Mapping supplier selection methods and criteria in the scoring and assessment sourcing process: case of logistics activities

This research brings to evidence interesting associations between supplier selection methods and criteria when outsourcing logistics activities. The study was conducted in two phases. First phase dealt with a systematic literature review that was carried out to identify characteristics of the supplier scoring and assessment process. It generated an exhaustive presentation and classification of supplier selection methods and criteria needed for evaluation and selection of logistics suppliers. Second phase handled an association analysis which allowed to unfold interesting associations between supplier selection methods and criteria. This research study yielded important findings, that is, the criteria and methods typically used for supplier scoring and assessment are not homogeneous across logistics activities. In general, each logistics activity is linked to specific selection methods and criteria. Meanwhile, some interesting high order association rules linking supplier selection methods to selection criteria emerged to be commonly used across all the logistics activities.