Title: Selection of third-party reverse logistics providers for End-of-Life computers using TOPSIS-AHP based approach

Authors: V. Ravi

Addresses: Department of Humanities, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Department of Space, Valiamala P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695 547, India

Abstract: Business organisations including those of computer companies would like to focus on their core competency areas and are, therefore, outsourcing all or part of their reverse logistics process to Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLPs). Thus, a key strategic issue for top management is the selection of 3PLPs who can effectively provide reverse logistics services to organisation. This study aims to efficiently assist the decision-makers in determining the most appropriate third-party reverse logistics provider using a combination of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. A numerical example from a case company is included to demonstrate the steps of the proposed model.

Keywords: 3PL reverse logistics; AHP; analytical hierarchical process; TOPSIS; technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution; computer hardware industry; third-party logistics; end-of-life computers; end-of-life products; EOL; decision making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2012.044048

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2012 Vol.11 No.1, pp.24 - 37

Published online: 28 Nov 2014 *

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