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A Dempster-Shafer Theory-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Model for Evaluating Sustainable Third-Party Logistics Providers

Author

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  • Tuong Thanh Vo

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, College of Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei City 10608, Taiwan)

  • James J. H. Liou

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, College of Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei City 10608, Taiwan)

  • Yi-Ling Tsai

    (Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City 112303, Taiwan)

  • Han Ru Tan

    (Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City 112303, Taiwan)

  • Sun-Weng Huang

    (Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City 112303, Taiwan)

  • Hsi-Hua Chen

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, College of Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei City 10608, Taiwan)

Abstract

Selecting sustainable third-party logistics providers (3PLPs) is essential for enhancing competitiveness and sustainability performance. However, conventional approaches often fail to adequately capture sustainability dimensions and manage uncertainty arising from hesitant and incomplete information. To address these limitations, this study proposes a novel decision-making framework that extends the Triple Bottom Line by incorporating a technical dimension. The model integrates Dempster–Shafer theory for uncertainty modeling, Deng entropy for objective criteria weighting, Murphy’s combination rule for improved evidence aggregation, and the Combined Compromise Solution method for ranking. The core novelty lies in the unified integration of these techniques to simultaneously address uncertainty within a comprehensive evaluation framework. A case study, along with sensitivity and comparative analyses, demonstrates the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach, providing a reliable tool for sustainable 3PLP selection.

Suggested Citation

  • Tuong Thanh Vo & James J. H. Liou & Yi-Ling Tsai & Han Ru Tan & Sun-Weng Huang & Hsi-Hua Chen, 2026. "A Dempster-Shafer Theory-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Model for Evaluating Sustainable Third-Party Logistics Providers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-26, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:10:p:4643-:d:1937161
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