A Study on Success Factors of Buyer-Supplier Relationship in Elementary School Lunch : From the buyer's viewpoint

Lee, Youn Ju; Park, Kyung Sook

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify success factors for desirable relationship between buyer and supplier in elementary school. Therefore, the survey questionnaire consisted of general background, past success, success difference, buyer-supplier relationship characteristics(trust, supporting status, communication behavior, conflict resolution techniques, supplier selection process). The subjects were 66 dieticians of elementary school in Inchon. The statistical analysis of data was completed using SPSS program. The results were summarized as follows : Average total cost/day per one person 1,156Won. The number of suppliers per one school were 6. 92.3% of the subjects were in favor of private contract, regarding contract methods of purchasing food materials. For the past success, degree of satisfaction about past their supplier showed 3.49 score. The present success difference was shown higher than the past success. There was significant correlation between the past success and the present success difference. Trust about suppliers showed 3.40score. Supplying companies hardly support for buying school. Among information quality(timely, accurate, adequate, complete, credible), timely and complete showed lower score than the other kind of elements. Among the buyer-supplier relationship characteristic elements, only trust correlated with satisfaction about suppliers significantly. Among the conflict resolution techniques, joint problem solving and persuasive attempts were often made use of by subjects. The supplier selection criteria were shown quality(7.47), supplier's capabilities(6.46), management plan(6.00), price(5.73), scale(5.48), assets(5.27), considers delivery(4.76) and technology(2.39). As results, trust was needed for the desirable relationship between buyers and suppliers. This study has some limitations. The data in this study were collected from only buyer. It is more desired to acquire data from suppliers also.