An ANP–SWOT approach for interdependency analysis and prioritizing the Iran׳s steel scrap industry strategies

Supplying raw materials plays a central role in the Iran׳s crude steel plants. Iran׳s scrap recycling industry, as a major supplier of steel scraps, requires identifying and performing the efficient strategies to utilize the substantial amount of steel scrap. In this research, by designing a model and implementing the efficient strategic factors (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), via the SWOT analysis, the appropriated strategies, SO, ST, WO and WT are determined. This model consists of four factors, 14 sub-factors and eight strategies. Since the SWOT method is unable to rank the factors and strategies, the MADM technique is applied to prioritize them. The dependency between the factors affects the priority of strategies. Therefore, AHP and ANP methods are applied discretely to examine whether the dependency among the factors changes the priorities of strategies.