Analyzing the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on supplier performance evaluation factors via fuzzy cognitive map with a hybrid learning system

Abstract

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has proven that how supply chain management (SCM) can become a crucial process for sustainability of the world's production/service. The global supply chain crisis during pandemic has affected most of the sectors. Home and personal care products manufacturers are among them. In this study (1) the problems at SCM of personal and home care products manufacturers during pandemic are discussed with the help of medium-size manufacturer and (2) the factors affecting suppliers' performance for the relevant sector during COVID-19 are analyzed comprehensively.Design/methodology/approachThe importance of the factors is evaluated using fuzzy cognitive maps that can help to reveal hidden casual relationships with the help of expert knowledge. In order to eliminate subjectivity due to usage of expert knowledge, the maps are trained with a hybrid learning approach that consists of Non-linear Learning and Extended Great Deluge Algorithms to increase robustness of the analysis.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that the factors such as general quality level of products/services, compliance to delivery time, communication skills and total production capacity of suppliers have been crucial factors during pandemic.Originality/valueWhile the implementation of the hybrid learning approach on supply chain can fill the gap in the relevant literature, the promising results of the study can prove the convenience of the methodology to model the of complex systems like supply chain processes.

Guest editorial: Post-COVID-19 sustainable supply chain management in emerging markets

“…This special issue contains nine research articles which discuss diversified research problems from practical scenarios, strategic solution frameworks, and decisive and incisive conclusions in sustainable supply chain management applicable to emerging economies.The first article examined causal relations and the importance of factors affecting supplier performance using a fuzzy cognitive map with a hybrid learning algorithm. It demonstrated a case study of a Turkish personal care product company in the context of post-COVID-19 (Kocabey Çiftçi, 2023). The second article analyzed drivers of a resilient supply chain in the humanitarian sector in preparing for outbreaks ensuring the continuity of emergency healthcare services in India.…”

“…The first article examined causal relations and the importance of factors affecting supplier performance using a fuzzy cognitive map with a hybrid learning algorithm. It demonstrated a case study of a Turkish personal care product company in the context of post-COVID-19 (Kocabey Çiftçi, 2023). The second article analyzed drivers of a resilient supply chain in the humanitarian sector in preparing for outbreaks ensuring the continuity of emergency healthcare services in India.…”