Supplier Selection Process-Towards a Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model for Manned Guarding Services

Abstract

This study seeks to identify the most important criteria for selecting private security service providers, specifically manned guarding. Previous research on provider selection has been generic focusing on multi-criteria model decision development, but not on the previous stage where industry related criteria should be identified. Given that manned guarding is a service that affects our daily lives, it is important to focus attention on this area of activity. Selecting a private security service provider should therefore be a process in researchers’ agenda. We contribute to the literature by identifying relevant criteria in manned guarding provider selection and by using a methodology than can be applied in other industries to identify sensitive criteria besides traditional factors (eg. price, quality, delivery). We gathered a panel of 15 experts in this field to apply Delphi method by gathering their opinion in ordering the most important criteria to select manned guarding service providers.

Results shows price as the most important criterion, but it was closely related to the professional experience of the operations managers (supervisors and directors), the geographic location and the financial stability of the companies.