Applying ANP for raw material supply in Iranian paper industry

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop a strategic plan for selecting the best options for the supply of raw material to feed paper producing plants. The decision-making is examined within the framework of benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks (BOCR). A hierarchy is used to prioritize the BOCR, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) ratings approach. A control hierarchy is then created and prioritized using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) to evaluate the “control criteria” of the system. There are a total of nineteen control criteria in the system and each controls a decision network evaluated using the ANP. The final synthesis of the system shows external procurement is the best choice.