  The research explores and examines factors for supplier evaluation and its
impact on process improvement particularly aiming on a steel pipe manufacturing
firm in Gujarat, India. Data was collected using in-depth interview. The
questionnaire primarily involves the perception of evaluation of supplier.
Factors influencing supplier evaluation and its influence on process
improvement is also examined in this study. The model testing and validation
were done using partial least square method. Outcomes signified that the
factors that influence the evaluation of the supplier are quality, cost,
delivery and supplier relationship management. The study depicted that quality
and cost factors for supplier evaluation are insignificant. The delivery and
supplier relationship management have the significant influence on the
evaluation of the supplier. The research also depicted that supplier evaluation
has a significant influence on process improvement. Many researchers have
considered quality, cost and delivery as the factors for evaluating the
suppliers. But for a company, it is quintessential to have a good relationship
with the supplier. Hence, the factor, supplier relationship management is
considered for the study. Also, the case study company focused more on quality
and cost factors for the supplier evaluation of the firm. However, delivery and
supplier relationship management are also equally important for a firm in
evaluating the supplier.
