Ranking the Enablers of Supply Chain Digitization in Pakistan using a Novel Triangular Fuzzy Best Worst Method: A Case Study of Fertilizer Industry

Abstract

Crisp values of criteria may not be sufficient to accurately depict real-world multi-criteria decision-making problems, given the ambiguity typically present in decision data because of incomplete information and the ambiguity resulting from the decision-makers qualitative opinion. The best-worst method, the most recent multi criteria decision making technique technique, was expanded to the fuzzy environment in this work, using generalized triangular fuzzy numbers and the weights of criteria and alternatives with regard to various criteria were then calculated in a fuzzy environment using the graded mean integration representation approach. Three cases were studied to demonstrate the viability and efficacy of the suggested fuzzy best worst method. The results show that the proposed fuzzy best worst method can not only obtain reasonable preference ranking for alternatives but also has higher comparison consistency than the best worst method and a higher distinguishing power than normalized triangular fuzzy best worst method. Additionally, a list of important digitization enablers that can enhance supply chain management is identified and prioritized in this study. Companies have been compelled to go beyond the traditional decision-making process, which is based on intuition and prior experience, due to the intense market rivalry. The primary IT and digitization enablers helpful for enhancing supply chain performance have been evaluated, ranked, and prioritized using the Best Worst Method functioning in the fuzzy domain. The same is carried out using best worst method and normalized triangular fuzzy best worst method, and the results are compared in terms of rankings and weights. There are a total of 26 essential enablers, and they have all been rated. The results showed that the top three digitalization and IT enablers on which enterprises should concentrate heavily to enhance their supply chain performance are "transparency and visibility," "effective management of technologies," and "automation via smart contracts." The results of this study will assist firms in concentrating on digitalization technologies to enhance the performance of their supply chain and provides a multi criteria decision making tool to rank different criteria and sub-criteri