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A SCOR-Based Model to Evaluate LARG Supply Chain Performance Using a

Hybrid MADM Method
Article in IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management · March 2020

DOI: 10.1109/TEM.2020.2974030
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IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT 1
1 A SCOR-Based Model to Evaluate LARG Supply

2 Chain Performance Using a Hybrid MADM Method
Q1
3 Mehdi Divsalar , Marzieh Ahmadi, and Yaser Nemati
4 Abstract—To reinforce competitiveness, companies must focus given SC must pay special attention to competitive priorities 44
5 on competitive priorities including cost, quality, delivery, and flex- [3], [4], which include cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility 45
6 ibility. The competitiveness also depends on the adherence to en- [5]–[7]. Adopting lean practices can lead to cost reduction 46
7 vironmental requirements and the ability of companies to survive
8 unforeseen disruptions. Lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) and quality improvement [8]–[10]. Also, agile practices are 47
of
9 paradigm is a hybrid supply chain paradigm, which can enhance suitable for delivery and flexibility improvement [6], [11], [12]. 48
10 competitiveness in today’s complex markets. In this article, we pro- The competitiveness of companies depends not only on the 49
11 pose a new conceptual decision-making model to evaluate LARG abovementioned competitive priorities, but also on the ability of 50
12 supply chain performance in medical equipment companies. In companies to survive unforeseen disruptions. In this regard, the 51
13 this regard, supply chain operations reference model attributes
14 were utilized as performance evaluation criteria. Furthermore, adoption of resilient practices can lead to deal with unexpected 52
15 the appropriate practices of LARG supply chain are selected disturbances [13], [14]. In addition, environmental requirements 53
16 through fuzzy Delphi method. Also, an extension of decision making have been considered to be competitive priorities that can be 54
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trial and evaluation laboratory-based analytic network process
method is proposed to uncover network relationships and obtain
the weights for dimensions and elements. According to the results,
the agile paradigm, responsiveness, and quick introduction of new
products are determined as the most prioritized elements in their
corresponding dimensions, which emphasize the importance of the
ro
customer satisfaction. Finally, the extended hesitant fuzzy linguistic
VIKOR (Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje)
is applied to rank LARG performance of Iranian needles and
fulfilled using green practices [8], [15]. Hence, SC competition
is facilitated by implementing lean, agile, resilient, and green
(LARG) practices. LARG SC, as a new hybrid SC paradigm,
can be used to increase competitiveness in today’s competitive
and complex markets [16]. There are similarities and differences
among LARG paradigms; however, none of them should be con-
sidered separately [17]. Tradeoffs between these four paradigms
can increase the competitiveness and improve the performance
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26 syringes companies via qualitative group decision-making process.
27 The results of this study are conformed to conventional selection of a given SC [13], [18]. Performance assessment is essential 63
28 results of needles and syringes suppliers conducted by Iran’s Min- to development of an efficient and effective SC. To improve 64
29 istry of Health. the competitiveness of companies in this era of globalization, 65
30 Index Terms—Extended hesitant fuzzy linguistic (EHFL)- it is critical to select proper performance metrics [19], [20]. 66
31 Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje Estampe et al. analyzed various SC evaluation models based on 67
32 (VIKOR), group decision making, interval-valued hesitant fuzzy SC maturity level and classified these models into two groups: 1) 68
33 DANP (IVHF-DANP), lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) models that consider companies separately and focus on internal 69
34 supply chain (SC), needle and syringe, supply chain operations
35 reference (SCOR) model. performance evaluations and 2) models that consider SC as an 70
integrated network spanning from suppliers to customers [21]. 71
One of the most important of these models is the SC operations 72
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36 I. INTRODUCTION reference (SCOR) model. According to Estampe et al., the matu- 73
ODAY’S business environment is changing and becoming rity categorization presented in the SCOR model pertains to the 74
37
38
39
T increasingly complex and dynamic. Firms can no longer
survive as solitary and autonomous entities in competition with
capability of a company in managing the full scope of a SC [21].
Injection is one of the most commonly performed medical
75
76
40 each other. Instead, competition occurs between different supply procedures in hospitals and health centers. Needles and syringes 77
41 chains (SCs). Indeed, we are on the verge of entering the impor- are among the most widely used medical devices in the health- 78
42 tant era of SC competition [1], [2]. To remain competitive and care industry [22]. Studies show that per capita consumption of 79
43 to reinforce competitive advantages, companies belonging to a injectable drugs in Iran is approximately 11.4%, which is almost 80
four times higher than the global average [23]. Approximately 81
Manuscript received April 18, 2019; revised October 6, 2019; accepted

600 million syringes are consumed annually in Iran [24], which 82
Q2 February 3, 2020. Review of this manuscript was arranged by Department underlines the importance of needle and syringe industry. In the 83
Editor E. Kongar. (Corresponding author: Mehdi Divsalar.) healthcare industry, high-quality needles and syringes should 84
Q3
The authors are with the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Science,
Department of Industrial Management, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar
be available on time and at reasonable cost. However, there is 85
57416-13534, Iran (e-mail: mehdi.divsalar@gmail.com; marziye.ahmadii@ only one company that produces needles in Iran, which poses a 86
gmail.com; yaser.nemati@ut.ac.ir). major supply risk. Iran also faces exchange rate volatility [25], 87
Color versions of one or more of the figures in this article are available online
at http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.
which can affect exports, employment growth, trade and invest- 88
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/TEM.2020.2974030 ment [26]. Additionally, used needles and syringes as medical 89
0018-9391 © 2020 IEEE. Personal use is permitted, but republication/redistribution requires IEEE permission.
See https://www.ieee.org/publications/rights/index.html for more information.
2 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
90 waste are dangerous and have a significant environmental high, weak, strong, very good, and excellent [39]. The major 146
91 impact. To effectively compete, manufacturers of needles and shortcoming of this approach is that the experts are limited 147
92 syringes should pay attention to the following four aspects: to provide a single linguistic term as an expression of their 148
93 1) cost reduction and quality improvement; judgment which may not accurately reflect their knowledge 149
94 2) timely and flexible delivery; [40]. To overcome such limitation, the concept of hesitant fuzzy 150
95 3) effective response to market disturbances; linguistic term set (HFLTS) is introduced by Rodrıguez et al. It 151
96 4) environmental requirements and reducing ecological allows the experts to use several consecutive linguistic terms for 152
97 damage. providing their evaluation [40]. In spite of its ability to model 153
98 These four aspects are equivalent to the LARG SC strategy. hesitation in qualitative contexts, the HFLTS is not always a 154
99 According to research literature, SC performance evaluation has capable tool to solve group decision-making problems [26]. 155
100 an important role in improving competitiveness of SC [27]. In As a result, Wang introduced the concept of extended hesitant 156
101 this article, we are looking to evaluate the LARG SC perfor- fuzzy linguistic term sets (EHFLTSs) [41]. An EHFLTS is a 157
of
102 mance of needles and syringes companies to cover all aspects (not necessarily consecutive) subset of a given linguistic term 158
103 of SC competitiveness. set and consequently has more flexibility in addressing group 159
104 SC performance evaluation can be considered as a decision- decision-making problems under uncertainties [42]. 160
105 making problem [20]. In order to solve this kind of problems, The study implemented a threefold methodology to evaluate 161
106 multicriteria decision making (MCDM) methods are useful SC performance. First of all, a complete set of LARG SC 162
107 tools. MCDM methods are utilized to handle problems charac- practices are gathered by extensive literature review and then 163
108 terized by several noncommensurable and conflicting criteria. In the most suitable practices are selected with a survey of experts. 164
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such problems, there is usually no solution to satisfy all criteria
simultaneously [28]–[30]. MCDM problems can be categorized
in two major groups: multiobjective decision making (MODM)
and multiattribute decision making (MADM). The former refers
to problems with continuous decision variables and infinite
number of alternatives, while the latter deals with problems
containing discrete decision variables and finite number of
alternatives [31]. Solving decision-making problems through
Considering the field of research and work experience of the
experts, all of them have a background in screening of the
LARG SC practices. This leads to a low degree of uncertainty
and complexity in selecting suitable practices. Thus, the fuzzy
Delphi method is used to identify the most suitable practices
of the LARG SC. After that, the cause and effect relation-
ships among different components (dimensions and elements)
of the conceptual model are analyzed and the importance degree
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117 MADM requires decision information which consists of weight of each component is calculated. In most cases, the compo- 173
118 vector and decision matrix. The information is aggregated using nents are dependent and there is a level of mutual relationship 174
119 different approaches in order to rank the alternatives and deter- among them, sometimes with dependence and feedback effects. 175
120 mine the most satisfactory one [32]. In this regard, we want to There are some MADM methods to analyze nonlinear and 176
121 evaluate the performance of limited number of alternatives based network structure such as analytic network process (ANP) and 177
122 on discrete information. Thus, this problem can be viewed as an decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATAL) 178
123 MADM problem. More details will be explained in the next method synthesized with ANP (called DEMATEL-based ANP, 179
124 paragraphs. On the other hand, this research focuses on a real or DANP). In the ANP method, based on its normalization 180
125 case study most of which take place in a complex, uncertain, process, the dimensions have the same weight and, as a result, the 181
126 and ambiguous environment [33]. In such situations, the experts same degree of importance, while different dimensions do not 182
cannot express their opinions by crisp values. To deal with such necessarily have the same influential importance in real-world
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127 183
128 issue, the concept of fuzzy set and its extensions can be suitable problems [43]. To overcome such drawback of ANP method 184
129 tools [34]. Among different extensions of fuzzy sets, hesitant and to relax the assumption of equal weight of dimensions, 185
130 fuzzy set (HFS) is an appropriate tool to manage situations in DANP technique is developed by combining DEMATEL tech- 186
131 which experts have hesitation among several possible values nique with ANP. The DEMATEL technique is used to recognize 187
132 [35]. In this extension, the membership degree of an element is causal relationships and build influential network relations map 188
133 defined as a set of possible values. This situation is common in (INRM), and the ANP is used to adjust the influential weights. 189
134 group decision-making problems [36]. However, in many real As another advantage, the DANP method can decrease the 190
135 group decision-making problems, the experts cannot express number of pairwise comparison matrices and leads to reduced 191
136 their judgments with crisp values due to the complexity and calculation [44]. Due to the uncertainty of pairwise comparisons, 192
137 uncertainty of socio-economic environments. To cope with such a new extension of DANP technique namely the interval-valued 193
138 case, Chen et al. introduced the concept of interval-valued hesitant fuzzy DANP (IVHF-DANP) method is developed and 194
139 hesitant fuzzy set (IVHFS) in which the membership degrees utilized to analyze the dimensions and elements and find the 195
140 of an element to a given set are designated by several pos- influential weights of them. Finally, the case companies are 196
141 sible interval values [37]. These mentioned fuzzy extensions evaluated in terms of LARG SC performance as a qualitative 197
142 are suitable for problems with quantitative criteria, while many decision-making problem. Also in group decision-making pro- 198
143 MADM problems have qualitative nature [38]. In 1975, Zadeh cesses, EHFLTS is a new and effective tool to elicitate the 199
144 introduced the fuzzy linguistic approach in which the experts hesitant qualitative information [41]. As we know, different 200
145 express their opinions in terms of linguistic terms, such as low, MADM techniques, such as TOPSOIS and Vlsekriterijumska 201
DIVSALAR et al.: SCOR-BASED MODEL TO EVALUATE LARG SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE USING A HYBRID MADM METHOD 3
202 Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), can be applied model is explained; in Section IV, a hybrid MADM method for 258
203 to rank alternatives [45]. The VIKOR method ranks the alter- solution methodology is presented; in Section V, an empirical 259
204 natives based on their distance from the ideal solution. The case is presented that demonstrates how the proposed hybrid 260
205 TOPSIS method introduces the ranking index including the MADM model is calculated; in Section VI, detailed discus- 261
Q4 206 distances from the positive ideal solution (PIS) from the negative sions with managerial implications are provided; and finally 262
207 ideal solution (NIS) [46]. Despite its simplicity, the ranking Section VII concludes this article. 263
208 index of TOPSIS is irrespective of the weights of separations
209 of an alternative from the PIS and the NIS. In other words, II. LITERATURE REVIEW 264
210 the relative importance of the two separations remains an open
This section provides a theoretical background of LARG 265
211 question. This drawback will certainly limit the applicability
SCM and presents a brief introduction to the SCOR model. 266
212 of TOPSIS. Also, being as close as possible to the ideal is
213 consistent with the logic of human choice. But, being away from
A. LARG Supply Chain 267
of
214 an anti-ideal point is not a permanent concern. It indicates that
215 the highest ranked alternative by TOPSIS is the best in terms Carvalho and Cruz-Machado introduced LARG SC manage- 268 Q5
216 of the ranking index, which does not mean that it is always ment as a hybrid paradigm integrating LARG paradigms [49]. 269
217 the closest to the ideal solution [47]. In addition to ranking, The integration of these paradigms into the same SC has great 270
218 the VIKOR method proposes a compromise solution with an importance from a strategic standpoint [16]. The LARG SC 271
219 advantage rate. According to the above discussion, the VIKOR addresses all four paradigms simultaneously. The lean paradigm 272
220 method can provide more reliable solutions than TOPSIS. In focuses on cost reduction via continuing elimination of waste 273
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VIKOR (EHFL-VIKOR) approach as a group decision-making
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this regard, we employ the extended hesitant fuzzy linguistic
technique to better evaluate the alternatives. Finally, we try

