A mathematical model for the global supplier selection

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the supplier selection in a global context. The main features that characterize the global supplier selection are first identified. They mainly include the necessity of integrating inventory and transportation issues and considering several buyers' sites. We then propose a two-phase global supplier selection approach: a first pre-selection phase with a scoring method and a final selection phase using a mathematical optimization model. Finally, we perform computational experiments in order to illustrate the consistency of the model. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.