Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
PhD. Student, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2
Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Guilan
3
Assistant Prof., Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
10.22059/ijms.2025.390256.677389
Abstract
The pharmaceutical supply chain is vital for ensuring timely and secure delivery of medicines to pharmacies, hospitals, and patients. However, increasing complexity, due to fluctuating demand, strict storage and transportation requirements, and the need for precise logistics, presents major challenges. This study proposes an integrated performance evaluation framework by combining the SCOR model with MCDM methods. Specifically, it integrates DEMATEL to identify causal relationships among performance criteria and BWM to prioritize them based on expert opinions from the pharmaceutical industry.
The approach offers a structured evaluation tool for pharmaceutical distribution networks, especially in environments with limited access to real-time operational data. Results from the DEMATEL method highlight that “Supply stability,” “Facility cost,” “Information systems cost,” “Number of vehicles,” “Delivery time,” and “Volume flexibility” have the strongest influence on distribution efficiency. According to BWM findings, “Delivery time” is considered the most critical criterion by experts. Therefore, improving it requires attention to its underlying causes.
This framework helps decision-makers better understand performance dynamics and supports more responsive, and cost-effective strategies. Moreover, while developed in the Iranian context, the model has wider applicability and can support pharmaceutical supply chain decision-making in similar healthcare systems globally.
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