to validate the obtained results as explained below. National
Medical Device Directorate is one of the subsidiary offices of
the Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education. It is respon-
sible for monitoring and evaluating the authenticity, quality, and
safety of medical equipment in the field of production, import,
or nonvalue added activities throughout the chain [50]. The
agile paradigm cooperates with customers and markets to better
understand customer requirements and is adaptable to future
changes [49]. The resilient paradigm focuses on the ability of
the SC in returning to its initiated state or to a new and more
desirable state after enduring a disruption [50]. Finally, the green
paradigm considers sustainable development and diminution of
ecological damages from industrial activity [51]. As discussed
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229 export, distribution, supply, and after-sales services. One of the in the previous section, adopting LARG strategies can lead to 282
230 main tasks of this agency is to evaluate the performance of cover a broad range of competitive priorities including classical 283
231 domestic medical device suppliers annually [48]. In this regard, and modern priorities. It is a surefire way of strengthening 284
232 we will compare the result of the proposed method with those competitive ability in today’s complex and volatile markets [16]. 285
233 of the needles and syringes manufacturers evaluated by the Carvalho et al. characterized LARG SCs in the context of pur- 286
234 mentioned agency. pose, manufacturing focus, alliance type, organizational struc- 287
235 The main contributions of this article are summarized as ture, supplier involvement, inventory strategy, lead time, and 288
236 follows. product design [52]. Esmaeel et al. investigated the Moderating 289
237 1) We apply the SCOR model attributes as criteria dimension Role of Advance Manufacturing Technology (AMT) on the 290
238 to cover all aspects of the LARG SC performance. Relationship between LARG-Supply Chain and Supply Chain 291
2) We propose the IVHF-DANP method as a novel MADM Performance. The authors determined a number of hypotheses
IEE
239 292
240 technique. We employ this method to identify structural and displayed the role of AMT as a mediating variable between 293
241 relationships and to obtain the influential weights of the LARG-SC and SC performance. The independent variables 294
242 dimensions and elements in the presence of complexity include LARG SCs and dependent variable SC performance. 295
243 and uncertainty. This study explains the relationship between LARG-SC and 296
244 3) We utilize the EHFL-VIKOR as a group decision-making SC performance. Also, this research explains that an advanced 297
245 approach to rank the alternatives. manufacturing technology has a significant effect on the relation- 298
246 4) In order to verify the proposed model and applied methods, ship between LARG-SC, and SC performance [53]. Azevedo 299
247 we provide computational analysis using healthcare case et al. suggested a LARG index as a benchmarking tool to 300
248 study and compare research findings with the result of assess the leanness, agility, resilience, and the greenness of 301
249 needles and syringes suppliers’ selection of Iran’s Ministry the automotive companies and corresponding SC. A case study 302
250 of Health and Medical Education. approach related to the automotive SC is chosen to illustrate 303
251 Most of the research works in the field of LARG SC have been the LARG index application. The obtained results approved the 304
252 conducted in European automotive companies. Though, this applicability of LARG index in a real-world SC. The application 305
253 research is the first one which evaluates LARG SC performance of the suggested index to an automotive SC leads to identify 306
254 in the field of needles and syringes. In addition, it is also the first the better and worst performer company in each paradigm, the 307
255 LARG SC study in Iran. The rest of this article is organized as LARG practices with higher levels of application among the 308
256 follows: in Section II, a literature review of LARG paradigms companies, the LARG index for each company and also for 309
257 and the SCOR model is presented; in Section III, the proposed the corresponding SC [54]. Azfar et al. presented a new LARG 310
311 framework to perform tradeoffs between the four paradigms; concept can help improve SCs efficiency and effectiveness [70]. 367
312 focusing primarily on the critical success factors including re- Thus, the tradeoff between the LARG paradigms is one of the 368
313 duction in transportation distances and lead time. The authors most significant factors of the LARG SC. To better address this 369
314 validated their proposed framework with the help of results concept, a sequence of competitive priorities was proposed [49], 370
315 obtained from China Pakistan Economic Corridor case study [71]. According to Díaz-Garrido et al., competitive priorities in 371
316 using scenario planning technique [55]. Rachid et al. adopted operations refer to manufacturing objectives. Hence, the impor- 372
317 a risk management approach (RMA) to introduce, identify, tance of the objectives can be determined based on the sequence 373
318 assess, and prioritize risk in LARG practices. The proposed of competitive priorities [15]. In this research, competitive pri- 374
319 approach is an adaptation of the RMA in a context of great orities are defined by the attributes of the SCOR model. 375
320 importance for companies mixing the four performance concepts
321 applied in logistics, i.e., Lean, Green, Agility, and Resilience.
322 The proposed RMA aims basically to evaluate the ability of a B. SCOR Model 376
of
323 SC, guided by “Lean, Green and Achievement” performance SCOR is a broadly applied model for evaluating SC per- 377
324 goals, to face “agility and resilience risk” factors. To proof its formance. As an overview study, Estampe et al. appraised 378
325 relevance, a logistics academic case study based on simulation different evaluation models emphasizing their special charac- 379
326 is utilized to demonstrate all its stages. It shows particularly how teristics rather than giving a unique model for organizations 380
327 to build the “LARG risk map” which is the main output of this [21]. According to their findings, the SCOR model considers 381
328 approach [56]. a SC to be an integrated network spanning from suppliers to 382
329 According to previous studies, there are some similarities and customers [21]. The maturity categorization of the SCOR model 383
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336
337
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differences among LARG paradigms. Similarities between lean
and agile SC paradigms have been highly studied previously
[11], [57]–[59]. Carvalho et al. concluded that the purpose of
the agile and resilient SC paradigms is to improve SC perfor-
mance and competitiveness via improved product quality, time
to market, and customer service [60]. Azevedo et al. investigated
the simultaneous use of green and resilient paradigms to increase
the SC sustainability and competitiveness [61]. In addition, some
pertains to the ability of a company to manage the full range
of a SC. The authors also defined eight crucial criteria and
20 subcriteria to compare different evaluation models. Their
results show that SCOR model, covering 16 subcriteria, is the
most comprehensive performance assessment model. It also
incorporates wide range of performance aspects including fi-
nancial, organizational, and societal aspects. The SCOR model,
developed by the Supply Chain Council, is a diagnostic tool
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338 studies confirmed that synergies exist between the lean and green for SC management [72]. This model is a reference model 392
339 paradigms [62]–[66]. Differences between these paradigms have that provides standardized terminology and processes for SC 393
340 been also described in some studies. For example, the use of just analysis and configuration [73]. The SCOR model version 11 394
341 in time employment as a lean practice to deliver small lot sizes (SCOR 11) is used throughout this article, which is the third 395
342 can lead to increases in transportation, which is at odds with revision since the model’s introduction in 1996. 396
343 the green paradigm [49]. Also, in today’s business environment, Also, this model consists of four major sections: processes, 397
344 SCs cover long distances, which leads to more consumption of practices, people, and performance. The process pillar consists 398
345 fossil-fuels and higher carbon dioxide emission levels. Inventory of three hierarchical process levels. The top level includes 399
346 reduction in the lean SC can lead to emission reductions, but six different processes types: plan, source, make, deliver, 400
347 this would require frequent replenishment of inventory which return, and enable [74]. The second level of SCOR contains 401
can increase the emissions. Thus, as distance increases, lean process categories such as “make-to-stock,” “make-to-order,”
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348 402
349 and green paradigms may be in conflict [49], [67]. As another “engineer-to order,” or “production execution.” These can be 403
350 example, inventory minimization promoted by the lean, agile, used for a company’s SC configuration. Also, the operation 404
351 and green paradigms increases the vulnerability of the SC to strategy of the SC is defined in this second level. The third SCOR 405
352 unexpected events. Thus, the resilient paradigm requests the level defines the configuration of individual process elements, 406
353 strategic inventory buffers [14]. including processes, inputs and outputs, process performance, 407
354 Based on above-mentioned examples, focusing on a certain practices, technology capabilities, and human skills. The 408
355 practice requires less attention to its contradictory practice. It practices section includes a set of practices companies have 409
356 expresses the tradeoff concept which is similar to the perfor- recognized for value creation. A practice is a unique way to 410
357 mance frontier concept [68]. A performance frontier represents configure a process or a set of processes. There are four types 411
358 the highest performance that can be obtained by a production of SCOR practices given as follows. 412
359 unit given a set of operating choices [69]. Performance frontier 1) Emerging practice: a process that involves new tech- 413
360 cannot optimize all performance objectives such as cost, quality, nology, knowledge, or new approaches to organizing 414
361 speed, delivery, and flexibility [68]. Similarly, the trade-/off processes. 415
362 concept indicates that a company cannot simultaneously pro- 2) Best practices: up-to-date practices that produce consis- 416
363 vide superior cost, quality, flexibility, and delivery performance tent and reliable results with SC performance. 417
364 [49], [69]. In other words, simultaneous implementation of 3) Standard practices: typical practices used throughout the 418
365 constituent paradigms of the LARG SC leads to tradeoffs among years by multiple businesses across different industries 419
366 LARG paradigms due to their similarities and differences. This that have produced consistent results. 420
TABLE I
DEFINITIONS OF SCOR ATTRIBUTES
of
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423
424
425
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act as roadblocks to SC performance.
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4) Declining practices: out-of-date practices that have been
used consistently but are now redundant or obsolete and
The people section of SCOR provides a standard to explain

