Title: A bounded rationality integrated decision-making approach for supplier selection in lean practice: a case study of Vietnam's garment industry

Authors: Thi-Ly Nguyen; Chia-Nan Wang; Nhat-Luong Nhieu

Addresses: Hanoi School of Business and Management (HSB), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 807778, Taiwan ' College of Technology and Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract: Lean manufacturing focuses on eliminating waste across production. In supplier selection, applying lean principles helps identify partners that minimise waste in the supply chain. This study proposes an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach for supplier selection in Vietnam's garment industry. It combines stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) with a regret theory-based evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) under spherical fuzzy conditions. The SF SWARA method determines evaluation criteria weights, while the regret-based SF EDAS ranks suppliers by proximity to the ideal solution. Findings show the hybrid approach enhances accuracy and reliability in lean supplier selection, supporting cost reduction and quality improvement. The study also offers a roadmap for practitioners and policymakers to optimise supplier evaluation, strengthen supply chain performance, and advance sustainable lean practices. Overall, it enriches decision-making methodologies within lean supply chain management and extends relevance to other industries facing similar challenges.

Keywords: spherical fuzzy; stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis; SWARA; regret theory; EDAS; lean manufacturing; garment industry; Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2026.152083

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2026 Vol.25 No.2, pp.184 - 213

Received: 15 May 2025
Accepted: 17 Aug 2025
Published online: 06 Mar 2026 *

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