An analytical framework for the management and reform of public procurement

Abstract

Public procurement frameworks in developed and developing countries alike are recognised as being characterised by an unstable tension between the public expectations of transparency and accountability, and of efficiency and effectiveness of resource management. This conformanceperformance tension, manifest throughout a complex procurement environment, is further destabilised by conflicting stakeholder interests at the political, business, community and management levels and exacerbated by competing claims between executives, lawyers, technologists and politicians for lead roles in this arena. The application of new technology in this discipline offers a qualified potential to substantially resolve these tensions. However, the application of technology is itself at risk from a lack of understanding about the nature of its impact and the wider political dimensions of professionalism in public procurement.

The rhetoric and reality of SME-friendly procurement

“…Firstly, implementing SME-friendly policy is only one of a number of demands made of public sector buyers (Erridge, 2007;Schapper et al 2006). In Ireland's case public buyers are also under obligation to purchase from central framework agreements, which are "….targeted at securing best value for money and facilitating contracting authorities to deliver services within their budgetary constraints" (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, 2013, p. 1).…”

“…A number of studies have averred to the uneasy mix of policies and competing agendas that govern the procurement field (Erridge, 2007;Fee, 2002;Pickernell et al 2011;Schapper et al 2006). In practice this means that public buyers are under pressure to maximize value for money while complying with laws and directives and supporting socio-economic goals.…”

Assessment of Aberdeen Proving Ground - Army Contracting Command, Contract Management Processes

“…Procurement equates to nearly one-third of all government outlays, making it particularly sensitive to accountability and transparency within public administration (Schapper et al, 2006). "Value for money is the core principle governing public procurement and is supported by the underpinning principles of efficiency and effectiveness, competition, accountability, transparency, ethics and industry development" (Raymond, 2008, p.782).…”

Untitled

“…Collectively they comprise a considerable proportion of national economic activity [Hoctor, Keating, 2009]. Both public and private sector procurement face similar problems with respect to balancing cost reductions against quality of supply and service, although the public sector tends to be more highly regulated, and therefore constrained [Linnaet al, 2010;Schapper et al, 2006].…”