The outstanding supplier: buyers' perception of good supplier performance

Formalised supplier evaluation systems have become more widespread. The aim of this study is to uncover how evaluation systems are used and what role the individual buyer still plays. Currently very little is known of whether formalised supplier evaluation systems are used as intended. Focus is on how evaluation may differ because of different supplier types, how performance measurements are related to the firm's aims and whether buyers actually use the evaluation systems! To undertake an in-depth investigation a case-study approach was used. The study unit was two buying managers – one manager from a small firm and one from a large firm. The findings indicate that parameters used for assessments of suppliers depend on the supplier's role and the firm's aims, but also that the buying manager's perception of the supplier will still influence how the supplier is handled.