Fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje Research Articles

Social Sustainability Risk Assessment of Fresh Produce Supply Chain in China under Computer Technology and Digital Transformation

This paper investigates the social sustainability risks in China’s fresh produce supply chain amid ongoing digital transformation. As computer technologies reshape supply chain operations, understanding and mitigating associated social risks become paramount. This research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of these risks, examining factors such as data and cyber security, inequality, and ethical sourcing concerns. Ten social risk criteria are identified through literature review and expert opinion. In a Sichuan case study, by integrating hybrid methodology Fuzzy Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fuzzy VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje), Data Privacy and Security Risks (SR1) stands out as the most critical risk criterion in the supply chain with the highest Q value, followed by Ethical Use of Technology (SR4) and Digital Dependency (SR5). This paper offers insights into how stakeholders can navigate the intersection of digitalization and social sustainability to foster more resilient and equitable fresh produce supply chains.

Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods for Menu Selection

Nutritional information on menus can assist customers in making healthier eating choices. One technique being utilized to tackle the rise of overweight and obesity is the use of nutritional information on menus. Menu engineering strategies can be used to improve sales of generally healthier and higher margin items. For today's food and beverage companies, menu engineering has become essential. Companies must continually evaluate their menus in order to keep up with changing customer demands and the conditions of the competitive market. Menu engineering's core involves comparing the effectiveness of each menu. At this point, correct decision-making under numerous factors is thought to be a very challenging procedure. To evaluate alternatives according to many features, several Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches have been created. The main novelty of this paper is that four MCDM methods, including Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Fuzzy TOPSIS, VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), and Fuzzy VIKOR, are employed to evaluate menu options. Comparative analysis of MCDM methods is another contribution of this study. The process of evaluating and selecting healthier menu alternatives can become challenging and time-consuming. This study pointed out how crucial it is to conduct comparative analysis using various MCDA methods and to carefully determine the right ones when addressing the issue of selecting the best menu, taking into account the values of the criterion in fuzzy numbers.

An improvement to the interval type-2 fuzzy VIKOR method

Vlsekriterijumska optimizacija i kompromisno resenje (VIKOR) method is one of the most popular multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques in which, the optimal alternative is determined based on an agreement between maximum group utility and minimum individual regret. Despite VIKOR presents important advantages regarding other techniques for decision situations, it may result in a situation where an alternative with high measures for most criteria and low value for one criterion is not chosen as the optimal alternative. Thus, VIKOR may lead to unreasonable and inconsistent results and cannot present true situation of alternatives in indices’ list. The goal of this paper is to present an improved extended version of interval type-2 fuzzy VIKOR (IT2FVIKOR) method for relieving the drawbacks of usual IT2FVIKOR. The proposed indices present more continuous and logical values than prior one such that better ranking results obtain for the MCDM problems. In order to demonstrate effectuality of the suggested method, a case study and an illustrative example are performed. Eventually, the extracted ranking upshots are analyzed with the others.

Comparative analysis of fuzzy multi-criteria decision making methods for selecting sustainable battery suppliers of battery swapping station

ABSTRACT Sustainable battery supplier (SBS) selection of battery-swapping station belongs to a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem due to the fact that included multiple and often conflicting criteria. To this end, this study presents a comparative analysis of selecting SBS using four fuzzy MCDM methods, and a case is executed to compare the ranking results obtained by the proposed four MCDM methods. From the weighting results of criteria, it is observed that economic criteria is the first priority in all evaluation criteria, followed by the technical, social, and environmental criteria in descending order. In terms of the priorities and recommendations of multiple SBSs for the battery swapping station, the comparative analysis demonstrates that the rankings of all alternatives obtained by all approaches are in high agreement, except that determined by fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) slightly varies from the other three approaches, and none of these MCDM methods are deemed to be absolutely “perfect”. If possible, we recommend that more than one method should be applied to the same problem to provide a more comprehensive decision basis. If not possible, it is suggested to use the fuzzy VIKOR since it shows more superior potential in sustainable supplier decision analysis.

