Applying the Even Swap Method in Supplier Selection 2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis

Abstract [en]

Supplier selection is a critical aspect of supply chain management that significantly impacts organizational performance and long-term success. Informed decisions in this context require a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors beyond simple cost considerations, including quality, reliability, delivery performance, and service capabilities. This study explores the applicability of the even swap method as a potential multi-criteria decision tool for supplier selection. A comparative analysis examined how decision-makers select suppliers using an approach of their own choice versus the systematic application of the even swap method. The study involved workshops and post-session interviews with procurement decision makers from different companies, each responsible for managing and selecting among multiple suppliers. Participants initially selected a supplier based on their own approach and then applied the even swap method to the same fictitious case. The results show that participants changed their initial supplier selection after applying the even swap method and reported that the method helped them identify hidden trade-offs and prioritize them more systematically. Despite this, participants encountered certain challenges, including difficulty in estimating reasonable offsets and maintaining consistency when selecting the best supplier. Nevertheless, participants perceived the method as beneficial and were willing to use it in realworld supplier selection settings. The study indicated that while the Even Swap method made the decision process more structured, it required adequate training and experience for effective use. This can be achieved through clear guidance, practical examples, or consultant support, especially for those without prior experience with the method, to help address any issues that may arise during its application.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages

2025. , p. 38

Keywords [en]

Even Swap, Supplier SelectionSupplier selection is a critical aspect of supply chain management that significantly impacts organizational performance and long-term success. Informed decisions in this context require a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors beyond simple cost considerations, including quality, reliability, delivery performance, and service capabilities. This study explores the applicability of the even swap method as a potential multi-criteria decision tool for supplier selection. A comparative analysis examined how decision-makers select suppliers using an approach of their own choice versus the systematic application of the even swap method. The study involved workshops and post-session interviews with procurement decision makers from different companies, each responsible for managing and selecting among multiple suppliers. Participants initially selected a supplier based on their own approach and then applied the even swap method to the same fictitious case. The results show that participants changed their initial supplier selection after applying the even swap method and reported that the method helped them identify hidden trade-offs and prioritize them more systematically. Despite this, participants encountered certain challenges, including difficulty in estimating reasonable offsets and maintaining consistency when selecting the best supplier. Nevertheless, participants perceived the method as beneficial and were willing to use it in realworld supplier selection settings. The study indicated that while the Even Swap method made the decision process more structured, it required adequate training and experience for effective use. This can be achieved through clear guidance, practical examples, or consultant support, especially for those without prior experience with the method, to help address any issues that may arise during its application., the Even Swap Method, Supplier Selection

National Category

Other Engineering and Technologies

Identifiers

URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-47235OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-47235DiVA, id: diva2:1968637

Subject / course

Decision, risk and policy analysis

Educational program

Decision, risk och policy analysis - master’s programme (one year)

Presentation

(English)

Supervisors

Examiners

Available from: 2025-06-13 Created: 2025-06-13 Last updated: 2025-10-02Bibliographically approved

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