Fuzzy AHP based supplier selection considering the triple bottom line concept

![CDATA[Despite substantial research efforts on selection and evaluation of supplier under various conditions across a range of industries, much of those research efforts have focused on mainly economic considerations, with very limited consideration of environmental factors and social issues simultaneously. This paper, therefore, proposes the evaluation and selection criteria based on Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept, which focuses on economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The methodology adopted in this research is a two-step approach: (i) fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP) model for supplier selection using multiple criteria, and (ii) illustration of the proposed approach using a case of a major cement manufacturing company, for prioritizing suppliers of three different types of raw materials. The results show that both economic and environmental considerations play equally significant roles, when selecting raw material suppliers. Ranking of suppliers, based on FAHP model using experts’ opinions is shown to indicate varying degree of importance of each criterion and individual performance measures in selecting suppliers. Although supplier selection and evaluation is based on criteria of TBL perspectives, individual performance measures under each criterion are selected from a limited set of measures. Therefore, further research is required, if the model is to be validated and generalized for applicability across other industries with broader selection criteria and individual performance measures.]]