System development for evaluation of electronic contract manufacturers as a born global SME

Abstract: The methodology of choosing production strategy has long been a well discussed topic in research companies generally have many different alternatives to choose from. However, lately, due to the increased volatility, there has been a big shift towards using electronics contract manufacturers (ECM) for electronics manufacturing. There are many methodologies developed for evaluation and choosing ECM. Nevertheless, none have taken the special characteristics of a born global (BG) small medium enterprise (SME) into account. Their special characteristics significantly differentiate them from larger corporations and approaches that respond to their needs are required. This thesis therefore focusses on developing a methodology and tool for evaluating and choosing an ECM as a BG SME.This thesis mainly considers two parts of the problem. Firstly, the applicable factors affecting the choice of ECM for a BG SME is uncovered through a state of the art literature analysis and an empirical interview study. Secondly, five commonly evaluation methodologies are evaluated from the BG SME perspective to conclude upon the most suitable methodology. The set of factors and chosen methodology is combined into a comprehensive tool for ECM evaluation and selection as a BG SME. The developed tool consists of thirteen factors and builds upon the fuzzy set evaluation theory. The tool is successfully verified through a case study.