Prospective Suppliers Research Articles

Comparison of MAGIQ, MABAC, MARCOS, and MOORA Methods in Multi-Criteria Problems

Determining the best alternative from many criteria is one of the core problems in decision making, both routine and non-routine problems. One of them is in the problem of determining egg suppliers. Eggs are one of the basic needs of the community so that the demand for eggs is always increasing, this makes the emergence of many egg agents in distributing and fulfilling needs. Selective and careful selection is needed in order to get a supplier that meets the desired expectations. Problems then arise in the selection of egg suppliers that are not in accordance with the expectations of the manager. In determining egg suppliers that have been carried out by UD Taluh Subur, only by means of a simple comparison between several factors such as price, production quantity, and quality without considering other factors. In addition to this, business managers have limited knowledge in statistical and business decision making. To optimize the supplier selection process, a Decision Support System can be used to help provide recommendations for selecting prospective suppliers of fixed eggs. Based on the situation of decision makers who have limited knowledge in statistical decision making, the MAGIQ method is suitable for weighting. To provide a more accurate ranking, additional methods such as the MABAC, MARCOS, and MOORA methods are used. The purpose of this research is to focus on which method is most recommended for the case study faced in the research based on the analysis results of the sensitivity test. The results of the sensitivity test show that the MAGIQ-MABAC method has the highest value of 4.42737%, then the MAGIQ-MOORA method with a value of 2.34415% and the MAGIQ-MARCOS method with a value of 0.45729%.

Navigating Supply Chain Resilience: A Hybrid Approach to Agri-Food Supplier Selection

Globalization and multinational commerce have increased the dynamism and complexity of supply networks, thereby increasing their susceptibility to disruptions along interconnected supply chains. This study aims to tackle the significant concern of supplier selection disruptions in the Thai agri-food industry as a response to the aforementioned challenges. A novel supplier evaluation system, PROMETHEE II, is suggested; it combines the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) with inferential statistical techniques. This investigation commences with the identification of critical indicators of risk in the sustainable supply chain via three phases of analysis and 315 surveys of management teams. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is utilized to ascertain six supply risk criteria and twenty-three sub-criteria. Following this, the parameters are prioritized by FAHP, whereas four prospective suppliers for an agricultural firm are assessed by PROMETHEE II. By integrating optimization techniques into sensitivity analysis, this hybrid approach improves supplier selection criteria by identifying dependable solutions that are customized to risk scenarios and business objectives. The iterative strategy enhances the resilience of the agri-food supply chain by enabling well-informed decision-making amidst evolving market dynamics and chain risks. In addition, this research helps agricultural and other sectors by providing a systematic approach to selecting low-risk suppliers and delineating critical supply chain risk factors. By bridging complexity and facilitating informed decision-making in supplier selection processes, the results of this study fill a significant void in the academic literature concerning sustainable supply chain risk management.

Application of fuzzy group decision-making selecting green supplier: a case study of the manufacture of natural laurel soap

The selection of suppliers alone is one of the most important competitive challenges facing organizations today. With today's increasing awareness and facing many significant environmental pressures, the process of selecting the right suppliers for green supply chain management is even more difficult for decision-makers. The process of developing and implementing decision-making tools seek to face these challenges is rapidly evolving, especially in a fuzzy environment whose data are incomplete. The purpose of this article is to investigate prospective green chain suppliers for a laurel soap producing company based on a framework using MCDA fuzzy technologies such as Fuzzy GRA, Fuzzy TOPSIS, and Fuzzy VIKOR. During this paper, a discussion of fuzzy set was discussed with Fuzzy MCDM. Within a realistic case study, where a comparison was made between the tools, and it was noted that the results were consistent between the two tools Fuzzy TOPSIS and Fuzzy GRA, and the arrival of similar results and a slight difference with results was observed in Fuzzy VIKOR interpreted. The most detailed analyses were conducted on distance measurements, linguistic variables, assembly functions, and confusion processing. This study introduces the Fuzzy MCDM method to help researchers choose a more effective approach for green supplier selection and the conclusions and other study directions are offered toward the conclusion of the paper.

