Supplier selection in global uncertainty: Using a case study approach to identify key criteria required for building resilience in the supply chain

The rise in disruptions to supply chain is a major concern to most organizations. Supply chain managers need an innovative framework to respond to them. This research considers the supplier selection stage a strategic point to act. With careful selection, resilience is built in their operations. However, the challenge becomes what criterial factors to consider in the selection process, especially with global uncertainty. This paper makes use of multiple case studies, interviews and literature to answer this question. The result identified four major criteria: Steady information dissimilation via real-time data integration, robust disruption management plan continuously improved with experience, useful cooperation and alliances agreements and the interests of government and their regulators in the sector. The result also identifies issues which procurement managers need to address, internally. In conclusion, it accepts that it is possible to build a system which responds positively and mitigates the effects of disruptions, but this requires redesigning the process of supplier selection, after taking a macro-level re-evaluation of the supply network.   Key words: Disruptions, supply chain, suppliers, resilience, uncertainty.