Criteria for evaluating and selecting suppliers for maritime enterprises

Abstract

Supplier selection problem for maritime enterprises might be solved by using a combination of information processing methods. In this article we propose to use an integrated approach to problem analysis, specifically a multi-objectives analysis merged with analytical hierarchical process (AHP-method), k-meaning cluster analysis and Taboo Search as a way of sorting and clusterization of potential suppliers. The main purposes of this article are to provide academic researchers, maritime companies with an evaluation methodology of potential suppliers. In addition, it might be helpful for suppliers to evaluate themselves and direct their attention to the fields that matter the most for their customers. The article identifies supplier selection’s criteria and sub-criteria that fits the most for maritime enterprises such as (a) parts and stores companies or (b) bunkers and lubricators suppliers ‘selection accordingly. Also shows the way to gradate list of potential suppliers based on the compilation of their scores on certain sub-criteria and its weight for customer-company using analytical hierarchical process. In addition, suggested the combination of k-meaning cluster analysis with Taboo Search as a way to choose a group of suppliers for enterprises that prefer to work with couple suppliers.