Generation “Z” willingness to participate in crowdshipping services to achieve sustainable last-mile delivery in emerging market

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide trilogy in the emerging market for the establishment of business, economy and environment which is the new word for the development of any nation to attain sustainable development. This research explores the prospective crowdshipper's willingness to participate in crowdshipping services through a motivational factor.Design/methodology/approachTo understand the trend and future of this concept, Google Trends Analysis (GTA) has been used. The theoretical model has been validated empirically using a survey of 287 Indian (Generation Y and Z) urban participants, but focused is on Generation “Z” participants and subsequent analysis have been carried out using structural equation modelling.FindingsA theoretical framework has been developed connecting the various factions of the crowdsourcing process thus providing an overall view of the process strategy for logistics start-ups. This conceptual framework of sharing economy in emerging market can benefit the prospective suppliers and their target receivers. Particularly trust in crowdshipper plays a significant mediating role between subject factors and next generation user willingness to participate in crowdshipping services for sustainable last-mile delivery.Originality/valueThe present theoretical foundations and frameworks have been studied to get an idea of the main aspects of the field. It has the potential to provide the impetus for collaboration with the various stakeholders thus achieving the sustainable development process. The practical inference of this study is the usability in terms of the plugin application for e-retailer in emerging markets.

Designing socially optimal rates of tax and rebate structures in directing migration of risk-averse suppliers towards sustainable products

ABSTRACT This study offers design of the ‘socially optimal’ rebate and tax structures, corresponding to the maximum expected gain and minimum risk from migration of prospective risk-averse suppliers towards supplying sustainable products. Risk-averse behaviour is caused by small and medium-sized suppliers who are financially constrained from the perspective of a textile company. This study addresses the unexplored but serious issue of suppliers’ willingness-to-pay for renouncing the option of migrating towards sustainable practices under uncertain market conditions for sustainable products, by using a mean-variance utility framework. The analytical model is validated using case-based real data collected from an Indian retailer who works with two types of suppliers in India: one natural fibre supplier and another chemical-based synthetic fibre supplier. Our model helps explain the effects of loss in expected market share and sudden increase in variability in market share for sustainable products respectively on the ‘socially optimal’ rate of tax and rebate. Also, we establish that with rate of tax increases, the ‘socially optimal’ rate of rebate on sustainable product must increase at an increasing rate to induce potential migration of suppliers towards sustainable practices. The implications of our findings on academics and practice are offered.

Using efficiency frontiers to visualise suppliers’ performance capabilities: moving beyond supplier rationalisation

ABSTRACT This paper offers a framework for analysis to benefit buying firms as they evaluate current and prospective suppliers, and to assist supplying organisations in becoming more competitive. It explores the notion of performance improvement frontiers for suppliers, in the context of developing suppliers rather than rationalising or pruning them. Dual-efficiency (strengths and weaknesses) frontiers are constructed using inverted efficiency techniques. Unilateral and bilateral approaches to the construction of these frontiers are examined. It is found that certain information content of bilaterally determined DEA assurance ranges can serve as a compromise between the buyer’s ideal performance priorities and a supplier’s capability-based priorities. For this reason, it represents a reasonable and jointly determined set of performance expectations for buyers to recommend to the supplier set. For the suppliers themselves, the bilateral ranges contribute a prioritised behavioural focus to develop or improve their capabilities on specific performance attributes.

Electrical Testing of NSTX-U Inner Poloidal Field Coils

The National Spherical Torus eXperiment—Upgrade (NSTX-U) experienced a series of technical problems during its initial operating campaign leading to an extended outage and recovery period. The final event that necessitated shutdown was a turn-to-turn fault in one of the inner PF coils. Investigation of the coil failure and development of remedial measures has become a major focus of the recovery. It was decided that all three inner PF coil pairs that employed similar design features and were fabricated by the same manufacturer needed to be replaced. To further reduce risk, a prototyping program was initiated to qualify suppliers. Four prospective suppliers of replacement coils were mobilized to produce an identical prototype coil that was similar in characteristics to the PF1A coil. The prototype technical evaluation included a comprehensive set of electrical tests on each of the four prototype coils and before and after destructive sectioning into two halves. This article reports on the electrical test methods and results from prototype testing, along with plans for application to the production coils.

