Measuring interdependencies of preferred supplier enablers

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze preferred supplier enablers (PSEs) and measure the interdependencies among themselves for enhancing preferred supplier relationship. Design/methodology/approach: In the current study, an approach has been developed in which the significance of various PSEs was determined by applying Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the prominent PSEs were screened out through Pareto analysis. Also, the interdependence among the prominent PSEs was measured by applying the Fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method in order to select the right PSEs in ascribing the Preferred Supplier Status. Finally, the weakest relationships among the PSEs were confirmed by applying the student’s t-test and then an impact relationship map of PSEs was developed. Findings: The strength of relationships among the PSEs, grouping of PSEs into causes and effects on a causal diagram and a concise impact relationship map of PSEs were determined. Further, the PSEs that a manufacturer must primarily focus and monitor were also obtained. Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted in an Indian electronic manufacturing environment. Therefore, the results obtained would be more relevant to the high end technology product manufacturers operating in the developing countries. Practical implications: From the current study, a manufacturer can alleviate, favorably associate and integrate with the good suppliers and then eventually establish a strong supply base. Originality/value: Manufacturers are looking for the closer and favored relationships by bringing in the concept of preferred supplier while dealing with their key suppliers. Thus, the results obtained from the current study would be of great assistance to a manufacturer in gaining an extra cutting-edge and, in turn, tackling the increased competitive pressures and reduced availability of resources.