Supplier Selection during the COVID-19 Pandemic Situation by Applying Fuzzy TOPSIS: A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic situation, many factories, companies, and organizations faced difficulties supplying raw materials. Multi-criteria decision-making techniques (MCDM) could be a proper solution that helps managers to make an appropriate and fast decision in supplier selection in such unusual situation. The goal of my research is not only to employ the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) in a fuzzy environment but also to use a new criterion, namely “number of employees”, for evaluating suppliers during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Applying fuzzy logic during unstable conditions helps decision makers to make a logical and more precise decision. In this study, five criteria, that is, quality, delivery, price, number of employees, and lead time, are considered to compare and select an appropriate supplier. The results show that “number of employees” is an essential criterion in supplier selection during abnormal conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic situation.