Evaluation of supplier selection in the defense industry using q-rung orthopair fuzzy set based EDAS approach

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the selection criteria of supplier companies operating in the defense industry using fuzzy based decision-making models. In the study, supplier selection criteria were constructed through a detailed analysis of numerous studies conducted between 1966 and 2019. Delphi method and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) are used in the analysis. In the implementation phase, four different companies were determined, then evaluations of experts who with worked with these companies at various times were collected. The q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Set (q-ROFS) based EDAS (Evaluation Based On Distance From Avarage Solution) method is applied in the evaluation stage. The sensitivity analysis is performed among other tests. Results show that, Performance Criteria is the only main criteria and Product Performance, Quality, Price, Sustainability and Operational Controls criteria are the sub-criteria that have significant effects on decision-making. In addition, it has been observed that these criteria affect the logistics performance of the companies. They are also the criteria that experts pay the most attention in purchases to be made. The analysis of past purchases with companies operating in the defense industry, shows that logistics performances of the companies have a positive effect on the customer satisfaction. In this regard, the supplier selection is a highly important issue. The study offers a novel method in determining the supplier selection in the defence industry that can be extended to many other industries. In this way, it opens new research directions in the literature.

Automated summary

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the selection criteria of supplier companies in the defense industry using fuzzy based decision-making models. Through a detailed analysis of studies conducted between 1966 and 2019, supplier selection criteria were established. The Delphi method and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were utilized in the analysis. The study presents a novel method for supplier selection in the defense industry that can be applied to other industries as well, opening up new avenues for research in the field.