Handbook of Management Scales/Supplier performance improvement

Supplier performance improvement (alpha = 0.83)

Definition

A supplier’s operational performance refers to the combination of product development efficiency, process improvements, quality conformity, and short lead time (Womack et al., 1990). (For simplicity, the authors refer to this as performance.)

Items

• In the last 2–3 years, we have continued to be able to improve product design performance through this partnership.
• In the last 2–3 years, we have continued to be able to improve process design through this partnership.
• In the last 2–3 years, we have continued to be able to improve product quality through this partnership.
• In the last 2–3 years, we have continued to reduce lead time through this partnership.

Source

• Kotabe et al. (2002): Gaining from Vertical Partnerships: Knowledge Transfer, Relationship Duration, and Supplier Performance Improvement in the U.S. and Japanese Automotive Industries. Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 24, No. 4, pp. 293–316

Comments

Based on the definition, the items can be interpreted as formative; for example, certain dimensions of performance (e.g., ecological performance) are missing and a reduction of lead time might contradict another performance goals (e.g., costs reduction).

Related Scales

• See various performance-related scales in the Handbook of Management Scales.