Social media big data analysis for global sourcing realization

Abstract

The supplier selection is a multi-criteria decision making process determined by a comparison of suppliers using a shared set of characteristics. The adequate selection of suppliers makes a strategic difference to an organization’s ability to reduce cost and improve the quality of its product. Social media has become a relevant source of information within the supply chain, this vast portfolio of data can assist in the supplier selection process by providing relevant and up-to-date information regarding the different risks suppliers might present. This research proposes Twitter Enabled Supplier Status Assessment (TESSA) that assists in the supplier selection process by assessing the risks and uncertainty each supplier holds. We aim to open a new window on the research field regarding supplier selection, as a result, companies can be more prone to exploit the extensive data social networks has to offer and utilize it in the decision making process.