A robust hybrid decision model to evaluate critical factors of reverse logistics implementation using Grey-DEMATEL framework

The rising electronics waste (e-waste), increased pollution, disposal issues and exploitation of natural resources have augmented ecological and resource scarcity problems. These problems can be abate by adopting reverse logistics (RL) implementation so, the environmental protection and resource recovery options such as reuse, refurbish, recycle, remanufacturing and proper disposal can be executed to deal and manage with the e-waste. The goal of this research work is to identifies, evaluate and analyze the factors for successful implementation of RL practices. Fifteen critical RL factors are recognized from pertinent literature and endorsed by industry professionals. This paper utilized Grey based Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach to sort the identified factors into cause and effect clusters. Grey DEMATEL resolves the problem of data uncertainty and impreciseness involves in decision making in analyzing the factors. The results of the study found that 11 RL factors came into causal cluster as vital factors and 4 RL factors into the effect cluster as fundamental problems factors. Among causal cluster, the highest ranked four influential factors are Top management commitment (RLF1) with weightage value 0.7604, RLF2 i.e. enforced government regulations with weightage value 0.6549, RLF6 i.e. environmental/green concerns factor with weightage value 0.5678 and RLF8 i.e. Waste minimization (especially e-waste) factor with weightage value 0.5113 are respectively. Similarly, among effect cluster, the most easily influenced two factors are “Market and competition factors” (RLF15) with weightage value (− 1.1207) and “Increased e-commerce” (RLF13) with weightage value (− 1.2855) respectively. A case example of an Indian electronics firm is taken to showcase the application of the proposed model. This paper can help supply chain managers and analysts in superior understanding of critical factors and increase the chances of practicing more effective and successful RL implementation in electronics industry. At the end, few key country and industry-specific recommendations are offered to support major decision for management and policy makers to embrace and successfully accomplish the reverse supply chain practices in India.