Applications of MCDM approach (ANP-TOPSIS) to evaluate supply chain solutions in the context of COVID-19

Heliyon. 2022 Mar 9;8(3):e09062. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09062. eCollection 2022 Mar.

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted various aspects of life and business. The economic panic and effects caused by the pandemic have led to disruptions in most supply chains (SCs) worldwide. Our research aims to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on SCs and enable organisations to prioritise solutions based on their relative importance. The research consists of two main phases. Phase I analyses the impact of the pandemic on SCs in terms of challenges, concerns, steps, and solutions with the goal of SC resilience. The second phase proposes a merged Analytic Network Process-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution framework (ANP-TOPSIS) to prioritise the solutions that considers the complicated interrelationships between the factors involved in decision-making. The proposed model increases the efficiency of the decision-making process and helps decision makers effectively select solutions based on their importance and impact on business. The results indicate that SCs should continuously utilise technology to withstand future competition and crises.

Keywords: ANP-TOPSIS; COVID-19 pandemic; MCDM; MENA; SC solutions; Supply chain.