Evaluating and Prioritizing the Green Infrastructure Finance Risks for Sustainable Development in China

China has become a global leader in green infrastructure finance, investing heavily in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and green buildings. However, there are multiple risks and challenges that impede the development of green infrastructure finance. Thus, this study analyzes and prioritizes the risks associated with green infrastructure finance in China and proposes policy plans to mitigate these risks. A Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to identify the main risks associated with green infrastructure finance. The main risks are further decomposed into sub-risks. After, the Fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method is used to prioritize the key policy plans to mitigate risks and sub-risks. The results of Fuzzy AHP show that policy and regulations are the most significant risk associated with green infrastructure finance in China, followed by financial risks, and technical risks. The results of Fuzzy VIKOR reveal that increasing the availability of financing options is the most crucial policy plan to mitigate the risks and sub-risks for green infrastructure finance. The developed standardized technical guidelines and procedures and a legal and regulatory framework are ranked second and third are the most effective and feasible policy plans.

A Combined Fuzzy Optimization Model for the Location of an Intelligent Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Industrial Park

With the background of implementing carbon peaking and carbon neutralization, identifying methods to realize energy-saving and carbon reduction effectively has become an important issue in the intelligent energy-conservation manufacturing industry. During the process of achieving this goal, determining an optimal location for a low-carbon and intelligent manufacturing industrial park is a foremost decision-making problem for manufacturing corporations’ energy-efficient development. The article established a multi-criteria decision framework to assist manufacturing companies when selecting suitable industrial park sites. To begin with, an evaluation criteria framework is confirmed by literature search. Then, a fuzzy optimization model, which combines the fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and the fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) is presented, where fuzzy TOPSIS is used to determine the decision-maker criteria weights. Then, criteria weights are calculated by the optimization model with construction of a Lagrange function. Moreover, the fuzzy VIKOR method is applied to sort alternatives and choose the best alternative location. In addition, five alternative sites for a manufacturing company are evaluated and ranked according to the values of the ranking index as a numerical case to demonstrate the proposed framework’s application. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of diverse methods and sensitivity analyses for the volatility in criteria weights and decision-maker weights is illustrated to confirm that the framework is practicable for the problem of intelligent and sustainable manufacturing industrial park-site selection.

A novel spherical fuzzy AHP-VIKOR methodology to determine serving petrol station selection during COVID-19 lockdown: A pilot study for İstanbul

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world. During the Covid-19 pandemic, which is tried to be prevented by all countries of the world, regulations have been made to reduce the effect of the virus in sectors such as banking, tourism, and especially transportation. Social isolation is one of the most critical factors for people who have or are at risk of contracting COVID-19 disease. Many countries have developed different solutions to ensure social isolation. By applying lockdown for specific periods, preventing the movement of people will reduce the rate of transmission. However, some private and public institutions that have to serve during the lockdown period should be carefully determined. In this study, we aim to determine the petrol stations to serve during the COVID-19 lockdown, and this problem is handled as a multi-criteria decision-making problem. We extend the spherical fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija IKompromisno Resenje (SF-VIKOR) method with the spherical fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (SF-AHP). To show its applicability in complex decision-making problems, Istanbul is selected to perform a case study; thirteen petrol stations are evaluated as potential serving petrol station alternatives during the lockdown. Then, the novel SF-AHP integrated SF-VIKOR methodology is structured; the problem is solved with this methodology, and the best alternative is determined to serve in lockdown. Accessibility of the petrol station and Measures taken by station managers are determined to be essential for the effectiveness of the lockdown process. The neighborhood population and the station's proximity to hospitals are also critical inner factors to fight the pandemic. To test the methodology, Spherical Fuzzy the Weighted Aggregated Sum-Product Assessment (SF-WASPAS) is utilized. Public or private organizations can use the proposed methodology to improve their strategies and operations to prevent the spreading of COVID-19.

Control measure prioritization in Fine - Kinney-based risk assessment: a Bayesian BWM-Fuzzy VIKOR combined approach in an oil station.

