Service quality-based distributor selection problem: a hybrid approach using fuzzy ART and AHP-FTOPSIS

Evaluation and selection of distributors are important issues in supply chain management (SCM) and play an important role in making new market development. This paper provides a new method to categorise and select distributors. After determining criteria according to the service quality dimensions as a novel innovation, the fuzzy adaptive resonance theory (ART) algorithm is utilised to categorise distributors according to their similarity. Then, two multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques (i.e., AHP and FTOPSIS) are utilised to arrange distributors in their relative category. Finally, a numerical example is illustrated to examine the validity of the proposed algorithm. Results show that integrating MCDM techniques and neural networks can remove their deficiencies and provide comprehensive approach for partner selection in supply chain.