Increasing procurement efficiency through optimal e-commerce enablement scheduling

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to show how cost savings can be achieved through optimizing the scheduling of e-commerce enablements. The University of California is one of the largest, most prestigious public education and research systems in the world, yet diminished state support is driving the search for system-wide cost savings. Design/methodology/approach This study documents the preparation for and rollout of an e-procurement system across a subset of campuses. A math programing tool was developed for prioritizing the gradual rollout to generate the greatest expected savings subject to resource constraints. Findings The authors conclude by summarizing the results of the rollout, discussing lessons learned and their benefit to decision-makers at other public institutions. Originality/value The pilot program comprising three campuses has been predicted to yield $1.2m in savings over a one-year period; additional sensitivity analysis with respect to savings, project timelines and other rollout decisions illustrate the robustness of these findings.

Capacity for optimal performance of healthcare supply chain functions: competency, structural and resource gaps in the Northern Region of Ghana

“…A more stable resource environment (office supplies, logistics and tools to aid work flow), adequate funding and appropriate staffing mix can catalyse both the individual and organisational capacity to secure equitable and sustainable access to life-saving commodities. Finally, across the individual and organisational levels, capacity strengthening can be achieved by leveraging on technology through application of logistics management information software to improve operational efficiency (Cholette et al , 2019).…”

Technology Usage and Public Procurement Performance in Tanzania

“…In an attempt to overcome the revenue and cost pressure, firms are doing their best to improve their operations and among the efforts is the application of technological innovation in their procurement operations (Mishra et al, 2013). Studies have indicated that the implementations of electronic procurement in organizations have benefited them through increasing transparency, cost savings, reduction in procurement time and efforts, and improved convenience (Cholette et al, 2019) while other studies tend to challenge the applications of electronic procurement as it possesses limited functionality and in some cases, it has caused the reduction in the number of firms who participated in the tendering process (Gurakar & Tas, 2016;Tutu et al, 2019).…”

“…Studies on technology usage in procurement, supply chain management, and value chain indicate the existence of a positive relationship between technology usage and public procurement performance (Alsac, 2007;Alsetoohy & Ayoun, 2018;Ateto et al, 2013;Belisari et al, 2019;Cholette et al, 2019;Gardenal, 2013;Hsiao & Teo, 2005;Karthik & Kumar, 2013;Mäkinen et al, 2011;Marinagi, Trivellas, & Sakas, 2014;Quesada et al, 2010;Singer et al, 2009;Svidronova & Mikus, 2015;Yu et al, 2016). Despite significant studies concluding on a positive association between technology usage in procurement and procurement performance yet still some studies provide ambivalent results on the relationship between technology usage in procurement and or supply chain performance.…”

“…Studies in developing countries more specifically in the private sector have indicated some positive benefits of technology usage with the majority of these studies being conducted in Asia with just limited studies in Africa (Gupta & Narain, 2012;Gupta et al, 2011;Karthik & Kumar, 2013;Yu et al, 2016). By considering public sector procurement reviewed literature indicated the number of studies conducted in the developed countries' public sector whereby, some of these studies also support a positive association on the relationship between technology usage, especially electronic procurement on the performance (Cholette et al, 2019;Dooley & Purchase, 2006;Singer et al, 2009;Svidronova & Mikus, 2015).…”

“…Furthermore, a study conducted in Slovakia suggested that technological innovation especially electronic procurement can enhance a very competitive and more transparent environment in public settings (Svidronova & Mikus, 2015). Cholette et al (2019) using a case study of the University of California procurement system revealed some benefits generated as a result of using electronic procurement among them being the reduction in procurement time and efforts, improved convenience when ordering, delivery accuracy, and increased invoice automation which has significantly reduced the number of paper invoices. Dooley and Purchase (2006) in their study based on a web survey from purchasing professionals in Australia identified some significant driving forces towards usage of technology, especially internet use in a public procurement among them being the supplier's willingness, expected benefits, internal support, and convenience in procurement activities.…”