The Fine − Kinney is a risk assessment method widely used in many industries due to its ease of use and quantitative risk evaluation. As in other methods, it is a method that recommends taking a series of control measures for operational safety. However, it is not always possible to implement control measures based on the determined priorities of the risks. It is considered that determining the priorities of these measures depends on many criteria such as applicability, functionality, performance, and integrity. Therefore, this study has studied the prioritization of control measures in Fine − Kinney-based risk assessment. The criteria affecting the prioritization of control measures are hierarchically structured, and the importance weights of the criteria are determined by the Bayesian Best–Worst Method (BBWM). The priorities of control measures were determined with the fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FVIKOR) method. The proposed model has been applied to the risk assessment process in a petrol station’s liquid fuel tank area. According to the results obtained with BBWM, the most important criterion affecting the prioritization of control measures is the applicability criterion. It has an importance weight of about 42%. It is followed by performance with 31%, functionality with 18%, and integrity with 10%, respectively. FVIKOR results show that the “Periodic control of the ventilation device” measure is the top priority for Fine − Kinney risk assessment. “The absence of any ducts or sewer pits that may cause gas accumulation in the tank area and near the dispenser; Yellow line marking of entry and exit and vehicle roads; Placing of speed limit warning signs” has been determined as a secondary priority. On conclusion, this proposed model is expected to bring a new perspective to the work of occupational health and safety analysts, since the priority suggested by Fine − Kinney risk analysis methods is not always in the same order as the one in the stage of taking action, and the source, budget, and cost/benefit ratio of the measure affect this situation in practice.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-022-19454-x.

Framework construction for augmentation of resilience in critical infrastructure: Developing countries a case in point

Infrastructure plays a vital role in the development and growth of a nation. Nevertheless, in modern times some infrastructure have become so significant that the future sustainability of the country is dependent on them. Such infrastructure is termed Critical Infrastructure (CI), a term coined in 1995 by the United States of America (USA). Thus, the USA and other developed countries have taken measures to protect and improve the resilience of their CI. However, CI is a new concept, therefore the developing countries are lacking a policy framework that could enhance the robustness of their CI. This paper aims to fill the gap by constructing a framework for the augmentation of resilience in the CI of developing countries like Pakistan. The formulation of the framework is achieved using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) based Fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FVIKOR) technique. FAHP results in the identification of the energy sector as the most important CI whereas FVIKOR identifies data acquisition and monitoring systems as the best resilience strategy. The study recommends to the policymakers of the developing countries to follow the proposed framework of the study to devise relative guidelines for their implementation and ensure the future sustainability of their countries. The devising of a framework for the improvement of CI resilience for developing countries and the practicality of the research based on the case study of Pakistan are the principal novelties of the paper.

Evaluation of sustainable e-waste collection method for urban and rural region of India.

Electronic waste is one of the most challenging waste streams to manage. It has become a significant concern in developing countries due to the ever-increasing volume of generation coupled with deficient growth in collection and processing infrastructure. For the various stakeholders, it is of paramount importance to adopt a robust and sustainable collection method for hazard mitigation. The prevalent e-waste collection methods are categorized under four major heads, namely take-back, retail store, door-to-door and curbside collection. The e-waste collection problems are analysed from various perspective, based on literature that cited developing country-specific survey and data that includes India. Economic sustainability and potential risk are included as attributes in the evaluation scheme. We attempt to establish a decision-making model. Discussion with the field experts and decision-makers (DMs) provided the weights for various attributes and sub-attributes. A fuzzy linguistic scale is used to take care of ambiguity in DMs' opinion. Fuzzy- Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is used to determine the importance of various attributes and sub-attributes, while Fuzzy-VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FVIKOR) is used to determine the rank of the alternatives. Based on the analysis, 'take-back collection' and 'retail store based collection' are found the most suitable options for urban and rural regions respectively. The attributes, social awareness and economical sustainability are found to have the highest significance in both cases. Implementation of a collection method is an expensive activity, and the proposed Fuzzy-Multi Attribute Decision Making attempts to capture various attributes and their complex interplay to arrive at a decision on optimum e-waste collection option(s) in a specific locality.

