An integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach for overcoming barriers to green supply chain management and prioritizing alternative solutions

Abstract

Green practices are no longer a wish but a must in business. Despite that, businesses interested in implementing green supply-chain practices encounter several barriers. This study aims to analyze the barriers and solution proposals related to green supply chain practices in the manufacturing sector. Face-to-face interviews with eleven decision-makers in the manufacturing industry who know about green supply chain practices provided the data for the study. In the analysis phase, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was used to analyze the barriers that are effective in implementing green supply chain practices. Combining it with fuzzy logic and the Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) and Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) methods were used to evaluate solution proposals. The Copeland method was used to combine the results and find the final rankings. The three most important barriers are identified as the lack of technological hardware and software infrastructure, fear of failure, and non-adoption of technological improvements. The solutions that can be used in the implementation phase are training employees, collaborating with other businesses, and improving government support and incentives.