Investigating the supplier-producer relationship quality: a gap-quadrant analysis approach

This study aims to propose an approach for analyzing the supplier-producer relationship quality.

Design/methodology/approach:

 A questionnaire has been compiled and distributed to two transportation and concrete producer companies. The relationship quality by its constituent dimensions has been investigated with the aid of gap analysis and quadrant analysis.

Findings indicated that the most of relationship quality dimensions have been located in the main strength point and only three dimensions of dependency and power, relationship-specific adaptations and investments, and cooperation and coordination have been addressed as critical and required improvement.

Practical implications:

 This article extends the application of quality management tools and techniques to a particular area of supply chain quality management, i.e., supplier-producer relationship quality management. The proposed approach enables suppliers and producers to evaluate their relationship quality faster and recognize the dimensions that are critical and need improvement.

Research limitations/implications:

 the comprehensive list of dimensions together with the proposed integrative approach seems effective in facilitating the analysis of the relationship quality between producer and supplier. By the use of gap analysis and quadrant analysis, parties can evaluate the relationship quality faster and recognize the dimensions that need improvement and are critical in relationship quality.

Originality/value: 

The proposed approach of the integration of gap and quadrant analysis is unique compared to the existing literature. Also, the dimensions of the relationship quality have been considered, comprehensively.