A group evaluation method for supplier selection based on interval type-2 fuzzy TOPSIS method

Supplier assessment has been a vital issue of strategic importance in a supply chain. It helps to reduce operating cost, improve competitiveness and to develop business opportunities. However, supplier selection is usually a complex and unstructured activity, involves the consideration of various characteristics simultaneously such as large number of alternatives, multiple criteria involved in the evaluation process as well as group of experts with diverse backgrounds. This study intends to propose a framework using interval type-2 fuzzy (IT2F) TOPSIS method for selection of suitable suppliers in an imprecise environment for an Indian spare parts manufacturing company. Seven important criteria are considered for evaluating suppliers. A practical analysis is carried out and the data are collected from a set of five prospective suppliers. The major influencing factors in the case company are found to be price of product, technological capability, relationship closeness, conformance to quality and experience of supplier.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИЙ РЫНКА ВТОРИЧНОГО ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОЙ ТЕХНИКИ В АПК РФ

The paper deals with the development of a system of criteria and indicators for the formation and development of the market for reused agricultural machinery (MRUAM) in order to optimize the structure and use of the machine and tractor fl eet. It is noted that the machine and tractor fl eet used in Russian agricultural sector is 35…40% undersupplied with the most demanded agricultural machinery. About 60% of regional farms are focused on purchasing equipment on the reused machinery market based on its technical readiness and cost not exceeding 60…65% of the cost of the new products. The modern concept describing the development of the domestic market for agricultural machinery and the methodology for the MRUAM formation are presented. The authors list the main tasks for the MRUAM formation and present the information and functional structure of MRUAM. Over 3-4 years to come, systemic development of MRUAM in the agricultural sector of Russia will raise the level of technical readiness of agricultural machines by 5…7% and increase the agricultural machinery and tractor fl eet by 50…55 thousand tractors, 10…12 thousand grain harvesters and 3…3.5 thousand forage harvesters. The MRUAM formation in the agricultural sector of Russia, in addition to increasing the size of the machine and tractor fl eet, will signifi cantly strengthen the engineering and technical system of the agricultural sector. Agricultural producers will get the opportunity to simplify the procedure for fi nding prospective suppliers and consumers of agricultural machinery, as well as to formulate real prices for used resources and provide guarantees for completing transactions to the MRUAM participants.

The Determination of Yarn Supplier by Using the Weight Product Method

The Upstream Supply Chain Management is the initial component of the supply chain where the company gets raw materials from suppliers for the production process. This process is very important in the sustainability of a company’s production. The obstacle experienced at this stage is how the company decides which suppliers to choose from the many suppliers who want to offer their products. Also, it is experienced by PT. Mayer Indah Indonesia, which currently has 14 prospective suppliers, each of which has a different weight based on the assessment criteria of the company. The purpose of this study is to assist companies in making decisions to determine the best suppliers by using the Weight Product (WP) method, while the selection criteria are based on price, quality and the delivery accuracy. The results of the study can be implemented by the company to determine the right supplier in accordance with the criteria that have been required.

Anchoring Pd-nanoparticles on dithiocarbamate- functionalized SBA-15 for hydrogen generation from formic acid

Hydrogen (H2) generation from natural biological metabolic products has remained a huge challenge for the energy arena. However, designing a catalytic system with complementary properties including high surface area, high loading, and easy separation offers a promising route for efficient utilization of nanoreactors for prospective H2 suppliers to a fuel cell. Herein, selective dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA) as a natural biological metabolic product to H2 and CO2 gas mixtures has been studied by supporting ultrafine palladium nanoparticles on organosulfur-functionalized SBA-15 nanoreactor under ultrasonic irradiation. The effects of the porous structure as a nanoreactor, and organosulfur groups, which presented around the Pd due to their prominent roles in anchoring and stabilizing of Pd NPs, studied as a superior catalyst for selective dehydrogenation of FA. Whole catalytic systems were utilized in ultrasonic irradiation in the absence of additives to provide excellent TOF/TON values. It was found that propose catalyst is a greener, recyclable, and more suitable option for the large-scale application and provide some new insights into stabilization of ultra-fine metal nanoparticle for a variety of applications.

Anchoring IrPdAu Nanoparticles on NH2-SBA-15 for Fast Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid at Room Temperature.

