Elaboration of relevant criteria
In AHP the elaboration of criteria is very important as relevant criteria that are forgotten in
the criteria list can lead to changes in the ranking (Saaty, 2008). Therefore existing literature
was surveyed for supplier selection criteria and methods. Focus was put on the classic vendor
selection, supplier selection for strategic partnerships, international supplier selection, and
supplier development literature. Further criteria were gathered through explorative interviews
with the manager of the supplier development team, members of the supplier development
team and the purchasing department as well as thorough a review of company brochures,
internal documents and an evaluation of the supplier management system in place. These
additional criteria included targets of the company’s supply strategy as well as risk factors
encountered in supplier development. One important criterion for the company was the direct
benefit in terms of reduced prices or improved quality from a supplier development project. In
order to obtain a complete picture of these potential direct benefits, it was evaluated which of
Ulaga’s (2003) eight value drivers of suppliers from the perspective of the buying company
could be improved with a supplier development program. Each of the relevant value drivers
was then taken as a criterion for the criteria list.