A Compromised Decision-Making Approach to Third-Party Logistics Selection in Sustainable Supply Chain Using Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy VIKOR Methods

With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the e-commerce trend is driving faster, significantly impacting supply chains around the world. Thus, the importance of logistics and supply chain functions has been amplified in almost every business that ships physical goods. In Vietnam, the logistics service sector has seen rapid expansion. Since more and more businesses are seeking third-party logistics (3PL) providers to outsource the logistics functions, this article aims to offer decision-makers an integrated and consistent model for evaluating and selecting the most efficient 3PLs. To this end, the authors exploit a hybrid multi-criteria method which is fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy vlsekriterijumska optimizacija i kompromisno resenje (FVIKOR) while examining the most influential and conflicting criteria regarding economic, service level, environmental, social, and risk aspects. Fuzzy information in the natural decision-making process is considered, linguistic variables are used to mitigate the uncertain levels in the criteria weights. First, FAHP (the weighting method) is adopted to evaluate and calculate each criterion’s relative significant fuzzy weight. FVIKOR (the compromised ranking method) is then used to rank the alternatives. The combination of FAHP and FVIKOR methods provides more accurate ranking results. As a result, reliability and delivery time, voice of customer, logistics cost, network management, and quality of service are the most impactful factors to the logistics outsourcing problem. Eventually, the optimized 3PLs were determined that fully meet the criteria of sustainable development. The developed integrated model offers the complete and robust 3PLs evaluation and selection process and can also be a powerful decision support tool for other industries.

Improved FMEA based on IVF and fuzzy VIKOR method: A case study of workpiece box system of CNC gear milling machine

AbstractFailure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is a tool used to define, identify, and prevent known or unknown potential risks. An improved FMEA based on interval triangular fuzzy numbers (IVF) and fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method is proposed in this study to solve problems of expression and processing of uncertain information, weights of risk factors, and ranking of failure modes in traditional FMEA. Linguistic variables are used to evaluate failure modes level and relative importance of risk factors and are expressed via interval‐valued triangular fuzzy number. Determining the subjective weights of risk factors using fuzzy AHP, calculating the objective weights of risk factors using the extended VIKOR method, and obtaining the comprehensive weights of risk factors via ICWGT are proposed for solving the weight problem of risk factors. Finally, the fuzzy VIKOR method is used to rank risk priority of failure modes. The proposed method is used to evaluate workpiece box system of CNC gear milling machine and the results are compared with the findings of other methods to verify effectiveness and rationality of the proposed method.

Application of fuzzy MOORA method in the design and fabrication of an automated hammering machine

PurposeIn most developing countries riveting, upset forging and punching operations among others are performed using manual hammering technique. The use of the manual method increases production time and reduces efficiency. The use of the manual approach is predominantly due to the high cost of imported automated hammering machines (AHM) which the majority of the end-users are incapable of acquiring. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to produce an AHM that is affordable using an effective material selection methodology in the design and fabrication process.Design/methodology/approachThe material selection methodology proposed is the fuzzy multi-objective optimisation on the basis of the ratio analysis (MOORA) method. The tool was used to evaluate and determine the optimum material for the major of the components of the AHM from amongst alternative materials while considering several decision criteria. A case study of the shaft was applied to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed technique. The AHM components design is then carried out and machine fabricated and tested to ascertain performance effectiveness.FindingsThe result of the fuzzy MOORA evaluation showed that alloy steel is the optimal material for the shaft. The fuzzy MOORA approach was compared with the fuzzy Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija Ikompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and fuzzy grey relational analysis (GRA) methods to validate the proposed method. The fuzzy MOORA method produces completely the same result with the fuzzy VIKOR and fuzzy GRA methods. The machine was then designed, constructed and tested and found to be effective for the purpose of the design.Originality/valueThis is significant as no such study has been published by any other researcher to the best of our knowledge in this area.

