Towards Effective Management of Cold Chain: A DEMATEL Approach

Abstract

Information and infrastructure management is critical component in management of cold chain. Management of cold chain thrives to preserve the integrity of cold chain from the point of production and processing, to storage at the consuming household or restaurant. This paper identifies the barriers for effective management of cold chain and evaluate the inter-relationship among them. The findings suggest that unavailability of proper infrastructure is highly impacting whereas the lack of regulatory framework and commitment of top management are relatively influencing the effective management of cold chain. Government needs to upgrade the redundant infrastructure & develop robust network and impose regulatory framework to mitigate the uncertainties associated with cold chain operations. Mitigation of barriers may have implications on food security and conservation of environment resources. This work may be used policy makers of government or industries to understand the interrelationship of barriers and their influence on cold chain management.