Identifying and Prioritizing Risk Factors in Supply Chain Logistics for Crisis Management

Research on supply chain logistics has shed light on the pressing need for accurate and effective identification of threats to prevent vulnerability in food supply and security, particularly in the wake of global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and climate change. A study conducted by researchers at Malek Ashtar University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, utilized an integrated fuzzy approach, including MICMAC analysis and total interpretive structural modeling, to identify and evaluate the most critical risk factors that threaten supply chain logistics. The research aimed to provide a framework for policymakers and managers in Iran to make informed strategic decisions and achieve sustainable development goals by enhancing the resilience of supply chain logistics.

Key Takeaways:

• The study identified 16 potential risk factors affecting supply chain logistics, which were narrowed down to 12 factors through Pareto analysis, including natural disasters, mismanagement in supplier selection, transportation strikes, shortage of skilled personnel, and minimal fuel consumption.
• The research employed an integrated fuzzy approach, combining MICMAC analysis and total interpretive structural modeling, to evaluate the risk factors and determine their priorities.
• The study's results highlighted the importance of developing strategies to mitigate the identified risk factors, such as enhancing supply chain resilience to natural disasters and improving supplier selection processes.
• The research concluded that the findings can help policymakers and managers in Iran make informed decisions to achieve sustainable development goals.
• The study's authors, Mohammad Eskandari and Hamed Asghari, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to crisis management in supply chain logistics.

Statistics:

• 12 risk factors were selected for further analysis through Pareto analysis.
• Natural disasters, mismanagement in supplier selection, transportation strikes, shortage of skilled personnel, and minimal fuel consumption were identified as the most important risk factors.
• 16 potential risk factors were initially identified through previous studies and expert feedback.
• The overall goal of the research was to achieve sustainable development goals by developing and increasing the resilience of supply chain logistics.

Sources:

• NewsRx. New Epidemiology Study Findings Recently Were Published by Researchers at Malek Ashtar University of Technology (Identifying and Prioritizing Risk Factors in Supply Chain Logistics for Crisis Management Using an Integrated Fuzzy Approach). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. June 15, 2025; p 187.
• Eskandari, M., Asghari, H. (2025). Identifying and prioritizing risk factors in supply chain logistics for crisis management using an integrated fuzzy approach. dansh pyshgyry w mdyryt bhran, 2025, 15(1):104-123.