skills needed to perform tasks and manage processes. Some
skills identified may be applicable outside the SC process do-
A detailed description of performance attributes and Level 1,
2, and 3 metrics are presented in SCOR model version 11.
Furthermore, the SCOR model proposes strategic environmental
metrics for SC environmental performance evaluation [77]. This
foundation is named as Green SCOR that includes these metrics:
carbon emissions, air pollutant emissions, liquid waste gener-
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457
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459
460
461
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427 main. Skills are described by a standard definition and associa- ated, solid waste generated, and recycled waste. As described 462
428 tion to other people aspects: Aptitudes, experiences, trainings above, the objective of this article is to develop a MADM 463
429 and competency level. Competency level is not included in model that can be used to evaluate LARG SC performance. The 464
430 the framework descriptions. SCOR recognizes five commonly performance evaluation criteria used in this study include five 465
431 accepted competency levels, described as follows. performance attributes (reliability, responsiveness, agility, SC 466
432 1) Novice: Untrained beginner, no experience, requires and cost, asset management) and Green SCOR. 467
433 follows detailed documentation.
434 2) Beginner: Performs the work, with limited situational
435 perception. III. PROPOSED MODEL 468
436 3) Competent: Understands the work and can determine pri- This section proposes a conceptual MADM model that can be 469
437 orities to reach goals. used to evaluate the performance of LARG SC in a hesitant fuzzy
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470
438 4) Proficient: Oversees all aspects of the work and can prior- environment. A SC is a network of connected and dependent 471
439 itize based on situational aspects. work centers that collaborate on the control, management, and 472
440 5) Expert: Intuitive understanding. Experts can apply expe- improvement of materials and information flow from suppliers 473
441 rience patterns to new situations. to final consumer [78]. In today’s competitive market, SCs are 474
442 The performance section of SCOR consists of two types complex networks with feedback and interdependent relation- 475
443 of elements: Performance attributes and Metrics. Performance ships between organizations [18]. 476
444 attributes includes reliability, responsiveness, agility, SC cost, To select the appropriate practices, a set of LARG practices 477
445 asset management as well as Green SCOR. Based on the SCOR were identified from the research literature. Then, the most 478
446 model ver.11, the definitions of the performance attributes are appropriate LARG practices for the needle and syringe SC were 479
447 presented in Table I. identified based on the opinions of experts. Also, the alternative 480
448 The performance attributes are classified into two groups: dimension includes Iranian selected needle and syringe compa- 481
449 customer-focused and internal-focused. The former includes nies. Thus, the proposed model is composed of five dimensions. 482
450 reliability, responsiveness, and agility and the latter consists of These dimensions and the relationships established between 483
451 cost and assets management [75]. The SCOR model describes them are shown in Fig. 1. 484
452 three levels of metrics that have a hierarchical structure. Level-1 The dimensions of the model are defined as follows. 485
453 metrics are strategic metrics to diagnose the overall health of the 1) Goal: The purpose of this model is to improve SC perfor- 486
454 SC. Level-2 metrics act as diagnostics for the level-1 metrics. mance. Thus, the goal dimension consists of one element: 487
455 Level-3 metrics serve as diagnostics for Level-2 metrics [76]. SC performance improvement. 488
represented by the following mathematical equation [37]: 525

Ã = x, h̃Ã (x) |x ∈ X (1)
where h̃Ã (x) is a set of several interval values in [0, 1] that 526
demonstrate the possible membership degrees of the element 527
x ∈ X to Ã. 528
For simplicity of notation, we refer to h̃Ã (x) as an interval- 529
valued hesitant fuzzy element (IVHFE), which can be expressed 530
as follows: 531

h̃Ã (x) = γ̃ γ̃ ∈ h̃Ã (x) (2)
of
Fig. 1. Proposed conceptual model.
where γ̃ = [γ̃ L , γ̃ U ] is an interval number. γ̃ L and γ̃ U are the 532
lower and upper bounds of γ̃, respectively. 533
The score function for IVHFEs is defined as follows. 534
Definition 2: The score function of an IVHFE is defined as 535
489 2) Criteria: The criteria dimension is used to assess SC
follows: 536
490 performance. As already explained, five performance at-
491 tributes of the SCOR model (reliability, responsiveness, 1 γ̃ L + γ̃ U
S(h̃) = (3)
492 agility, SC cost, and asset management) and Green SCOR lh̃ 2
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
comprise six elements of this dimension.
3) Paradigms: This dimension consists of four SCM
paradigms: LARG.
ro
4) Practices: This dimension includes a set of LARG prac-
tices that are based on the survey responses received from
experts and can be implemented by the entities in the SC.
5) Alternatives: The needle and syringe manufacturing com-
σ(h̃) =
1
U
lh̃
γ̃∈h̃
γ̃ − γ̃ ×
L
γ̃∈h̃
where lh̃ is the number of the interval values in h̃.

