A hybrid AHP and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industry
Abstract Supplier selection is a critical factor in ensuring operational efficiency and competitiveness in the apparel industry, especially in Bangladesh, a leading exporter of ready-made garments. This study employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate and rank suppliers for Alim Knit...
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Springer
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Discover Sustainability |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01416-1 |
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| author | Mst. Anjuman Ara Mst. Sadia Tamanna Muhammad Ali Al Amin Md. Abdus Shabur |
| author_facet | Mst. Anjuman Ara Mst. Sadia Tamanna Muhammad Ali Al Amin Md. Abdus Shabur |
| author_sort | Mst. Anjuman Ara |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Supplier selection is a critical factor in ensuring operational efficiency and competitiveness in the apparel industry, especially in Bangladesh, a leading exporter of ready-made garments. This study employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate and rank suppliers for Alim Knit BD Ltd. Bangladesh, utilizing a multi-criteria decision-making approach. Four suppliers are assessed based on eight essential criteria: quality, cost, lead time, service, billing flexibility, logistics capacity, relationship, and information service capability. Montrims Limited emerged as the top supplier with the highest priority weight (50.27%), reflecting its superior performance in cost efficiency, logistics capacity, and lead time. In contrast, Adzi Trims Limited ranked lowest, with a weight of 8.60%, due to its limited alignment with the company’s requirements. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of statistical validation techniques, such as sensitivity analysis, Pearson correlation, and confidence interval estimation, into the AHP framework to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results. This hybrid approach enhances confidence in supplier rankings and addresses potential subjectivity in traditional decision-making methods. Theoretically, this research contributes to the body of knowledge on multi-criteria decision-making by demonstrating the application of AHP in a real-world context, particularly in the apparel industry. Practically, it provides a replicable framework for businesses seeking to evaluate and select suppliers based on key operational criteria, thus improving supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The study also offers valuable insights for businesses looking to reduce risks in supplier selection and enhance supplier relationships. This study contributes to sustainable development by promoting responsible supplier selection aligned with SDGs such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), enhancing supply chain sustainability in the apparel industry. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e0f04a31ac3d4a2fbb4ef7eb62563bba |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2662-9984 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
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| series | Discover Sustainability |
| spelling | doaj-art-e0f04a31ac3d4a2fbb4ef7eb62563bba2025-08-20T03:22:46ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-06-016112510.1007/s43621-025-01416-1A hybrid AHP and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industryMst. Anjuman Ara0Mst. Sadia Tamanna1Muhammad Ali2Al Amin3Md. Abdus Shabur4Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, University of DhakaDepartment of Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE), Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST)Department of Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE), Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST)Department of Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE), Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST)Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, University of DhakaAbstract Supplier selection is a critical factor in ensuring operational efficiency and competitiveness in the apparel industry, especially in Bangladesh, a leading exporter of ready-made garments. This study employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate and rank suppliers for Alim Knit BD Ltd. Bangladesh, utilizing a multi-criteria decision-making approach. Four suppliers are assessed based on eight essential criteria: quality, cost, lead time, service, billing flexibility, logistics capacity, relationship, and information service capability. Montrims Limited emerged as the top supplier with the highest priority weight (50.27%), reflecting its superior performance in cost efficiency, logistics capacity, and lead time. In contrast, Adzi Trims Limited ranked lowest, with a weight of 8.60%, due to its limited alignment with the company’s requirements. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of statistical validation techniques, such as sensitivity analysis, Pearson correlation, and confidence interval estimation, into the AHP framework to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results. This hybrid approach enhances confidence in supplier rankings and addresses potential subjectivity in traditional decision-making methods. Theoretically, this research contributes to the body of knowledge on multi-criteria decision-making by demonstrating the application of AHP in a real-world context, particularly in the apparel industry. Practically, it provides a replicable framework for businesses seeking to evaluate and select suppliers based on key operational criteria, thus improving supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The study also offers valuable insights for businesses looking to reduce risks in supplier selection and enhance supplier relationships. This study contributes to sustainable development by promoting responsible supplier selection aligned with SDGs such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), enhancing supply chain sustainability in the apparel industry.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01416-1Supplier selectionAnalytical hierarchy process (AHP)SDGsApparel industryStatistical tests |
| spellingShingle | Mst. Anjuman Ara Mst. Sadia Tamanna Muhammad Ali Al Amin Md. Abdus Shabur A hybrid AHP and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industry Discover Sustainability Supplier selection Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) SDGs Apparel industry Statistical tests |
| title | A hybrid AHP and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industry |
| title_full | A hybrid AHP and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industry |
| title_fullStr | A hybrid AHP and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industry |
| title_full_unstemmed | A hybrid AHP and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industry |
| title_short | A hybrid AHP and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industry |
| title_sort | hybrid ahp and statistical validation approach for sustainable supplier selection in apparel industry |
| topic | Supplier selection Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) SDGs Apparel industry Statistical tests |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01416-1 |
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