Hydrogen (H2), a regenerable and promising energy carrier, acts as an essential role in the construction of a sustainable energy system. Formic acid (HCOOH, FA), a natural biological metabolic products and also accessible through carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, has a great potential to serve as a prospective H2 supplier for the fuel cell. Herein, ultrafine and electron-rich IrPdAu alloy nanoparticles with a size of 1.4 nm are highly dispersed on amine-modified mesoporous SiO2 (NH2-SBA-15) and used as a highly active and selective catalyst for fast H2 production from FA. The as-synthesized IrPdAu/NH2-SBA-15 possesses superior catalytic activity and 100% H2 selectivity with initial turnover frequency values of 6316 h-1 with the additive of sodium formate (SF) and 4737 h-1 even without SF at 298 K, comparable to the most effective heterogeneous catalysts ever published. The excellent performance of IrPdAu/NH2-SBA-15 was not only ascribed to the combination of the electronic synergistic effect of trimetallic alloys and the strong metal-support interaction effect but also attributed to the amine (-NH2) alkaline groups grafted on SBA-15, which is beneficial to boost the split of the O-H bond of FA.

On the issue of cost and timing of contract tenders for industrial and civil construction

A tender is a submission made by a prospective supplier in response to an invitation to tender. It makes an offer for the supply of goods or services. In construction, the main tender process is generally for the selection of the contractor that will construct the works. However, as procurement routes have become more complex, so tenders may be sought for a wide range of goods and services (for example, on a construction management contract the works are constructed by a number of different trade contractors each contracted to the client) and contractors may take on additional functions such as design and management.

A fuzzy compromise programming model based on the modified S-curve membership functions for supplier selection

Among various decision techniques, multi-objective programming model is a proper approach to solve the supplier selection problem. Notice that the multi-objective programming problem often consists of conflicting goals that cannot be achieved simultaneously, we present an approach to obtain the marginal evaluation of each objective and to aggregate these marginal evaluations into the global evaluation. Moreover, due to the limited historical data of prospective suppliers and most companies are reluctant to share proprietary information. Therefore, the decision makers often rely on vague information in their supplier selections. S-curve membership function is more flexible and robust than linear membership function when describing the vagueness. Thus, the compromise satisfactory level of multiple goals in the supplier selection problem can be represented by the modified S-curve membership function. Based on the global evaluation obtained, we can formulate a fuzzy compromise programming model based on the modified S-curve membership function. Lastly, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the efficiency of our method by comparing it with the weighted max–min method and the weighted additive method.

Identifying marginal suppliers of construction materials: consistent modeling and sensitivity analysis on a Belgian case

The identification of marginal suppliers is a key element of consequential LCA. This study investigates how systematically the identification of marginal suppliers can be performed across different products, while maintaining consistent modeling choices. Some products relevant for the Belgian construction sector are taken as a case study. To gain insight in the current practice of identifying marginal suppliers, 30 recent studies have been reviewed. Based on the findings of the review, a method was proposed to identify geographical market boundaries from trade data and sensitive suppliers from production data. Both retrospective and prospective approaches to anticipate the future effect of a change in demand were taken into account. The method was applied to compute both a retrospective and a prospective marginal supplier’s mix per product. Finally, the effect of the modeling choices on the size of geographical market boundaries and marginal mixes was estimated via regression analysis. The forecasts and marginal mixes obtained matched with those from the existing literature, although clear differences in results are observed between the retrospective and prospective approach. Deviations from default assumptions in LCA were observed as well, such as large regional geographical markets for cement and aggregates instead of local ones. The statistical sensitivity analysis showed that identifying geographical market boundaries has the largest effect on the final marginal mix and that these markets are relative stable over time. The proposed method and corresponding sensitivity analysis is an attempt to gain insight into the effect of modeling choices in the context of the identification of marginal suppliers for consequential LCA. It can in principle be applied to any product for which trade and production data are available. The proposed method helps to identify marginal mixes on a consistent and transparent way, to improve the robustness of the results in future consequential LCAs.

An examination of external risk factors in Apple Inc.’s supply chain

ABSTRACTThe Apple Computer Company has evolved into one of the most innovative technology-based firms to transpire in the last three decades. Much of its success has been attributed to effective supply chain management. The purpose of this study is to provide an examination of external risk factors associated with Apple Inc.’s key suppliers through the creation of Bayesian networks. The study sample consists of Apple Inc.’s top electronic equipment suppliers based on its expenditure levels (e.g., cost of goods sold; selling, general and administrative cost; research and development, etc.) directly associated with these firms. Bayesian networks are used as a methodology for examining the supplier external risk profiles for the study sample. The results of this study show that Bayesian networks can be effectively used to assist managers in making decisions regarding current and prospective suppliers with respect to their potential impact on supply chains as illustrated through their corresponding external risk profiles.