Definition 3: For an IVHFE h̃, the deviation degree σ(h̃) of
h̃ is defined as follows:

1
lh̃
γ∈h
2
(γ̃ − s(h̃)) . (4)
537
538
539
EP
500 panies constitute this dimension. In this article, the al-
501 ternatives are ranked based on LARG SC performance A higher score value implies a larger membership degree 540
502 evaluation. and therefore better IVHFE. A small deviation degree value 541
503 There are inner dependencies in the criteria, practices, and of all elements reflects how these elements agree with each 542
504 paradigms dimensions because the elements within each di- other; i.e., as the opinions of the DMs approach each other, 543
505 mension affect each other. Furthermore, there are mutual re- hesitancy degree and uncertainty is low and accuracy degree 544
506 lationships between criteria and paradigms and between criteria and consistency is high. A better IVHFE has a higher S(h̃) or 545
507 and practices. The criteria dimension has an influence on the a lower σ(h̃). Based on the above discussion, a new operator is 546
508 paradigms and practices dimensions and is influenced by them proposed that simultaneously considers the score value and the 547
509 simultaneously. deviation degree. 548

Definition 4: For an IVHFE with given S(h̃) and σ(h̃), the 549
IEE
interval-valued hesitant fuzzy coefficient of variation (IVHFCV) 550

510 IV. METHODS for an IVHFE of h̃ is defined as follows: 551
511 In this article, a three-staged solution methodology is em- s(h̃)

512 ployed for SC performance evaluation. In the first stage, the IVHFCV(h̃) = (5)
σ(h̃) + ε
513 fuzzy Delphi method is used for identifying the most suitable
514 practices of the LARG SC. In the second stage, the IVHF-DANP where ε is a small positive number. 552
515 method is utilized to analyze the dimensions and elements and

516 find the influential weights of them. Then, in the third stage, the B. EHFLT 553
517 EHFL-VIKOR method is used to rank the alternatives. Rodriguez et al. introduced a new decision making tool, 554
namely the HFLTS [79]. As HFSs are applied to handle hesi- 555
tation in quantitative information, hesitant fuzzy linguistic term 556
518 A. IVHFS
sets are utilized to deal with hesitancy in qualitative decision- 557
519 Chen et al. proposed the IVHFS [37]. As an extension of making problems [80]. 558
520 HFSs, IVHFSs permit the membership degree of an element to Definition 5: Let S = {s0 , s1 , . . . , sτ } be a linguistic term 559
521 have a possible interval within [0, 1]. set. An HFLTS HS can be expressed by several consecutive 560
522 Definition 1: Given a reference set X, an interval-valued HFS linguistic terms of S. 561
523 Ã on X is defined with respect to a function that returns a Contrary to the popularity of the HFLTSs in qualitative 562
524 subinterval of [0, 1] when applied to X. An IVHFS can be decision-making problem by a single decision maker, it is not 563
564 suitable for group decision-making problem solving [41]. As a Definition 10: For an EHFLTS H̃s with a given E(H̃s ) and 598
565 result, Wang defined the EHFLTSs as follows. DH(H̃s ), the coefficient of variation (CV) is defined as follows 599
566 Definition 6: [41] Let S be a linguistic term set. The EHFLTS [83]: 600
567 is determined by an ordered subset of linguistic terms of S. It is
μ̄
568 formulated by H̃s (x) = {si |si ∈ S}. CV(H̃s ) = . (13)
569 In computational processing of information, virtual linguistic DH(H̃s )
570 terms are applied to preserve the available information [82]. Ghadikolaei et al. proposed the following comparison method 601
571 Given a fixed set X, H̃s (x) can be shown as follows: [83]. 602
H̃s (x) = {x, hs (x) |x ∈ X } (6) Definition 11: Given two EHFLTSs H̃s1 and H̃s2 , then 603
If CV (H̃s1 ) CV (H̃s2 ), then H̃s1 is superior to H̃s2 604
572 where hs (x) is a set of p linguistic terms in virtual linguistic (H̃s1 H̃s2 ). 605
573 terms set S̄ If CV (H̃s1 ) = CV (H̃s2 ), then H̃s1 and H̃s2 represented the 606
same information (H̃s1 ∼
of
hs (x) = {sα1 , sα2 , . . . , sαp }. (7) = H̃s2 ). 607
Ghadikolaei et al. defined the Hamming distance measures of 608
574 hs (x), which is abridged as hs , contains the EHFLT. For sim- EHFLTs as follows. 609
575 plicity, the single linguistic term is considered as an EHFLT [26]. Definition 12: Let S = {st |t = −τ , . . . , −1, 0, 1, . . . , τ } be 610
576 Ghadikolaei et al. defined the comparison method of a linguistic term set, H̃s1 = {h11 12 1m
s , hs , . . . , hs } and H̃s =
2
611
21 22 2n
577 EHFLTSs based on the expected linguistic term and the degree {hs , hs , . . . , hs } be two EHFLTSs, where m n. The 612
578 of hesitancy of EHFLTSs [83]. These concepts are defined as Hamming distance measures between two EHFLTs are defined 613
579
580
581
582
583
follows.
Definition 7: Let
be a linguistic term set. For a given EHFLTS H̃s =
{h1s , h2s , . . . , hm
as follows:
E(H̃s ) =
m
1
⊕ i=1,..,m

1
#hi
(⊕sαi ∈his sαi )
ro
S = {st |t = −τ , . . . , −1, 0, 1, . . . , τ }
s }, the expected linguistic term is defined

(8)
as follows [83]:
C. IVHF-DANP
1 2
dhd (H̃s , H̃s ) =
m.L i=1
m L
1 αli − βli
2τ + 1
DANP technique is a combination of DEMATEL and ANP

l=1

. (14)
614
615
616
EP
584 where #hi is the number of linguistic terms sαi in his . techniques to solve the dependency and feedback problems in 617
585 For the convenience, the expected linguistic term is expressed real-world cases [84]. Saaty introduced ANP as an extended ver- 618
586 as follows: sion of AHP considering dependency and mutual effects among 619
dimensions [85]. In DANP method, DEMATEL is applied to 620
1 1 i
m
E(H̃s ) = sμ̄ , where μ̄ = μi and μi = α. obtain the cause–effect relationships and interactions among 621
m i=1 #hi i dimensions and elements. After that, ANP is used to calculate the 622
sαi ∈hs
influential weights among dimensions or elements [86]. In this 623
587 Definition 8: Let S = {st |t = −τ , . . . , −1, 0, 1, . . . , τ } section, the DANP method is extended to solve MADM problem 624
588 be a linguistic term set. For a given EHFLTS H̃s = with IVHF information. The steps of the proposed method are 625
589 {h1s , h2s , . . . , hm
s }, the average and standard deviation of described as follows. 626
590 the standard deviations are defined as follows [83]: Step 1: Build the direct-influence matrix based on the experts’ 627
IEE
1 opinion.
m 628
σ̄(H̃s ) = σ(his ) (9) In this step, the expert rates the direct effect of factor i on 629
m i=1
factor j to build the direct-influence matrix as follows: 630
⎡ 11 ⎤
1 m g̃ . . . g̃ 1j . . . g̃ 1n
σσ (H̃s ) = (σ(his ) − σ̄)2 (10) ⎢ ..
m i=1 .. .. ⎥
⎢ . . . ⎥
⎢ i1 ⎥
591 where ⎢
G̃ = ⎢ g̃ . . . g̃ ij
. . . g̃ in ⎥ (15)
⎥
1 ⎢ . .. .. ⎥
σ(his ) = (μi − αi )2 . (11) ⎣ . . . . ⎦
#hi sαi ∈his
g̃ n1 . . . g̃ nj . . . g̃ nn
592 In the above definition, σ(his ) represents the hesitancy degree
593 of each EHFLT. σ̄(H̃s ) and σσ (H̃s ) demonstrate the average where g̃ ij = (γ̃1ij , . . . , γ̃tij , . . . , γ̃sij ), γ̃tij = [γ̃tijL , γ̃tijR ] demon- 631
594 and standard deviation of σ(his ), respectively. strates the influence measure of criterion i on criterion j and s is 632
595 Definition 9: For an EHFLTS H̃s with a given σ̄(H̃s ) and the number of experts. The g̃ ij is an IVHFE between 0 and 1. 633
596 σσ (H̃s ), the degree of hesitancy (DH) is defined as follows [83]: 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 indicate no influence, low influence, 634
intermediate influence, high influence, very high influence, and 635
σ̄ σσ extreme influence, respectively.
DH(H̃s ) = + (12) 636
σσ + ε σ̄ + ε Step 2: Calculate the normalized initial direct-relation matrix 637
597 where ε is a sufficiently small positive number. and build the total-influence matrix 638
639 At first, we construct the direct-influence matrix using the To construct an unweighted supermatrix W the normalized 656
640 IVHFCV operator as follows: total influence matrix Z nor
C is calculated as follows: 657
⎡ ⎤
ϕ11 . . . ϕ1j . . . ϕ1n Z nor
C
⎢ .. .. .. ⎥
⎢ . . . ⎥ c11 c11 · D Dj Dn
⎢ ⎥ 1
· · c1m1 · · · cj1 · · · cjmj · · · cn1 · · · cnmn
Φ = ⎢ ϕi1 . . . ϕij . . . ϕin ⎥
⎢
⎥ (16) ⎡ nor11 ⎤
⎢ . . . ⎥ D1 ... ZC ···
nor
Z C 1j ··· Z nor
C
1n
⎣ .. .. ⎦
c1m1 ⎢ ⎥
..
⎢ .. .. .. ⎥
ϕn1 . . . ϕnj . . . ϕnn .. ⎢ . . . ⎥
⎢ ⎥
. ⎢ nori1 nor ⎥
⎢ Z nor in ⎥
ϕij = IVHFCV(g̃ ij ) (17) ci1 ⎢ Z C ··· Z C ij ··· C ⎥
⎢ ⎥
641 where Φ represented the direct-influence matrix by the IVHFCV = Di ... ⎢ ⎢
⎥.
⎥
⎢ ⎥
of
642 operator. Then, direct-influence matrix is normalized as follows: cimi ⎢ . .. .. ⎥
⎢ .. . . ⎥
.. ⎢ ⎥
Φ . ⎢ ⎥
H= (18) ⎢ ⎥
s cn1 ⎣ ⎦
nor
Dn ... Z nor nornn
n1
··· Z C nj ··· ZC
643 where s = max(max1≤i≤n nj=1 ϕij , max1≤j≤n ni=1 ϕij ). C
644 Next, the total-influence matrix is obtained as follows: cnmn

