An integrated fuzzy MCDM approach for supplier evaluation and selection

• A methodology that uses QFD, fusion of fuzzy information, and 2-tuple linguistic representation is proposed.
• It manages non-homogeneous information in supplier selection with multiple information sources.
• It computes the weights of criteria and ratings of suppliers using interrelated HOQ matrices.
• It quantifies vagueness and pertinent relationships in supplier selection while tackling multi-granularity.
• The developed approach is illustrated through a case study.

A fuzzy multi-criteria group decision making approach that makes use of quality function deployment (QFD), fusion of fuzzy information and 2-tuple linguistic representation model is developed for supplier selection. The proposed methodology seeks to establish the relevant supplier assessment criteria while also considering the impacts of inner dependence among them. Two interrelated house of quality matrices are constructed, and fusion of fuzzy information and 2-tuple linguistic representation model are employed to compute the weights of supplier selection criteria and subsequently the ratings of suppliers. The proposed method is apt to manage non-homogeneous information in a decision setting with multiple information sources. The decision framework presented in this paper employs ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator, and the aggregation process is based on combining information by means of fuzzy sets on a basic linguistic term set. The proposed framework is illustrated through a case study conducted in a private hospital in Istanbul.