Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process for evaluating and selecting a vendor in a supply chain model

The paper proposes a structured model for evaluating vendor selection using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP. The model is developed using evidence from an empirical study. The paper aims to demonstrate how the model can help in solving such decisions in practice. A usability evaluation of the AHP-based model with three vendors is discussed. It also examines the structure of the decision hierarchy, whether it can represent vendor selection decisions in reality and whether it covers all key factors affecting vendor selection choices. The effectiveness of the AHP model is illustrated using a company in the southern part of India and the results validated using fuzzy AHP.