(23)
645
646
647
648
649
650
Z = H + H 2 + H 3 + · · · + H m = H(I − H)−1 .
Note that, there are two different total influence matrices

including Z C = [Z ij
by the dimensions.
Step 3: Analyze the results.
ij
c ]n×n by the criteria and Z D = [ζD ]m×m
In this step, the vectors as r and c, the sums of rows and

columns respectively, are calculated as follows:
ro (19)
C
To clarify the issue, the normalization process of submatrix
Znor
ZC
11
is illustrated as follows:
nor11
⎡ 11 11
⎢
⎢
⎢
⎢
⎢
ζC11 /ζ1 . . . ζC111j /ζ111 . . . ζC111m /ζ111
..
.
..
Cij
..
.
⎢ ζ 11 /ζ 11 . . . ζ 11 /ζ 11 . . . ζ 11 /ζ 11 ⎥
= ⎢ Ci1 i
..
i Cim1
1
..
.
..
i
⎤
⎥
⎥
⎥
⎥
⎥
⎥
658
659
EP
⎡ ⎤ ⎣ . . . ⎦
n ζC11m 1 /ζm11
1
. . . ζ 11
Cm1 j /ζ 11
m1 . . . ζ 11
Cm1 m1 /ζ 11
m1
r=⎣ ζij ⎦
1
(20) (24)
j=1
n×1
⎡ ⎤ where 660

n

m1
c=⎣ ζij ⎦ . (21) ζi11 = ζc11 , i = 1, 2, . . . , m1 . (25)
ij
j=1
n×1 j=1
651 When i = j, the (ri + ci ) illustrates the degree of importance The unweighted supermatrix W is the matrix transposed from 661
652 of the criterion i and (ri – ci ) shows the degree of causality of Z nor
C as follows: 662
IEE
653 the same criterion.

654 Step 4: Obtain the unweighted supermatrix. W = (Z nor
C )

655 Assume that the total influence matrix Z C is as follows: D1 Dj Dn

c11 c11 · · · c1m1 · · · ci1 · · · cimi · · · cn1 · · · cnmn
⎡ 11 ⎤
D1 Dj Dn W ··· W i1 ··· W n1
c11 c ···c
⎡ 11 111m1
··· cj1 ···cjmj ··· cn1 ···cnmn
⎤ D1 ... ⎢ ⎥
Zc ··· Z 1j ··· Z 1n ⎢ ⎥
D1 ... ⎢
c c
⎥
c1m1 ⎢ ⎥
⎢ ⎥ .. ⎢ .. .. .. ⎥
c1m1 ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ . . . ⎥
⎢ .. ⎥ . ⎢ ⎥
.. ⎢ .
.. ..
⎥ ⎢ ⎥
. ⎢ . . ⎥ cj1 ⎢ ⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ 1j ⎥
⎢ ⎥ = Di .. ⎢W ··· W ij ··· W nj ⎥
ci1
⎢ i1 ⎥ . ⎢ ⎥ .
⎢ Zc ⎥. ⎢ ⎥
Z C = Di ... ⎢ ··· Z ij ··· Z in ⎥ cjmi ⎢ ⎥
⎢
c c
⎥ ⎢ ⎥
cimi ⎢ ⎥
.. ⎢ . .. .. ⎥
⎢ ⎥ . ⎢ .. . . ⎥
.. ⎢ . ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎢ .. .. .. ⎥ cn1 ⎢ ⎥
.
⎢ . . ⎥ .. ⎣ ⎦
cn1 ⎢ ⎥ Dn
⎣ ⎦ . W 1n ··· W in
··· W nn
Dn .. cnmn
. Z n1
c ··· Z nj
c ··· Z nn
c
cnmn (26)
(22) Step 5: Build the weighted supermatrix. 663
664 Suppose that the total influence matrix Z D be as follows: attributes Cj (j = 1, 2, . . . , n). Let W = {w1 , w2 , . . .
, wn } be 687
⎡ 11 1j 1m ⎤
the weight vector of attributes with 0 ≤ wj ≤ 1 and nj=1 wj 688
ζ D . . . ζD . . . ζD = 1. Given the linguistic term set S = {st |t = −τ, . . . , τ }, an 689
⎢ .. .. .. ⎥
⎢ . . . ⎥ EHFLTS judgment matrix is represented as follows: 690
⎢ ⎥ ⎛ 11 ⎞
Z D = ⎢ ζ D . . . ζD . . . ζD ⎥
⎢ i1 ij im
⎥. (27) H̃s H̃s12 · · · H̃s1n
⎢ . . . ⎥ ⎜ H̃s21 H̃s22 · · · H̃s2n ⎟
⎣ .. .. .. ⎦ ⎜ ⎟
mj mm D̃ = ⎜ . .. .. .. ⎟ (30)
m1
ζ D . . . ζD . . . ζD ⎝ .. . . . ⎠
The normalized total influence matrix Z nor H̃sm1 H̃sm2 · · · H̃smn
665 D is first normalized
666 as follows:
where H̃sij = {hij1
s , hs , . . . , hs } is an EHFLTS and ex-
ij2 ijp
691
⎡ 11 1 1j 1 1m 1 ⎤
ζD /ζD . . . ζD /ζD . . . ζD /ζD pressed by p groups of decision makers. hijk s is an EHFLT 692
⎢ ⎥
of
.. .. .. provided by the kth group of experts for the alternative Ai 693
⎢ . . . ⎥
⎢ ⎥ with respect to attribute Cj . The following are the steps in the 694
Z D = ⎢ ζD /ζD . . . ζD /ζD . . . ζD /ζD ⎥
nor ⎢ i1 i ij i im i
⎥ proposed method [83]: 695
⎢ .. .. .. ⎥
⎣ . . . ⎦ Step 1: Calculate the PIS A+ and NIS A− based on the 696
ζDm1
/ζD m mj
. . . ζD /ζD m
. . . ζD mm m
/ζD extended hesitant fuzzy linguistic information 697
⎡ nor11 nor nor1m ⎤ A = +

{H̃s1+ , H̃s2+ , . . . , H̃sn+ } (31)
ζD . . . ζD 1j . . . ζD
⎢ .. .. .. ⎥ A− = {H̃s1− , H̃s2− , . . . , H̃sn− }
⎢ . . ⎥
667
668
where ζD i
⎢ nori1
⎢
= ⎢ ζD
⎢ .
⎣ ..

= m
ζDnorm1
ij
. . . ζD
. . . ζD
.
norij
.
..
normj
. . . ζD
. . . ζD
j=1 ζD is the sum of the ith row. Then the

weighted supermatrix is calculated by multiplication of the
ro
norim ⎥
.
.. ⎦
normm
⎥
⎥
⎥
(28) where
H̃ j+ =
H̃ j−
=
⎧
⎨
⎩
⎧
⎨
max
i=1,2,...,m
min
i=1,2,...,m
min
i=1,2,...,m
H̃sij for beneﬁt criteria
H̃sij for cost criteria
H̃sij for beneﬁt criteria

(32)
(33)
(34)
698
EP
669 unweighted supermatrix W by the normalized total influence ⎩ max H̃sij for cost criteria
670 matrix Z nor
D , as follows:
i=1,2,...,m
and j = 1, 2, . . . , n.
W w = T nor
699
D W
⎡ nor11 ⎤ Step 2: Compute the value of S̃i and R̃i . S̃i and R̃i represent 700
nori1 norn1
ζD × W 11 . . . ζD × W i1 . . . ζD × W n1 the group utility measure and individual regret measure, respec- 701
⎢ .. .. .. ⎥ tively. These two measures are calculated using the Hamming
⎢ ⎥ 702
⎢ nor1j . nor
.
nor
. ⎥ distance as follows:
=⎢ nj ⎥ 703
⎢ ζD × W 1j . . . ζD ij × W ij . . . ζD nj × W ⎥.
⎢ .. .. .. ⎥ n
dhd (H̃sij , H̃sj+ )
⎣ . . . ⎦ S̃i = wj (35)
norin norin nornn dhd (H̃sj+ , H̃sj− )
ζD × W 1n . . . ζD × W in . . . ζD × W nn j=1

