A Multi-Stage T-SF MCDM Framework for Assessing Vulnerabilities in Cross-Border Logistics Chains

Abstract

The rapid expansion of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has reshaped global trade while exposing supply chains to increasing vulnerabilities, including infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory fragmentation, and operational disruptions. This study develops an integrated framework to evaluate and enhance the resilience of Vietnam's cross-border e-commerce supply chain (CBECSC). A hybrid T-spherical fuzzy (T-SF) multi-criteria decision-making framework is applied in three stages. First, the T-SF Delphi method (T-SF Delphi) is used to identify critical resilience factors. Second, the T-SF Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (T-SF DEMATEL) method is employed to analyze causal relationships among these factors. Third, strategic interventions are prioritized using the T-SF Combined Compromise Solution (T-SF COCOSO) method. To ensure methodological robustness, the ranking results obtained from T-SF COCOSO are further validated through comparative analysis with the T-SF Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (T-SF MARCOS) and the T-SF Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (T-SF TOPSIS). The findings indicate that Customize Products, Mutual Contingency Plan, Trade Policies, Safety Stock Inventory, and Reconfigure Contingency Strategy exert the strongest causal influence on supply chain resilience. Although the empirical analysis focuses on Vietnam, the proposed framework offers a transferable methodology for other emerging economies facing similar CBEC challenges.