Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) plays a crucial role in the success of companies, especially in the highly competitive automotive industry. This thesis presents an in-depth analysis of SRM practices within the automotive industry, focusing on understanding the key factors that influence supplier relationships and their impact on organizational performance. The study explores the various strategies and approaches adopted by automotive companies to manage their supplier relationships effectively. The research begins with a comprehensive overview of the automotive industry, highlighting its significance in the global economy and the challenges faced by companies in managing their supply chains. The background of the study provides a context for understanding the importance of supplier relationships in ensuring operational efficiency and competitiveness in the automotive sector. Identifying the problem of inadequate supplier relationship management practices in the automotive industry, this study aims to address the gaps and limitations that hinder effective collaboration between companies and their suppliers. The objectives of the study include examining the factors that influence supplier relationship management, evaluating the impact of effective SRM on organizational performance, and proposing recommendations for improving SRM practices in the automotive industry. The research methodology chapter outlines the approach taken to collect and analyze data, including a detailed explanation of the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. The study utilizes a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather insights from industry experts, company executives, and relevant literature on SRM practices. Findings from the research highlight the critical role of communication, trust, and collaboration in building strong and sustainable supplier relationships. The study reveals that companies that invest in developing strategic partnerships with their suppliers experience improved supply chain performance, cost savings, and enhanced product quality. Additionally, the research identifies key challenges faced by automotive companies in managing their supplier relationships, such as supply chain disruptions, quality issues, and pricing pressures. The discussion chapter delves into the implications of the research findings for automotive companies and provides practical recommendations for enhancing SRM practices. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting a collaborative approach, leveraging technology, and implementing performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of supplier relationships. In conclusion, this thesis contributes valuable insights into the best practices and strategies for managing supplier relationships in the automotive industry. By enhancing SRM practices, companies can achieve greater operational efficiency, reduce risks, and gain a competitive advantage in the dynamic automotive market. The findings of this study have implications for managers, policymakers, and researchers seeking to improve supplier relationship management practices in the automotive sector.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "An Analysis of Supplier Relationship Management Practices in the Automotive Industry" aims to investigate and evaluate the supplier relationship management (SRM) practices within the automotive industry. This research is motivated by the critical role that suppliers play in the success of automotive companies, as well as the increasing complexity of supply chains in the industry. The study will focus on understanding how automotive companies manage their relationships with suppliers, identifying best practices, and exploring the challenges and opportunities in supplier relationship management. The research will begin with an examination of the current literature on supplier relationship management, highlighting key concepts, theories, and models relevant to the automotive industry. This literature review will provide a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge and help establish a theoretical framework for the study. The methodology chapter will outline the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques to be used in the study. This will include details on how data will be gathered from automotive companies, suppliers, and industry experts, as well as the tools and approaches that will be employed to analyze the data effectively. The findings chapter will present the results of the research, including insights into current supplier relationship management practices in the automotive industry, key success factors, challenges faced by companies, and opportunities for improvement. The findings will be discussed in relation to the existing literature and theoretical framework, providing a detailed analysis of the state of supplier relationship management in the industry. The conclusion chapter will summarize the key findings of the study, draw conclusions based on the analysis, and offer recommendations for automotive companies looking to enhance their supplier relationship management practices. The implications of the research findings for theory and practice will be discussed, along with suggestions for future research in this area. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on supplier relationship management in the automotive industry, offering valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. By exploring and analyzing the current practices and challenges in supplier relationship management, this study aims to provide practical recommendations that can help automotive companies improve their relationships with suppliers and achieve competitive advantage in the industry.