Sustainable and Efficient Supplier Selection: A Decision-Making Framework

Abstract

The selection of an appropriate supplier is essential in supply chain management, as it directly impacts operational efficiency and production continuity. Consequently, a well-structured selection procedure may offer multiple advantages, including enhanced supply chain performance and improved organizational outcomes. In recent years, the integration of sustainability concepts into supplier selection process is becoming increasingly critical, driven by the growing demand for eco-friendly and responsible practices. In this paper, a supplier selection model is presented that enables the simultaneous consideration of often conflicting factors, including economic, environmental, operational aspects. Specifically, due to the multi-criteria nature of the problem, the VIKOR method is applied. A real-world case study is incluted to illustrate practical feasibility and operational efficiency of the proposed model for a manufacturing company in Italy. The proposed model provides companies a strategic tool to balance sustainability and operational goals, thereby improving supplier performance and contributing to more resilient and efficient supply chains.