An integrated multi-criteria decision-making framework for sustainable supplier selection under picture fuzzy environment

Sustainable supplier selection (SSS) is an important part of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). In this paper, an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework, based on the picture fuzzy exponential entropy, and the VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method, is proposed to manage SSS problems. Firstly, the evaluation criteria of SSS, including economic, environmental and social, is established. This can be evaluated in the form of the actual data or linguistic terms provided by suppliers and experts respectively in an actual decision-making process. Then, according to the translated scales, all the evaluation information can be converted into picture fuzzy numbers (PFNs). Secondly, the picture fuzzy exponential entropy is defined. Moreover, based on the entropy’s minimization principle, the defined picture fuzzy exponential entropy is used to determine the weight of the SSS’s criteria. Thirdly, the extended VIKOR method, which combines the grey correlation coefficient, is utilized to select a suitable supplier. This method avoids the shortcomings of the traditional VIKOR method in data mining and solves the conflict between SSS criteria. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed integrated decision framework are verified by an experiment, as well as a sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis. First published online 28 February 202

A hybrid goal programming and dynamic data envelopment analysis framework for sustainable supplier evaluation

The evaluation of sustainable suppliers is one of the most complex tasks in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Classical data envelopment analysis (DEA) and dynamic DEA (DDEA) models are heavily dependent on historical data and do not forecast future efficiencies of decision-making units (DMUs). The primary objective of this paper is to present a new predictive paradigm for ranking sustainable suppliers in SSCM. The proposed model combines goal programming and DDEA in an integrated and seamless paradigm to determine the future efficiencies of DMUs (suppliers). It also shifts the decision maker’s role from monitoring the past to planning the future. A case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and exhibit the efficacy of the procedures and algorithms

Budget allocation for optimal performance of a university through adjusted-program-budget marginal-analysis

A strategic plan designed by universities globally, as well as in Malaysia, is used asa key indicator of progress using key performance indicators (KPIs) in assessing and equipping the universities with challenges of the educational needs in this millennium. Unfortunately, some universities set up their specific strategies to achieve their KPIs without much consideration to the limited available resources. Particularly, less attention is given to the cost and marginal cost of achieving the KPIs. This research therefore proposes the implementation of adjusted-program-budgeting-marginal-analysis (adjusted-PBMA), an approach used to accommodate both financial and quality output with transparency to allocate the available budget on KPIs, through minor-adjustments on the existing PBMA. Firstly, the similarities between the steps under PBMA and the steps involved in constructing the strategic plan for a university were identified. Next, adjustments were made by suggesting the application of marginal cost and cost consequence analysis to replace the existing qualitative approach in prioritizing the strategies, and the application of integer programming models (IP-Models) for the budget allocation process. The outcome was the new proposed adjusted-PBMA. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed adjusted-PBMA, a case study on Universiti Utara Malaysia for its student development agenda to achieve a six-star SETARA rating was conducted. Six possible IP-Model were developed. The optimal results were obtained, discussed, and compared. This adjusted-PBMA is useful and suitable for other organisations with KPI-oriented programs having limited budget allocation