Integrated FAHP-VIKOR model for green supplier selection in a Nickle coating SME

In the past few decades, there has been lot of focus on the issue of sustainability. This has occurred due to the growing concerns related to climate change and the growing awareness about environmental concerns. Also, the competition at global level has led to the search for the most sustainable route in the industries. The current research work deals with the selection of green supplier in a Nickle coating industry based on certain weighted green attributes. For this purpose, a hybrid tool comprising of Fuzzy AHP (Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy) and VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) is used. The Fuzzy AHP is used for assigning proper weights to the selected criteria for supplier evaluation, while VIKOR is used for final supplier selection based on the weighted criteria. The three criterions for green supplier selection are, Ecological packaging, Corporate socio-environmental responsibility and Staff Training. The outcome of the integrated model may serve as a steppingstone to other SMEs in different sectors for selecting the most suitable supplier for addressing the sustainability issue.

Picture fuzzy Choquet integral-based VIKOR for multicriteria group decision-making problems

Choquet integral operator has been proved more ideal than traditional aggregation operators in the modeling of interaction phenomena among the criteria in multicriteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems. In this paper, we mention the limiting behavior of Choquet integral operator for intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and propose Choquet integral for picture fuzzy set (PFS). This limitation is due to the incapability of IFS to model information that may be available in the form of refusal and abstain. We define Choquet averaging and Choquet geometric mean operators for PFS along with their few properties. We have also proposed picture fuzzy Choquet integral-based VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) for MCGDM problems. Proposed picture fuzzy Choquet integral-based VIKOR method includes benefits of PFS and addresses issue of interdependency among noncommensurable criteria in MCGDM problems. An example of supplier selection problem is included to show suitability and applicability of proposed picture fuzzy Choquet integral-based VIKOR method.

Multi-Faceted Analysis of Systematic Risk-Based Wind Energy Investment Decisions in E7 Economies Using Modified Hybrid Modeling with IT2 Fuzzy Sets

This study aimed to analyze the systematic risks of wind energy investments. Within this framework, E7 countries are included in the scope of the examination. A large literature review was carried out and 12 different systematic risk factors that could exist in wind energy investments were identified. The analysis process of the study consisted of two different stages. First, the specified risk criteria were weighted with the help of the interval type 2 (IT2) fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Second, E7 countries were ranked according to the risk management effectiveness in wind energy investments. In this process, the IT2 fuzzy Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) approach was taken into consideration. The findings show that volatility in exchange rates and interest rates were the most important risks in wind energy investments. In addition, it was determined that China and Indonesia were the most successful countries in managing risks in wind energy investments. In contrast, India, Russia, and Turkey were determined to be the least successful. Additionally, the IT2 fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method was applied as a robustness check of the extended VIKOR method. It was concluded that the ranking results of the IT2 fuzzy TOPSIS method were similar to the results of the IT2 fuzzy VIKOR. It can be understood that the proposed ranking method was consistent with the comparative analysis results. From this point of view, it was observed that countries should take measures regarding their exchange rate and interest rate risks in order to increase the efficiency in wind energy investments. In this context, companies should first ensure that they do not have a foreign exchange short position in their balance sheets by conducting an effective financial analysis. In addition, it is important to use financial derivatives to minimize the exchange rate and interest rate risks. Using these results, it will be possible to manage this risk by taking the reverse position for the existing foreign currency and interest risk. In this way, it will be possible to increase the efficiency of wind energy investments, which will contribute to the social and economic development of each respective country.

A SCOR-Based Model to Evaluate LARG Supply Chain Performance Using a Hybrid MADM Method

To reinforce competitiveness, companies must focus on competitive priorities including cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility. The competitiveness also depends on the adherence to environmental requirements and the ability of companies to survive unforeseen disruptions <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">.</i> Lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) paradigm is a hybrid supply chain paradigm, which can enhance competitiveness in today's complex markets. In this article, we propose a new conceptual decision-making model to evaluate LARG supply chain performance in medical equipment companies. In this regard, supply chain operations reference model attributes were utilized as performance evaluation criteria. Furthermore, the appropriate practices of LARG supply chain are selected through fuzzy Delphi method. Also, an extension of decision making trial and evaluation laboratory-based analytic network process method is proposed to uncover network relationships and obtain the weights for dimensions and elements. According to the results, the agile paradigm, responsiveness, and quick introduction of new products are determined as the most prioritized elements in their corresponding dimensions, which emphasize the importance of the customer satisfaction. Finally, the extended hesitant fuzzy linguistic VIKOR (Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) is applied to rank LARG performance of Iranian needles and syringes companies via qualitative group decision-making process. The results of this study are conformed to conventional selection results of needles and syringes suppliers conducted by Iran's Ministry of Health.

