Aplication of AHP method in partner's selection process for supply chain development

The process of developing a supply chain is long and complex. with many restrictions and obstacles that accompany it. In this paper the authors focus on the first stage in developing the supply chain and the selection process and selection of partners. This phase of the development significantly affect the competitive position of the supply chain and create value for the consumer. Selected partners or 'links' of the supply chain influence the future performance of the chain which points to the necessity of full commitment to this process. The process of selection and choice of partner is conditioned by the key criteria that are used on that occasion. The use of inadequate criteria may endanger the whole process of building a supply chain partner selection through inadequate future supply chain needs. This paper is an analysis of partner selection based on key criteria used by managers in Serbia. For this purpose we used the AHP method. the results show that these are the top ranked criteria in terms of managers.