An alternative fuzzy evaluation framework for supplier selection

Abstract

Organisations need for an effective supplier selection system towards attaining the competition advantages in the market. In this paper, we propose an alternative supplier selection framework integrated by fuzzy c-means, belief-based quality function deployment, fuzzy weighted average, and a proposed fuzzy decision measure. This framework consists of three phases. In the first phase, we present the potential assessments for a supplier selection and their uncertainty descriptions. We divide supplier assessments into two parts: 1) expert assessments using combined belief-based quality function deployment and fuzzy weighted average; 2) system assessments comprised of a multi input-single output system. In the second phase, we analyse uncertainties of both expert and current systems using the well-known fuzzy c-means. In the third phase, we propose a fuzzy decision measure to complete the supplier selection procedure with finding the most appropriate supplier. We apply this framework to supplier selection process of a Turkish Machinery Corporation.