(Goal Programming and Gray Relation Analysis Methods for Green Supplier Selection)

Abstract

Purpose – The green supplier selection problem is considered as a multi-criteria decision making problem that has strategic importance in green supply chain management and includes multiple and conflicting criteria. Due to the strategic importance of the problem, working with the most suitable suppliers to support the business objectives is vital for the competitive status of the enterprises. In this case, the decision makers aim to use the most appropriate solution methods for their problems. In this study, it is aimed to weight the decision group and determined supplier evaluation criteri and to determine the most suitable supplier with multi criteria decision making methods for the solution method of green supplier selection problem. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, group hierarchy and criterion weights were determined using SWARA method in the model proposed for green supplier selection in order to adapt the production enterprise to environmental awareness processes. Gray relational analysis (GIA) and goal programming methods were used to determine the most suitable alternative supplier. Findings – The most suitable supplier from the two methods was found to be the same. When the methods were applied assuming equal weights of green supplier selection criteria, the result did not change in the GIA method, but the result changed in goal programming method. Discussion – For the green supplier selection problem presented in the study, which has more than one and conflicting goals, the approach using goal programming method is more appropriate for determining the most appropriate supplier by determining the group hierarchy and criterion weight by SWARA method. The approach can provide results that are appropriate to the new situation and circumstances when changes in the current situation.