{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,11,27]],"date-time":"2025-11-27T13:54:45Z","timestamp":1764251685740,"version":"build-2065373602"},"reference-count":31,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"12","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2020,11,27]],"date-time":"2020-11-27T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1606435200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Symmetry"],"abstract":"<jats:p>It is a common practice for enterprises to use outsourcing strategies to reduce operating costs and improve product competitiveness. Outsourcing providers or operators need to be aware of environmental protection and make products comply with the restrictions of international environmental regulations. Therefore, this study proposes a set of multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches for systematic green outsourcing evaluation. First, a team of experts is established to discuss mutually dependent relationships among criteria, and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique is applied to generate subjective influential weights. Then, a large amount of data from outsourcing providers is collected, and the criteria importance through the intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method is used to obtain the objective influential weights. Finally, a novel classifiable technique for ordering preference based on similarity to ideal solutions (classifiable TOPSIS) is proposed to integrate the performance of green outsourcing providers and classify them into four levels. The classifiable TOPSIS improves the shortcomings of conventional TOPSIS and establishes a visual rating diagram to help decision-makers to distinguish the performance of outsourcing providers more clearly. Taking a Taiwanese multinational machine tool manufacturer as an example, the performance of outsourcing providers related to manufacturing activities was investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of this proposed model.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/sym12121962","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2020,11,27]],"date-time":"2020-11-27T09:16:49Z","timestamp":1606468609000},"page":"1962","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":17,"title":["A Hybrid MCDM Model to Evaluate and Classify Outsourcing Providers in Manufacturing"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"12","author":[{"given":"Ching-Fang","family":"Liaw","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168, Jifeng E. Rd., Wufeng District, Taichung 413310, Taiwan"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Wan-Chi Jackie","family":"Hsu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Graduate Institute of Cultural and Educational Management, Central Taiwan University of Sciences and Technology, 666, Buzih R., Beitun District, Taichung 40601, Taiwan"},{"name":"College of Management, National Taipei University of Technology, 1, Sec. 3, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Taipei 10608, Taiwan"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-8281-8740","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Huai-Wei","family":"Lo","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168, Jifeng E. Rd., Wufeng District, Taichung 413310, Taiwan"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2020,11,27]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"436","DOI":"10.1016\/j.asoc.2017.12.020","article-title":"Business process outsourcing enhanced by fuzzy linguistic consensus model","volume":"64","author":"Ciasullo","year":"2018","journal-title":"Appl. Soft. Comput."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"350","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejor.2020.03.003","article-title":"Collaboration under outcome-based contracts for information technology services","volume":"286","author":"Awasthy","year":"2020","journal-title":"Eur. J. Oper. Res."},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"429","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2018.05.012","article-title":"Selecting an outsourcing provider based on the combined MABAC\u2013ELECTRE method using single-valued neutrosophic linguistic sets","volume":"120","author":"Ji","year":"2018","journal-title":"Comput. Ind. Eng."},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"531","DOI":"10.1108\/JMTM-08-2018-0247","article-title":"An integrated fuzzy SWARA and fuzzy AD approach for outsourcing provider selection","volume":"30","year":"2019","journal-title":"J. Manuf. Technol. Manag."},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3691","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cor.2006.01.017","article-title":"Using a hybrid multi-criteria decision aid method for information systems outsourcing","volume":"34","author":"Wang","year":"2007","journal-title":"Comput. Oper. Res."},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2297","DOI":"10.1016\/j.eswa.2012.10.040","article-title":"Integrating DANP and modified grey relation theory for the selection of an outsourcing provider","volume":"40","author":"Hsu","year":"2013","journal-title":"Expert Syst. Appl."},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"243","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ajsl.2019.12.011","article-title":"Green Logistics Outsourcing Employing Multi Criteria Decision Making and Quality Function Deployment in the Petrochemical Industry","volume":"35","author":"Vazifehdan","year":"2019","journal-title":"Asian J. Shipp. Logist."},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Chang, M.H., Liou, J.J., and Lo, H.W. (2019). A Hybrid MCDM Model for Evaluating Strategic Alliance Partners in the Green Biopharmaceutical Industry. Sustainability, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/su11154065"},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3755","DOI":"10.1016\/j.eswa.2009.11.048","article-title":"Developing a hybrid multi-criteria model for selection of outsourcing providers","volume":"37","author":"Liou","year":"2010","journal-title":"Expert Syst. Appl."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"80","DOI":"10.1016\/j.knosys.2015.02.027","article-title":"An intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming method for logistics outsourcing provider selection","volume":"82","author":"Wan","year":"2015","journal-title":"Knowl. Based Syst."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"137","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2014.09.014","article-title":"An integrated DEMATEL and Fuzzy ANP techniques for evaluation and selection of outsourcing provider for a telecommunication company","volume":"86","author":"Uygun","year":"2015","journal-title":"Comput. Ind. Eng."