An innovative framework for performance analysis of members of supply chains

Abstract

Purpose – An appropriate system for analysing performance of supply chains is an important requirement for the effective utilization of the supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model for the task of analysing the performance of members of supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – A thorough literature review of the methodologies proposed earlier by various authors has been made. In this paper a multi criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework comprising of two MCDM approaches is proposed for analysing performance of supply chain members. Findings – Performance analysis of members of supply chain and the process of decision making based on the outcome of the analysis is a MCDM process. Since human judgements are often vague, the application of fuzzy concepts is appropriate for analysing the performance of supply chains. The framework proposed in this paper was validated in a company manufacturing textiles. Research limitations/implications – The methodologies proposed are of great use for large- and medium-sized enterprises. However, small organizations may not be able to allot enough resources to implement the methodologies proposed. Practical implications – The framework developed can be applied for undertaking a comparative analysis of performance of members of supply chains. It can also be applied for the process of incorporation of new members into the supply chain. Originality/value – Very few methods are available for analysing the performance of supply chains and the subject remains an under researched one. The major contribution of this paper is that it proposes a new framework.