Title: Selecting inbound logistic policies: an ANP-based multi criteria decision making approach

Authors: Francesco Zammori; Barbara Bigliardi; Gionata Carmignani

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Parma, Via G.P. Usberti 181/A, 43100 Parma, Italy ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Parma, Via G.P. Usberti 181/A, 43100 Parma, Italy ' Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions, University of Pisa, Largo LucioLazzarino, 56126 Pisa, Italy

Abstract: This work presents a structured framework for the selection of the best inbound logistic policy, in a supplier-buyer relationship. Defining long lasting collaborations is a strategic issue, involving considerations of several parameters in terms of benefits, opportunities, costs and risks (BOCR). To support decision makers, the paper proposes a multi-criteria BOCR, which integrates a high level analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with a low level analytic network process (ANP). The latter one concerns operational issues, while the first one aggregates results from a strategically oriented point of view. The novelty of the approach relies in the way in which decision criteria have been structured in the form of decision networks: this makes it possible not only to streamline the analysis, but it also assures a high degree of flexibility. An industrial application is finally presented as experimental validation; obtained results demonstrate the quality and the robustness of the approach.

Keywords: inbound logistics; multicriteria decision making; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; analytical network process; ANP; MCDM; supplier-buyer relationships; collaboration; benefits; opportunities; costs; risks; BOCR; decision making; operations; strategy; decision criteria; decision networks; flexibility; industrial applications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2014.064659

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2014 Vol.19 No.2, pp.212 - 244

Received: 28 May 2013
Accepted: 10 Jul 2013
Published online: 13 Sep 2014 *

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