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Stoj\u010di\u0107, M., Zavadskas, E.K., Pamu\u010dar, D., Stevi\u0107, \u017d., and Mardani, A. (2019). Application of MCDM methods in sustainability engineering: A literature review 2008\u20132018. Symmetry, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/sym11030350"},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"113208","DOI":"10.1016\/j.eswa.2020.113208","article-title":"Development of an integrated decision making model for location selection of logistics centers in the Spanish autonomous communities","volume":"148","author":"Yazdani","year":"2020","journal-title":"Expert Syst. Appl."},{"key":"ref_14","first-page":"54","article-title":"The application of the hybrid interval rough weighted Power-Heronian operator in multi-criteria decision making","volume":"3","year":"2020","journal-title":"Oper. Res. Eng. Sci. Theory Appl."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"641","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ins.2020.08.076","article-title":"Interval type-2 fuzzy sets improved by Simulated Annealing for locating the electric charging stations","volume":"547","author":"Deveci","year":"2021","journal-title":"Inf. Sci."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"103703","DOI":"10.1016\/j.engappai.2020.103703","article-title":"Selecting an airport ground access mode using novel fuzzy LBWA-WASPAS-H decision making model","volume":"93","author":"Pamucar","year":"2020","journal-title":"Eng. Appl. Artif. Intell."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hsu, W.C.J., Liou, J.J., and Lo, H.W. (2020). A group decision-making approach for exploring trends in the development of the healthcare industry in Taiwan. Decis. Support Syst., 113447.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.dss.2020.113447"},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mati\u0107, B., Jovanovi\u0107, S., Das, D.K., Zavadskas, E.K., Stevi\u0107, \u017d., Sremac, S., and Marinkovi\u0107, M. (2019). A new hybrid MCDM model: Sustainable supplier selection in a construction company. Symmetry, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/sym11030353"},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1131","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclepro.2018.08.193","article-title":"Using a hybrid method for evaluating and improving the service quality of public bike-sharing systems","volume":"202","author":"Hsu","year":"2018","journal-title":"J. Clean Prod."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100336","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijcip.2019.100336","article-title":"A new soft computing approach for analyzing the influential relationships of critical infrastructures","volume":"28","author":"Lo","year":"2020","journal-title":"Int. J. Crit. Infrastruct. Prot."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"15733","DOI":"10.1007\/s00500-020-04903-x","article-title":"A hybrid MCDM-based FMEA model for identification of critical failure modes in manufacturing","volume":"24","author":"Lo","year":"2020","journal-title":"Soft Comput."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"119607","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclepro.2019.119607","article-title":"Decision-making method of heavy-duty machine tool remanufacturing based on AHP-entropy weight and extension theory","volume":"252","author":"Du","year":"2020","journal-title":"J. Clean Prod."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"107586","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijpe.2019.107586","article-title":"Coordination by quantity flexibility contract in a two-echelon supply chain system: Effect of outsourcing decisions","volume":"225","author":"Heydari","year":"2020","journal-title":"Int. J. Prod. Econ."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"71","DOI":"10.1016\/j.knosys.2014.06.006","article-title":"A fuzzy inhomogenous multiattribute group decision making approach to solve outsourcing provider selection problems","volume":"67","author":"Li","year":"2014","journal-title":"Knowl. Based Syst."},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3047","DOI":"10.1016\/j.eswa.2013.10.036","article-title":"Fuzzy heterogeneous multiattribute decision making method for outsourcing provider selection","volume":"41","author":"Li","year":"2014","journal-title":"Expert Syst. Appl."},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"118461","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclepro.2019.118461","article-title":"A novel hybrid multiple attribute decision-making approach for outsourcing sustainable reverse logistics","volume":"242","author":"Zarbakhshnia","year":"2020","journal-title":"J. Clean Prod."},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Prajapati, H., Kant, R., and Tripathi, S.M. (2020). An integrated framework for prioritizing the outsourcing performance outcomes. J. Glob. Oper. Strateg. Sourc.","DOI":"10.1108\/JGOSS-06-2019-0047"},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"106279","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2020.106279","article-title":"Analyzing barriers for adopting sustainable online consumption: A rough hierarchical DEMATEL method","volume":"140","author":"Song","year":"2020","journal-title":"Comput. Ind. Eng."},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"106085","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2019.106085","article-title":"A combined fuzzy DEMATEL and TOPSIS approach for estimating participants in knowledge-intensive crowdsourcing","volume":"137","author":"Zhang","year":"2019","journal-title":"Comput. Ind. Eng."},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Liu, P.C., Lo, H.W., and Liou, J.J. (2020). A Combination of DEMATEL and BWM-Based ANP Methods for Exploring the Green Building Rating System in Taiwan. Sustainability, 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/su12083216"},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"152","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejor.2016.11.052","article-title":"A modified TOPSIS with a different ranking index","volume":"260","author":"Kuo","year":"2017","journal-title":"Eur. J. Oper. Res."}],"container-title":["Symmetry"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2073-8994\/12\/12\/1962\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,11]],"date-time":"2025-10-11T10:38:15Z","timestamp":1760179095000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2073-8994\/12\/12\/1962"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020,11,27]]},"references-count":31,"journal-issue":{"issue":"12","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2020,12]]}},"alternative-id":["sym12121962"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/sym12121962","relation":{},"ISSN":["2073-8994"],"issn-type":[{"type":"electronic","value":"2073-8994"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2020,11,27]]}}}