The development of a framework for suppliers' selection and evaluation: A survey of Greek SMEs

Supplier selection and evaluation are important strategic processes aimed at building effective relationships in company supply chains. Selection criteria are aimed at increasing overall competitiveness [1] by using supplier involvement to promote ownership and improve decision-making through continuous product/process development [2]. The purpose of this research has been to identify selection criteria and to develop supplier selection and evaluation frameworks based on surveyed data. The survey focused on SMEs in the northern industrial region around Greece's 2nd largest city, Thessaloniki. The research showed that the most significant evaluation criteria for companies are their suppliers' ability to meet delivery schedules, followed by product quality, and finally product net price. The study findings were further compared to other existing frameworks.