THE SEARCH OF POTENTIAL ASME SUPPLIERS FOR WEIR POWER AND INDUSTRIAL FRANCE
Maksimova, Olga (2013)
Maksimova, Olga
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
2013
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2013053112269
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2013053112269
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of the thesis was to search for potential suppliers that conform to the standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering, for the case company Weir Power and Industrial France, and finally to create a list of possible potential ASME partners. The problematic of the thesis was to analyze how the strategic sourcing methods could be used for the implementation of a specific supply chain that complies with ASME III requirements.
Accordingly, the conceptual framework of the study has shown interrelationships between two key concepts of the project: general issues of suppliers search and specific issues of ASME requirements. General issues have involved research on suppliers’ product range and capabilities, suppliers’ reputation. Specific issues have concentrated on the suppliers ASME requirements such as quality and qualification requirements.
In order to find out an answer to these issues, theoretical research was performed on the strategic sourcing process, the supplier identification process, the supplier evaluation and selection process. Besides, theoretical research on ASME codes and standards was conducted.
The empirical research was carried out based on primary data from the internal interviews, direct questioning of employees and from responses of suppliers to the questionnaire. Of course, secondary data including suppliers’ web sites, catalogs, and internal company’s data were also used in research. Nevertheless, the questionnaire was the main tool in conducting the empirical research. Questionnaire was sent to potential suppliers in order to evaluate their capabilities and quality program which had to comply with ASME III requirements. Besides, the internal interview with ASME Stamp Project Manager has helped to understand the strategic orientation of the company concerning ASME sourcing and has enabled to provide some recommendation to the Weir Company on how the strategy could be developed.
The final results have indicated that due to specific product requirements there were only few ASME suppliers that could meet the needs of the company. Gap in the product range, non-conformance to the technical requirements, insufficient manufacturing capacity provoked difficulties for establishing cooperation. Hence, to define and to analyze hazards that could arise out of the development of new sourcing strategy, the risk assessment process was undertaken.
Accordingly, the conceptual framework of the study has shown interrelationships between two key concepts of the project: general issues of suppliers search and specific issues of ASME requirements. General issues have involved research on suppliers’ product range and capabilities, suppliers’ reputation. Specific issues have concentrated on the suppliers ASME requirements such as quality and qualification requirements.
In order to find out an answer to these issues, theoretical research was performed on the strategic sourcing process, the supplier identification process, the supplier evaluation and selection process. Besides, theoretical research on ASME codes and standards was conducted.
The empirical research was carried out based on primary data from the internal interviews, direct questioning of employees and from responses of suppliers to the questionnaire. Of course, secondary data including suppliers’ web sites, catalogs, and internal company’s data were also used in research. Nevertheless, the questionnaire was the main tool in conducting the empirical research. Questionnaire was sent to potential suppliers in order to evaluate their capabilities and quality program which had to comply with ASME III requirements. Besides, the internal interview with ASME Stamp Project Manager has helped to understand the strategic orientation of the company concerning ASME sourcing and has enabled to provide some recommendation to the Weir Company on how the strategy could be developed.
The final results have indicated that due to specific product requirements there were only few ASME suppliers that could meet the needs of the company. Gap in the product range, non-conformance to the technical requirements, insufficient manufacturing capacity provoked difficulties for establishing cooperation. Hence, to define and to analyze hazards that could arise out of the development of new sourcing strategy, the risk assessment process was undertaken.