(29)
IEE
dhd (H̃sij , H̃sj+ )

R̃i = max wj (36)
671 Step 7: Find the influential weights of the DANP. dhd (H̃sj+ , H̃sj− )
672 The weighted supermatrix should be raised to exponent h to
673 achieve convergence and to obtain the Limit supermatrix. The where dhd (H̃sij , H̃sj+ ) and dhd (H̃sj+ , H̃sj− ) are the Hamming 704
674 influential weights can be calculated bylimh→∞ (W w )h . which are calculated by (14). 705
Step 3: Calculate the value of Q̃i which represents the com- 706
675 D. EHFL-VIKOR promise measurement for each alternative. The Q̃i is calculated 707
as follows: 708
676 VIKOR (Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Re-
Si − S + Ri − R +
677 senje) is a distance-based method for solving discrete decision- Q̃i = v − + (1 − v) (37)
678 making problems in the presence of multiple and often con- S − S+ R− − R+
679 flicting criteria. This method ranks the alternatives based on where S + = mini Si , S − = maxi Si , R+ = mini Ri , R− = 709
680 an LP-metric aggregation function which indicates nearness to maxi Ri and v is the weight of the strategy of the majority of 710
681 the ideal. In order to determine a compromise solution, VIKOR criteria. In this article, it is assumed that v = 0.5. 711
682 provides a maximum utility for the majority and a minimum Step 4: Rank the alternatives, sorted by the values S̃, R̃, and 712
683 regret for the opponent [87]. In this section, the EHFL-VIKOR is Q̃, in decreasing order. 713
684 proposed to solve group decision-making problems under qual- Step 5: Propose as a compromise solution the alternative A , 714
685 itative information. Suppose that a decision-making problem which is the alternative with the first position in the ranking list 715
686 has m possible alternatives Ai (i = 1, 2, . . . , m) and n evaluation by Q. A must satisfy the following two conditions: 716
717 1) Acceptable advantage: Q(A ) − Q(A ) ≥ m 1− 1 , where TABLE II

LINGUISTIC TERM SET AND TRIANGULAR FUZZY NUMBERS
718 A is the alternative with the second position in the ranking
719 list by Q and m is the number of alternatives.
720 2) Acceptable stability: The alternative A must also be al-
721 ternative with the first position in the ranking list by S
722 or/and R.
723 If these two abovementioned conditions are not satisfied at
724 the same time, then the compromise solution is determined as
725 follows:
726 1) Alternative A and A if condition 2 is not satisfied.
727 2) Alternatives A , A , . . . , A(N ) if condition 1 is not sat-
728 isfied, where A(N ) is obtained by Q(A(i) ) − Q(A ) ≺
of
1 of each practice is defuzzified as follows:
m − 1 for maximum N.
729 767
a k + bk + c k
Sk = .
3
730 V. CASE STUDY In this study, a threshold value of ρ = 7 was used [98]. 768
Practices with a crisp weight value greater than or equal to 7 769
731 In this section, an empirical study is presented to demonstrate
were selected as the most appropriate practices. The selected 770
732 evaluation of LRG SC performance by the proposed model. Syn-
practices were as follows. 771
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
ro
dicate of Iranian Syringe Manufacturers (SISM) was established
in 2003. There are 21 needle and syringe manufacturing com-
panies in Iran that are members of the SISM. The SISM has 15
active members [88]. This empirical case study focuses on four
companies: Pars syringe (A1 ), Shafa syringe (A2 ), Avapezeshk
(A3 ), and SUPA medical device (A4 ). These companies have
been selected based on their share of Iran’s needle and syringe
market. According to report of the SISM, selected companies
1) Lean practices: long-term relationship with suppliers, in-
ventory minimization, and lead time reduction.
2) Agile practices: quick introduction of new products, speed
in improving customer service, and retention and growth
of customer relationships.
3) Resilient practices: postponement and strategic inventory.
4) Green practices: ISO 14001 and eco-friendly packaging.
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
EP
As mentioned previously, the criteria, the paradigms, and 779
741 provide approximately 95% of domestic needs for disposable
the practices are the dimensions that influence the alternatives 780
742 medical needles. In the following, percentage of market share
ranking process. These dimensions include 20 elements which 781
743 of each company is presented in bracket: Pars syringe (23%),
are divided and tabulated in Table III. 782
744 Avapezeshk (26%), Shafa syringe (21%), and SUPA medical
In the second stage, another questionnaire was designed to de- 783
745 device (25%). The selected companies develop and manufacture
rive influential relationships among dimensions/elements. The 784
746 a broad range of syringes, needles, and single use medical
experts that were invited in the first stage were asked to fill 785
747 devices [88].
out this second questionnaire. To evaluate the effect and influ- 786
ence of the elements, pair-wise comparisons were conducted 787
using IVHFE between 0 and 1. For this, it was assumed that 788
748 A. Data Collection the scales 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 indicated no influence, 789
IEE
749 Data in this study were collected in three stages. In the low influence, intermediate influence, high influence, very high 790
750 first stage, a questionnaire was designed based on the previous influence, and extreme influence, respectively. The intermediate 791
751 work to identify the appropriate LARG practices among a set values 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9 can be used when a compromise 792
752 of practices [13], [14], [18], [51], [64], [89]–[97]. We invited is needed. The respondents were asked to display the degree of 793
753 12 experts, including 8 professional experts and 4 scholars. influence between two elements using an interval between 0 794
754 The professionals consisted of production managers, sales and and 1. 795
755 development directors, and sales and marketing managers of

B. Measuring Influential Weights of Elements 796
756 needle and syringe companies (all with more than ten years of
757 experience). Scholars included those who had recently com- The aim of this section is to build an INRM and obtain the in- 797
758 pleted their doctoral dissertation in the field of needle and syringe fluential weights of the elements. Following the DEMATEL pro- 798
759 SC (within the last 5 years). The Fuzzy Delphi method was cedures, the experts were requested to determine the influence of 799
760 employed to collect the experts’ opinions. The experts’ judgment the relationships among the elements. First, the direct-influence 800
761 regarding the given practices was obtained using the linguistic matrix G̃ was obtained using (15). Second, the direct-influence 801
762 variables in the questionnaire (see Table II). matrix (Φ) by the IVHFCV operator was calculated using (17) as 802
763 If wik = (aik , bik , cik ) represents the evaluation value of the shown in Table IV. Third, the normalized direct-influence matrix 803
764 importance of the kth practice given by the ith expert, then the H was derived using (18). Fourth, by using (19), (20), (23), 804
765 fuzzy weight of the kth practice is wk = (ak , bk , ck ), where ak = and (24), the total-influence matrix Z and the normalized total 805
766 min(aik ), bk = min(bik ), and ck = min(cik ). The fuzzy weight influence matrix Z nor
C were calculated and are demonstrated in 806
TABLE III
DIMENSIONS AND ELEMENTS OF THE EVALUATION SYSTEM
of
TABLE IV
DIRECT-INFLUENCE MATRIX Φ
ro
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807 Tables V and VI. Fifth, the Z D matrix (shown in Table VII) C. Evaluating the Alternatives by EHFL-VIKOR 822
808 and the Z nor
D matrix were calculated for dimensions as using Based on the IVHF-DANP results, the LARG SC perfor- 823
809 (27) and (28). Lastly, the total influence given and received by mance of the case study companies were evaluated using EHFL- 824
810 each dimension and element was summarized using (20) and
VIKOR. The experts of this stage are the same experts used in 825
811 (21) (shown in Table VIII). (ri + ci ) indicates the importance the two previous stages. The linguistic term set S that was used 826
812 of the ith element and (ri − ci ) indicates the degree of causality to provide evaluation values by the experts is as follows: 827
813 of the same elements. When (ri − ci ) is positive, element i is ⎧ ⎫
814 a net causer, and when (ri − ci ) is negative, element i is a net ⎪
⎪ s−4 = none, s−3 = very low, s−2 = low, ⎪ ⎪
⎨ ⎬
815 receiver. Also, the INRM for both dimensions and elements can s−1 = slightly low, s0 = medium,
S= .
816 be obtained as shown in Fig. 2(a)–(d). Also, the unweighted su- ⎪
⎪ s1 = slightly high, s2 = high, ⎪
⎪
⎩ ⎭
817 permatrix W was calculated using (26). Using (29), the weighted s3 = very high, s4 = perfect
818 supermatrix Ww was calculated as shown in Table IX. Finally, The evaluation information given by the decision-makers’ 828
819 influential weights were obtained by raising the weighted super- groups in linguistic expressions were transformed into 829
820 matrix into the limiting powers until convergence was achieved EHFLTSs. The associated decision matrix was established and 830
821 (shown in Table X). is shown in Table XI. 831
TABLE V
TOTAL-INFLUENCE MATRIX Z FOR CRITERIA
of
ro TABLE VI
NORMALIZED TOTAL INFLUENCE MATRIX Z nor
C FOR CRITERIA
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TABLE VII Step 1: The PIS A+ and the NIS A− are as shown in unnum- 832
TOTAL-INFLUENCE MATRIX ZD FOR DIMENSIONS
bered equation at bottom of next page. 833
Step 2: S̃i and R̃i were computed for different alternatives 834
according to (35) and (36). The Hamming distance 835
measure for each alternative with respect to elements 836
is shown in Table XII and the obtained values of S̃i and 837
R̃i are shown in Table XIII. 838
TABLE VIII
TOTAL-INFLUENCE GIVEN AND RECEIVED BY EACH DIMENSION AND ELEMENT
of
839 Step 3: The value of Q̃ for each alternative is calculated using (D3 ) is a net cause and the others are net receivers. Fig. 2 858
840 (37), as follows: describes the causal relationships among the elements under 859
841
842
843
844
845
Q̃1 = 0.39, Q̃2 = 0.369, Q̃3 = 1, Q̃4 = 0.
Step 4: In this step, the alternatives were ranked in decreasing
order by S̃, R̃, and Q̃. The result is shown in Table XIV.
VI. IMPLICATIONS AND DISCUSSION

