INFLUENCES ON PURCHASING IN THE THAI AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Abstract

In spite of the importance which the suppliers in the Thai automotive industry have on the success and progress of the industry in Thailand, very little empirical research has so far been performed to examine aspects of the suppliers.  This research article is an attempt to investigate the relative importance of relevant factors in the supplier selection decisions.  The results show that the relative importance of factors which have been found to affect supplier selection decisions, ranked in order of importance, are product quality, price, after-sales service, delivery time, and product information.  In addition, the most influential departments in supplier selection were purchasing, top management, production, and finance.  Finally, implications for researchers and practitioners are suggested for consideration and further research.