Navigating the complexities of global sourcing? This paper addresses the critical issue of selecting foreign suppliers in an era of increasingly global supply chains. The authors highlight the challenges of international supplier selection due to uncontrollable and unpredictable factors, including political situations, trade barriers, and cultural differences. Despite these complexities, much of the existing purchasing literature focuses on domestic aspects, neglecting international considerations. This paper bridges that gap by proposing the use of multiple attribute utility theory to help purchasing professionals formulate viable sourcing strategies in the global marketplace. By emphasizing a structured approach to supplier selection, this research aims to equip multinational firms with the tools needed to mitigate risks and optimize their sourcing strategies in an ever-changing global landscape. This approach will aid the firm's ability to select quality suppliers.
Published in the International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, this paper directly addresses a core topic within the journal's scope: the strategic management of international supply chains. The focus on supplier selection aligns with the journal's aim of providing insights into effective logistics and distribution practices in a global context.