Evaluating supplier development programs with a grey based rough set methodology

Supplier performance management and continuous improvement play an important role for organizational and supply chain development. Many broad-based empirical studies have provided insights into the relationships of supplier development practices to supplier performance. Yet, specific tools available for organizations to internally evaluate such relationships are limited. To help further the research and development of decision tools in this area, we introduce a multi-method approach relying on grey system theory and rough set theory that can help organizations identify the important practices and programs related to suppliers' performance. Our contribution includes introduction of a methodological approach for evaluating supplier development programs and identification of effective programs and relationships. Implications and results interpretation of the methodology, limitations and future research directions, further expanding the methodology and its applications, conclude the paper. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.