Title: A novel algorithm for evaluating the configurations of omni-channel distribution network considering transparency and consensus formation

Authors: Ardavan Babaei; Majid Khedmati; Mohammad Reza Akbari Jokar

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: In this paper, an algorithm has been developed to evaluate the performance of omni channel distribution network configurations based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) models and consensus formation. At first, bi-objective input- and output-oriented simultaneous DEA models are developed to evaluate the configurations with respect to two common criteria, i.e., the service and cost, and the transparency criterion which is defined based on the blockchain technology. Then, a consensus is formed on the evaluation results, based on a risk-based optimisation model. The proposed models are solved by fuzzy goal programming. In addition, the application of the proposed models is demonstrated through a case study in the context of the Indian retail industry. The computational results extracted from the optimisation models developed in our paper showed that the transparency criterion is very effective in the configurations evaluations and scores.

Keywords: omni channel; consensus; performance evaluation; blockchain technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2023.128567

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2023 Vol.16 No.1/2, pp.170 - 193

Received: 02 Nov 2021
Accepted: 18 Apr 2022
Published online: 26 Jan 2023 *

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