A model for evaluation and selection of suppliers in global textile and apparel supply chains

Purpose – The issue affecting US textile/apparel companies in global business competition is to find suitable suppliers for their operations. The selection and evaluation of their global suppliers to meet the goal of having effective and efficient supply chain operations and strengthening their position in the market become critical for US textile/apparel manufacturers to maintain their competitiveness in today's market. Aims to develop an evaluation model. Design/methodology/approach – The development of a simple, flexible, and easy to use evaluation model that includes the consideration of five main clusters to reflect the performance of a global supplier in a textile/apparel supply chain. Findings – A case presented in this paper shows that the model provides textile/apparel companies with an easy way to evaluate their suppliers and make their selection of suppliers more efficient and effective. Most textile/apparel companies using this model can help them establish strategic alliance with global suppliers to reduce costs and increase competitiveness in the market. Practical implications – Textile/apparel companies can use this model to find capable suppliers as their partners in the supply chain. With minor modifications, this model also can help companies in most industries for enhancing their supply chain operations with capable suppliers. Originality/value – Provides a simple model that can help companies in many industries enhance their supply chain operations.