Title: A multi-criteria classification framework for inventory items management at the Department of Defense

Authors: Olasumbo Ayodeji Makinde; Sannah Thembi Sithole; Humbulani Phuluwa; Jan Swanepoel

Addresses: Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa ' Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa ' Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa ' Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract: Poor management of multiple inventory items can result in overstocking of inventory items and/or stockout. Hence, this paper proposes a multi-criteria classification framework that could be used to effectively manage multiple inventory items at the Department of Defense (DoD). The framework was premised on pairing inventory items with similar inventory attributes in a particular inventory item group. The inventory attributes associated with each inventory item was thereafter deployed to ascertain appropriate inventory management policy to effectively manage inventory items required at DoD. The framework was tested using a case study of selected inventory items required at the DoD of a particular country. The result of this exercise revealed that more items in stock single period economic order quantity (EOQ) model, more items in stock continuous-review EOQ model and minimum stock policy are the suitable inventory management policies that could be used to effectively manage 55 inventory items required by soldiers in the organisation.

Keywords: inventory item; multi-criteria classification framework; inventory management policy; Department of Defense; DoD.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2025.147011

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2025 Vol.51 No.3, pp.291 - 315

Received: 20 Jan 2023
Accepted: 04 Jun 2023
Published online: 10 Jul 2025 *

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