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 littte 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 stiU influence how
the supplier is handled.