Stratification-based decision analysis framework for improving supply chain resilience

Abstract The Concept of Stratification (CST) introduces a new perspective into decision-making, making it dynamic. Despite its merits, CST has seen very limited development in the literature. This study introduces a novel decision analysis framework based on CST, target set reachability, and incremental enlargement notions for improving supply chains. The developed framework uses the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method as an evaluation module for measuring resilience and guiding state changes. This novel application of DEA within the CST-based framework helps identify the best course of managerial action –the transition path– for improving the operational capabilities of the supply chain to stay operational in the face of instabilities, sudden changes, and disruptions. Numerical analysis is used to show the practicability of the method, where more than twelve percent improvement is perceived. The outcome of this study sets the foundation for the development of CST-based frameworks in other contexts, where shortlisted managerial actions can be evaluated and planned for improving an operating system.