Supplier selection using multi-objective programming: A decision support system approach

This paper explores the use of a multi-objective programming approach as a method for supplier selection in a just-in-time (JIT) setting. Based on a case study, it develops a model of JIT supplier selection which allows for simultaneous trade-offs of price, delivery and quality criteria. The analysis occurs in a decision support system environment. A multi-objective programming decision support system is seen as advantageous because such an environment allows for judgement in decision making while simultaneously trading off key supplier selection criteria. An additional flexibility of this model is that it allows a varying number of suppliers into the solution, and provides suggested volume allocation by supplier.