SUPPLIER SELECTION AND EVALUATION IN SMALL VERSUS LARGE ELECTRONICS FIRMS

This article examines supplier selection and evaluation criteria in sm all and large electronics firms. The participation of personnel from v arious functional areas of the firm in the selection and evaluation of suppliers is also discussed, as well as the formality of the methods used to evaluate these suppliers. The results confirm previous researc h and practice that indicate a trend toward a much greater quality emp hasis in the supplier selection and retention decision among both larg e and small firms. In addition, a number of personnel from various fun ctional areas participate in the selection and evaluation of suppliers , indicating a growing importance of team involvement in the selection and evaluation of suppliers. Finally, large firms use formal methods to evaluate suppliers, while small firms use informal methods.