A Network-TOPSIS Based Fuzzy Decision Support System for Supplier Selection in Risky Supply Chain

Supplier selection is a multi-criteria decision making problem involving several conflicting criteria on which decision maker's knowledge is not precise. A systematic methodology is proposed by integrating fuzzy extent analysis, fuzzy cognitive map and fuzzy decision map forming a fuzzy decision network with fuzzy-TOPSIS to select appropriate supplier providing flexibility to decision makers. Here linguistic values in triangular fuzzy numbers are preferred to represent relative importance among inter-dependence criteria in preference matrix for local weight as well as steady-state matrix for inner-dependence criteria in fuzzy cognitive map stage. The proposed method makes use of fuzzy decision map for global weights of criteria and fuzzy TOPSIS for assessing the alternatives based on global weight. The steps of the method are described first and a numerical example for supplier selection in textile supply chain is given to illustrate the proposed method.