An Integrated Fuzzy Carbon Management-Based Model for Suppliers’ Performance Evaluation and Selection in Green Supply Chain Management

Assessing suppliers based on green focused attributes is a critical issue recently implemented by industries due to increasing community knowledge about global warming and climate change. Carbon management is a new branch of green supplier selection which focuses on other aspects of environmental issues. This study integrates a new fuzzy modification of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) known as Fuzzy Preference Programming (FPP) with Fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FVIKOR) to assess suppliers’ performance with respect to carbon management criteria. Four dimensions and twelve criteria have been selected based on previous studies and experts’ opinions. Linguistic variables are employed to gather the experts’ opinions about the importance degree of the dimensions and corresponding attributes. Subsequently, the importance weights of each dimension and its corresponding criteria are computed by using FPP. The performance ratings of the suppliers based on the determined criteria are collected under a fuzzy environment using linguistic variables. Then, FVIKOR is applied to obtain the overall environmental performance with respect to carbon management attributes. Through a case study in a textile company, the performance scores of its suppliers were elicited in accordance with this procedure. Finally, validation and managerial implications show that the developed model is robust and applicable.

An integrated approach to green supplier selection based on the interval type-2 fuzzy best-worst and extended VIKOR methods

Green supply chain management, which considers both the environment and supply chain management, is becoming a hot topic in modern operations management. In a manufacturing enterprise, it is crucial for supply chain managers to select an appropriate supplier for their long-term development prospects to and to pursue the business strategy and remain in a competitive position. Green supplier selection (GSS) can be viewed as a multiple-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problem that involves many unmeasurable and conflicting criteria. Considering the advantage of interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2FSs) in modeling such complexity and uncertainty, this study provides an integrated methodology to address MCGDM problems based on the best-worst method (BWM) and the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) technique in an interval type-2 fuzzy environment. First, we extend a new decision-making method called the BWM to IT2FSs. Unlike the BWM and fuzzy BWM, our IT2FSs stem from a questionnaire survey and related interval approaches. Second, we develop an integrated model based on interval type-2 fuzzy BWM and VIKOR to solve MCGDM problems. Finally, we present a GSS example to illustrate on the performance of our approach. We also provide sensitivity and comparative analyses and a discussion of the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.

An Extended Picture Fuzzy VIKOR Approach for Sustainable Supplier Management and Its Application in the Beef Industry

Nowadays, sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has received considerable attention because of strict government requirements and increased pressure from the public. In the SSCM, selecting suitable suppliers plays a significant role in improving the overall sustainability performance of a company. Therefore, this article aims to develop a modified VIKOR (in Serbian: VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) technique for sustainable supplier evaluation and selection, that uses ordered weighted distance operators in the aggregation of picture fuzzy information. Concretely, we first propose the picture fuzzy-ordered weighted standardized distance (PFOWSD) operator and the picture fuzzy Euclidean-ordered weighted standardized distance (PFEOWSD) operator, and extended them by using the hybrid average operator. Then, we develop a sustainable supplier selection approach by combining the picture fuzzy distance operators and the VIKOR method. The new approach can manipulate attitudinal character of the classical VIKOR method, so that a decision maker can take decisions according to his or her preference. Further, by using the PFOWSD operator, one can parametrize the VIKOR method from the maximum to the minimum result. Thus, the information obtained using the new sustainable supplier selection approach is much more complete. Finally, a practical case example in the beef supply chain is given to explain the proposed picture fuzzy-ordered weighted distance (PFOWD)-VIKOR model, and the results are compared with current relevant representative approaches to verify its feasibility and superiority.