KM has been seen as a part of sustainable development by reducing the bullwhip effect in the entire supply chain. The core objective of the existing research is to prioritize the essential factors of KM adoption in sustainable supply chain (SSC) based on fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) method.Design/methodology/approachIn order to fulfill objectives of this study, an extensive review of literature and a questionnaire-based field visits were conducted. A total of five major barriers categories and 22 sub-barriers categories were identified in food sector of Pakistan using experts' inputs. This study employed fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP).FindingsManagerial barriers, innovation and technological barriers categories are found to be highly prioritized among others. Further, the sensitivity analysis is applied to check the incremental changes of ranked barriers. This prioritization of barriers and incremental changes in them is expected to serve food sector for long-term sustainability and competitive advantage for importers and exporters. Finally, the findings of this research are very helpful for industrial experts, practitioners, consultants and government officials in effectively developing policies regarding KM adoption in line with sustainable goals.Research limitations/implicationsThe present work is conducted in the Pakistani context; however, the benchmark model may be tested and applied to other developing countries to compare the outcomes. For further research, the identified barriers may also be evaluated to establish their inter-relationships, using ISM, DEMATEL, ANP, etc. Similarly, the results of this study can also be compared with that of other fuzzy multi-criteria techniques like fuzzy TOPSIS, fuzzy VIKOR, fuzzy ELECTRE, fuzzy PROMETHEE, or fuzzy VIKOR.Practical implicationsThis research study can facilitate policymakers, government bodies, stakeholders and supply chain professionals to recognize the key barriers they may encounter in adopting KM practices in their SSC. Additionally, this work helps managers to evaluate the identified barriers by computing their relative importance in adopting KM practices at managerial levels like strategically, tactically and operationally activities in business. This study also facilitates industrial management in formulating policies and action plans in case of implementation, eliminating the barriers in adoption of KM, and SSC successfully.Originality/valueFew research studies were conducted on KM adoption in industries of China, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, but due to workforce diversity these industries have dissimilar views of experts about KM adoption. This study significantly contributed to fill the existing literature gap for prioritization of key barriers against KM implementation in Pakistani context.

Methodical approach to the selection of strategic alliance partners based on fuzzy logic

The article develops a methodical approach to the choice of partners in the strategic alliances formation with a tools using of fuzzy set theory. The necessity of taking into account for potential strategic partners analyzing not only assessments of their current state (strengths and weaknesses, financial capacity, competitive advantages), but also the forecast effectiveness of further cooperation, is substantiated. Accordingly, it was noted that the partners selection for the strategic alliance, in addition to the use of traditional financial instruments (cost-benefit analysis, which focuses on the balance of profits and losses from business operations) and criteria, should take into account the synergy potential in areas of possible interaction and cooperation, should be an element of enterprise development strategy and to agree with the strategic goals and corporate values of the enterprise. The methods of strategic diagnostics and fuzzy methods of multicriteria analysis are used in the work to achieve the set goals. The proposed model takes into account the criteria for assessing the synergy potential by F. Evans and D. Bishop (size of benefits from synergistic effect, probability of success, time to receive benefits). The study determines the areas of strategic interaction, each of which is divided into areas of potential cooperation by decomposition. Fuzzy numbers in triangular form with triangular membership functions are used to present linguistic estimates of experts. The Fuzzy SAW method is used to determine the fuzzy weights of the interaction and possible cooperation areas, and the Fuzzy VIKOR method is used to rank potential partners. This methodological approach can be used in strategic management of enterprises in order to form and implement a strategy of strategic alliances creating to eliminate gaps in their own value chain and strengthen existing or obtaining the desired competitive advantages in the market.