Title: An integrated fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy inference system for ranking the solutions to overcome the supply chain knowledge flow barriers

Authors: Vishal A. Bhosale; Ravi Kant

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.V. National Institute of Technology, Surat – 395007, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.V. National Institute of Technology, Surat – 395007, India

Abstract: Supply chain (SC) is assumed as a leading operations strategy in both manufacturing and service organisations. Knowledge is recognised as an important source of competitive advantage in SC. However, evidence suggests that there are several SC knowledge flow barriers (SCKFBs) which obstruct knowledge flow in SC. The purpose of this research is to identify SCKFBs and propose solutions to overcome the SCKFBs. The weight of major SCKFBs is calculated by fuzzy Delphi (FD) method and ranking of the solutions of SCKFBs is evaluated using the fuzzy inference system (FIS) method. To overcome SCKFBs, the top rank solutions obtained are visible technologies that offer real-time customer and demand knowledge, building strategic relationships with SC partners and induce mutual trust with SC partners. This study may be one of the first to bring together a large range of SCKFBs on the same platform, and an attempt to give solutions for SCKFBs.

Keywords: supply chain; knowledge flow; fuzzy Delphi; fuzzy inference system; FIS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIDS.2019.103353

International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences, 2019 Vol.11 No.4, pp.320 - 354

Received: 07 Feb 2017
Accepted: 15 Mar 2018
Published online: 05 Nov 2019 *

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