Determination of the Most Convenient Polyester Thread Supplier in Upholstery Velvet Production by Multi Criteria Decision Making Methods: A Case from Turkey

Abstract

Upholstery fabrics are widely used in automotive sector particular in interior decoration of automobiles and furniture industries by the virtue of these features. It might be used many types of natural and chemical-based fibers in l ine with desired performance characteristics and usage areas of fabrics. Abrasion features of fabrics depend overwhelmingly on construction, types, texturization, and filament fineness of thread, but most importantly among these, it depends on type of fibers [1]. Velvet fabrics have always been indispensable for home textile fashion [2]. Having a durable and strong structure has ensured that velvet fabrics always maintain their place as a trend among upholstery fabrics. Upholstery, drapery and decorative velvet fabrics, which are produced with the aim of combining elegance and comfort with a substantial variety of colors and patterns in luxury velvet, can be classified as follows: plain, jacquard, printed, dyed yarn, brocade, and pleat and emboss velvet fabrics [3]. When the relevant literature regarding upholstery velvet is examined, it has been seen that there is no scientific study on the supply of upholstery velvet and its production equipment. By this aspect, the study is expected to fill an important gap in the literature. By means of originality of the study, the fact that it is the first study to determine the most convenient polyester thread brand in the manufacturing of upholstery velvet by two different multi criteria decision making (MCDM) methods gives rise to thought uniqueness of the research problem. In the study, two popular MCDM methods Abstract: Upholstery velvet manufacturers choose polyester thread types to get optimum profit by using scientific methods. The matter of determining the most convenient polyester thread supplier might be considered as a decision problem. In this study, the issue of determining the most suitable polyester thread supplier of upholstery velvet manufacturer was analyzed by MACBETH-PROMETHEE Hybrid method. Authorities of relevant businesses were chosen as decision makers. Criteria and alternatives were determined by reviewing literature regarding decision makers. The weights of criteria were evaluated by MACBETH method, however, the priority order of alternatives were evaluated separately both MACBETH and PROMETHEE methods. The fit of analyses practiced by two separate multi criteria decision making methods was tested by Spearman Rank Correlation Analysis. As a result of analyses conducted hybrid method, types of brands and threads were determined. The most basic raw material requirement of enterprises that are upholstery velvet producers is polyester thread. If thread is procured using the model of the study, polyester thread will be purchased at both the most affordable price and the desired quality. Findings were shared with authorities of relevant business. (Received 7 March, 2022; Accepted 11 April, 2022)