Improving the methodology for assessing the efficiency and reliability of suppliers of nuclear industry enterprises

Aim . The work aimed to improve the methods for assessing the efficiency and reliability of suppliers, which can be used to create a sustainable development indicator. Objectives . The work seeks to analyze the theory and practice in the field of assessing the efficiency and reliability of suppliers in terms of applicability in the nuclear industry; to specify the existing methods for assessing the efficiency and reliability of suppliers, given additional factors; to formulate criteria for determining the customer’s sustainable development indicator and to propose an extended matrix of control levels applied depending on the supplier’s efficiency and reliability level. Methods . The author used a comparative and logical analysis of supplier assessment methods described by Russian and international researchers. The work employed the systematization and generalization of the proposed methodology, as well as the formalization method. This study is based on publications of Russian and international authors, as well as standards and materials of the ITER International Organization (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor). Results . Improved methods for assessing the efficiency and reliability of suppliers have been developed, taking into account many factors, such as product quality, transportation conditions, audit and control results, the level of interaction with the supplier, as well as the supplier’s experience and recognition in the industry, financial and business aspects, the maturity level of the supplier’s sustainable development agenda, the scale of a project or contract in the scope of the supplier’s general contractual obligations and the dynamics of changes in the efficiency and reliability level. Criteria for determining the customer’s sustainable development indicator have been formed. The work proposes an extended matrix of control levels, which functions as a tool of the sustainable development mechanism and is applied depending on the supplier’s efficiency and reliability level. Conclusions . The assessment methods presented in the paper can be applied for a more comprehensive analysis of the activities of existing suppliers and forecasts regarding their impact on the customer’s activities. The sustainable development indicator developed on its basis can be used to assess the level of sustainable development maturity in nuclear industry organizations and the ESG rating of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (hereinafter referred to as the State Corporation Rosatom).