SUPPLIER RELATED DIFFICULTIES, RISK PROFILES AND ORGANISATIONAL DETERMINANTS IN MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Maciej Urbaniak, Piotr Kafel, Piotr Rogala, Radosław Wolniak, Dominik Zimon
Abstract: The study aims to assess the intensity and configuration of supplier-related difficulties in manufacturing firms, identify distinct supplier-risk profiles, and determine organizational predictors of high risk. A survey of firms in Poland from the automotive, chemical, and electromechanical sectors examined eleven types of supplier difficulties alongside organizational characteristics such as size, ownership, and management system adoption. The reported difficulty levels were moderate (means 3.30–3.60), with unjustified price increases and low supplier flexibility rated highest. K-means clustering (k=3) revealed three profiles: high, moderate, and low risk, with a similar share of high-risk firms (about 22–24%) across sectors. Logistic regression indicated that foreign ownership significantly increases the likelihood of belonging to the high-risk group, while sector, size, and management systems are not significant predictors. The findings highlight the need to segment supplier relationships by risk and prioritize price control and flexibility improvements.
Keywords: supplier relationship management; supply chain risk management; clustering; manufacturing firms; quality and environmental management systems
DOI: 10.24874/IJQR20.03-02
Recieved: 04.12.2025 Accepted: 15.06.2026 UDC:
Reads: 59 
