A Systematic Literature Review of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Applications within Food Supply Chains using the TCM-ADO Framework

Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) models are valuable tools for addressing complex decision-making within multiple domains of supply chain management. Considering the complex and uncertain environments that Food Supply Chains (FSCs) operate in, MCDM applications are crucial for optimizing FSC performance across multiple dimensions. Consequently, several research studies focused on the application of MCDM methods within FSCs, with a few focusing on reviewing the literature. However, the literature studies till date revolved around a particular type of FSC or towards enhancing specific FSC capabilities. Besides, no review has used innovative frameworks – such as TCM-ADO, TCCM, 5W+H, etc. to synthesize the existing literature. Hence, this article uses Theories-Contexts-Methods-Antecedents-Decisions-Outcomes (TCM-ADO) framework to enhance the scope of the review. This framework for research synthesis stands unique in comparison with the regular systematic reviews, as it covers holistic synthesis of literature through handling both fronts of research aspects i.e., “what (content)” and “how (methodology)’. The results and findings highlight concentration of studies: a) within specific contexts (agri-food chains-31%, generic-food chains-30%, etc.), b) addressing specific capabilities (sustainability-28%), and c) additionally reveal a research gap in developing unique, hybrid MCDM models to address other contexts (cold chains, perishable food chains etc.) and other capabilities (food quality, food safety, food security, etc.).