Impact of competitive strategy and cost-focus on global supplier switching (reshore and relocation) decisions

This study analyzes how global supplier switching decisions (reshore and relocate) are influenced by the buyers’ cost-focus and competitive strategies. Comprehensive survey data were gathered from US textile and apparel industry. The analysis revealed that the buyers with distinct competitive strategies such as Made-in-USA, speed-to-market are likely to have significantly higher proportions of reshoring activities. Furthermore, large companies and retailers are shown to be more cost-focused than small and manufacturing companies, respectively. Finally, cost-focused companies are shown to be more likely to switch their international suppliers. By analyzing the buyer side of supplier-switching and identifying the common features of companies engaging in reshoring or relocation, our analysis enables us to better interpret international supplier-switching. While other studies have regarded the superior performance of the prospective supplier or the external issues as the main factors, we emphasize the impact of internal dynamics of buyers on the international supplier-switching processes.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE «THIRD ENERGY PACKAGE» OF THE EU AND THE INTERESTS OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS OF NATURAL GAS TO EU COUNTRIES

The article is devoted to the application of the Third energy Package of the European Union. It discusses the features of the strategy of Russia for the EU energy market and other energy suppliers related to «Third energy package». The characteristic patterns of energy consumption of the EU, major and prospective suppliers, strategy between the EU and Russia in the energy sphere. Systematic expert views on the impact of the Third energy Package on the relationship between the EU and Russia.

Assessing disaster risks in supply chains

Purpose – As organizations increase their dependence on supply chain networks, they become more susceptible to their suppliers’ disaster risk profiles, as well as other categories of risk associated with supply chains. Therefore, it is imperative that supply chain network participants are capable of assessing the disaster risks associated with their supplier base. The purpose of this paper is to assess the supplier disaster risks, which are a key element of external risk in supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – The study participants are 15 automotive casting suppliers who display a significant degree of disaster risks to a major US automotive company. Bayesian networks are used as a methodology for examining the supplier disaster risk profiles for these participants. Findings – The results of this study show that Bayesian networks can be effectively used to assist managers in making decisions regarding current and prospective suppliers vis-à-vis their potential revenue impact as illustrated through their corresponding disaster risk profiles. Research limitations/implications – A limitation to the use of Bayesian networks for modeling disaster risk profiles is the proper identification of risk events and risk categories that can impact a supply chain. Practical implications – The methodology used in this study can be adopted by managers to assist them in making decisions regarding current or prospective suppliers vis-à-vis their corresponding disaster risk profiles. Originality/value – As part of a comprehensive supplier risk management program, organizations along with their suppliers can develop specific strategies and tactics to minimize the effects of supply chain disaster risk events.

The cost-effectiveness of introducing manual vacuum aspiration compared with dilatation and curettage for incomplete first-trimester miscarriages at a tertiary hospital in Manzini, Swaziland

Background. Despite proven efficacy of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) for incomplete miscarriages its use is low in Swaziland, including Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital, Manzini. Uncertainty about the cost implications of introducing MVA to replace dilatation and curettage (D&C) is probably the major obstacle to change. Aim. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of introducing MVA as an evacuation method for first-trimester incomplete miscarriages, as well as assess the implications of the introduction of MVA for the entire post-miscarriage care budget at RFM Hospital. Methods. The methods comprised cost-effectiveness and budget-impact analyses from a healthcare perspective based on a theoretical cohort. Clinical outcomes data for procedures were obtained from the relevant literature. Costs were collated from prospective suppliers and then compared for the two treatment modalities. Future numbers of annual evacuations were extrapolated from previous annual figures. First-trimester miscarriages were in turn extrapolated from proportions found in previous studies. Total budgets were calculated under the current scenario, as well as if MVA was introduced. Results. With initial capital costs of ZAR11 093.00, introduction of MVA for first-trimester incomplete abortions would cut post-miscarriage care costs by 34.7%. MVA would cost ZAR819.86 per procedure, while D&C costs ZAR1 255.40 per procedure. An estimated 26 MVA procedures done instead of D&Cs would compensate for the initial capital investment. Introduction of MVA into the post-miscarriage care programme would save the hospital about ZAR516 115.30 annually, with clinical outcomes at least similar to D&C. Conclusions. MVA should be considered as the first option in first-trimester post-miscarriage care.