Comparative analysis of novel fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods for selecting fourth-party logistics service providers: a case study in the plastic resin industry

Abstract

This paper proposes a systematic framework to select the best 4PLs by incorporating several MCDM methods. The aim of this paper is to conduct a comparative study to examine how different MCDM methods compare when apply for 4PLs selecting problem. First, 14 criteria of 4PLs selection are identified through literature and input from industrial experts. Second, the objective weights of criteria are derived through interval Shannon’s entropy based on α-level sets. Afterward, the 4PL candidates are ranked comparatively using five novel MCDM methods reported in literature including CoCoSo, MARCOS, EDAS, MAIRCA, and CODAS. Finally, the sensitivity analysis is performed to test the robustness and reliability of the proposed framework. A case of the plastic resin industry in Thailand is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed framework. The practitioners and academics can utilise the proposed framework to select the best 4PLs.