Improving Supplier Relations and Supply Chain Management for a Case Company

Abstract

To stay competitive in the global market, companies must have strong supply chain management and harmonious supplier relationships. Global supplier in the forestry industry - the case company- is a company focused on renewable materials. This business has noticed challenges with supplier relations, such as suppliers' unwillingness or non-participation in bidding procedures. This thesis, with the focus on maintenance and repair operations (MRO) and machinery deliveries, aims to investigate the fundamental reasons and suggest methods to improve their supplier relationships. The research technique comprises a thorough literature review and collaborative surveys and/or interviews with key stakeholders and interviews with the case company’s representatives. Understanding the case company's present supplier relations procedures and practices is the aim. A more efficient procurement process concerning transparency, communication barriers, and supplier relations are some of the factors that contribute to participation issues and uneven supplier relations. Based on the findings from the research, through this thesis it is aimed to find out factors for the case company through mixed method approach that can be a possible challenge in the improvement and strengthening of supplier relations and supply chain management. In addition to that, the present study also advances the wider comprehension of supplier relationship management and offers pragmatic perspectives for enterprises aiming to improve their supply chain management and supplier relations strategies.