For the empirical case study, the dimensions and elements of
ro each dimension. In the criteria (D1 ) panel of Fig. 2, it can be
seen that pairs of Reliability (E1 ) and Responsiveness (E2 ), Re-
liability (E1 ) and Agility (E3 ), Reliability (E1 ) and SC Cost (E4 ),
Responsiveness (E2 ) and Agility (E3 ), Responsiveness (E2 ) and
Asset Management (E5 ), Agility (E3 ) and SC Cost (E4 ), SC
Cost (E4 ) and Asset Management (E5 ), and Asset Management
(E5 ) and Reliability (E1 ) have mutual influences. SC Cost (E4 )
and Asset Management (E5 ) affect Responsiveness (E2 ) but the
860
861
862
863
864
865
866
867
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846 influence were calculated using an INRM. To obtain the INRM,
847 it is necessary to identify an appropriate threshold value. Use of opposite relationship was not observed (i.e, E4 and E5 were not 868
848 a threshold value leads to elimination of negligible effects and affected by E2 ) Also, Green SCOR (E6 ) is more independent 869
849 ensures inclusion of necessary network information for decision- as compared to the other elements. Based on Table X and the 870
850 making. Only the effects higher than the threshold value are criteria (D1 ) panel of Fig. 2, SC cost (E4 ) is a net cause due to a 871
851 selected and shown in an impact-relations map. In this study, positive value of (r–c), while the other elements are net receivers 872
852 the threshold value was identified by using the maximum mean because of the negative (r–c) value. As shown in the paradigms 873
853 de-entropy algorithm [99]. The obtained threshold values are panel of Fig. 2, pairs of Lean (E17 ) and Agile (E18 ) and Agile 874
854 shown in Table XV. (E18 ) and Resilient (E19 ) have a mutual influence. Lean (E17 ) 875
855 As shown in Fig. 2, paradigms (D3 ) and criteria (D1 ) exert an exerts an effect on Resilient (E19 ) and Green (E20 ); additionally, 876
856 effect on practices (D2 ) while having a mutual effect. Also, all Agile (E18 ) affects Green (E20 ). The elements mentioned above 877
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857 three dimensions have internal effects. In addition, paradigms are all net causes due to positive (r–c) values. Due to the 878
⎧ ⎫
⎪
⎪{{s−1 , s0 , s2 } {s0 , s1 , s2 }} , {{s0 , s1 , s3 } {s0 , s1 , s2 }} , {{s0 , s2 , s3 } {s0 , s1 , s2 }} , {{s−1 s0 , s2 } {s0 , s1 , s2 }} , ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪{{s , s
−1 2 3 , s } {s , s
0 2 3 , s }} , {{s , s
−3 −2 0 , s } {s ,
−3 −1 0s , s }} , {{s ,
0 1 2s , s } {s ,
0 2 s }} , {{s , s
0 1 2 , s } {s ,
0 2 s }} , ⎪
⎪
⎨ ⎬
+
A = {{s0 , s1 , s2 } {s0 , s2 }} , {{s0 , s1 , s3 } {s0 , s1 , s2 }} , {{s0 , s3 } {s0 , s1 , s2 }} , {{s−1 , s1 , s2 } {s−2 , s−1 , s1 , s2 }} ,
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪{{s , s
−1 1 2 , s } {s , s
−1 0 2 , s }} , {{s ,
−1 1 2s , s } {s ,
−1 0 2 s , s }} , {{s ,
−2 −1 1s , s } {s ,
−1 0 2s , s }} , {{s ,
−1 1 2s , s } {s ,
0 2s }} ⎪
,
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎩ ⎭
{{s−1 , s0 , s2 } {s1 , s2 }} , {{s0 , s1 , s3 } {s1 , s2 , s3 }} , {{s−1 , s0 , s1 } {s0 , s2 }} , {{s−1 , s1 , s2 } {s−2 , s−1 , s1 , s2 }}
⎧ ⎫
⎪
⎪{{s−2 , s0 } {s−2 , s−1 , s1 }} , {{s−3 , s−2 , s0 , s1 } {s−2 , s−1 , s1 }} , {{s−2 , s−1 , s1 } {s−3 , s−2 , s0 , s1 }} , ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪{{s −1 , s 0 , s 1 } {s −2 , s −1 , s 0 , s 1 }} , {{s −3 , s −2 , s 0 , s 1 } {s −3 , s −1 , s 0 }} , {{s −3 , s −2 , s 0 } {s −1 , s 0 , s 1 }} , ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎨{{s−1 , s1 } {s−1 , s0 }} , {{s−1 , s0 , s1 } {s0 , s1 }} , {{s−1 , s1 } {s−1 , s0 }} , {{s−1 , s0 , s1 } {s−1 , s1 , s2 }} , ⎪
⎬
−
A =
⎪
⎪{{s−1 , s0 , s2 } {s0 , s1 }} , {{s−2 , s−1 , s0 } {s−2 , s−1 , s1 , s2 }} , {{s−3 , s−2 , s0 , s1 } {s−2 , s−1 , s1 }} , ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪{{s
⎪ −3 −2 0 1
, s , s , s } {s , s , s }} , {{s , s , s , s } {s , s }} , {{s , s 1, s , s } {s , s , s }} , ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪
−2 −1 1 −3 −2 0 1 −1 1 −3 − 0 1 −3 −1 0 ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎩ ⎪
⎭
{{s−1 , s0 , s1 } {s−2 , s−1 , s1 }} , {{s−2, s−1 , s0 } {s−1 , s1 }} , {{s−1 , s0 } {s−2 , s0 }} , {{s−2 , s−1 , s0 } {s−2 , s−1 , s1 , s2 }}
are the five most important elements, with influential weights 886
of 8.22%, 7.52%, 7.41%, 7.2%, and 6.89%, respectively. The 887
6th to 20th elements in order of importance from greatest to 888
least are SC Cost (E4 ) (6.34%), Resilient (E19 ) (5.9%), Asset 889
Management (E5 ) (5.93%), Green SCOR (E6 ) (5.24%), Green 890
(E20 ) (4.54%), Quick Introduction New Products (E10 ) (4.19%), 891
Retain and Grow Customer Relationships (E12 ) (4.12%), Speed 892
in Improving Customer Service (E11 ) (4.01%), Postponement 893
(E13 ) (3.4%), ISO 14001 (E15 ) (3.38%), Inventory Minimization 894
(E8 ) (3.37%), Long Term Relationship with Suppliers (E7 ) 895
(3.22%), Strategic Inventory (E14 ) (3.12%), Lead Time Reduc- 896
tion (E9 ) (3.00%), and Eco-Friendly Packaging (E16 ) (2.98%). 897
of
With regard to local weight, Responsiveness (E2 ) and Relia- 898
bility (E1 ) have the greatest influential weights under the criteria 899
dimension. According to Table VI, these two elements have the 900
largest effect on agile SC. Also, three agile practices [Quick 901
Introduction New Products (E10 ), Retain and Grow Customer 902
Relationships (E12 ) and Speed in Improving Customer Service 903
(E11 )] are the most important elements of practices dimension. 904
ro Furthermore, the agile paradigm is the most important element

under the paradigm dimension. Thus, it can be concluded that
the customer is the center of attention and the first priority
of the case companies is to satisfy the customers’ needs. The
Resilient paradigm is ranked second in paradigm dimension,
which may be due to sole sourcing of needles and unexpected
economic events such as extreme exchange rate fluctuations. The
Lean paradigm is in third place because of the products require
905
906
907
908
909
910
911
912
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a high level of quality control and a continuous commitment 913
to quality improvement. Therefore, manufacturing processes 914
are standardized and stable at a high level. Finally, the Green 915
paradigm is the last one because companies do not pay enough 916
attention to the environment and consider it as a tool for gaining 917
approval from environmental regulatory institutions. Some of 918
the Green practices are implemented in the form of lean SC. 919
Also, the ranking results indicate that the LARG performance 920
level is highest at SUPA Medical Device followed by the 921
Avapezeshk, the Pars syringe, and the Shafa syringe companies. 922
As mentioned earlier, these companies have the largest share
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923
in Iran’s needle and syringe market. These results reflect the 924
current situation of Iranian needle and syringe companies in 925
terms of LARG performance. In order to validate the obtained 926
result, we compare the ranking orders of alternatives produced 927
by the proposed method with ranking results of the needles 928
and syringes manufacturers’ performance reported by National 929
Medical Device Directorate. Table XVI represents the result of 930
performance evaluation conducted by National Medical Device 931
Directorate in 2017 [48]. 932
Fig. 2. Influential network relation map (INRM). (a) INRM for three dimen- According to the result of the mentioned agency, SUPA 933
sions. (b) INRM for criteria. (c) INRM for practices. (d) INRM for paradigms. Medical Device outperforms the other companies, followed by 934
Avapezeshk, Pars syringe, and Shafa syringe, respectively. In 935
879 multiplicity of relationships and the complexity of the causal this sense, the result of our proposed method is completely 936
880 network shown in the practices panel of Fig. 2, we avoid describ- consistent with that of National Medical Device Directorate. 937
881 ing the relationships among the elements of practices dimension. It should be noted that National Medical Device Directorate 938
882 All these elements are net receivers because of negative values evaluates the performance of these companies only on the basis 939
883 of (r–c). of information obtained from public hospitals. 940
884 Table X shows that among the 20 elements, Agile (E18 ), Re- One of the pioneering studies in the field of LARG SC 941
885 sponsiveness (E2 ), Reliability (E1 ), Lean (E17 ), and Agility (E3 ) was conducted by Cabral et al. [100]. The authors proposed a 942
TABLE IX
WEIGHTED SUPERMATRIX W w
of
ro TABLE X
INFLUENTIAL WEIGHTS FOR THE DIMENSIONS AND THE ELEMENTS
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Note: The numbers in the () indicates the ranks of local and weights in dimensions and elements.
943 conceptual model for selecting LARG SC practices to improve criteria cannot cover all aspects of competitiveness in today’s 948
944 the performance of a Volkswagen company. Selection criteria volatile and complex market. Thus, we included the attributes of 949
945 included: cost, service level, time, and quality of product. These the SCOR model along with the Green SCOR. These attributes, 950
946 four criteria are very similar to the classic competitive priorities in addition to the classical priorities, include modern priorities 951
947 outlined in the introduction section. However, we feel that these such as the ability to tolerate disruptions and compliance with 952
TABLE XI
EHFLTS DECISION MATRIX
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TABLE XII
CALCULATED HAMMING DISTANCE MEASURE
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953 environmental requirements. Cabral et al. also introduced three comparisons, Cabral et al. selected three LARG practices to 964
954 key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure each criterion. build an alternative cluster without separately identifying the 965
955 The authors did not specify how to measure the above-mentioned practices of each paradigm. In the present study, we applied 966
956 four criteria with these three KPIs. Another advantage of the the DANP technique to calculate the influential weights of the 967
957 SCOR model is that it has standard metrics for measuring the elements of our proposed model. Using the DANP technique, 968
958 criteria. Cabral et al. employed the ANP technique to determine each cluster can have more than nine elements. Also, the number 969
959 the priorities of criteria, KPIs, practices, and paradigms. One of of pairwise comparisons can be reduced without simplifying 970
960 the significant limitations of ANP is the inconsistency problem the model or ignoring some relationships among the elements. 971
961 in large numbers of pairwise comparisons. We found ten LARG practices using the fuzzy Delphi method. 972
962 To prevent inconsistency, each cluster must have a maximum Furthermore, we identified the paradigm to which each practice 973
963 of nine elements [85]. For reducing the number of pairwise belongs. Additionally, the case companies were analyzed in an 974
TABLE XIII follows: Criteria, Practices, Paradigms, and Alternatives. The 985
OBTAINED VALUES OF S̃i AND R̃i FOR EACH ALTERNATIVE
Criteria dimension included the SCOR model’s performance 986
attributes (Reliability, Responsiveness, Agility, SC Cost, and As- 987
set Management) along with Green SCOR. An extensive litera- 988
ture survey was conducted to gather a wide set of LARG SC prac- 989
tices. Then, the most suitable practices were selected through 990
Fuzzy Delphi method to construct the practice dimension. The 991
Alternatives include four companies in the field of needle and 992
syringe manufacturing with the highest share in Iran’s needle and 993
TABLE XIV syringe market. In this article, we developed the IVHF-DANP 994
RANKING OF ALTERNATIVES VIA S̃, R̃, AND Q̃
technique to analyze dimensions and elements and extract their 995
structural relationships. After which, the EHFL-VIKOR method 996
of
was carried out as a group decision making process to evaluate 997
the case companies. The survey analysis results provide SC 998
managers with a tool for prioritizing and selecting the criteria, 999
practices, paradigms, and for determining the current situation of 1000
needle and syringe companies. According to the results, the agile 1001
TABLE XV paradigm, the responsiveness and quick introduction of new 1002

OBTAINED THRESHOLD VALUES FOR DIMENSIONS AND ELEMENTS products were determined as the best elements in their respective 1003
TABLE XVI
NATIONAL MEDICAL DEVICE DIRECTORATE ANNUAL REPORT OF
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF NEEDLES AND SYRINGES
ro dimensions. This implies the importance of customers and their
satisfaction. Also, the validation was performed by comparing
the ranking order of selected alternatives with ones conducted by
Iran’s National Medical Device Directorate. Since this institute
evaluates the performance of needle and syringe producers based
on data from public hospitals, it seems the results of this research
are not generalizable to private hospitals which is the main
limitation of this article. Furthermore, 15 active companies of
1004
1005
1006
1007
1008
1009
1010
1011
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MANUFACTURERS IN 2017 [48] SISM are located in 11 provinces of Iran. Due to geographic 1012
dispersion of needles and syringes companies, our case study 1013
only include four leading companies of this field. It is another 1014
limitation of this research. For further research, we suggest the 1015
optimization of LARG SC using MODM approach. Otherwise, 1016
one can apply structural equation model in order to analyze 1017
influential relations among different elements of the model. 1018
As another suggestion, it would be interesting to evaluate the 1019
impact of LARG strategies on sustainable SCs. Finally, future 1020
study can focus on applying the proposed method to other 1021
industries.
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1022
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1263 622, Dec. 2014. Res., vol. 50, no. 17, pp. 4830–4845, 2012. 1337
1338 Mehdi Divsalar received the Ph.D. degree in produc- Yaser Nemati received the Ph.D. degree in produc- 1360
1339 tion and operations management from the University tion and operations management from the University 1361
1340 of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran, in 2017. of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran, in 2017. 1362
1341 He is currently a Performance Improvement Ex- His professional carrier is mainly focused on sup- 1363
1342 pert in a dairy company (SOLICO group). He has ply chain planning and performance management in 1364
1343 authored or coauthored articles in various journals different industries. His research interests include 1365
1344 such as Neural Computing and Applications, Expert supply chain modeling and optimization, production 1366
1345 Systems, Journal of Forecasting and Applied Artificial scheduling, and fuzzy modeling. 1367
1346 Intelligence. His research interests include supply 1368
1347 chain management, multiattribute decision making,
1348 and fuzzy sets and systems.
1349
1350 Marzieh Ahmadi is currently working toward the
of
1351 Ph.D. degree in production and operations manage-
1352 ment with Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran.
1353 She is a Lecturer in Operational Research and
1354 Decision Making Theories with the University of
1355 Mazandaran. Her research interests include big data
1356 applications in supply chain management, sustain-
1357 ability, multiattribute decision making, multiobjec-
1358 tive decision making, and metaheuristics.
1359
ro
EP
IEE
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A SCOR-Based Model to Evaluate LARG Supply Chain Performance Using a

Article in IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management · March 2020

Evaluation of LARG supply chain performance View project

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1 A SCOR-Based Model to Evaluate LARG Supply

36 I. INTRODUCTION reference (SCOR) model. According to Estampe et al., the matu- 73

Manuscript received April 18, 2019; revised October 6, 2019; accepted

technique to better evaluate the alternatives. Finally, we try

The people section of SCOR provides a standard to explain

represented by the following mathematical equation [37]: 525

where lh̃ is the number of the interval values in h̃.

509 simultaneously. deviation degree. 548

interval-valued hesitant fuzzy coefficient of variation (IVHFCV) 550

511 In this article, a three-staged solution methodology is em- s(h̃)

515 method is utilized to analyze the dimensions and elements and

s }, the expected linguistic term is defined

DANP technique is a combination of DEMATEL and ANP

644 Next, the total-influence matrix is obtained as follows: cnmn

Note that, there are two different total influence matrices

In this step, the vectors as r and c, the sums of rows and

653 the same criterion.

655 Assume that the total influence matrix Z C is as follows: D1 Dj Dn

⎡ nor11 nor nor1m ⎤ A = +

j=1 ζD is the sum of the ith row. Then the

H̃sij for beneﬁt criteria

dhd (H̃sij , H̃sj+ )

717 1) Acceptable advantage: Q(A ) − Q(A ) ≥ m 1− 1 , where TABLE II

755 development directors, and sales and marketing managers of

VI. IMPLICATIONS AND DISCUSSION

ro Furthermore, the agile paradigm is the most important element

TABLE XV paradigm, the responsiveness and quick introduction of new 1002

1350 Marzieh Ahmadi is currently working toward the

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